Tag: coffee events

12 Baristas Compete in the UAE National Coffee Championship 2026

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Dubai – Qahwa World

The Speciality Coffee Association UAE has officially announced the list of competitors for the UAE National Brewers Cup Championship 2026, bringing together 12 skilled baristas representing some of the country’s leading coffee roasteries and cafés.

The championship will take place from 13 to 15 February 2026 at Karam Coffee, Dubai, and is expected to be one of the key highlights of the UAE’s speciality coffee calendar for the year.

  • Official Competitors and Affiliations

Ibrahim Al Mallouhi – The Espresso Lab

Gypsy Queen Ale – Blacksmith Coffee Company

Bagus Heru Setiawan – Biru Roast

Naser Mohammed Naser – The QC

Isaac Isabirye – Coffee Architecture

Ian Matthew Salabao Cases – Refill Reserve Cafe LLC

M Khadafi Anggara – Cypher Urban Roastery

Adeola Peter Akingbade – Laura Coffee Roastery

Muhammad Windu Alifart – Archers Coffee

Mary Ann Manlangit – Caffeinection

Hartono Kasih – Flava Coffee Co

Jason Rey Enrile Galinea – Ubec Coffee Roasters

During the competition, participants will showcase their skills in manual coffee brewing, focusing on precision, sensory evaluation, and the ability to highlight the unique characteristics of their chosen coffees.

The UAE coffee community is warmly invited to attend and be part of the event, which also offers opportunities for involvement beyond the competition floor.

  • Opportunities to Get Involved

The organizers are welcoming:

Volunteers

Sponsors, with the following packages available:

Gold Sponsor: AED 10,000

Silver Sponsor: AED 7,500

Bronze Sponsor: AED 5,000

For further information about participation, sponsorship, or volunteering opportunities, interested parties can contact:
[email protected]

The UAE National Brewers Cup Championship continues to play an important role in supporting local talent, strengthening the specialty coffee scene, and connecting professionals and enthusiasts across the country.

From Milan to Dubai: World Champion Shares His Expertise in Competition Coffee

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Dubai’s specialty coffee scene witnessed a remarkable moment with an exclusive event titled “What’s Behind a Competition Coffee”, organized by Mokha 1450 Luxury Specialty Coffee in collaboration with Lohas Beans. The event offered an in-depth exploration of the technical and strategic decisions behind competition-grade coffee, bringing together world-class expertise and local enthusiasts.

The highlight of the evening was the presence of Jack Simpson, 2025 World Barista Champion, freshly crowned in Milan, whose appearance drew significant attention from leading baristas, coffee professionals, and aficionados across the region. Simpson was joined by esteemed experts Jhonatan Gasca and Juan Pablo Campos, forming a distinguished panel that guided participants through the subtle complexities of producing world-class competition coffees.

Moving beyond traditional cupping sessions, the event delved into the nuances that make championship coffees exceptional, covering everything from farm-level selection and processing methods to roasting profiles, brewing techniques, and presentation strategies. Attendees had the rare opportunity to taste exclusive limited Papayo lots, demonstrating Mokha 1450’s commitment to quality and innovation.

The program featured three key components: a guided tasting session, a live demonstration of espresso and milk-based beverages by Jack Simpson, and an interactive Q&A session with the panelists, creating a platform for knowledge exchange and dialogue between global champions and the local coffee community.

This event is part of the activities accompanying World of Coffee Dubai 2026, taking place from January 18 to 20, highlighting Dubai’s growing role as a hub for specialty coffee. Under the leadership of Mr. Garfield Kerr, Mokha 1450 continues to advance coffee culture in the UAE by leveraging every opportunity to keep the community informed of the latest developments, while fostering connections between champions, coffee makers, and enthusiasts.

Through initiatives like “What’s Behind a Competition Coffee,” Mokha 1450 strengthens the bridge between global expertise and the local coffee scene, reaffirming its commitment to education, cultural exchange, and the pursuit of excellence in specialty coffee.

DXB LIVE Announces Fifth Edition of World of Coffee Dubai 2026

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Dubai – Qahwa World

DXB LIVE, the integrated event management and experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), has announced the return of World of Coffee Dubai for its fifth edition, taking place from 18 to 20 January 2026 at Za’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5, and 6 at the DWTC.

Organised by DXB LIVE in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), World of Coffee Dubai has rapidly grown to become the leading coffee industry event in the Middle East, bringing together producers, roasters, traders, and experts from across the globe. The 2026 edition builds on this success, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for coffee trade, culture, and innovation.

Since its inception, the exhibition has quadrupled in size, reflecting the region’s expanding coffee landscape. International exhibitors now account for around 77% of total participants, underscoring the global coffee community’s confidence in Dubai as a meeting point for business and innovation.

The event coincides with the strong growth of the UAE’s coffee market, currently valued at over USD 3.2 billion (AED 12 billion) and projected to grow 8.4% annually, reaching USD 4.5 billion (AED 16.5 billion) by 2029. Across the MENA region, the market is expected to exceed USD 11 billion (AED 40 billion) within the same period. This expansion is fueled by rising demand for specialty coffee, shifting consumer preferences, and sustained investment in quality, sustainability, and technology—all of which are reflected in this year’s enhanced edition.

Commenting on the announcement, Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of DXB LIVE, said: “This exhibition embodies the UAE’s vision to be a global hub for specialty coffee, bridging producing regions and fast-growing markets. With participation expanding each year, World of Coffee Dubai has become an international platform uniting leading experts, brands, and innovators—reflecting Dubai’s spirit of innovation and reaffirming its pivotal role in shaping the future of the coffee industry both regionally and globally.”

Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association, added: “World of Coffee Dubai has become one of the key events where the global coffee community comes together under one roof. Each new edition strengthens its position as an exceptional international showcase, thanks to the outstanding calibre of participants who help define the future of specialty coffee.”

Khalid Al Mulla, CEO of the SCA UAE Chapter, emphasized the event’s educational impact: “What distinguishes World of Coffee Dubai is its commitment to learning and knowledge exchange. It’s more than a marketplace—it’s a place where ideas are shared, skills are refined, and partnerships are built, creating a sustainable and thriving ecosystem for the coffee industry.”

The 2026 edition will feature the most diverse and inclusive program to date, including three national coffee championships—the UAE National Barista Championship, UAE National Cup Tasters Championship, and UAE National Roasting Championship—alongside the Best Coffee Design Awards, the Best New Product Competition, and two exclusive coffee auctions featuring some of the world’s rarest beans.

World of Coffee Dubai continues to serve as a global platform celebrating coffee culture, fostering innovation, and connecting tradition with progress. Exhibitors can now secure their spaces, and early-bird tickets for visitors are available through the official website: dubai.worldofcoffee.org

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.

World of Coffee and World Brewers Cup Head to Bogotá, Colombia in 2027

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Dubai – Qahwa World

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has officially announced that World of Coffee Bogotá 2027 will take place in Colombia’s vibrant capital city from September 30 to October 2, 2027, hosting the prestigious World Brewers Cup competition.

The announcement was made during the first round of the 2025 World Barista Championship at HostMilano, where SCA CEO Yannis Apostolopoulos and Federación Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia (FNC) CEO Germán Alberto Bahamón Jaramillo jointly revealed the exciting news.

Strengthening the SCA–FNC Partnership

This milestone event marks a new chapter in the collaboration between the SCA and FNC. Both organizations are joining forces to bring together the world’s top coffee professionals and competitors in one of the globe’s most dynamic coffee-producing nations. Their partnership recently deepened through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on integrating the SCA’s Coffee Value Assessment methodology into the FNC’s national coffee quality processes.

A Return to Latin America’s Coffee Heartland

World of Coffee Bogotá 2027 follows World of Coffee Panama 2026, which will feature the World Barista Championship. Bogotá’s selection continues the SCA’s commitment to hosting world-class coffee events in producing countries, strengthening ties between origin and the global specialty coffee community.

The 2027 edition will also celebrate the return of a World Coffee Championship to Colombia after sixteen years — the last being the 2011 World Barista Championship held in Bogotá. This return underscores Colombia’s enduring importance to the global coffee industry and its role as a leader in quality, innovation, and sustainability.

A Global Gathering for Coffee Professionals

World of Coffee Bogotá 2027 will welcome exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees from every segment of the specialty coffee value chain. Visitors will be able to experience live World Brewers Cup performances, attend professional sessions, and engage with leading experts in coffee innovation and trade.

World of Coffee and World Brewers Cup to Take Place in Bogotá, Colombia in 2027

Additional details regarding exhibitor registration, speaking opportunities, and program highlights will be released in the coming months on the official SCA and World Coffee Championships platforms.

Milan Hosts Specialized Workshops Bridging Coffee and Culinary Art

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Milan – Qahwa World

The global hospitality exhibition Host Milano 2025 is set to welcome leading experts in coffee and gastronomy through two specialized workshops organized by the Italian manufacturer La San Marco, renowned for its coffee machine craftsmanship. These workshops aim to redefine the relationship between coffee and cuisine, highlighting the art of manual espresso extraction as one of Italy’s most refined traditions.

Coffee and Food Pairing

Scheduled for October 17, 20, and 21, 2025, from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m., this immersive workshop, led by Mauro Illiano, takes participants on a sensory journey that goes beyond the cup to explore how coffee can accompany every stage of a meal, much like wine or beer.

The session focuses on the principles of harmony and contrast in flavor pairing and examines how origin, variety, roast, and extraction influence taste and aroma. Participants will also discover how La San Marco, through its advanced La Leva Luxury technology, has redefined espresso as a bridge between global coffee cultures and timeless Italian traditions.

Location: Hall 12 – Booth B48 E55 – Activation Area
Speaker: Mauro Illiano

The Art of Espresso

The second workshop, “The Art of Espresso,” will take place on October 17, 18, 20, and 21, 2025, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., led by expert Andrej Godina. Participants will explore the finesse of manual lever extraction and learn how pressure and temperature control can elevate the sensory balance of sweetness, aroma, and body in each cup.

The session demonstrates how even the smallest adjustments in extraction can transform the espresso experience, highlighting La San Marco Leva as a timeless tool that blends Italian artistry with modern precision—perfect for both professional baristas and passionate home brewers.

Location: Hall 12 – Booth B48 E55 – Activation Area
Speaker: Andrej Godina

These events reinforce Host Milano’s commitment to showcasing innovation in coffee and hospitality, offering visitors a chance to experience a perfect blend of culture, flavor, and Italian creativity.

Registration is available via the official Host Milano website.

Visitor Registration Now Open for World of Coffee Dubai 2026!

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Visitor registration is now officially open for World of Coffee Dubai 2026, the Middle East’s leading event for coffee professionals and enthusiasts!
Secure your ticket today and take advantage of exclusive early bird rates, available for a limited time only. Don’t miss this chance to connect with global coffee leaders, explore the latest innovations, and build valuable connections with top roasters, producers, and industry experts from around the world.

Now celebrating its 5th edition, World of Coffee Dubai has established itself as the premier platform for the specialty coffee community in the Middle East, bringing together producers, manufacturers, retailers, and traders under one roof.

The event is organized by DXB LIVE in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), uniting the vibrant UAE coffee scene with the wider regional and global coffee industry in one dynamic and inspiring setting.

Why Participate?
Whether you’re looking to expand your business, explore emerging trends, or enter the Middle East’s booming coffee market, World of Coffee Dubai 2026 offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and collaboration.

The event will feature:
• A vibrant trade show floor showcasing global coffee innovations.
• The Roaster Village, spotlighting top artisan roasters.
• UAE National Coffee Championships, highlighting the country’s best baristas.
• The SCA Community Lounge, a hub for networking and collaboration.
• The Best New Product Competition & Display, unveiling cutting-edge technologies and products.
• Inspiring lectures and workshops designed to educate, connect, and inspire.

Available Passes
Choose the pass that best fits your visit and enjoy access to the world’s most dynamic coffee event:

Pass Type Access Duration Price (AED) Details Buy
SCA Member (Single Day Pass) 1 Day 90 (Incl. 5% VAT) View Details → Buy Now
Single Day Visitor Pass 1 Day 95 (Incl. 5% VAT) View Details → Buy Now
SCA Member (3 Day Pass) 3 Days 240 (Incl. 5% VAT) View Details → Buy Now
Three-Day Visitor Pass 3 Days 265 (Incl. 5% VAT) View Details → Buy Now

All passes are now available for purchase—book early to secure your spot at the most anticipated coffee event in the region.

Be part of shaping the future of coffee. Register today and join thousands of professionals and enthusiasts who will gather in Dubai to celebrate innovation, culture, and excellence in coffee.

📍 Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre
📅 Dates: 18–20 January 2026

Mexico Prepares Early for World of Coffee Dubai 2026

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Xalapa – Mexico, August 21, 2025 (Qahwa World) – As part of Mexico’s early preparations for World of Coffee Dubai 2026, the Secretariat of Economic and Port Development of the State of Veracruz (SEDECOP), through its Directorate of Foreign Trade and in collaboration with Casa Tostadora Briones, has officially invited Veracruz specialty coffee producers to participate in the global event, scheduled for January 18–20, 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (Za’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5 & 6).

Showcasing Veracruz Coffee in the Middle East

The initiative targets Arabica specialty coffee producers from Veracruz to submit samples that highlight the diversity, quality, and richness of the state’s coffee sector. Each sample will be displayed at Mexico’s pavilion in Dubai with the producer’s name, farm, region of origin, and coffee profile — a recognition of the growers’ work and a step to foster direct trade links.

SEDECOP underlined that the purpose of the participation is to strengthen international trade ties, promote the quality of Veracruz coffee in global markets, and position it as an authentic product with high added value. Casa Tostadora Briones emphasized that this step represents an opportunity to give Mexican coffee “a voice and presence” on the global stage while honoring the work and traditions of Veracruz farmers.

Veracruz: Mexico’s Coffee Heartland

Located on the eastern coast of Mexico along the Gulf of Mexico, Veracruz is one of the country’s oldest and most important agricultural regions. Its capital is Xalapa, and the state enjoys diverse climates — from tropical on the coast to temperate in the highlands — creating ideal conditions for coffee cultivation.
Veracruz is among Mexico’s largest coffee-producing regions, particularly in the central highlands, where high-quality Arabica is grown and internationally recognized. The historic Port of Veracruz also serves as a key export gateway for agricultural products, especially coffee.

Participation Requirements

Interested producers must meet the following:

  • Submit 500 g of green specialty Arabica coffee.

  • Minimum cupping score of 82+ (SCA standards).

  • Provide a technical datasheet in both Spanish and English.

  • Samples accepted from August 2025 until January 5, 2026.

  • Participation is free of charge, sponsored by Casa Tostadora Briones.

Application Process

  1. Complete the official online registration form:
    World of Coffee Dubai 2026 – Application

  2. Submit a valid tax compliance certificate issued within the last 90 days.

  3. Sample shipments will be coordinated through Casa Tostadora Briones.

Eligible participants will be selected based on compliance with requirements and registration deadlines, with chronological order of registration serving as the main selection criterion.

Event Details

  • Event: World of Coffee Dubai 2026

  • Dates: January 18–20, 2026

  • Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre – Za’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5 & 6

Contact Information

  • Directorate of Foreign Trade – SEDECOP
    Boulevard Cristóbal Colón 5, Torre Ánimas, Office 1005, Jardines de las Ánimas, Xalapa, Veracruz.
    Tel: +52 (228) 841-8500 ext. 3615
    Email: [email protected]

Complaints or inquiries can also be directed to SEDECOP’s Internal Control Office at: [email protected].

Nordic Coffee Fest 2026 Opens Call for Industry Stage Speakers

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Göteborg, 12 August 2025- (Qahwa World) – The Nordic Coffee Fest (NCF) 2026 has officially opened applications for speakers to join its Industry Stage, set to be held in Göteborg, Sweden.

This year’s theme, “Facing the Next Five Years,” will focus on exploring the challenges, changes, and opportunities shaping specialty coffee in an increasingly volatile, fast-changing world.

The Industry Stage will provide a platform for thought leaders, innovators, and professionals to address pressing topics such as price volatility, climate change, shifting global demand, tariffs, and evolving market dynamics.

The aim is to create space for open, impactful discussions on what the coffee industry must understand, adapt, and improve to not only survive but thrive in the coming half-decade.

Organisers are inviting applications from individuals working across all sectors of the coffee value chain — from farmers and roasters to café owners, equipment specialists, trainers, content creators, and philanthropic leaders.

Applicants are encouraged to share perspectives that challenge the status quo or highlight important industry shifts.

Interested speakers can apply by completing the official pitch template and submitting it via the application form available on the festival’s website.

Submissions must include:

  • Official lecture title and pitch

  • Short biography

  • Lecture introduction for marketing purposes

  • Estimated lecture duration

  • Two high-resolution promotional photos (landscape and portrait)

Speaking opportunities will be awarded based on relevance to the event’s theme and the value of the proposed contribution.

For inquiries, applicants can contact Anna at [email protected].
The application process closes once the final lineup is confirmed.

About Nordic Coffee Fest
Nordic Coffee Fest is one of the region’s premier specialty coffee events, bringing together professionals, enthusiasts, and innovators to celebrate and advance the coffee industry. The 2026 edition promises an engaging mix of exhibitions, workshops, and thought-provoking discussions.