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.
