Tag: coffee competition

SCA Announces World Barista Championship Rules and Regulations Changes for 2026

Posted on by Qahwa World
Source: Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)
Author: Qahwa World – Dubai
Date: May 18, 2026

Executive Summary

  • The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) released updated rules for the 2026 World Barista Championship (WBC) in Panama from October 22 to 25.
  • Changes include adjustments to water served to judges and clarified language on espresso shot quantities for the signature beverage.
  • A new option allows competitors to override the drink evaluation protocol for espresso and milk courses by not serving spoons.
  • Grinder regulations updated: Ceado provides standardized equipment with two approved models: REV Zero and E37Z-Naked.
  • Competitors may use up to two grinders, either provided or personal, as long as personal grinders match approved models with original parts only.
  • All grinders will be inspected and sealed by Ceado prior to competition.

Event Date and Location

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has released updated rules and regulations for the 2026 World Barista Championship (WBC). The championship will take place from October 22 to 25, 2026, at World of Coffee Panama.

These updates aim to improve competition fairness and keep pace with specialty coffee industry developments. The new rules clarify several technical points raised in previous editions and enhance transparency in the judging process.

Key Changes to Judging Rules

The latest round of updates introduces three main changes. First, changes have been made to the water served to judges. Water is a critical element in coffee quality evaluation, and this adjustment aims to standardize tasting conditions for all competitors. Second, the language around the number of espresso shots competitors must prepare for the signature beverage has been clarified, removing any previous ambiguity in rule interpretation.

Third, the new rules allow competitors to override the drink evaluation protocol for the espresso and milk beverage courses by not serving spoons to judges. This change gives competitors greater flexibility in how they present their drinks, leaving them the choice between traditional spoon-based evaluation or alternative presentation.

New Grinder Regulations and Ceado’s Role

The grinder regulations for this year’s championship have seen important updates. Qualified sponsor Ceado will provide all competitors with standardized equipment, offering two approved grinder models: the REV Zero and the E37Z-Naked. Competitors may use up to two grinders and may choose between provided equipment or their personal grinders, as long as personal grinders are the same approved models with original parts only.

All grinders – both provided by the sponsor and personal ones – will be inspected and sealed by Ceado prior to competition. This procedure ensures a level playing field and prevents unauthorized modifications that could give an unfair advantage. Competitors can review full details on grinder selection, inspection procedures, modification rules, and equipment specifications in the supplemental Grinder Procedures document.

Item Details
Qualified Espresso Machine STORM “Barista Attitude”, Tempesta Espresso Machine
Qualified Espresso Grinder Ceado REV Zero and E37Z-Naked Grinders
Qualified Water Filtration Sponsor BWT water+more

Available Documents and Sponsors

The SCA announced that rules documents, summaries of changes, and scoresheets are now available on the World Coffee Championships website: wcc.coffee/rules-regulations. Competitors, coaches, and judges can download these documents and review full details before October.

The 2026 World Barista Championship features major sponsors for essential equipment. The qualified espresso machine is the STORM “Barista Attitude” and Tempesta Espresso Machine. The qualified espresso grinder is provided by Ceado as mentioned. The qualified water filtration sponsor is BWT water+more. The World Coffee Championships team looks forward to welcoming competitors, judges, and coffee professionals to Panama this October.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When and where will the 2026 World Barista Championship take place?

The championship will take place from October 22 to 25, 2026, at World of Coffee Panama.

2. What are the main changes to the judging rules?

Changes include adjustments to water served to judges, clarified language on espresso shot quantities for the signature beverage, and the option to override the evaluation protocol by not serving spoons.

3. What grinder models are approved by Ceado?

The two approved models are the REV Zero and the E37Z-Naked. Competitors may use up to two grinders.

4. Can competitors use their own personal grinders?

Yes, provided they are the same approved models with original parts only. All grinders will be inspected and sealed by Ceado before competition.

5. Where can I find the complete rules documents?

On the official World Coffee Championships website: wcc.coffee/rules-regulations

6. Who are the main sponsors of the championship?

Espresso machines by STORM and Tempesta, grinders by Ceado, and water filtration by BWT water+more.

Author: Qahwa World – Dubai  |
Source: Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)  |
Publication date: May 18, 2026

World Cup Tasters 2026: 45 Nations Battle in Bangkok

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World of Coffee Asia | BITEC Bangkok | May 7–10, 2026

BANGKOK — QAHWA WORLD

The world’s most discriminating tongues are heading to Thailand. From May 7 to 9, 2026, the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) will host the 2026 World Cup Tasters Championship (WCTC), presented by Porland, as part of World of Coffee Asia — marking the first time this sensory competition has landed in Southeast Asia.

Forty-five professional cuppers from 38 countries will lean over porcelain triangles, spoons in hand, and attempt to do what sounds simple but is brutally difficult: taste three cups of coffee, identify the one that is different, and do it faster than anyone else on Earth.

The Triangle Test

Each round presents eight triangles — three cups where two contain identical coffees and one contains a different coffee. The cupper must identify the odd cup in each triangle using only smell, taste, attention, and experience. Competitors with the most correct identifications advance. Ties are broken by fastest time. Round 1 narrows the field to the top 8 for quarterfinals, then to 4 for the finals.

New 2026 rule updates:
• Clear “time” call required — only official time counts.
• Public discussion of an active appeal before a ruling will result in dismissal.

Full rules: wcc.coffee/rules-regulations

Full Competitor List (45 nations)

Name Country / Region
Karl Lee Australia
Andrew Wong United Kingdom
Mehmet Sogan United States
Cristian Arévalo El Salvador
Kiko Fong Hong Kong SAR
Minwook Jeong South Korea
Nathanael Austria
Sipho South Africa
Kamila Nováková Czech Republic
Le Quang Cuong (Nicky) Vietnam
Shao Edouard France
Luigi Paternoster Vicino Italy
Jacques Carneiro Brazil
Ivaniuk Rostyslav Ukraine
Vaggelis Stavropoulos Greece
Ply Pasarj Canada
Mateusz Derkacz Poland
Adeola Peter Akingbade United Arab Emirates
Gabriel Tudorin Ireland
Chiam Tow Jin Malaysia
Bogdan Danilenko Turkey
Juan Hu (胡娟) China
Benjamin Chamy Chile
Jonathan Davila Ecuador
Bo-Kai Lai (Eli) Chinese Taipei
Chiaki Kobayashi Germany
Luisa Fernanda Rodriguez Guatemala
Abdulkarim Abulrahman Ali Jumah Saudi Arabia
Tan Yi Xin Singapore
August Hislop Aotearoa/New Zealand
Marcos Uhlig Spain
Alif Andira Indonesia
Erhan Dizbay Turkey
Mooh Punnaphob Thailand
Anthony Huy Nguyen Sweden
Juan Sebastian Gómez Colombia
Tibor Hamori Belgium
Mizuki Tagami Japan
David Pahomi Romania
Jhon Jimenez Peru
Catherine Queiroz Switzerland
Vicky (Jinghan) Cheng Netherlands
Alvaro Arnez Bolivia
Reza F. Anissi Denmark

Schedule

  • May 7, 2026 – Orientation + Round 1
  • May 9, 2026 – Quarterfinals & Semifinals
  • May 10, 2026 – Finals & Awards Ceremony

Sponsors

Title: Porland | Qualified Water: Bluewater | Diamond: Cosori (Juni) | Supporting: Kranti Coffee, Cosori Cooks, Option-O

2026 WCC Circuit

Dates Location Championship
Jan 18–20 Dubai, UAE Cezve/Ibrik Championship
Apr 10–12 San Diego, USA World Latte Art Championship
May 7–9 Bangkok, Thailand World Cup Tasters Championship
June 25–27 Brussels, Belgium Brewers Cup, Roasting, Coffee in Good Spirits
Oct 23–25 Panama City, Panama World Barista Championship

Follow official updates: wcc.coffee | #WCCBangkok #WCTCBangkok

Reporting based on official announcements from World Coffee Championships, Porland, Bluewater, Cosori, and World of Coffee Asia. Competitor list as published March–May 2026. All times and schedules subject to change.

Lablibell Bajarias Wins Lavazza Barista Challenge 2026

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Turin – Qahwa World

The international final of the Lavazza Barista Challenge 2026 concluded in Turin with a standout victory for Lablibell Bajarias of the United Arab Emirates, who secured the top title among competitors representing 20 countries.

The prestigious competition brought together leading coffee professionals from around the world, each showcasing a high level of expertise across multiple disciplines. Participants were evaluated on technical extraction skills, the creation of innovative signature beverages, presentation, and their ability to deliver exceptional customer engagement.

Hosted in Turin, a city synonymous with Italy’s rich coffee heritage, the event served as both a celebration of tradition and a platform for modern innovation. Competitors demonstrated not only precision in brewing techniques but also creativity in crafting unique coffee experiences that reflect evolving consumer expectations.

You may read: Lablibell Crowned UAE Lavazza Barista Champion

Bajarias’ performance stood out for its balance of technical mastery and creativity, earning recognition from the panel of judges and securing the United Arab Emirates a prominent place on the global coffee stage.

The Lavazza Barista Challenge continues to highlight the growing importance of education, craftsmanship, and innovation within the international coffee community. This year’s edition reinforced the industry’s dynamic nature, where tradition meets forward-thinking approaches to coffee preparation and service.

As the competition concludes, it leaves a clear message: the future of coffee lies in the hands of skilled professionals who are redefining excellence through passion, precision, and innovation.

Kaffa Oslo Wins Nordics Best Roaster 2026

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Kaffa Oslo has been crowned the Nordics Best Roaster 2026, securing the top position in one of the most respected roasting competitions in the Nordic coffee industry. The announcement was made during the Nordic Coffee Fest, where leading roasteries from across the region competed in a peer-assessed event focused on sourcing and roasting excellence.

The competition evaluates roasters through two main categories: Mandatory Coffee, where all competitors roast the same green coffee provided by the organizers, and Sourced Coffee, in which each roastery presents a coffee it has sourced and roasted according to specific competition parameters. The roastery with the highest combined score across both categories is declared the champion.

You may read: Nordic Coffee Fest 2026: The Largest Coffee Event in Gothenburg

  • Winning coffee from Peru

Kaffa Oslo’s sourced coffee entry came from Peru’s Cajamarca region, produced by Familia Alarcon. The coffee was a Geisha variety, processed using a fully washed method and sourced through Collaborative Coffee Source AS. The reported green coffee price for the lot was 20 US dollars per kilogram.

  • Strong Nordic competition

The 2026 finals brought together some of the most recognized roasters in the Nordic region. Finalists included:

  1. Good Life Coffee Roasters
  2. Gringo Nordic Coffee Roasters
  3. Coffee Collective
  4. Solberg & Hansen
  5. Sensei
  6. Original Coffee
  7. Norange
  8. Muttley & Jack’s
  9. Te & Kaffi

The competition also presented awards for second place, third place, and the Public Choice Award, reflecting the high level of participation and public interest in the event.

  • Mandatory coffee from Colombia

For the Mandatory Coffee category, competitors roasted the same green coffee supplied through a collaboration with Caravela Coffee.

The coffee originated from Colombia, produced by the Las Orquídeas producer group, including farmers Gilma Cupaque and Nubia Yaneth Paz. It featured Colombia F6 and F8 varieties and was processed using the washed method.

The harvest took place between April and June 2025, and the beans were dried using sun and air drying on parabolic patios and raised beds.

  • Scientific study unveiled during the competition

Alongside the announcement of the final results, organizers revealed a research project conducted by CoffeeMind in collaboration with Nordic Coffee Fest.

The study, titled “Linking Sensory Descriptive Analysis and Judge Preferences in the Nordics Best Roaster Competition: A Consumer Science Approach,” analyzed how sensory characteristics influence judge preferences in competition coffees.

Researchers compared sensory descriptive analysis of selected coffees with judges’ scoring data from the Sourced Coffee category. Using statistical methods commonly applied in consumer science, the study examined how specific flavor attributes relate to preference among expert judges.

  • Understanding the drivers of preference

The analysis evaluated attributes such as acidity, sweetness, fruit notes, bitterness, and fermentation characteristics, linking them with the competition’s judging scores.

According to the researchers, combining sensory science with competition results provides a clearer understanding of why certain coffees perform better during professional evaluations.

Organizers say the initiative represents a new approach to studying coffee quality within roasting competitions, offering insights that may help roasters refine sourcing strategies and roasting profiles in future events.

Ras Al Khaimah to Host 2nd Edition of “Gulf Coffee Maker” Competition

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RAS AL KHAIMAH – QAHWAWORLD

The organizing committee for the “Gulf Coffee Maker” competition has finalized preparations for the launch of its second edition (2026 Cup). Scheduled for this Saturday, January 10, the event will take place at the Ras Al Khaimah Youth Center in the Al Dhait South area. This edition is jointly organized by S 3 C A F E, Coffee Market Innovations, and Palate Coffee, aiming to provide a community-driven competitive platform for coffee enthusiasts.

  • Elite Competition and Significant Rewards

The competition will feature 40 contestants vying for the title of “Gulf Coffee Maker.” A total prize pool of 20,000 AED has been allocated for the winners and audience draws. While four winners will be crowned at the end of the day, the organizers have also prepared 100 raffle gifts specifically for visitors and spectators.

  • Strict Technical Regulations

To ensure the highest standards of fairness, the committee has established rigorous technical guidelines:

Equipment: Each participant must bring their preferred manual brewing tool (e.g., V60, AeroPress, Wave, Clever, or any other manual dripper).

Time Limits: Contestants are allotted 5 minutes for preparation and 5 minutes for the actual brewing process.

Grinding: While an electronic grinder will be provided on-site, participants are permitted to use their personal grinders.

Water Standards: Organizers will provide certified water and kettles. Participants may use their own water subject to prior testing and approval by the committee, though the use of provided kettles is encouraged to save time.

  • Brewing Protocol and Judging Criteria

On the day of the event, each contestant will receive 150 grams of coffee to be used for both training and the preliminary rounds. Those who advance to subsequent stages will receive an additional 50 grams per round. To qualify for judging, contestants must submit more than 100 grams of brewed coffee to the panel.

The competition follows a group format, where the preliminary and semi-final rounds consist of groups of four, with only the top performer advancing. The final round is divided into two categories:

Senior Category: Featuring three finalists competing for the top three ranks.

Junior Category: Featuring a focused competition to determine a single winner.

  • Event Schedule

The day begins at 10:00 AM with contestant registration, followed by training sessions and a specialized exhibition. The official knock-out rounds commence at 5:40 PM, culminating in the grand finale and an awards ceremony at 8:40 PM.

 

Ethiopia Hosts First Cup Tasters Challenge, Marking a New Chapter for Its Coffee Community

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Addis Ababa – world×Buna Kura

Galani Coffee made history on December 1 by hosting Ethiopia’s first Cup Tasters Challenge, an event organized in partnership with the Iran Coffee Society and celebrated as a defining milestone for the country’s fast-growing specialty coffee scene.

The competition brought two global champions to Addis Ababa:
• Young Baek, World Cup Tasters Champion
• Taufan Mokoginta, World Roasting Champion

Their presence transformed the event into an intensive learning platform, where Ethiopia’s rising sensory talents received coaching, cupped side-by-side with champions, and gained exposure to world-class tasting standards.

Beyond the excitement of competition, the day symbolized something far greater — a meaningful connection between Ethiopia’s legacy as the birthplace of coffee and the expanding global culture of specialty coffee. The challenge underscored Ethiopia’s growing ambition to elevate its sensory professionals and strengthen its role at the forefront of the international coffee industry.

Mondik Alpas Crowned Champion of the LATTE ART THROWDOWN at Julith’s High-Stakes Launch Event

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DUBAI – (Qahwa World)

In a dazzling display combining skill and artistic precision, the outstanding barista, Mondik Alpas, secured the championship title at the high-profile LATTE ART THROWDOWN. The event was held to celebrate the launch of the new Victoria Arduino Maverick Core espresso machine and the official debut of the Julith Wholesale Launch service.

The internationally renowned Julith Café served as the stage for this competition, hosting an elite group of coffee experts who competed face-to-face. The café recently captured global attention after acquiring and serving the world’s most expensive coffee, with a single cup valued at nearly one thousand dollars. The stakes were immensely high, with the grand prize being Victoria Arduino’s prestigious Eagle One Prima espresso machine.

Maverick Core Proves Its Mettle

Victoria Arduino chose this electrifying event to introduce the Maverick Core, a new machine designed to enhance the control and creative capabilities of coffee experts.

Speaking to Qahwa World, Antonio Oria of Victoria Arduino described the event as the ideal platform to showcase the machine’s capabilities. Oria stated: “We are here in Julith for a latte art competition by introducing our new machine, the Maverick Core… Baristas will compete back to back, and the winner will take home an Eagle One Prima.”

Oria also highlighted the importance of the host venue: “Today, we are also testing the new B2B (business-to-business) offer from Julith Coffee, which is being brewed in the batch brew with the 3TAMP device and is available for everyone to try. Amazing coffee, amazing competitors, amazing machine, and amazing people.”

Competitive Intensity and Supportive Crowd

The competitive atmosphere was charged with sharp focus and high tension. Judge Elena Hess praised the participants’ courage, saying: “I really enjoy the competition, the atmosphere, all participants. They are really brave, all of them, to participate, because it’s actually really stressful… Competing here is much harder than working behind the counter, due to the emotional tension.” She commended the positive spirit, adding: “They are all truly fun, and I am proud of them. The audience here is also very supportive. It’s a truly good and enjoyable event.”

For her part, Judge Estella Zuleta shared the same sentiment, commenting on the exceptional talent and collective spirit of the competitors: “I see very good and talented coffee experts showcasing their skills in the competition, and a good spirit among all attendees with positive energy.”

Mondik Alpas Secures the Title

Ultimately, it was Mondik Alpas who secured the title, thanks to his finesse and precision using the new Maverick Core machine, adding a major victory to his record. This win underscores the powerful synergy between the talent of coffee experts, innovative equipment, and the supportive coffee culture celebrated at Julith Café.

Champion’s Quote

In a brief statement given to Qahwa World after his coronation, Champion Mondik Alpas emphasized the fierce level of competition, noting the quality of his opponents: “The competition was very tough; because everyone gave it their all, with more effort and more focused training.” He stressed that the win was not easy, but extremely difficult, because the other competitors were also very good.

Mondik Alpas Wins Latte Art Throwdown: Victoria Arduino Maverick Core Launch at Julith Café

A Community Celebration and Presentation

The event concluded with the presence of Serkan Sagsoz, Co-founder of Julith Café. Federico Ortelli, General Manager of the Simonelli Group in the Middle East, presented the valuable prize, the “Eagle One Prima” machine, to the champion. Ortelli wished him success in his career path, praised the spirit that dominated the competition, and the distinguished participation of everyone, reaffirming Victoria Arduino’s commitment to supporting the region’s coffee community with all its expertise and capabilities.

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The Barista League Unveils Game-Changing 2026 Season

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DUBAI – Qahwa World

The Barista League, the organization known for its innovative approach to coffee culture, has announced its game-changing 2026 Season, introducing a radically new competition concept that fundamentally redefines what a coffee competition can be by shifting its focus to Concept and Service.

Moving away from mere technical perfection, the 2026 season challenges baristas to step into the role of experience creators, communicators, and deliverers. The new format is built around three core pillars: Concept, Service, and Product.

“Baristas are the gatekeepers to the coffee experience. Their job is not to grow, source, roast coffee but to translate the work, competence, skill, meaning, culture and stories of the coffee industry to consumers. Through the service and preparation of drinks the barista is responsible for the actual delivery of that experience to consumers every day all around the world.” – From The Barista League 2026 Rules.

The New Scoring Structure

In a dramatic departure from traditional competitions, the new format gives Concept and Service equal weighting, together constituting 62% of the total score, while the physical Product accounts for the remaining 38%.

This paradigm shift emphasizes that the overall experiential concept—including design, storytelling, communication, and service style—is now more critical than the drink itself. Competitors are tasked with developing a complete sensory journey, rethinking the coffee experience and using The Barista League’s stage, sound, and lighting to bring their bold ideas to life.

“We want to see bold, creative service concepts that push the boundaries of what a coffee experience can be,” said Steven Moloney, founder of The Barista League. “This stage is a platform for baristas to use in the most innovative and impactful ways they can imagine.”

Watchable, Interactive, and Global

The 2026 competition has been engineered for maximum audience engagement, both live and online.

  • To enhance transparency and excitement, both teams and judges will be mic’d up.

  • Performances, live commentary, interviews, and scoring will be streamed on big screens for the in-person audience.

  • Every event will be live-streamed and archived online, making the innovation accessible to coffee fans globally.

A Platform for Future Leadership

True to its mission, The Barista League continues to serve as an accessible platform for innovation and leadership. The competition is designed with a low barrier to entry, ensuring that skill, imagination, and collaboration take centre stage over expensive equipment or elaborate setups.

“We are looking for baristas who want to push the boundaries of service, rethink what a coffee experience can be, and use this stage to shape the future of the industry.” – From The Barista League 2026 Rules.

Moloney added, “Despite enormous changes in the industry, the competition landscape has not developed significantly over the past 10 years. We want to create a platform for the future leaders of our industry to stand up and show us where we are going next.”

2026 Global Season Schedule

The 2026 season will feature six events across six continents, each hosting six hand-selected barista teams:

Event Date Location
Europe March 28, 2026 Prague
Latin America May 8, 2026 Mexico City
Asia June 11, 2026 Tokyo
North America September 3, 2026 Atlanta
Africa October 3, 2026 Johannesburg
Pacific November 13, 2026 Brisbane

The Barista League 2026 season is made possible by the continued support of partners Rancilio, Oatly, Toddy, Pacific Foods Barista Series, Acme, Acaia, and Barista Magazine.

Starbucks Loses Coffee Battle in China and Prepares to Sell Its Unit

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Beijing – September 11, 2025 – Qahwa World – Reuters has revealed that Starbucks, the world’s largest coffee chain, is preparing to sell a controlling stake in its China operations in a deal valued at around $5 billion. The decision marks one of the most dramatic turns in the company’s history as slowing sales and intensifying competition from local rivals force the Seattle-based giant to rethink its strategy in its second-largest market.

According to sources cited by Reuters, Starbucks has drawn up a shortlist of five investment firms: Carlyle Group, EQT, HongShan Capital Group (HSG), Boyu Capital, and Primavera Capital. These firms are expected to submit binding bids in early October, with a final agreement anticipated by the end of next month. Financial analysts estimate that Starbucks China will generate between $400 million and $500 million in EBITDA this year, which supports a valuation close to $5 billion.

For years, China was considered the crown jewel of Starbucks’ international growth, with the company expanding to nearly 7,800 stores, representing almost 20% of its global footprint and around 8% of group revenues. But the tide has turned. Data from Euromonitor shows the company’s market share plunged from 34% in 2019 to just 14% in 2024, as local players like Luckin Coffee, Cotti Coffee, and Lucky Cup captured millions of consumers with lower prices, digital apps, and aggressive promotions.

Despite this decline, Starbucks has no plans for a full exit. The company intends to retain a minority stake in its Chinese unit while keeping its coffee roasting facility to safeguard quality standards. This strategy will allow Starbucks to share financial and operational risks with local partners while maintaining a foothold in a market with immense long-term potential.

The shortlisted bidders bring strong experience in food and beverage operations. HSG owns a stake in Heytea, China’s 4,300-store tea chain. Carlyle Group operates South Korea’s 1,700-store A Twosome Place and previously held a stake in McDonald’s China. Primavera Capital has invested in Yum China, EQT formerly owned global foodservice operator SSP, and Boyu Capital is a backer of e-commerce giant Alibaba.

The sale of a controlling stake in Starbucks China represents more than just a financial transaction—it is a strategic turning point. Once viewed as a symbol of Western modernity in China, Starbucks now finds itself forced into a restructuring move to secure its survival in a market where domestic brands are growing at breakneck speed. For investors, the deal offers a rare chance to gain access to a multibillion-dollar coffee market that continues to expand, though marked by fierce competition and price-sensitive consumers.

Binding offers are due in early October, with a final decision expected by the end of the month. Whatever the outcome, one fact is clear: Starbucks is losing the coffee battle in China and entering a new phase of forced partnerships and strategic recalibration that could reshape not only its presence in the country but also the global coffee landscape.

Registration Opens for the Saudi AeroPress Championship 2025

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Riyadh, September 7, 2025 (Qahwa World) – Sulalat Coffee has officially opened registration for the 9th edition of the Saudi AeroPress Championship, set to take place in October 2025. The competition is expected to attract a wide field of coffee enthusiasts and professionals from across the Kingdom.

This year’s poster design draws inspiration from outer space, symbolizing ambition, exploration, and the pursuit of new horizons. Just as Saudi Arabia aspires to lead globally in space sciences, the championship aims to place the Kingdom firmly on the world coffee map—where passion meets skill and creativity meets innovation.

Qualifiers and Final

The qualifiers will begin on October 4, 2025, across eight Saudi cities:

  • Riyadh: Sulalat

  • Jeddah: Kaffa

  • Khobar: Sloop

  • Jubail: Latte Works

  • Buraidah: Caffeine Club

  • Madinah: Kaffa

  • Abha: Khotwat Jaml

  • Tabuk: C&B

The official coffee of the competition will be roasted by Edmi Roastery, while the final will take place on October 11, 2025, at Piccolo Roastery in Riyadh, where the new Saudi Champion will be crowned and earn the honor of representing the Kingdom at the World AeroPress Championship.

Saudi Arabia entered the global AeroPress stage in 2016, when Mohammed Alghamdi became the country’s first champion and represented the Kingdom at the world finals in Dublin. Since then, the Saudi AeroPress Championship has grown into a highly anticipated annual event, showcasing national talent and fostering a thriving specialty coffee culture.

In the most recent edition in 2024, Mohammed Aldakhilallah claimed the national title, joining the ranks of Saudi champions who have proudly carried the Kingdom’s name onto the international stage.

The Saudi AeroPress Championship has become a key platform for discovering local talent and propelling them to the global arena. Known for its spirit of creativity and innovation, the competition allows participants to craft unique recipes and flavors using the AeroPress. The judging process relies on blind tasting, ensuring fairness, transparency, and that victory is based solely on taste and quality.

Through this championship, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its position in the global coffee community—not only as a consumer nation but also as a stage for competition, innovation, and excellence in specialty coffee.

The Coffee Off Returns to Milan After Five-Year Hiatus

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Dubai, August 21, 2025 (Qahwa World) – After being absent since 2019, one of Milan’s most popular fall traditions is set to make its comeback. The Coffee Off, a downtown street fair, tasting event, and brewing competition, will return to Tolan Square on October 4 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., bringing together coffee lovers, local vendors, and community members for a morning of flavor and connection.

According to organizers, the event was paused after 2019 due to increased commitments from Moving Milan Forward, the nonprofit that runs the festival. The group shifted its focus toward community infrastructure projects, including improvements to Tolan Square and other civic initiatives, which meant temporarily shelving the Coffee Off. With many of those projects now complete, the organization said 2025 was the right moment to revive the event as a way to reconnect the community and celebrate local traditions.

From its launch in 2014 until its pause in 2019, The Coffee Off grew from a small neighborhood gathering into one of Michigan’s most recognizable seasonal coffee events. Its revival this fall is framed around a new goal: rebuilding community ties through shared coffee culture.

“This is a beloved event, and we’re thrilled to bring it back,” said organizer Dave Baldwin. “Whether you’re a devoted espresso enthusiast or just someone who enjoys a cozy cup on a crisp autumn morning, The Coffee Off is for everyone. Come sip, connect, and support Milan.”

All proceeds from the 2025 event will benefit Friends of the Saline River, a nonprofit dedicated to clearing log jams and restoring recreational access for kayaking, canoeing, and other outdoor activities.

This year’s program will feature interactive coffee stations with live demonstrations and tastings, a competition with both People’s Choice and Judges’ Pick awards, live music by singer-songwriter Amy Timbers, and local food from Grumpy Monkey Waffle Co. and Rich Grains Bakery. Coffee-related vendors will also be present. Each ticket includes a tasting mug and event t-shirt while supplies last.

More than 400 attendees are expected, and the festival is open to the public, promising a warm and welcoming atmosphere for both newcomers and longtime residents. For ticket sales or event updates, visit milancoffeeoff.com or contact Josh Kofflin at [email protected].