Tag: دبي

Princi Brings Milanese Spirit to Dubai with New Flagship at Dubai Mall

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Artisanal quality, authentic Milanese culture, and an all-day café experience

DUBAI – QAHWA WORLD

Princi, the Milan-based bakery and café, has officially opened its Dubai Mall flagship in partnership with Alshaya Group. The new location offers visitors an opportunity to experience Milanese coffee and baked goods within one of the region’s premier dining destinations. Following its first regional branch in Kuwait, this opening marks a significant step in the brand’s international expansion.

Rocco Princi, founder of Princi, said: “Princi embodies the spirit of Milan—its rhythm, discipline, and warmth. It begins with three simple elements: water, flour, and fire. Over time, these become something tangible that reflects Milanese craftsmanship. With our Dubai location, we aim to bring this daily ritual to a new audience.”

An All-Day Experience

From morning espresso to evening meals, Princi offers a full all-day menu celebrating Italian tradition and contemporary Milanese culture. The selection includes artisan breads, pastries, pizzas, salads, and desserts, all crafted with high-quality ingredients and meticulous attention to detail.

John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group, added, “The launch of Princi in the UAE reinforces our commitment to providing authentic, world-class culinary experiences. This new destination reflects the vibrant essence of Milanese culture and offers guests a unique opportunity to enjoy it firsthand.”

  • More Than a Café

Princi’s Dubai Mall location is designed as an immersive destination, reflecting the Milanese “La Piazza” style—a social hub where community, craftsmanship, and culture converge. The space combines contemporary design with traditional Milanese energy, creating a café experience suited for repeat visits and everyday enjoyment.

  • About Princi

Founded in Milan in 1986 by Rocco Princi, the brand focuses on artisanal baking with premium ingredients and traditional Italian techniques. Princi has grown internationally over three decades, offering refined, minimalistic bakery spaces and menus suitable for all times of day—from morning breads and pastries to lunch and dinner options including pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, and handmade desserts.

  • About Alshaya Group

Founded in Kuwait in 1890, Alshaya Group manages over 50 international brands across retail, food, health, beauty, and hospitality sectors. Operating more than 3,500 stores, cafés, and restaurants in the MENA region, Türkiye, and Europe, the group provides both physical and digital experiences, including the loyalty program Aura. Brands include Starbucks, American Eagle, Footlocker, Victoria’s Secret, H&M, Bath & Body Works, Charlotte Tilbury, Raising Cane’s, Shake Shack, Chipotle, Primark, and Ulta Beauty.

“Ralph’s Coffee” makes its debut in the UAE coffee market through Dubai

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Dubai,9March 2024(QW):- The luxurious and contemporary coffee chain, “Ralph’s Coffee,” has officially entered the United Arab Emirates market through Dubai, with the opening of its first branch in the Mall of the Emirates. This branch is the result of a partnership between “Ralph’s Coffee” and the Al Moajil Hospitality group, which was signed in June of last year (2023).

Situated next to “Polo Ralph Lauren,” this new café marks the third branch of “Ralph’s Coffee” in the Middle East, alongside other locations in Doha, Qatar. The brand has ambitious plans for expansion in the region, with the first café in Saudi Arabia expected to open in the first half of this year (2024) in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District.

It’s worth mentioning that “Ralph’s Coffee” started serving coffee in August 2014 on the second floor of “Polo Ralph Lauren” store in New York. Since then, they have expanded globally, operating 28 cafes in 12 markets, including the United States, Japan, and China.

Dubai’s dynamic economy and vibrant commercial scene have attracted enthusiasts of specialty coffee. Most specialized reports in this sector highlight that the growth of the specialty coffee market is one of the most significant trends in the region.

Dubai has become a hub for global coffee brands, such as the Japanese “% Arabica,” the British “EL&N,” and the German “The Barn,” alongside popular local brands like “Boon Coffee,” “SHOT,” and “Absolute Zero Café.”

Dubai Buyer-Seller Meet Brews Opportunities for India’s Coffee Industry

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The Coffee Board of India has orchestrated a significant milestone for the Indian coffee sector through a buyer-seller meet held in Dubai, signifying a pivotal moment in the industry’s global outreach.

This event, conducted alongside Gulfood 2024, was a collaborative effort between the Indian Embassy in the UAE and the Coffee Board of India. Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, emphasized Dubai’s strategic importance as a global trade hub and highlighted the forthcoming Bharat Mart at Jebel Ali free zone, underscoring their role in facilitating India’s global aspirations in the coffee sector.

Ambassador Sudhir accentuated Dubai’s unique position as a logistical powerhouse with a bustling port and efficient airport, providing an optimal platform for Indian coffee producers to directly showcase their diverse blends to international buyers and establish enduring brands.

KG Jagadeesha, CEO of the Coffee Board of India, delivered a comprehensive presentation during the meet, offering insights into the country’s expansive coffee industry. He spotlighted the vast coffee plantations spanning over half a million hectares, supporting numerous farming families, and emphasized India’s remarkable production and export rates surpassing domestic consumption. Jagadeesha underscored India’s notable contribution to the global coffee market, particularly as a leading exporter of instant coffee.

The growth trajectory of India’s coffee industry, producing a balanced mix of Arabica and Robusta beans since the establishment of the Coffee Board in 1950, was highlighted. Noteworthy is the fact that 35% of the country’s coffee exports now comprise value-added and specialty coffees, indicating a shift towards premium offerings.

India’s coffee, known for its shade-grown cultivation, sees the Robusta variety being valued at par with Arabica in the western market. This event not only celebrated the unique flavors and rich heritage of Indian coffee but also marked a strategic initiative to leverage Dubai’s logistical strengths in the global market.

“Reborn Coffee” allocates one million dollars for global expansion with entry into the markets of the UAE and Korea

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California-based “Reborn Coffee” has announced a one million US dollar investment commitment from its Chairman, Farooq Arjomand, to expand globally, with plans to open stores in the UAE and South Korea.

This investment from the company’s chairman is considered a “significant endorsement,” expressing appreciation for the company’s current value and growth opportunities. Following the successful opening of its first international store in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in November 2023, “Reborn Coffee” aims for further expansion into the United Arab Emirates and South Korea.

Farooq Arjomand expressed his confidence in the company’s mission and vision, stating, “My commitment to Reborn Coffee is more than just a financial decision; it’s confirmation of my belief in our mission and vision for the future. The coffee market is evolving rapidly, and I am confident that Reborn Coffee will continue to lead the way with its innovative approaches and dedication to quality.”

It is expected that this announcement will be followed by additional expansion into Singapore and Indonesia, as well as the opening of a store in Dubai, UAE, and Daejeon, South Korea.

“Reborn Coffee” currently operates 14 stores in California and one location in Malaysia. The company plans to open two flagship stores in California cities, San Francisco and San Diego, this year, alongside its first locations outside the state in Texas and Missouri.

In July 2023, “Reborn Coffee” secured a one million dollar credit facility from real estate development firm DRE Inc. to accelerate company initiatives, including new products, outlet expansion, and e-commerce operations. Dennis Egidi, Founder of DRE Inc., serves as Vice Chairman on Reborn Coffee’s Board of Directors.

As part of its international expansion plans, in October 2023, “Reborn Coffee” entered into a strategic partnership with Millennium Hotel in Abu Dhabi, aiming to open a store in the hotel this year and approximately 10 stores in the UAE within five years. This strategic alliance aims to bring “Reborn Coffee’s” unparalleled quality, innovation, and sustainability to the UAE.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts, a subsidiary of the Singapore-listed global real estate company City Developments Limited (CDL), manages 29 premium hotels across the UAE and has a strong presence in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait.

This partnership marks another significant step for “Reborn Coffee” towards opening its first international stores. The specialty coffee roaster and café group completed a $7.2 million IPO in August 2022 and, in December of the same year, acquired a coffee shop, roastery, and R&D facility in Daejeon, South Korea, intending to house its first international store, expected to open before the end of 2023.

Founded in 2015 by Jay Kim, “Reborn Coffee” posted net revenues of $2.6 million and a net loss of $2.3 million for the six months ending on June 30, 2023. Despite the net loss, the company remains optimistic about its future, supported by its commitment to quality and its strategic vision for global success.

ITC creates pioneering alliances for sustainable coffee and circular economy initiatives during COP28 in Dubai

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The International Trade Centre (ITC) has taken decisive steps towards fostering a circular economy and promoting sustainable coffee value chains by solidifying strategic partnerships during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai. The move aims to amplify the voices of producers and small businesses in critical climate discussions.

In a pivotal move, ITC and the International Coffee Organization (ICO) inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on December 3, outlining plans for groundbreaking projects across the ICO’s 75 member countries. Under this agreement, coffee producers will undergo comprehensive training covering value addition, circular economy practices, sustainable production methods, enhanced productivity, coffee quality improvement, and resilience to climate change—all geared towards generating decent and living incomes.

A second milestone occurred on December 10, as ITC, ICO, and the Center for Circular Economy in Coffee (C4CEC) joined forces through another MoU. This collaboration is designed to empower coffee farmers and producers to derive sustainable value from traditional waste streams. Both agreements are contingent on final validation by the International Coffee Council (ICC).

Historic Momentum in ITC and ICO Partnership

The partnership between ITC and ICO, spanning several years, gained fresh momentum with the recent appointment of Dr. Vanúsia Nogueira as Executive Director of the ICO. Activities under this historic alliance include collaborative efforts in coffee data management, sustainability initiative mapping, circular economy initiatives, compliance with the European Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, value addition at coffee origin, and innovative financing for the coffee sector.

Through these newly established partnerships, ITC aims to formalize and expand its collaboration, building upon the foundation laid by their initial MoU in 2000, which aimed to create a more inclusive coffee sector for producers.

Accelerating Circular Economy in the Coffee Sector

The Center for Circular Economy in Coffee (C4CEC), a global precompetitive platform funded by the Lavazza Foundation, the Polytechnic of Turin (PoliTo), and the University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG) in Italy, is at the forefront of advancing circular economy in the coffee sector. Supported by ICO, ITC, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), C4CEC is set to put circular economy principles into practice.

The collaboration between ITC, ICO, and C4CEC aims to disseminate knowledge to small businesses, value chain operators, farmer organizations, and consumer-facing companies worldwide. This initiative builds upon the partnerships established through the ITC Coffee Guide Network and the circular economy working group co-facilitated by ITC, ICO, and the Lavazza Foundation.

COP28 Trade House: A Platform for Circular Economy Exploration

The COP28 Trade House provided a platform for ITC and its partners to delve into the circular economy within the coffee sector. Hernan Manson, Head of Inclusive Agribusiness, Food Systems, and Trade at ITC, moderated a session titled ‘Global Green Deal: How would it fit the Global South?’ The panel explored transformative measures for global food systems in the face of climate change.

Mario Cerutti, Lavazza Foundation Secretary, and Lavazza Group Head of Institutional Relations & Sustainability, emphasized the necessity for unified action within the coffee industry, highlighting the potential of the Center for delivering environmental benefits and improved incomes for coffee growers and stakeholders.

Dr. Vanúsia Nogueira, Executive Director of the International Coffee Organization, affirmed the commitment to drive impactful change in the coffee sector through the enduring partnership with ITC, marking the alliances formed at COP28 as a significant step towards a sustainable future for coffee farmers and advancing circular economy practices.

International Coffee Organization (ICO):
The ICO is the sole intergovernmental organization supporting exporting and importing countries to enhance the sustainability of the coffee sector, providing a high-level forum for stakeholders and official statistics on coffee production, trade, and consumption. ICO Website

International Trade Centre (ITC):
ITC, the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations, assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets. The Alliances for Action initiative seeks to transform food systems through ethical, climate-smart, and sustainable agricultural value chains.

World of Coffee Dubai 2024 highlights promising prospects for development and expansion of coffee industry in UAE

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DXB Live, the integrated event management and experiential agency of the Dubai World Trade Centre, continues the preparations for the 3rd edition of the World of Coffee exhibition, which will be held from 21st to 23rd January 2024.

With expectations that the coffee market in the UAE will grow at an annual rate of 8.4 per cent between 2023 and 2029, and by about 7.5 per cent annually in the Middle East and Africa between 2022 and 2027, the exhibition is witnessing a wide regional and global interest from industry leaders, experts and specialists.

As per a report by Statista, coffee markets in Dubai and the region are experiencing substantial growth, with individual coffee consumption in the UAE expected to reach 1.36 kg in 2023 and the coffee market in Dubai expected to generate sales of over AED 1 billion this year. These figures reflect the industry’s attractiveness and growing demand for coffee products, as Dubai provides an ideal environment for the growth of the coffee market, owing to the presence of global coffee shop brands and the emirate’s role as a regional coffee trade hub, with export revenues exceeding AED 3.5 billion over the last decade.

The World of Coffee Dubai 2024 represents a turning point for the sector in the UAE, which has surpassed the tangible effects of this growth in the coffee market and has reached neighbouring Arab markets, attracting more specialised international brands, in light of the attention given to coffee culture and the variety of offerings provided by Dubai, which is famous for providing innovative experiences in this industry.

Khalid Al Hammadi, Senior Vice President at DXB LIVE, emphasised that Dubai’s economic status and distinctive infrastructure have positioned the emirate as a leading destination for organising and hosting prominent events at regional and worldwide levels. Al Hammadi said: “Through the World of Coffee Dubai exhibition, we hope to contribute to Dubai’s efforts in achieving its strategic goals by developing and diversifying various economic sectors. Additionally, we aim to facilitate building and strengthening relations between participants and companies within the coffee market of UAE and the region.”

“The participation of major brands, companies, and specialists underlines the exhibition’s importance and the international community’s trust in it, and the major role of Dubai in enhancing the regional and international trade movement.” Al Hammadi added.

Technology

Omran Al Hammadi, CEO of Que Trading Group, said: “We are excited to participate for the third time in the World of Coffee Dubai 2024. The exhibition provides us with the remarkable opportunity to explore new avenues, strengthen their presence, and contribute to the growth of this booming industry. During the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to discover our most recent products, which include modern and high-quality coffee makers and a wide range of advanced tools and accessories.”

“At our booth, we will conduct in-depth evaluations of the Coffee Tech Engineering Roaster Machines. Additionally, our expert team will showcase the industry’s leading commercial coffee machines, such as the Rocket Sotto Banco, Rocket R9V, and Rocket Appartamento TCA, which integrate cutting-edge technology of the highest quality. By participating in this exhibition, we further reaffirm our dedication to offering coffee aficionados the greatest products. We also look forward to developing fruitful connections and solid collaborations through this significant regional event.” Omran added.

Status

Dubai has a unique status because it is home to several international coffee shops and companies. The World of Coffee Dubai gives companies and cafés the opportunity to provide new and unique experiences for coffee lovers who want to stay up with Dubai’s fast-paced lifestyle. According to Statista predictions for 2022, 82 per cent of worldwide coffee revenues are created by consumption in cafes and restaurants, while 18 per cent of revenues are generated by domestic consumption, which is anticipated to fall by two degrees by 2025.

The current lifestyle trend has been propelling the coffee industry forward, with increased consumption and the development of places that provide it. This tremendous success has compelled major Emirati coffee businesses to expand locally, regionally, and globally to express the Emirati hospitality culture to the globe and strengthen its position as a leading global coffee hub.

Opportunities

Vinícius Estrela, Executive-Director at Brazilian Speciality Coffee ‘BSCA’, said: “We are thrilled to participate in the World of Coffee for the third consecutive year. Our commitment to participating in this event stems from our conviction that the exhibition is particularly significant as it sheds light on the most prominent trends within the coffee industry. Given that the MENA region is one of the biggest markets for Brazilian products in general and coffee in particular, the exhibition serves as a prominent venue for examining innovative prospects to enhance cooperation between the sector’s major players as well as the opportunities provided by local coffee markets.”

“At BSCA, we are excited about this participation, in line with our commitment to fostering collaborations between Brazilian and international coffee markets. We seek to share our knowledge of utilising technology to enhance coffee production, promote sustainable and environment friendly industrial and commercial methodologies in the coffee sector, and highlight Brazil’s remarkable legacy in coffee production.” Estrela added.

Diversity

The exhibition represents the UAE’s significant demographic and cultural diversity, which are essential aspects of the country’s coffee market that has witnessed a high demand for varieties of coffee. Meeting all these demands necessitate the availability of a diverse range of coffee varieties and preparation styles, allowing global companies to participate in broader opportunities to strengthen their presence locally and regionally.

“Menran Coffee”… a new experience in Dubai

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Coffee lovers in Dubai can enjoy a new coffee experience with a unique character. Mokha 1450 has commissioned its team of award-winning baristas to provide an unparalleled coffee experience, one that uniquely targets the flavor preferences of coffee connoisseurs in the UAE.

“Minran Coffee”, the first response to this mission, was curated by Mohamed Minran, creating a unique product through which one can expect to taste aromas of cherries, honey, exceptional sweetness and fruity flavors with a milk chocolate finish.

In addition to reflecting the flavor preferences of the UAE population, this coffee offers some other innovations. The origin of the coffee will not be shared to remove the constraints of expectations and also to highlight the coffee maker alone.

In addition, the baristas will also receive a percentage of revenue from each coffee bag purchase, which will be featured as a cover story in the Mokha 1450’s Barista Craft Magazine which guests will receive when they purchase a bag of coffee.

Inside Dubai Coffee Museum: A Journey Through the Rich History of Coffee

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A Coffee Museum has been set up in one of Dubai’s heritage hubs, Al Fahidi in Bur Dubai. The Coffee Museum will be an upscale classic concept with international standards in a small, cozy, relaxing atmosphere with a simple oriental setting. The Museum’s unique value proposition can be summarized as follows:

A relaxing atmosphere with regional traditional architecture amalgamated with oriental architecture.
architecture amalgamated with oriental architecture. Showcase a wide selection of antique items illustrating regional and international coffee history and culture.

Platform for experiencing different regional styles of coffee such as local Arabic style, Ethiopian style, Japanese style etc.

Emphasize on coffee education to the interested customers who wish to grab more about coffee, coffee roasting and coffee brewing.

Customer service: high-level of personalized service & attention for customers. Coffee Museum gift shop will have unique verities of coffee related gift items.

The Dubai Coffee Museum is a museum about coffee located in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It focuses on the history of coffee, coffee culture, and the working conditions of coffee plantation workers.

It provides intel on the importance of coffee in different cultures across the globe, as well as the Arabic traditions, its preparations like roasting and grinding, the apparatuses used through time, and rusted beans found worldwide. The museum spreads over two floors with a museum shop on the ground floor.

The museum is a showcase that connects the past and the present of the coffee world. Different roasting and brewing styles from various countries are live demonstrated as well as international antique items are represented. Coffee lovers can buy related items from our Museum shop.

One of the first things to do at the Coffee Museum in Dubai is to learn and explore different varieties of coffee. Visitors can also experience different coffee cultures such as Egyptian, Ethiopian and Arabic. Learn about the entire process, from beans selection through to roasting, as well as the brewing techniques that are unique to each culture.

The museum has information dating back to the legend of Kaldi, a shepherd known for discovering the first ever-coffee bean and instigating coffee’s long journey into the Middle East from the mountains of Ethiopia. Visitors to the museum can also experience fascinatingly old utensils and cups used for the production, brewing, and drinking of coffee.

Exhibits

On the ground floor, roasting and brewing styles from various countries and antique items are presented. Coffee grinders, roasters, pots, kettles, weighing scales, sorters, torches for grinding coffee, natural stone coffee grinders, bowls, and other coffee memorabilia are showcased. An intricately restored Majlis room filled with carpets, dallahs, and pillows offer a glimpse of the traditional Emirati style of coffee consumption. Moreover, the history of the coffee bean is explored.

The first floor features a literary section with a wide selection of coffee books and maps dating back to the 18th century about the global history of coffee and coffee plantation workers. Visitors can learn about the entire process, from bean selection to roasting, as well as the brewing techniques unique to each coffee culture.

What does the Coffee Museum feature a display of?

Coffee Museum Dubai also showcases the celebration of coffee culture across the globe, as well as the Arabic traditions. Coffee grinders used in the First World War, historical data dedicated to coffee and old brewing pots are just a few of the artefacts on display.

DISCOVER THE MAJLIS AND ANTIQUES

The ground floor of the museum houses the Majlis and the Middle Eastern Antique exhibit. The intricately restored Majlis offer a glimpse of the traditional Emirati style of coffee consumption.

The coffee table with antique coffee cups and other utensils take you back in time to witness Emirati culture and hospitality.

The Middle Eastern Antique Exhibit is where you can find more artefacts related to coffee in the UAE. You’ll get to see antique coffee grinders, roasters, pots, kettles, weighing scales, sorting trays and other coffee memorabilia.

THE COFFEE LIBRARY AT DUBAI COFFEE MUSEUM

On the first floor of the museum you’ll find a small but intriguing selection of books about coffee dating back to the 18th century. These books are from the personal collection of the house owner made available for fellow coffee buffs who wish to learn more about the popular brew. There are also some audio-visual guides which are well worth a watch.

KIDS CORNER

The Kids Corner at the Coffee Museum is a fun area where the little ones can discover the origins of coffee along with a whole host of other activities to keep them entertained.

MUSEUM GIFT SHOP

We all love a museum gift shop right? Well, the Dubai Coffee Museum has a great one. It’s here that you can get your hands on those much-needed souvenirs to take back home. Pick up the perfect gifts for your friends and loved ones. The shop has barista equipment, latte art pens, books about roasting techniques with recipes, and you can even treat yourself to some fine coffee beans.

DMCC Coffee Centre Opens

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DMCC – the world’s flagship Free Zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise – inaugurated the ‘DMCC Coffee Centre’ 18 February 2019 , a state-of-the-art 7,500m² temperature-controlled facility, and the first of its kind in the Middle East. The Centre launched during Dubai’s Gulfood event, the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade exhibition.

From crop to cup, the Centre offers cost-effective logistical support and services that connect producers to buyers. Core services include warehousing, logistics, green coffee cleaning, contract roasting and packing, as well as more specialised offerings for re-bagging of green coffee, sample evaluation and training.

The Centre houses a coffee quality laboratory, cupping labs and a Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Premier Training Campus, in addition to a range of commercial office space. Projected to handle up to 20,000 tonnes of green coffee bean annually – with an estimated annual trade value of around AED 367 million (USD 100 million) – the Centre is set to attract new trade flows to Dubai and boost the national economy.

A number of senior delegates including  H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World; H.E. Hamad Buamim, President and CEO Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry; H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs; H.E. Salem Rashid Al Owais, Ambassador of the UAE to Columbia; H.E. Eduardo Fonseca, Ambassador of Panama to the UAE; and H.E. Ridwan Hassan, Consul General of Indonesia to the UAE attended the official launch in Dubai, and joined a tour of the facility located adjacent to the DMCC Tea Centre in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza).

“Today represents a significant milestone, and one that places Dubai firmly at the heart of the global coffee trade. First conceptualised in 2016, it is promising to see our vision to serve the market in an entirely different way become a reality,” said Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC.

“Dubai is uniquely positioned to serve the significant emerging markets trade corridor of the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, and well connected to the coffee-producing regions of Africa, China, India, Latin America and South East Asia. The DMCC Coffee Centre will connect international coffee traders with sophisticated logistics, and a host of value-add services, providing operational excellence to meet growing global demand. Until now, the region simply did not have the capacity, equipment or expertise to facilitate global coffee trade on this scale, and we look forward to seeing the impact of our Centre on the industry going forward,” he added.

Dubai’s strategic geographic location offers connectivity between the fast-growing and high-value consumer markets in the Middle East and Europe, to some of the world’s major coffee producing nations such as Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Uganda and Vietnam. Operational since November 2018, the Centre is set to become the preferred hub for speciality coffee buyers, traders, roasters and producers.

Other services offered by the DMCC Coffee Centre include: three fully outfitted cupping rooms with water to SCA standards; a coffee quality laboratory; a sample (Probat and Ikawa) and small batch (Diedrich) roasters – to assist customers in quality assessment, and shipments of roast and green coffee samples to buyers –; and two Brambati production roasters (30kg and 60kg) – which can accommodate specialty and commercial coffee roasting.

Coffee is one of the world’s most widely consumed hot beverages. The global coffee industry is worth an estimated AED 367.3 billion (USD 100 billion), with the industry in the Middle East expected to climb to AED 16.2 billion (USD 4.4 billion) by 2021, according to Euromonitor.

DMCC Coffee Centre signs strategic partnership with Boncafé Middle East LLC

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DMCC – the world’s flagship Free Zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities, trade and enterprise – has signed a strategic partnership with Boncafé Middle East, a leading manufacturer and distributor of gourmet coffee and coffee machines, to produce locally roasted coffee at DMCC’s state-of-the-art Coffee Centre. The signing, which took place in DMCC Headquarters in Almas Tower, was attended by Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC and Tony Billingham, CEO MENA and Group Executive Director of Boncafé.

Under the agreement, DMCC Coffee Centre will produce a variety of locally roasted coffee which is set to boost trade flow into the emirate of Dubai and in return will help develop Boncafé’s brand position in the larger MENA region. DMCC Coffee Centre will also produce and solely distribute a range of bespoke coffee products tailor made for Boncafé across the GCC.

The DMCC Coffee Centre offers world-class infrastructure and services and the partnership will further cement its position as a leading centre of excellence and trade producing a range of high quality coffees and blends up to par with traditional coffee markets such as Italy, the USA and Switzerland. The move serves both the global and local market by delivering fresh and cost-efficient coffee.

“DMCC is proud to partner with Boncafé, a true powerhouse in the coffee industry and the region for 18 years, to provide them with a range of bespoke services to facilitate their global trade. This collaboration underpins our strategy of providing world-class services, from roasting and quality control through to packaging and distribution, that cater to the entire coffee value chain. It also truly reflects the strong reputation the Coffee Centre has built and its ability to attract leading coffee players, in turn positioning Dubai as a global hub for specialty coffee. We thank Boncafé for choosing us as their partner and very much look forward to working alongside their teams.” said Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC.

The UAE is one of the most developed coffee markets in the region and the agreement is set to further enhance this position and bring added value to Dubai by boosting the import of Green coffee sourced from Africa, Latin America and Asia. Agreements as such will catapult Dubai’s GDP through the re-export of roasted coffee products into the region.

“To partner with DMCC is a natural progression for the Boncafé & Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group and this further shows the Group commitment to develop locally roasted UAE coffees. This will undoubtedly enhance our brands position throughout the whole Middle East region being now produced locally in the UAE.” said Tony Billingham, CEO MENA, Boncafé Group Executive Director.

The DMCC Coffee Centre continues to attract international businesses by connecting the fast-growing consumer markets in the Middle East and Europe to some of the world’s major coffee producing nations. The Coffee Centre supports the entire coffee industry from crop to cup by offering cost-efficient logistical support as well as warehousing, roasting and packaging services. In July 2020, DMCC announced plans to expand the Coffee and Tea Centres to triple output, increase services and boost capacity.