Tag: Microlots

Colombian Specialty Coffee Enters a New Phase of Expansion in the Middle East

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Over the past decade, specialty Colombian coffee in the Middle East has largely been defined by small, limited harvests known as microlots. Celebrated for their unique flavors and seasonal character, these microlots helped elevate café culture, introduce consumers to Colombian coffee, and establish the region as one of the fastest-growing specialty coffee markets in the world.

As the market has matured, a major challenge has emerged: consistency. By nature, microlots are small and variable. While they offer distinct sensory experiences, they also create operational challenges. Café owners must continually retrain baristas as flavors change, roasters struggle to maintain consistent roast profiles, and consumers often encounter variability from cup to cup.

With specialty coffee consumption in the Middle East growing at an estimated 8–10% annually, inconsistency has become a barrier to sustainable growth. The market is no longer niche—it now demands scale, reliability, and consistent experiences alongside compelling origin stories.

  • A New Trade Model

Dubai-based Aveem Corporation is introducing a new model by allocating large volumes of Colombian specialty coffee in standardized, repeatable flavor profiles. This approach bridges the gap between microlot exclusivity and market-wide consistency. Two carefully selected profiles are included:

Ecotopo Cusillo – 85 SCA

Regional Nariño – 84.25 SCA

These coffees retain their specialty credentials while offering predictable sensory profiles. Baristas can work with consistent extraction parameters, roasters can maintain stable roast curves, and cafés can deliver a reliable experience to their customers.

  • Market Implications

Importers: Reduced sourcing volatility and improved supply-chain planning.

Roasters: Consistent brand expression across locations and countries.

Cafés: Lower training costs while maintaining high-quality offerings.

Consumers: Reliable, high-quality coffee without compromise.

Data shows that over 60% of specialty coffee consumers value consistency once they find a preferred flavor profile. By transitioning Colombian specialty coffee from fragmented microlots to structured, scalable allocations, Aveem strengthens the entire ecosystem. The move represents a shift from scarcity and experimentation to sustainability and scale in the Middle East’s specialty coffee market.

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 to Host Three Live Coffee Auctions at the Dubai Coffee Auction by DMCC

Posted on by Qahwa World

Strengthening Dubai’s Position as a Global Coffee Hub Connecting Origin Markets with International Buyers

Dubai – Qahwa World

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 continues to reinforce its standing as a premier global trade platform for coffee professionals and enthusiasts. The fifth edition, taking place from 18–20 January at Dubai World Trade Centre, will feature three auctions under the Dubai Coffee Auction by DMCC banner. This follows the tremendous success of the 2025 auction, where bidding for select micro-lots exceeded USD 10,000 per kilogram, marking one of the highest figures globally.

This expanded auction programme will bring together some of the world’s finest coffees from leading farms and up-and-coming producers plus limited edition coffee equipment, further underscoring Dubai’s role as a gateway connecting origin markets with global consumers.

Organised in partnership with DMCC and DXB LIVE, the experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre, and coordinated with M-Cultivo, the global platform for premium coffee auctions, the three auctions introduce an elevated level of transparency, innovation, and market access for producers and buyers alike.

The trilateral collaboration continues to reshape the global auction model through a fully digital ecosystem that enhances market efficiency and expands international trading opportunities for premium coffee. Buyers can join remotely with full access to verified, detailed data for every lot on auction, enabled by advanced technology that ensures transparency and traceability. This unique model highlights Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, organisational excellence, and digital innovation that are redefining the future of coffee auctions worldwide.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said: “Last year’s inaugural Dubai Coffee Auction set a new benchmark for the industry, with micro-lots exceeding USD 10,000 per kilogram and setting record prices on the global stage. As the UAE’s coffee market, currently valued at over USD 3.5 billion and projected to reach USD 4.5 billion by 2029, continues its rapid expansion, we are building on that momentum with an expanded programme for 2026 that will showcase more producers, varieties and limited edition equipment to a truly international audience. Through the DMCC Coffee Centre and our strategic partnership with World of Coffee Dubai, we are creating a fully integrated platform that connects producers, traders, investors and markets via a digital ecosystem that enhances price discovery, broadens market access and strengthens trust across the value chain – ultimately reinforcing Dubai’s position as one of the most important global hubs for specialty coffee trade.”

Khalid Al Hammadi, Senior Vice President, DXB LIVE, added: “The auctions reflect Dubai’s growing status as a global centre for the coffee industry in the region. Expanding the auction programme underscores the event’s success in attracting leading brands and international platforms to the emirate. At DXB LIVE, we remain committed to delivering exceptional experiences that fuel this vital sector and contribute to the growth of the global coffee ecosystem from Dubai.”

Three Signature Auctions

Day 1: Dubai Coffee Equipment Auction
The event opens with an auction of limited edition coffee equipment, not available for sale elsewhere. Trade buyers and consumers alike will be tempted by the exclusive lots, highlighting global coffee craftsmanship and equipment innovation.

Day 2: Microlot Coffee Auction
This specialised auction features top-graded specialty microlots sourced from leading farms from countries including Panama, Colombia, Ethiopia, Yemen and Taiwan. Buyers can participate in cupping sessions to evaluate rare lots prior to live bidding, an immersive experience that showcases exceptional precision and craftsmanship while connecting producers with international buyers seeking the world’s finest coffees.

Day 3: Exhibitors’ Coffee Auction
Roasters and producers participating in World of Coffee Dubai will present their signature selections before a global audience of experts and buyers. With tasting and evaluation sessions preceding the live auction, exhibitors gain opportunities to expand their international footprint, forge long-term partnerships, and highlight innovation in roasting and coffee trading.

Coffee Market Growth
The auction programme arrives at a time of strong and sustained growth in the coffee industry. The UAE coffee market is valued at over USD 3.2 billion (AED 12 billion) and is expected to reach USD 4.5 billion (AED 16.5 billion) by 2029. The regional coffee market is projected to surpass USD 22 billion over the next decade, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4–5%.

Dubai has solidified its role as a global re-export hub with coffee re-exports exceeding AED 3.5 billion, driven by rising demand for specialty coffee, a flourishing café culture hosting more than 11,000 well-known brands, and a young consumer base prioritising quality and craftsmanship.

Reinforcing Dubai’s Global Coffee Leadership
The three auctions highlight the pivotal role of World of Coffee Dubai in strengthening the emirate’s global leadership in specialty coffee trade and innovation. Through its diverse programme, the event brings together all players across the value chain, from farmers and producers to roasters, importers, traders, retailers, equipment manufacturers, and industry experts.

Applications are now open for exhibitors wishing to submit coffee equipment or premium coffee lots for the 2026 auctions. All submissions will undergo strict evaluation criteria covering innovation, traceability, and cupping scores. Approved lots will be showcased live during the event and promoted globally by DMCC and M-Cultivo, enhancing visibility across the international buyer network.

Buyers must complete advance registration to participate in the auctions onsite or remotely.

For more information or to register, please visit: dubaicoffeeauction.mcultivo.com

What’s New in the Dubai Coffee Auction 2026

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

The Dubai Coffee Auction returns this year as part of World of Coffee Dubai 2026, promising a bigger and more exciting experience than ever. The three-day event, taking place from 18 to 20 January 2026, offers roasters, café owners, and coffee enthusiasts the opportunity to explore and purchase some of the world’s finest coffees and innovative equipment.

Auction Event Schedule:

18 January – Coffee Equipment Showcase: Exhibitors will present a curated auction of specialized, high-end, and custom coffee equipment, providing attendees with an exclusive chance to explore the tools shaping modern coffee craftsmanship.

19 January – Premium Coffee Auction: Participants can bid on rare and specialty coffee lots, both in person and online through cupping bidding sessions, offering a more interactive experience for buyers worldwide.

20 January – Green Coffee Auction: A curated selection of pre-screened, top-tier green coffees will be showcased to buyers through in-person cupping sessions, emphasizing quality and exclusivity.

Organisers confirmed that this year’s auction introduces new experiences designed to connect buyers with rare microlots, specialty coffee, and advanced equipment, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for coffee lovers and the coffee industry.

The auction first launched last year during World of Coffee Dubai 2025, marking the region’s first-ever rare coffee auction, featuring around 20 collections of specialty and rare coffee beans.

The auction is the result of a strategic partnership between World of Coffee and the Coffee Centre of DMCC, aiming to strengthen Dubai’s role as a global coffee hub. Attendees can participate in person, while remote participants can join through a sophisticated digital platform.

In its inaugural edition, the Dubai Coffee Auction achieved record prices, with 16 collections of some of the rarest and finest beans offered by 11 producers from nine countries, including 11 collections of Geisha coffee, covering six different varieties, making the auction a global showcase of the world’s top coffee producers.

The highest-priced coffee in the auction was natural Geisha from the “Finca Sofia” farm in Panama, sold at $10,020 per kilogram, while another variety from the same farm reached $8,614 per kilogram, and a selection from “Finca La Mula” sold for $2,620 per kilogram. Meanwhile, Oma Natural coffee from Ethiopia reached $1,100 per kilogram, setting a new record for Ethiopian coffee.

The “Kona SL 34” variety from Hawaii also achieved a new U.S. coffee record at $950 per kilogram, an eightfold increase over the previous highest price paid for Kona coffee.

Geisha coffee is considered one of the rarest and most expensive coffees globally, known for its unique floral and citrus notes such as jasmine, and a smooth texture. Its origins trace back to Ethiopia, specifically the village of Geisha, and it was transplanted to Panama in the 1960s, where it thrives in high-altitude farms.

Additionally, “La Yama” from producer “Los Rodriguez” became the most expensive Bolivian coffee ever sold, fetching $350 per kilogram.

Specialty coffee, in general, is classified as coffee scoring 80 points or higher on a 100-point scale used in the Specialty Coffee Association’s cupping form. All lots presented in the auction scored 92 points or higher, reflecting their high quality.

Auction prices are driven by three main factors: superior quality, which typically scores above 90 points in cupping tests; rarity, as limited production increases demand; and the producer’s reputation and story, which add value and attract buyers seeking consistency and excellence.