DrinkIt’s Mango Foam Lands in Dubai and Summer Has a New Star

Source: DrinkIt Specialty Coffee (press release)
Author: Qahwa World – Dubai
Date: May 25, 2026

DrinkIt’s Mango Foam Lands in Dubai and Summer Has a New Star

Executive Summary

  • DrinkIt launches “Catch The Mango Wave” summer campaign in Dubai for three months starting May 26.
  • The menu features 10 drinks built around a signature mango foam made from a rare varietal from Assam-Myanmar forests.
  • Highlight drinks include Iced Mango Wave Latte, Iced Mango Coast Hojicha, Iced Mango Foam Matcha Latte, and Mango Yuzu Lemonade.
  • Food menu includes Basque cheesecake with mango, plus mango-scented candles and Chako Lab drinkware.
  • The foam has a silky, soft-serve texture that softens espresso, brightens matcha, and adds depth to lemonades.
  • DrinkIt now operates 10 cafes in Dubai with 9 more in development, expanding to Abu Dhabi next.

Mango Foam: The Star of Dubai’s Summer

DrinkIt, the digital-first specialty coffee chain, has unveiled its boldest summer campaign yet: “Catch The Mango Wave.” Running for three months from May 26, the campaign reimagines summer drinks through a unique mango foam made from a rare varietal grown in the tropical forests between Assam and Myanmar.

The foam is cloud-like, golden, and made from mango prized for its juicy golden flesh and a deeply sweet, slightly unexpected flavor. It softens espresso, brightens matcha, and adds depth to lemonades. Every drink can be customized via the DrinkIt app.

The Summer Menu: 10 Signature Drinks

The summer lineup features 10 drinks, each built around the signature mango foam. Highlight drinks include:

  • Iced Mango Wave Latte – Latte topped with creamy mango foam, smooth and softly sweet.
  • Iced Mango Coast Hojicha – Roasted hojicha with nutty caramel notes paired with mango.
  • Iced Mango Foam Matcha Latte – Iced matcha latte topped with airy mango foam.
  • Matcha Mango Latte – Japanese matcha topped with mango foam.
  • Mango Yuzu Lemonade – Matcha lemonade with mango and yuzu, citrusy and lightly sweet.
  • Mango Mood Flat White – Flat white with mango sauce and mango topping.

On the food side, the menu includes a Basque cheesecake with mango, featuring a caramelized crust and creamy texture. Beyond the menu, DrinkIt extends the experience with mango-scented candles and merchandise from Chako Lab, a brand known for stylish everyday drinkware.

Drink Key Ingredients Flavor Profile
Iced Mango Wave Latte Latte + mango foam Smooth, sweet, refreshing
Iced Mango Coast Hojicha Roasted hojicha + mango Nutty, caramel, light sweetness
Iced Mango Foam Matcha Latte Iced matcha + mango foam Smooth, sweet, balanced
Mango Yuzu Lemonade Matcha lemonade + mango + yuzu Citrusy, light sweet, grassy note
Mango Mood Flat White Flat white + mango sauce + topping Bold, smooth, balanced

An Experience Beyond the Cup

The “Catch The Mango Wave” experience extends beyond drinks to visual and sensory elements. DrinkIt has designed its cafe spaces with mango-inspired touches, including mango-shaped mirrors, surfboards, and relaxed seating that capture the energy of urban summer.

The campaign also includes mango-scented candles and a collection of stylish drinkware from Chako Lab. These touches aim to turn a routine coffee run into a memorable social and visual moment.

“Instead of the usual summer cliches of beaches and faraway escapes, we bring summer into the rhythm of the city,” said Diana Al-Zubeidi, CMO of DrinkIt. “Our summer campaign is an invitation to step out of routine, try something new, and surf the moment while it’s here.”

Expansion in Dubai and the UAE

The campaign spans DrinkIt’s growing footprint in the UAE. The chain currently operates 10 cafes in Dubai, including the newly opened Dubai Creek Harbour location, with nine more under development and Abu Dhabi next in line. From business districts to residential neighborhoods, each cafe becomes part of the city’s map.

Founded in 2016, DrinkIt is part of Dodo Brands, a global foodservice group that develops and franchises concepts worldwide. Since joining Dodo Brands in 2020, DrinkIt has grown to more than 200 coffee shops across four countries: the UAE, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia.

In 2025, Dodo Brands reported revenue of more than $1.8 billion, achieving 22% year-on-year growth and operating over 1,600 units across 26 countries. DrinkIt is part of the Dodo Brands portfolio alongside Dodo Pizza, one of the world’s largest pizza franchise networks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When does DrinkIt’s summer campaign start in Dubai?

The campaign starts on May 26, 2026, and runs for three months.

2. What makes the mango foam special?

It is made from a rare mango varietal from the forests between Assam and Myanmar, giving it a golden color, silky soft-serve texture, and a deeply sweet, juicy flavor.

3. How many drinks are on the summer menu?

10 drinks, including iced lattes, hojicha, matcha, lemonade, and flat white variations.

4. Are there any food items in the campaign?

Yes, a Basque cheesecake with mango is available.

5. How many DrinkIt cafes are in Dubai now?

DrinkIt operates 10 cafes in Dubai, with 9 more in development, and plans to expand to Abu Dhabi.

6. What is Dodo Brands?

A global foodservice group operating over 1,600 units in 26 countries, including DrinkIt and Dodo Pizza.

Author: Qahwa World – Dubai  |
Source: DrinkIt Specialty Coffee (press release)  |
Publication date: May 25, 2026

DrinKit Opens Its 10th Branch in Dubai

Dubai – Qahwa World

DrinKit continues to stand out as one of the most inspiring success stories in the coffee sector, advancing its journey as Dubai’s first digital coffee shop concept. The company has announced the opening of its 10th branch in Emaar Creek Harbour, bringing its global network to 182 locations and positioning it among the fastest growing modern coffee chains.

Katerina Borodich, CEO of DrinKit in the UAE and the Middle East, stated that this opening ranks among the brand’s strongest launches to date. The branch began operations without any prior announcement, yet recorded 86 transactions on its first day, an early and positive indicator of strong performance from the outset.

This branch holds particular significance due to its location within a fully integrated residential community in Dubai Creek Harbour. It is also the largest DrinKit location in the UAE in terms of space. The choice reflects a strategic shift toward expansion in residential neighborhoods that rely on daily coffee consumption rather than focusing only on commercial or tourist areas.

Initial indicators point to strong performance in terms of average order value, reinforcing expectations for future growth at this location, which benefits from rising population density and a fast paced urban lifestyle.

This expansion also highlights the acceleration of DrinKit’s strategy in the Middle East, as the company continues its growth phase with plans to open additional branches across Dubai in the near future.

According to internal company data, Drinkit now operates 10 stores in Dubai, including four under the franchise model, reflecting its transition toward a scalable and replicable operating system.

This growth signals a broader shift in the Gulf coffee market, where brands are increasingly targeting residential communities to meet rising daily demand for coffee as part of modern lifestyles.

With 10 branches in Dubai and 182 worldwide, Drinkit continues to strengthen its presence in the UAE market as part of a wider expansion strategy.

Drinkit Expands in Dubai as Network Revenue Jumps 2.5 Times

DUBAI – QAHWA WORLD

Drinkit, the global café chain operating under a digital-first model and founded in 2016 as part of Dodo Brands, is accelerating its expansion in Dubai following strong year-on-year growth across its network.

According to Katerina Borodich, Chief Executive Officer of Drinkit UAE, the brand is set to double its local network this year. Seven franchise partners were signed last year, with new outlets now launching. Among the most anticipated upcoming locations are Dubai Hills and Creek Harbour. Franchise interest is also increasing, reflecting growing investor confidence in the concept.

YOU MAY LIKE: Abu Dhabi Prepares to Welcome “Drinkit” from April

Strong Year-on-Year Growth

In January, network revenue increased 2.5 times compared to the same month last year, while the number of operating locations doubled year-on-year.

Mature stores continue to post solid gains. Marina Gate recorded 60 percent growth, maintaining similar momentum for the third consecutive year. Bay Avenue rose 58 percent compared to January 2025, while EMAAR Square reported 32 percent growth.

Performance varies by micro-location dynamics. Marina Gate and Bay Avenue benefit from additional footfall generated by surrounding residential and retail traffic, while EMAAR Square operates within a business district environment with more structured demand patterns.

You can also read: Drinkit CEO Announces Sub-40 Month Payback Period for Dubai Coffee Shops

Operational Performance

The EMAAR Square location has on occasion reached daily revenue of 10,000 dirhams, with a peak of 374 transactions in a single day. Despite its compact layout, the team continues to optimize operations to handle high customer volumes efficiently.

Unit Economics and Payback Strategy

Drinkit’s first Marina outlet reached monthly revenue of 72,000 US dollars, delivering a 26 percent store-level earnings margin after royalties. A franchise unit launched in October has already become the third highest-performing outlet in the Dubai network, generating 48,800 US dollars in monthly revenue.

As of November, the average retail payback period stood at 40 months, excluding the Mirdif location. Since then, operational refinements have reduced unit costs by 2 percent. Delivery currently represents 13 percent of total network revenue, with further growth potential identified. The target payback period is 30 months.

Preparing for Seasonal Shifts

With Ramadan approaching, typically a challenging period for retail activity, the focus remains on maintaining profitability while scaling operations sustainably.

Drinkit’s recent performance underscores the continued dynamism of Dubai’s specialty coffee market, as international café concepts pursue disciplined expansion strategies supported by franchise partnerships and operational efficiency.

Abu Dhabi Prepares to Welcome “Drinkit” from April

The popular digital café chain announces ambitious expansion plans in the UAE

Abu Dhabi – Qahwa World

Digital café chain Drinkit is set to open its first branch in Abu Dhabi, marking the brand’s entry into the emirate and the next stage of its expansion across the United Arab Emirates. The first café is scheduled to open in April at Al Qana, one of Abu Dhabi’s prominent lifestyle destinations, known for its diverse dining options, informal meeting spaces, and social gatherings. The venue was also awarded the Travelers’ Choice Award for 2025.

After establishing a strong presence in Dubai, Drinkit plans to open at least seven additional branches across the UAE by the end of 2026, bringing the total number of cafés to 15 and doubling its footprint in the local market.

This strategy reflects DrinKit’s goal to offer a high-tech coffee experience to more neighborhoods and make premium coffee accessible to everyone across cities.

The company operates physical cafés that rely on a fully digital model, replacing traditional payment counters with in-store kiosks and a mobile app. Currently, around 90% of orders are completed digitally across all branches, enhancing operational efficiency and providing a consistent experience for customers. This technology-driven model also allows for steady expansion across different markets and locations.

Katerina Borodich, CEO of Drinkit, said: “The UAE has proven to be a strong and thriving market for DrinKit. Our eight branches in Dubai demonstrate the concept’s success in diverse urban environments. We see clear opportunities to continue growing the brand across the country. Our expansion plan through 2026 is carefully considered, focusing on long-term performance and strategic site selection.”

Katerina Borodich, CEO of Drinki

She added: “Our business model has been successfully tested over three years of operations in Dubai. We are proud to say it is a stable model, with an average investment payback period of less than three years depending on location. Interest in DrinKit is growing steadily in business districts, residential areas, and shopping centers, driven by our varied menu, competitive pricing, and easy ordering process.”

  • About Drinkit

Drinkit is a global café chain that follows a digital-first approach. Founded in 2016, it is part of Dodo Brands, a multinational company in the food service sector specializing in developing and franchising quick-service restaurant concepts worldwide.

Since joining Dodo Brands in 2020, Drinkit has expanded to more than 135 cafés across five countries: the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia.

Drinkit is part of Dodo Brands’ portfolio alongside Dodo Pizza, one of the world’s largest pizza franchise networks. In 2025, Dodo Brands reported over $1 billion in revenue, with a 23% year-on-year growth, operating more than 1,500 units in 27 countries.

Drinkit CEO Announces Sub-40 Month Payback Period for Dubai Coffee Shops

DUBAI Qahwa World

Drinkit, the rapidly growing coffee shop chain, has achieved a significant milestone in one of the world’s most competitive F&B environments, announcing an impressive average payback period for its retail network in Dubai.

In a statement released by CEO Katerina Borodich, the company confirmed that five out of six established Drinkit locations in the emirate have demonstrated an average payback period of just 31.6 months (approximately 2.6 years). Including the strategic, high-investment Mirdif flagship—opened intentionally as an image-focused brand strengthener—the overall portfolio average stands at 39 months (3.25 years).

Note: the payback period is calculated based on Store Level EBITDA.

The CEO underscored the achievement’s importance, noting that the results are “not a theoretical benchmark, but backed by real numbers from our own stores.”

The announcement positions Drinkit’s model as resilient and confident within the fiercely contested Dubai market, which hosts nearly every major global coffee chain.

Significant Upside Projected

Despite the strong performance, Borodich emphasized that the company is only beginning to unlock its full commercial potential. Drinkit has recently initiated several major growth levers that are expected to further compress the payback timeline and increase profitability:

  • Menu and Pricing Optimization: Refining product offerings and adjusting pricing strategies across the network.
  • City-wide Marketing Activation: Scaling marketing efforts across Dubai to drive brand awareness and foot traffic.
  • Delivery Scaling: Launching and scaling partnerships with all major aggregators to capture the growing off-premise market share.

“In one of the most competitive F&B markets in the world… Drinkit demonstrates a confident, resilient business model,” Borodich stated. “The upside is significant, and we’re only beginning to execute our full optimization strategy.”

The CEO concluded the announcement by congratulating the Drinkit team and franchise partners, recognizing their role in achieving these results, and extending an invitation to prospective partners for international expansion.

Drinkit Set to Launch in Saudi Arabia with Franchise Model

Duabi – Qahwa World

The popular digital coffee chain “Drinkit” is preparing to enter the Saudi market through a franchise model, as part of an exciting expansion plan to grow its presence in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The goal is to bring Drinkit’s expertly crafted drinks to coffee lovers across the region.

Premium Coffee Experience with Top Quality

Drinkit is dedicated to offering a high-end coffee experience, built on its deep expertise and wide range of products. Beyond specialty coffee, the menu includes a variety of matcha and cocoa drinks, as well as healthy and creative food options. Known for its top-quality products and unique digital service, Drinkit has become one of the fastest-growing coffee chains in the world.

Smart and Easy Ordering

Drinkit stands out with its innovative system, where 90% of orders are placed online through kiosks or a dedicated app. The Drinkit app makes ordering simple, allowing customers to customize their drinks and have them ready in just three minutes. Smart pickup zones with digital screens ensure quick and easy collection, cutting down wait times.

The app also lets customers personalize their drinks, choosing everything from coffee beans to milk type, temperature, and sweetness. It even suggests drinks based on past orders, a feature loved by over 45% of customers, showing how much they value this tailored experience.

Global Growth and Proven Success

Founded in 2016, Drinkit has grown to over 103 locations in countries like the UAE, Russia, Kazakhstan, and the United States after being acquired by Dodo Brands in 2020. The menu boasts over 60 drinks, from specialty coffee to refreshing iced matcha and cocoa, all made with high-quality local ingredients.

Drinkit Set to Launch in Saudi Arabia with Franchise Model

CEO’s Statement

Katrina Bordish, CEO of Drinkit, said: “Entering Saudi Arabia is a big step in our global growth. It shows the rising demand for quick, high-quality coffee. We’re thrilled to bring our drinks and smart technology to Saudi customers, focusing on convenience and excellence.”

She added: “The Saudi coffee market is booming, valued at SAR 5-7 billion in 2024, with over 5% annual growth. Saudis consume more than 80,000 tons of coffee yearly, or about 36 million cups daily, making the Kingdom one of the world’s top coffee markets.”

Vision 2030

Bordish highlighted that cafés make up 16% of Saudi Arabia’s food service market, worth around SAR 17 billion. This growth is backed by government investments of over SAR 1.2 billion under Vision 2030, including plans to plant 5 million coffee trees and increase local production to 10,000 tons by 2030. New factories with a capacity of 27,000 tons are also in the works.

She noted that these efforts show how coffee in Saudi Arabia is evolving from a traditional drink into a thriving industry, attracting investment, creating jobs, and positioning the Kingdom as a key player in the global coffee scene.

Expansion Plans in Saudi Arabia

Bordish shared that Drinkit is in advanced talks with local partners and expects to open its first cafés in Saudi Arabia by late 2025 or early 2026. The plan is to reach 10 locations by the end of 2026.

Rose Domingo Nikki Crowned “Barista of the Year” at Drinkit

Dubai, August 23, 2025 (Qahwa World) – Rose Domingo Nikki has been named Barista of the Year at the Drinkit Barista Championship held in the UAE. The grand finale took place today at the Victoria Arduino Experience Center in Dubai. Wainaiana Sammy secured second place, followed by Ndikum Chefor Skyler in third.

In an exclusive interview with Qahwa World after her win, Rose Domingo Nikki expressed her overwhelming joy, saying: “I never expected to win… My colleagues here performed exceptionally well… Honestly, I was surprised myself… I’m overflowing with emotion at this moment, and I hope this experience propels me toward continued growth.”

This was the inaugural championship, organized in parallel across the UAE, the Russian Federation, and Kazakhstan, under Drinkit’s guiding motto: “We compete not to prove something, but to grow. That is the Drinkit spirit.”

The competition began internally across Drinkit’s seven Dubai branches, with one standout barista from each advancing to the final round, where the top three were decided.

Though initially hesitant to attend, I honored my promise to Albina Khamidullina—and was surprised to find the event far exceeded expectations. It transcended a typical contest; it became a deeply enriching social and communal experience, brimming with warmth and camaraderie unique to Dubai’s Drinkit team.

The atmosphere was charged with mutual support and encouragement. Rather than competing against each other, participants cheered one another on—truly embodying “competing to grow.”

What moved me most was the shared joy—smiles, laughter, and genuine emotion. It felt more like celebrating a collective achievement than a competition. Everyone—staff and participants alike—felt like stakeholders, not just employees. Having covered similar events, it’s rare to witness such authentic, community-driven celebration.

Elena Gess, Head of learning and Development at Drinkit, received heartfelt gratitude. Though the event wasn’t designed for speeches, team members couldn’t help but express their appreciation for her mentorship and unwavering support. Many credited her encouragement—even in small gestures during the competition—for their success.

Despite her modesty, Elena addressed the crowd: “I hadn’t planned to speak. I just wanted to make today memorable for you. This isn’t about me—it’s about you. You inspire me to push myself, to find opportunities for you. What makes me special is you all. This day, this competition, means nothing without you. It’s all thanks to you. Thank you.”

Albina Khamidullina, Head of Marketing also received widespread admiration for leading with professionalism and positivity.

The event was further elevated by the presence of Mikael Jasin, the 2024 World Barista Champion. He lauded Drinkit’s initiative, encouraging the company to sustain such efforts. “It’s wonderful to be here, to witness competition, mutual support—even dancing! This reflects exceptional company culture. Only great organizations allow their people to express themselves fully. You’re not just honoring your craft; you’re building a creative, courageous community. Hats off to you all.”

Federico Ortili, General Manager of Simonelli Group for the Middle East, praised the Experience Center in Dubai as an ideal host venue, commending the positive energy and calling the championship “a unique incentive for shared and sustainable growth.”

Notably, Drinkit recently celebrated the opening of its 100th café across the UAE, Russia, and Kazakhstan—a testament to dedicated teams and loyal clientele.

What began as a digital-first concept is evolving into a global specialty coffee chain. Backed by Dodo Brands, fueled by smart technology and passionate people, Drinkit continues to demonstrate that great coffee and great systems go hand in hand.