Tag: Coffee Culture

Shanghai: The New Global Capital of Coffee

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Shanghai – Qahwa World

Shanghai is no longer just a financial giant or a global trade hub — it has become the beating heart of Asia’s coffee revolution. In this city, coffee is not merely a beverage but a cultural experience, a sensory journey, and a form of art that mirrors the city’s energy and sophistication.

According to Dao Insights, Shanghai had over 9,115 cafés in 2024 — more than any other city in the world. Meanwhile, coffee consumption in China has surged by 150% over the past decade, reaching 6.3 million 60-kg bags, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This exponential growth has positioned Shanghai at the center of China’s rapidly evolving coffee landscape.

A New Coffee Culture

In Shanghai, cafés are not just places to sit; they are creative spaces where art, science, and culture meet. Each café tells a story — some focus on visual aesthetics, pouring coffee in delicate, layered forms, while others emphasize scientific precision, measuring temperature to show how heat transforms flavor.

The city has become a living laboratory for coffee innovation, where craftsmanship and curiosity coexist.

Boundless Imagination

Shanghai’s coffee scene is defined by its fearlessness. Here, one can find orange-infused Americanos, latte served in green bell peppers, or espresso blended with durian. What might seem eccentric elsewhere has become a signature of the city’s inventive spirit.

Local chains have embraced fruit-based coffee drinks, offering seasonal flavors like apricot, pineapple, and watermelon. This trend reflects Shanghai’s creative confidence — redefining coffee on its own cultural and sensory terms.

The Afternoon Ritual

Unlike Western cities that start their mornings with coffee, Shanghai comes alive in the afternoon. Between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., cafés are filled with professionals, students, and artists seeking focus or inspiration.

Most cafés open around nine in the morning and stay active late into the evening, reflecting the city’s dynamic rhythm. Coffee here is not a wake-up drink — it’s a pause, a conversation, and a source of renewal.

From Cup to Knowledge

High-end cafés like Coffee Spot and Spot Table offer an “All-in-One” experience — one coffee served three ways: black, with milk, and as a signature creation. Inspired by World Brewers Cup competitions, this concept invites guests to discover coffee as both science and art.

Each serving comes with an information card detailing origin, processing, and temperature, turning a simple tasting into an educational experience.

Coffee as Visual and Emotional Art

Shanghai’s cafés are built around design as much as taste. From concrete walls and soft lighting to carefully placed cups and textures, every detail adds to the experience. Coffee is not a commodity here; it is culture itself.

Some cafés accompany drinks with flavor charts and temperature notes, while others treat every cup as a moment of meditation — a meeting point between beauty, aroma, and emotion.

The Festival of Coffee and Creativity

Every year, the Shanghai Coffee Culture Festival takes place in Jing’an District, attracting over 50,000 visitors from across China and abroad. The event showcases daring creations such as coffee infused with aged vinegar from Shanxi Province or brews inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, featuring dandelion, licorice, and Sichuan pepper.

The festival has become a true reflection of Shanghai’s identity — a blend of tradition and innovation, experimentation and respect for flavor.

A City Connected by Coffee

Coffee has woven itself into the fabric of Shanghai’s society. In small alleys and glass towers alike, cafés have become meeting points for designers, entrepreneurs, and students. Independent micro-roasters sit beside luxury lounges, together shaping a vibrant community built on creativity.

Among the most influential names are Yunnan Dehong Dehome, which promotes locally grown Chinese coffee from Yunnan Province — once overlooked, now celebrated for its delicate sweetness and cocoa-like finish.

From a Cup to a Culture

Coffee in Shanghai is more than a drink — it is a reflection of the city’s soul: its speed, precision, and openness to the world. From street kiosks to coffee palaces spanning 9,000 square meters, the city lives and breathes coffee every day.

No longer a borrowed tradition, coffee has become a distinctly Chinese expression — a symbol of modern life, creativity, and identity. And at the heart of it all stands Shanghai, the new global capital of coffee, where every cup tells a story of progress, passion, and imagination.

Mokha 1450 Opens Its New Boutique in Dubai Inside Modora’s Luxury Showroom

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Dubai – Qahwa World

In an exceptional evening that brought together coffee, art, and beauty, Mokha 1450, Dubai’s pioneer of specialty coffee, inaugurated its new boutique in the city. — located within the newly opened Modora showroom in Al Barsha 2.
The showroom was launched by GMG, a global well-being company, as a distinguished brand for premium furniture and home décor, expanding its home division and reinforcing its presence in the luxury lifestyle and retail sectors across the UAE.

The opening ceremony was attended by Garfield Kerr, President of the Specialty Coffee Association and Founder of Mokha 1450; Rob Canning, General Manager of Modora; Khalid Al Mulla, President of the Specialty Coffee Association – UAE Chapter; and Federico Ortile, General Manager of the Simonelli Foundation in the Middle East, along with prominent business leaders and coffee enthusiasts from across Dubai.

During his speech, Rob Canning described the new venue as “a space that merges the serenity of nature with refined elegance,” emphasizing the goal of creating “an environment where everyone can feel at home — where calm, design, and a five-star experience coexist.”

He noted that the café within the showroom offers “a wonderful space to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, and meet clients in comfort,” adding that Modora was designed “not as a traditional furniture store, but as a place that expresses emotion, style, and cultural diversity — reflecting the spirit of the UAE and its people.”

His words echoed the essence of Mokha 1450’s philosophy, where craftsmanship, creativity, and sensory experience come together to elevate every space it touches. With its meticulous attention to detail and devotion to innovation, Mokha 1450 continues to transform each location into a destination of refined taste — one that embodies Dubai’s timeless appreciation for excellence and the art of coffee.

From a business perspective, Mohammad A. Baker, Vice Chairman and CEO of GMG, noted that “the launch of Modora marks a major step in GMG’s growth journey, tapping into a home and furniture design market valued at around USD 3.7 million, projected to surpass USD 5.7 million by 2033.”

He added that Modora “strengthens GMG’s presence in the premium furniture segment while supporting local talent, suppliers, and innovation across the retail value chain.”

The UAE’s luxury home and furniture sector continues to expand, driven by booming residential and hospitality markets and a growing interest in sustainable design. Industry data shows that the market reached USD 2.19 billion in 2024, with strong growth expected in the coming years.

Dubai’s real estate momentum underscores this trend — property sales surged 40% in the first half of 2025, reaching AED 326.6 billion compared to AED 233 billion during the same period in 2024. This surge in upscale residential projects is fueling demand for high-end interiors and elegant living concepts.

Developed to meet this rising demand, Modora introduces a design philosophy rooted in craftsmanship and aesthetic distinction, offering collections that span bedrooms, dining rooms, living spaces, tables, rugs, glassware, and accessories — all tailored to contemporary living in the UAE.

The presence of Mokha 1450 within Modora’s refined space is more than a visual complement — it represents a synergy of design and sensory experience, where aroma meets artistry, and where the language of coffee becomes part of Dubai’s ever-evolving narrative of luxury and innovation.

You Can’t Lead a Specialty Coffee Business Without Understanding Coffee

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By: Estella Zuleta Carmona

Owning a specialty coffee shop without understanding coffee is like running a music studio without knowing what sound means. You can have the best equipment, the right people, and all the passion in the world but if you can’t hear when something is out of tune, you’re not leading the craft; you’re just managing noise.

In specialty coffee, leadership begins with understanding. Not just the numbers, not just the concept but the product itself. You don’t have to be the one pulling shots or roasting beans, but you need to recognize what balance in espresso feels like, what defines a clean extraction, and why variables like water, grind, and temperature are not technical details but expressions of consistency and care.

This isn’t about being a technician. It’s about responsibility understanding what your name represents in every cup that leaves your bar. A brand built on aesthetics or social media engagement can survive for a while, but a brand built on understanding lasts. Because when things go wrong and they always do knowledge is what helps you fix, adapt, and grow.

When you understand coffee, even at a foundational operational level, everything changes. Suddenly, conversations with your team become more meaningful. You can communicate in the same sensory and technical language. You can taste and identify what aligns with your concept instead of depending entirely on others to define your standard. You start making better decisions about workflow, equipment, and quality not based on trends or assumptions, but on clarity.

The owner who doesn’t understand coffee ends up chasing opinions changing direction based on whichever consultant or barista shouts the loudest. They spend money reacting to problems they don’t truly comprehend. Meanwhile, the owner who understands the craft builds direction. They don’t need to do everything themselves, but they lead with perspective. They can tell when something is off, and they know how to ask the right questions.

In specialty, knowledge isn’t about control; it’s about clarity. It creates alignment between the vision, the product, and the people behind it. It turns management into mentorship and transforms a business into a craft.

Because at the end of the day, you can’t represent a product you don’t understand. You don’t need to be the expert behind the bar but you do need to know what your bar stands for, and why every decision behind it should honor the coffee, the people, and the purpose that brought it to life.

Scientists Urge People to Stop Pouring Coffee Down Drains

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London – Qahwa World

A recent incident in London, where a woman was fined £150 for pouring coffee down a drain, has sparked public debate about whether such actions could harm the environment. Although the fine was later withdrawn, experts say the issue highlights a larger problem.

Every day, around 98 million cups of coffee are consumed in the UK and 2 billion globally. The remains of those drinks—often poured down sinks or street drains—can accumulate and impact rivers, lakes, and aquatic life.

The Hidden Impact of Coffee Waste

Coffee contains hundreds of chemical compounds, including caffeine, sugars, milk residues, and organic materials. Among these, caffeine poses the greatest concern. It does not easily degrade, is now considered an emerging contaminant, and has been detected in lakes and rivers worldwide since at least 2003.

Even decaffeinated coffee is not harmless. When poured into drains, it lowers the pH of water and releases organic compounds that consume oxygen as they decompose. These effects can promote algal blooms and deprive aquatic life of the oxygen it needs to survive.

Wastewater treatment plants can remove caffeine with efficiencies ranging between 60% and 100%, depending on their design, season, and temperature. However, this means a significant portion can still reach waterways. During heavy rainfall, untreated wastewater may also overflow directly into rivers, further compounding the problem.

One global study found caffeine in over half of 258 rivers across 104 countries, indicating that the issue extends far beyond the UK. Research shows even small concentrations of caffeine can disrupt the metabolism, growth, and movement of aquatic organisms.

What Should (and Shouldn’t) Go Down the Drain

Experts warn that street drains are meant only for rainwater, not for waste liquids. Pouring coffee, oils, detergents, or paints into drains allows these substances to flow straight into rivers and seas.

Similarly, household sinks—connected to the same combined sewage network—should not be used for disposing of liquids like coffee or food-based waste. Besides the environmental risk, coffee grounds can also clog household plumbing.

Sustainable Alternatives for Coffee Waste

Instead of pouring leftover coffee down the drain:

Compost it: Coffee grounds enrich compost and can safely decompose in food waste systems.

Use as plant feed: Diluted coffee water can serve as a mild fertilizer if used sparingly.

Dispose responsibly: Place coffee grounds or small amounts of liquid in household waste bins if composting is not available.

Reduce waste: Brew only as much coffee as you intend to drink.

A Shared Responsibility

Improving river and coastal health requires policy reform and investment, but experts stress that individuals also play a role. Simple actions—like keeping coffee out of drains—can collectively make a measurable difference in protecting ecosystems.

“We are all part of how the water system works,” says Kevin Collins, Senior Lecturer in Environment & Systems at The Open University. “By changing small habits, we can help keep coffee out of our rivers and out of our environment.”

JDE Peet’s Reports Strategic and Operational Progress, Confirms 2025 Outlook

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Amsterdam – Qahwa World

JDE Peet’s N.V. (Euronext: JDEP), the world’s leading pure-play coffee company, announced continued progress in implementing its new brand-led growth strategy and productivity initiatives while reaffirming its 2025 financial outlook.

Strategic and Productivity Initiatives Under Way

On July 1, 2025, JDE Peet’s launched its “Reignite the Amazing” strategy, designed to accelerate brand-led growth and enhance operational efficiency. The company reported solid progress across several fronts:

  • U.S. Integration: The full integration of the U.S. capsules business into Peet’s Coffee was completed following the discontinuation of the L’OR Barista roll-out in the American market.

  • Distribution Transition: Peet’s is transitioning from its Direct Store Delivery (DSD) system to a direct central distribution model in the U.S., expected to be completed by the end of the first half of 2026.

  • Portfolio Optimization: The company exited its low-margin Food Ingredients (B2B) business in Asia.

  • Manufacturing Footprint: Two additional plant closures were announced—one in northeastern Brazil and another in the northeastern United States—as part of an ongoing global optimization program.

  • Brand Rationalization: Fifteen long-tail brands are scheduled for transition within the next six months.

  • Cultural Transformation: JDE Peet’s is reshaping its corporate culture around four newly defined values—Dare to amaze, Own it, Make it simple, and Win together—to foster agility, ownership, and transparency across the organization.

Business Performance Update

The company stated that its overall third-quarter performance was broadly in line with expectations, taking into account anticipated retailer negotiations and customer pre-buying during the first half of the year.

JDE Peet’s reaffirmed its 2025 outlook, citing strong discipline in pricing and cost control that continues to support gross profit and adjusted EBIT. Approximately 96 percent of the second wave of global price negotiations, which began in July, have already been completed.

While green-coffee prices remain significantly elevated and increasingly volatile compared to previous years, JDE Peet’s said it continues to manage these pressures effectively. The company also confirmed the termination of its share-buyback program as of September 1.

Update on Keurig Dr Pepper Transaction

The planned public offer by Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (KDP) for all issued and outstanding shares of JDE Peet’s is progressing as scheduled:

  • The regulatory antitrust filing has been submitted in the U.S.

  • The company has received positive advice from JDE Peet’s Dutch Works Council.

  • The transaction closing remains expected in the first half of 2026, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary pre-offer and closing conditions.

About JDE Peet’s

JDE Peet’s is the world’s largest pure-play coffee company, serving approximately 4,400 cups of coffee per second across more than 100 markets. Guided by its Reignite the Amazing strategy, the company is pursuing brand-led growth through three global power brands—Peet’s, L’OR, and Jacobs—alongside a portfolio of nine local icons.

In 2024, JDE Peet’s generated €8.8 billion in sales and employed more than 21,000 people worldwide.
More information: www.jdepeets.com

Anatoly Gorbunov Reveals to Qahwa World the Story Behind the World’s Most Expensive Cup of Coffee

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Dubai – Ali Alzakary

In September, Dubai witnessed an event that captured the attention of the global coffee community. The café chain Roasters Specialty Coffee House entered the Guinness World Records for setting a new global milestone — the world’s most expensive cup of coffee, priced at USD 680.

Behind this achievement lies not just an expensive beverage but a story of passion, persistence, and a pursuit of perfection. In an exclusive interview with Qahwa World, Anatoly Gorbunov, the General Beverage Director of the group, shared how this record was born.

From an Idea to a Dream

“It all began with our dream to obtain Esmeralda coffee from Panama,” recalls Anatoly. “This variety is considered one of the rarest and most expensive in the world. For several years, we tried to win it at auction, but each time the beans went to other buyers.

In January, our founder and CEO, Konstantin Harbuz, told me, ‘I want us to get this coffee, no matter what it takes. Use all your contacts.’

Anatoly adds, “It took less than a week of calls and searching before I found someone who had a small amount of it. After long negotiations, we bought three kilograms of this rare coffee, despite its high price—we wanted it badly, and we got it.”

A Special Presentation for a Special Coffee

“We introduced this coffee to the menu at one of our central branches on the Boulevard and planned every detail: handcrafted double-glass cups, a special dessert designed to match the coffee’s flavor profile.

Guests cannot order Esmeralda immediately — it must be reserved at least a day in advance. We invite our head roaster, and the preparation takes place right in front of the guest, as an individual, personalized service. Everything is accompanied by a story about the coffee’s origin, its rarity, and what makes it exclusive. It’s a true coffee performance.”

The Road to the Guinness Record

“In April, we started selling Esmeralda. At the end of the month, during one of our meetings, the idea came up: why not make all of Dubai hear about it? That’s when we decided to aim for a Guinness record,” says Gorbunov.

The team contacted the Guinness World Records organization. After verification, it turned out that the existing world record belonged to a coffee priced at only USD 140.
“We realized we had a real chance,” he explains.

To register the record, it was necessary to prove the price and justify it. “You can’t just make a cup of coffee and say it costs a million. We provided all the required proof — purchase receipts, auction results, reports from the point-of-sale system confirming real sales, and statements from independent witnesses.”

A Coincidence That Became Destiny

The record attempt was scheduled for August. It coincided with an important event — the annual Panamanian auction.
“I suggested we wait for the results. And indeed, the Esmeralda farm won in three categories and set a new record — about USD 30,000 per pound. It was perfect confirmation of the coffee’s value. We set the date — September 13.

That day, an official inspector arrived at our café. Everything took place under the supervision of two independent witnesses. Each detail was checked, every receipt confirmed. After the process, the inspector handed us the world record certificate. It was a historic moment for the entire team.”

Dubai on the Coffee Map of the World

“Following the event, we were honored to receive congratulations from Mr. Khalid Al Mulla., Chairman of the Specialty Coffee Association of the UAE,” Anatoly recalls. “He congratulated us and said this achievement was not only for our brand but for all of Dubai. The city officially entered the history of the global coffee industry.”

After that, dozens of media outlets wrote about Roasters Specialty Coffee House, and interest in Esmeralda increased dramatically.
“We were officially allowed to use the Guinness logo for six months — a rare right, since it’s a registered trademark. We placed it on our packaging, displayed certificates in all our branches. The result was enormous: brand awareness grew, guest traffic increased, and Esmeralda sales rose. People came specifically to try ‘the coffee from the Guinness Book.’”

Impact on the Team and the Industry

“For us, it wasn’t just a marketing success,” notes Gorbunov. “It changed the atmosphere inside the company. People felt proud and motivated. We started receiving many applications from those who wanted to train with us. We have a strong training program and our own academy, where baristas receive professional education.

We also organize internal competitions to discover new talents. It motivates the team and strengthens our collective spirit.”

The Pursuit of Perfection Continues

“We are not stopping with Esmeralda. Our menu already includes exclusive varieties — Colombia Wush Wush and Tutti Frutti. We are negotiating with a Japanese company that owns farms in Costa Rica, one of which has received the Cup of Excellence title.

We regularly buy coffee from Yemen and keep track of Jamaica Blue Mountain, one of the rarest coffees in the world — about 95 percent of Jamaica’s harvest goes to Japan. Our goal is to always have this coffee available in our cafés.”

“We also plan to participate in future auctions in Panama and Yemen, as well as those to be held in January during the World of Coffee Dubai exhibition,” he adds.

From Dubai to the World

Today, the network has nine operating branches in Dubai, and the tenth will open at Dubai Hills next week. By the end of the year, Roasters plans to open twelve cafés in total.
“We are preparing to expand into Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, and London, and we see Saudi Arabia as a promising franchise market. We want Roasters to become a symbol of quality, innovation, and passion for coffee at the international level,” concludes Anatoly Gorbunov.

Intense Competition at the 2025 UAE National Cup Tasters Championship

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Abu Dhabi – Qahwa World

The 2025 UAE National Cup Tasters Championship continued for the second consecutive day as part of Global Food Week, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The event brought together 84 experts, including some of the country’s finest baristas, tasters, and coffee professionals representing leading cafés and roasteries across the UAE. The competition witnessed fierce rivalry and sharp fluctuations in contestant rankings based on performance.

Organized by the Specialty Coffee Association of the UAE (SCA UAE), the championship is one of the country’s most prominent coffee competitions, bringing together top professionals and coffee enthusiasts to test their ability to identify flavors and subtle distinctions among different coffee profiles, in line with international standards set by World Coffee Events.

Saeed Al Balushi, Board Member of the Specialty Coffee Association of the UAE, said that the competition is far from easy, noting that participants undergo rigorous sensory tests to evaluate coffee based on flavor, aroma, and consistency, with the goal of determining the most accurate and professional taster.

He added that winning the title is no simple task; even highly skilled participants must demonstrate exceptional professionalism and deep expertise in coffee tasting and sensory analysis. The challenge lies in identifying the best cup among 16 coffees sourced from different countries, with varying roast levels and processing methods — a task that demands extraordinary precision and focus.

Al Balushi emphasized that victory requires not only knowledge and experience but also strong emotional control, heightened sensory awareness, and total concentration, without distractions that could affect performance.

He concluded by confirming that the championship winner, to be announced tomorrow at the closing ceremony, will represent the UAE at the World Cup Tasters Championship, scheduled to take place in Thailand in May 2026.

The Barista League Launches 2026 Season, Redefining Coffee Competitions Worldwide

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Dubai – Qahwa World

The Barista League has announced its groundbreaking 2026 Season, introducing a completely new competition format that reimagines what a coffee championship can be. The new concept, built around three central pillars — Concept, Service, and Product — marks a radical departure from traditional competitions that prioritize technical precision. Instead, it challenges baristas to craft and deliver experiential coffee concepts that merge creativity, storytelling, and service excellence.

According to The Barista League 2026 Rules, baristas are described as “the gatekeepers to the coffee experience.” Their role goes beyond brewing — they are responsible for translating the stories, culture, and craftsmanship behind coffee into memorable experiences for consumers.

A New Era for Coffee Competitions

In the restructured scoring system, Concept and Service together account for 62% of the total score, while Product represents 38%. This shift places greater emphasis on innovation, communication, and guest experience. Competitors will design complete experiential concepts that guide audiences through a sensory journey, using the stage, sound, and lighting of The Barista League to bring their 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 Season is designed to be dynamic and engaging for both in-person and online audiences. Judges and competitors will be mic’d up, performances will be displayed on large screens, and the events will include live commentary, interviews, and real-time scoring. Every event will also be live-streamed and available for replay, making the competition accessible to coffee enthusiasts worldwide.

A Platform for Innovation and Leadership

Staying true to its mission, The Barista League continues to highlight creativity, inclusivity, and leadership within the global coffee community. With minimal barriers to entry, the competition focuses on imagination and collaboration rather than expensive tools or technical 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,” the 2026 rules state.

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.”

Global Tour Across Six Continents

The 2026 season will feature six events spanning six continents, each hosting six barista teams chosen by regional selection committees:

The Barista League — 2026 Locations & Dates
Continent City Date
Europe Prague 28 March 2026
Latin America Mexico City 8 May 2026
Asia Tokyo 11 June 2026
North America Atlanta 3 September 2026
Africa Johannesburg 3 October 2026
Pacific Brisbane 13 November 2026

For more information, visit thebaristaleague.com
.

Jack Simpson Wins 2025 World Barista Championship in Milan

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Milan – Qahwa World

The global coffee community witnessed a new milestone in excellence as Jack Simpson of Australia was crowned the 2025 World Barista Champion at HostMilano in Italy, marking the culmination of five days of intense performances, creativity, and mastery in coffee craftsmanship.

Organized under the World Coffee Championships umbrella, the event celebrated its 25th year by bringing together 51 national champions from across the world, each representing their country’s unique coffee identity and innovation.

After four rigorous rounds — including preliminary, semi-final, and final stages — the judges announced the top six baristas whose artistry and precision stood out on the world stage.

🏆 Final Rankings – World Barista Championship 2025:

Jack Simpson (Australia) – Axil Coffee – 643.0 points

Simon SunLei (China) – Marus Coffee – 628.0 points

Ben Put (Canada) – Monogram Coffee – 592.5 points

Jason Loo (Malaysia) – Contour – 588.5 points

Hiroki Ito (Japan) – Sarutahiko Coffee – 566.0 points

Christopher Sahyoun Hoff (Denmark) – April – 412.0 points

Jack Simpson Crowned 2025 World Barista Champion in Milan

Throughout the competition, baristas showcased not only their technical skills but also their ability to tell stories through coffee — emphasizing sustainability, producer relationships, and sensory innovation. Each espresso served represented years of dedication to quality, community, and the evolving culture of specialty coffee.

Jack Simpson’s victory, representing Axil Coffee Roasters, cements Australia’s legacy as one of the world’s leading specialty coffee nations. His routine impressed judges with a balanced combination of flavor clarity, storytelling, and technical precision.

The 2025 World Barista Championship was powered by the Qualified Sponsors: Espresso Machine Sponsor; Grinder Sponsor Victoria Arduino; and Water Filtration Sponsor BWT water+more — who continue to support excellence and innovation within the barista profession.

As the curtains closed at HostMilano, the WBC reaffirmed its role as the world’s premier stage for barista talent, shaping how coffee is experienced across cultures and continents.

Tokyo to Host World of Coffee 2027 and the World Barista Championship

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Dubai – Qahwa World

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), in collaboration with Exporum Inc. and the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan (SCAJ), has officially announced that Tokyo, Japan will host World of Coffee 2027 and the World Barista Championship (WBC). The announcement was made during the SCAJ 2025 World Specialty Coffee Conference held in Japan.

The official signing ceremony brought together Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association, Danny Shin, CEO of Exporum, and Yoshi Kato, President of the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan. The upcoming event will be the fourth edition of World of Coffee Asia, following successful shows in Busan and Jakarta. It will take place at Tokyo Big Sight from April 28 to May 1, 2027, and will feature the 27th World Barista Championship.

The return of the championship to Japan marks a significant milestone, coming twenty years after Tokyo last hosted the event in 2007. That year, James Hoffmann from the United Kingdom claimed the world title using coffees from Costa Rica and Kenya—an influential performance that transformed how baristas presented coffee origins and storytelling, cementing his place as one of the most respected figures in specialty coffee.

Since then, Tokyo has become a global hub of coffee innovation, precision, and design, with its cafés and roasters recognized for pushing the boundaries of quality and creativity. Japan remains one of the world’s largest coffee markets, known for its dedication to craftsmanship and detail. As the world prepares for World of Coffee Tokyo 2027, the international coffee community once again turns its attention to Japan as a center for inspiration and excellence in specialty coffee.

World of Coffee Tokyo 2027 will welcome exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees from across the global coffee value chain. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch the World Barista Championship live on the World Coffee Championships stage and take part in seminars, workshops, and industry sessions that showcase the latest trends shaping the future of coffee.

Further information regarding registration, exhibition, and event participation will be announced soon through the official channels of the Specialty Coffee Association and the World Coffee Championships.

Registration Opens for Emirati Baristas Brewing Competition 2025 at Sheikh Zayed Festival

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Abu Dhabi – Qahwa World 

The aroma of competition is brewing once again as registration officially opens for the Emirati Baristas Brewing Competition 2025, one of the most anticipated national coffee events of the year. The competition will take place on November 21, 2025, at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi — offering a platform for Emirati baristas to showcase their skills, creativity, and deep passion for coffee.

Organized by Caffeinection, Your Ultimate Coffee Hub (One-Stop-Shop) for beans, tools, equipment, services, coffee consulting, and event management, the competition aims to spotlight local talent and advance the UAE’s thriving specialty coffee community. Caffeinection, the official distributor of MHW-3Bomber, brings together innovation and craftsmanship to elevate the coffee experience in the Emirates.

The event is being held in collaboration with Grateful Café & Roastery, the Abu Dhabi-based specialty coffee destination known for its fresh roasts and its motto, “Serving gratitude in every cup.” Together, the organizers promise an event filled with flavor, creativity, and community spirit.

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Festival, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Date: November 21, 2025

Registration Fee: AED 200

Note: Limited slots available

Taking place within the Sheikh Zayed Festival, one of the UAE’s largest cultural celebrations, the competition will blend the world of coffee with art, culture, and entertainment. Families and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy spectacular shows, international cuisines, exhibitions, fireworks, and attractions — all while witnessing the artistry of Emirati brewers at work.

Registration is now open through Caffeinection’s official website

With this event, Caffeinection and Grateful Café & Roastery reaffirm their commitment to nurturing the Emirati coffee community — a movement that continues to place the UAE among the most dynamic centers of specialty coffee culture in the region.

Old Struggles: Love, Law, Order, and Coffee

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By: Serkan Oral

Today, when brides, grooms, and their families meet to discuss marriage, women add five tablespoons of salt to the guests’ Turkish coffee. The groom drinks it and says it’s delicious, showing respect. Where does this tradition come from? In the past, brides and wives who couldn’t make good coffee were punished. On the other hand, women could divorce husbands who didn’t bring coffee home. What a coffee-based tale of happiness or sadness!

In 16th-century Ottoman society, a woman could divorce her husband if he didn’t provide enough coffee. The quality of the coffee showed his ability to care for his wife. This shows how closely coffee was tied to social status and household duties. A woman would also make coffee for a man to prove she’d be a good wife, making it a key part of the marriage process.
A husband’s failure to provide enough coffee was grounds for divorce. It was a sign of his ability to meet his wife’s needs. In courtship, a woman made coffee for a potential suitor, and the quality of her coffee affected his decision to marry her.

Turkish Coffee: A Story of Mystery, War, Romance, and Empire
Coffee beans came from Yemen to Istanbul, where, in 1555, two traders first sold them in the city’s heart. Turks found they could make a tasty, bitter, dark drink from the fermented coffee berry pulp, which gave energy and reduced hunger. Over time, coffee became available to everyone, not just palace sultans and dervishes.

Courting at Court: Coffee, Royalty, and Romance
Coffee was hugely popular with Turkish sultans in the Ottoman courts. Royal coffee makers, called Kahveci usta, held fancy coffee ceremonies, needing forty assistants to serve coffee properly to the sultans. Both sultans and regular Turkish men were given coffee by potential brides, who were judged as wives based on the quality of their coffee.

Adding some sugar to your marriage never hurt, right? Nowadays, before marriage, men must drink salty coffee made by the bride. Potential brides still had to make coffee for their suitors, but with a twist: sweet coffee meant she liked the match, while bitter coffee showed she wasn’t impressed. Coffee was a big part of Ottoman social and courting rituals. Wealthy families built special rooms just for drinking coffee. Women weren’t allowed to drink it—in fact, a married woman could legally divorce her husband if he didn’t provide her daily coffee quota.

As coffee got more popular, people spent less time praying and more time drinking and chatting. Coffee went from a sacred drink to being seen as trouble. Politically, coffee was viewed as a threat to the Ottoman Empire. Like in Sweden, leaders thought coffee gatherings led people to question the government and cause trouble. In 1656, Ottoman Grand Vizier Koprulu made laws to close coffee houses and ban coffee drinking completely.
Still, Turkish coffee stayed popular in Anatolia and spread to nearby countries.

Coffee: The Spoils of War
The Ottomans brought coffee to Vienna, Austria. Turkish coffee reached Europe by accident during a war. In 1683, when the Turkish army fought the Austrians, they left behind sacks of coffee beans while retreating from Vienna’s gates. The Austrians realized what a treasure they had and created their own coffee style.
Overall, the tradition of coffee continues to grow in our personal and social lives.