Tag: RAW Coffee Company

Kim Thompson: Sustainability Rules Must Not Punish the Producers Who Need Market Access Most

Posted on by Qahwa World
Dubai – Ali Azakary | Qahwa World

On May 4, the European Commission published its “simplification” package for the Deforestation Regulation. Some saw it as genuine relief. Others called it cosmetic.

Qahwa World continues its interview series with industry experts. After Dr. Steffen Schwarz from Germany, our second guest is Kim Thompson, Co-Founder of RAW Coffee Company in Dubai. Kim is one of the pioneers of specialty coffee in Dubai, with real contributions to supporting smallholder farmers, especially in several producing and low-income countries.

Here is what she said.

  • What is your overall take on the EU simplification decision? Does it truly reduce the burden, or is it mostly cosmetic?

Kim Thompson: Our overall take is that the simplification helps, but only around the edges. It reduces some paperwork and gives smaller primary operators a more realistic route in, but it does not remove the biggest pressure point: traceability back to farm level.

The EU says the package could reduce annual compliance costs by around 75 percent, but geolocation, legality checks, and responsibility still sit heavily in the supply chain.

Our view is simple: the intention is right, but implementation has to be practical, fair, and producer focused. Traceability is important. Protecting forests is important. But if compliance becomes a paperwork race won only by the biggest players, then the coffee industry has not solved the problem. It has just moved the burden further down the chain.

  • Who benefits the most from this simplification in your opinion?

Kim Thompson: The biggest winners are not necessarily the smaller farmers and cooperative groups who are our direct trade partners. The real advantage goes to larger organizations and companies, and to origins that already have digital traceability systems, mapped farms, organized exporters, and strong documentation.

Low-risk countries get some relief on risk assessment, but they still need geolocation data, so it is not a free pass.

  • Soluble coffee is now fully covered, after being excluded before. How do you see this affecting coffee traders and roasters worldwide?

Kim Thompson: Logically, it makes sense. If green coffee is covered, soluble coffee should not sit outside the system. Otherwise, the industry risks moving deforestation exposure into a different product category rather than solving it.

But this will affect traders, instant coffee manufacturers, private label suppliers, and roasters using soluble ingredients, because they now need the same confidence in origin data and documentation.

  • Is the global coffee supply chain truly ready for the December 30, 2026 deadline? If not, which part of the industry will take the biggest hit?

Kim Thompson: Is the global coffee supply chain ready by December 30, 2026? Honestly, no. Not even close.

Larger companies are much closer. The vulnerable part is the smallholder end: farmers, collectors, cooperatives, and exporters in fragmented supply chains where coffee changes hands many times before export.

These people may be producing responsibly, but if they cannot prove it in the format the EU wants, they risk being excluded. That is the real concern for us: sustainability rules must not end up punishing the very producers who need market access the most.

Qahwa World – Episode Three tomorrow with Burke Campbell from Honduras.

Read the related stories:

Dr. Steffen Schwarz: EUDR Simplification Remains an Administrative Monster

EUDR Simplification: Six Voices from the Coffee Industry Speak

European Commission Simplifies Deforestation Regulation.. What’s New?

RAW Coffee Expands to Dubai Creek with Radisson Blu Partnership

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Dubai’s pioneering specialty coffee roaster, RAW Coffee Company, has announced a new partnership with Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, introducing its signature specialty coffee experience to one of the city’s most historic and culturally rich destinations — the Dubai Creek.

The collaboration brings RAW’s craftsmanship and modern coffee culture to Boulevard Gourmet, the hotel’s ground-floor café, which has been redesigned to reflect RAW’s signature aesthetic and welcoming atmosphere. The refreshed space blends heritage and contemporary design, offering visitors a place where the old spirit of Dubai meets the city’s vibrant modern lifestyle.

Guests can enjoy a full espresso bar, hand-brewed single origins, a cold brew and matcha menu, as well as RAW’s best-selling iced teas, smoothies, and frappes. The food menu, curated by Radisson Blu’s culinary team, complements RAW’s beverage expertise and reflects the hotel’s reputation for quality and hospitality.

Kim Thompson, Founder and Managing Director of RAW Coffee Company, said: “Dubai Creek is where the city’s story began — a place rooted in trade, culture, and connection. Bringing specialty coffee here feels like coming full circle for us as a local brand. We’re excited to serve a community that values authenticity and craft, and to share the RAW experience in one of Dubai’s most historic neighbourhoods.”

Lahcen Saadaoui, Hotel Manager at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, added: “Partnering with RAW Coffee Company allows us to offer guests and visitors something truly special — exceptional coffee in a setting that celebrates the spirit of old Dubai. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to quality, creativity, and delivering experiences that bring people together.”

With both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the Creek, the café provides a tranquil space to relax while taking in views of Dubai’s maritime heritage. The partnership embodies a harmony of tradition and innovation — creating an authentic Dubai experience for residents and visitors alike.

About RAW Coffee Company
Founded in 2007 by Kim Thompson and Matt Toogood, RAW Coffee Company is Dubai’s first homegrown specialty coffee roastery, known for its ethical sourcing, sustainable practices, and premium roasting standards. With nearly two decades of leadership in the Middle East’s specialty coffee movement, RAW continues to champion fair trade principles and quality across every step of the coffee journey.

RAW’s portfolio includes:

RAW Coffee Company – the flagship roastery and café.

ReadyRAW – premium ready-to-drink cold brews.

Fundamental by RAW – micro-lot and limited-edition coffees.

Rocket Fuel – high-energy specialty coffee blends.

RAW was named BBC Good Food’s Homegrown Roastery UAE Winner 2022 and recognized by Dubai Economy & Tourism for its contributions to the local F&B industry.

 

RAW Coffee Brings Its Signature Brews to Dubai Creek

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Specialty coffee pioneer RAW Coffee Company has officially arrived at Dubai Creek, partnering with Boulevard Gourmet at the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek for a six-month café takeover that promises to blend Old Dubai’s charm with contemporary coffee craftsmanship.

The pop-up marks a new chapter for RAW, giving visitors a chance to enjoy its signature espresso blends and explore unique single origins such as Ethiopian Guji and Mexican Mazateca. For adventurous palates, the highlight of the menu is the Noir Elixir — a bold cold brew creation with layers of blackcurrant, golden honey, and tonic, crafted to balance sweetness, acidity, and a dark fruit-forward profile.

Paired with Boulevard Gourmet’s selection of handmade pastries, sandwiches, and cakes, the collaboration offers a multisensory experience that celebrates both artisanal coffee and artisanal baking.

The café’s Creekside setting provides a vibrant, sunlit backdrop where guests can sip, unwind, and rediscover RAW’s signature coffee philosophy — bringing exceptional taste to one of Dubai’s most historic districts.

Kim Thompson Reveals to Qahwa World the Vision Behind RAW’s New Barista Training Centre

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Ali Al Zakary

Dubai marked a new milestone in its speciality coffee journey on September 25, 2025, when RAW Coffee Company, in collaboration with MILKLAB, inaugurated the RAW × MILKLAB Barista Training Centre at its roastery and café in Al Quoz. Described as the first of its kind in the UAE, the initiative brought together RAW’s deep-rooted expertise in specialty coffee with MILKLAB’s innovative portfolio of barista-grade plant-based milks.

The centre aims to raise barista skills, respond to the growing demand for plant-based alternatives, and strengthen ties within the local and regional coffee community. Yet beyond the launch itself lies a wider story—one of vision, change, and the future of coffee education.

In an exclusive conversation with Qahwa World, Kim Thompson, Co-Founder and Director of Culture & Brand at RAW Coffee Company, explained the motivations behind the project. “There’s nothing more certain than change and our industry is experiencing plenty of it. The way people consume coffee is evolving, with new trends in flavor preference, preparation, and lifestyle. We felt it was the right time to re-examine how customers enjoy their coffee and to help the next generation of baristas adapt and excel. At RAW, we’re passionate about supporting this evolution through education. We were impressed by MilkLab’s commitment to quality and sustainability, particularly in how their range of plant-based milks is developed in collaboration with baristas and produced using responsible farming practices. Their products align perfectly with our values and the standards we uphold in specialty coffee.”

For Thompson, the collaboration with MILKLAB was not a coincidence but the result of shared values. “We love meaningful collaborations especially those rooted in shared values of quality and authenticity. Murad Janakat from JAR Premium Foods introduced us to the MilkLab range, and we were immediately impressed by both the taste and texture of their milks and their versatility across our coffee menu. What makes this partnership unique is that it brings together two brands that genuinely care about improving the barista and customer experience—MilkLab through innovation in product, and RAW through education, quality, and community. Together, we’re bridging the gap between product and practice.”

Kim Thompson

The new training centre, she emphasized, was created with one core goal: to raise quality standards across the industry by empowering baristas. “We believe that every coffee served should represent the care, knowledge, and passion behind it. By equipping baristas with a deeper understanding of the ingredients they use daily, we’re supporting both consistency and creativity in cafés throughout the region.”

Importantly, the programs are not reserved solely for industry professionals. Thompson stressed that the centre was designed to cater to a wide audience. “The training programs will cater to a broad audience, from professionals working in busy cafés to individuals passionate about improving their home coffee skills. Sessions will be practical, hands-on, and tailored to real-life scenarios in the café environment. Each course explores the science and art behind milk texturing, highlighting how different fat and protein levels influence performance and flavor. It’s about creating confidence, whether you’re a barista steaming milk for 200 coffees a day or a coffee lover perfecting your morning ritual.”

As Dubai’s coffee scene grows increasingly vibrant and competitive, Thompson sees consistency and education as the biggest challenges. “Dubai’s coffee scene is vibrant, diverse, and increasingly sophisticated. But as the market expands, consistency and education remain key challenges. RAW has always believed that real progress comes from collaboration and knowledge-sharing rather than competition. This new centre extends our long-standing training program, which already includes SCA-certified courses in barista skills, brewing, and sensory development. By adding a dedicated plant-based milk training series, we’re providing operators and baristas with an additional layer of expertise that will translate directly to better customer experiences.”

Choosing plant-based milk as a central theme, she explained, was not just a trend but a reflection of consumer behavior. “Consumer behavior has shifted dramatically. We’ve seen a growing movement toward plant-based choices and a preference for cold, convenient, and on-the-go beverages. Our aim is to help baristas stay ahead of these trends and serve these drinks with the same care and consistency as dairy-based beverages. Each MilkLab milk has its own characteristics, from almond to oat to coconut, and learning how to bring out the best in each creates a more balanced, enjoyable cup. It’s about understanding the ingredient, respecting it, and ensuring the final experience in the cup is exceptional.”

In closing, Thompson highlighted that empowering baristas is the most effective way to elevate consumer awareness and appreciation of specialty coffee. “Empowering baristas is one of the most powerful ways to elevate consumer understanding. When baristas are confident, knowledgeable, and passionate, that energy translates to the customer, through every interaction and every cup. Education creates connection. And connection builds loyalty. By investing in the skills of the people behind the bar, we’re not only improving quality standards but also deepening the relationship between consumers and specialty coffee itself.”

With this vision, the RAW × MILKLAB Barista Training Centre emerges not just as an educational facility but as a shared space for practice, dialogue, and community. And as Kim Thompson underscored in her conversation with Qahwa World, it is also a sign of Dubai’s growing role as a global hub where innovation, sustainability, and specialty coffee culture intersect.

CHARTING THE FUTURE OF SPECIALTY COFFEE IN MENA

Posted on by Qahwa World

By: Kim Thompson , Co-founder of “RAW Coffee Company

The global coffee industry is in a period of rapid flux. Record-breaking auction prices, unprecedented mergers, volatile commodity markets, and mounting climate pressures are reshaping how coffee is grown, traded, and consumed. Against this backdrop, RAW Coffee Company is setting a clear course: to lead with integrity, strengthen our role as a trusted voice in the MENA region, and focus relentlessly on creating real value at origin.

Dubai recently made headlines with a newly opened coffee business, buying a world-record-breaking Panama Geisha lot for AED 2,218,785 ($604,080) at the 2025 Best of Panama Auction. This 98-point washed Geisha is now the highest-scoring and most expensive coffee in history, an extraordinary symbol of both the passion, volatility, and marketing spend, in our sector.

At the same time, consolidation is accelerating. Keurig Dr Pepper’s planned $18 billion merger with JDE Peet’s will create a new global giant. Coca-Cola’s $1.5 billion acquisition of Costa Coffee in 2018 gave it a ready-to-drink platform, while JAB Holding continues to expand its vast portfolio. Equipment leaders, too, are changing hands, De’Longhi’s 2023 purchase of 41% of La Marzocco and its acquisition of Eversys show how deeply coffee has become embedded in corporate strategy.

Meanwhile, climate change is placing unprecedented stress on producers. Extreme weather in Brazil and Vietnam, supply shortages, tariffs, and speculative trading are pushing prices upward and amplifying volatility. This is the new reality our industry must face.

As global forces reshape coffee, there is growing debate about the role of institutions like the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). While the SCA has historically provided technical standards and a shared framework, the concern is that prioritizing organizational profit over producer benefit risks homogenizing coffee, reducing innovation, and diluting the very authenticity that defines specialty.

RAW Coffee Company believes our future cannot rest on certifications or corporate consolidation alone. Instead, our focus is on producers, the people whose creativity, resilience, and craftsmanship give specialty coffee its soul.

Our commitment is to go beyond sourcing. We aim to actively strengthen producers’ ability to thrive, compete, and innovate on their own terms.

  1. Foster True Direct Trade Relationships
  • Cut out intermediaries so farmers retain more of the final sales value.
  • Build trust and transparency through direct communication and fair pricing.
  1. Empower Producers with Resources and Capital
  • Invest in quality improvements, from processing to soil health, including knowledge-sharing on biochar and agronomy.
  • Support producers in developing their own roasting and direct selling businesses at origin.
  1. Facilitate Access to Tools and Services
  • Improve access to essentials like exporting licenses, international payments, and digital platforms.
  • Provide education on market trends, consumer expectations, and storytelling to strengthen their positioning.
  1. Encourage Local Value Addition
  • Champion origin-based roasteries and cafés so more value stays in producing countries.
  • Advocate for barista trainings in origin countries, developing a strong foundation for advancing coffee culture.
  1. Focus on Quality and Differentiation
  • Shift the mindset from scarcity to creativity, intention, and resourcefulness.
  • Guide producers to define their unique qualities rather than replicate trends.

As the pioneer of specialty coffee in Dubai for nearly two decades, RAW is uniquely positioned to shape the next chapter of coffee in the MENA region. Our responsibility is to amplify producer voices, maintain transparency in an era of volatility, and ensure that the values of authenticity, equity, and quality remain at the heart of our industry.

The future of coffee will not be written by corporate mergers, record-breaking auction prices or new assessment forms that do not improve outcomes for producers. It will be defined by the relationships we choose to nurture, the creativity we empower at origin, and the trust we build across the value chain. At RAW, that is where our focus will remain.