Tag: Specialty Coffee

Barista Terminology | Episode 17: Understanding Customer Preferences & Making Recommendations

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Qahwa World continues its “Barista Terminology” series, reaching the seventeenth episode of this educational journey dedicated to enhancing baristas’ professional and cultural knowledge. In this episode, we explore and analyze a key aspect of the barista’s role: understanding customers and guiding them toward the right coffee choice.

A skilled barista does more than prepare excellent coffee — they also act as a guide who helps customers find a drink that suits their taste. Understanding preferences and offering thoughtful recommendations can turn occasional visitors into loyal regulars.

Today, we highlight 8 essential duties every barista should master and consistently apply:

1. Ask the Right Questions

Start with simple, open-ended questions such as:
• “Do you prefer a light or strong drink?”
• “Do you enjoy sweeter flavors or stronger ones?”
• “Do you usually take your coffee with milk?”

2. Understand Flavor Profiles

Match drinks to taste preferences:
• Fruity & light → Drip-brew coffees from African origins
• Bold & rich → Espresso-based drinks or darker roasts
• Creamy & sweet → Milk-based drinks like flat white or latte

3. Recommend Based on Time & Mood

• Morning: Balanced and energizing drinks such as cappuccino or filtered coffee
• Afternoon: Cold and refreshing choices like iced coffee or cold brew
• Evening: Decaf or low-acidity options

4. Offer Customization Options

Explain available adjustments:
• Milk types: cow’s milk, oat, soy, almond
• Sweetness levels: none, light, regular
• Temperature: extra hot, warm
• Strength: single or double shot, ristretto, lungo

5. Share Light Information

When the customer is curious, offer brief and helpful insights:
• “This coffee is from Yemen and has grape-like acidity.”
• “We use a slow brewing method to enhance clarity.”

6. Respect Individual Taste

There is no “wrong” taste in coffee. A professional barista respects personal preferences and avoids judging sweetened or flavored choices.

7. Recommend Signature Drinks

If the café has a special drink, highlight it with confidence:
• “We have a honey-cinnamon latte that is one of our most popular drinks.”

8. Remember Regular Customers

When a customer returns, try to recall their previous order. This adds a personal touch and strengthens customer loyalty.

Related Stories:

 

Barista Terminology | Episode 16: Common Coffee Brewing Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Barista Terminology | Episode 14: Coffee Origins and Their Flavour Profiles

Barista Terminology | Episode 13: Espresso Machine Components Explained

Barista Terminology | Episode 12: Brewing Equipment Maintenance & Hygiene

Barista Terminology | Episode 11: Milk-Based Coffee Drinks

Barista Terminology | Episode 10: Advanced Concepts

Barista Terminology | Episode 9: Sensory Evaluation

Barista Terminology | Episode 8: Customer Service Language in the Café

Barista Terminology | Episode 7: Water & Temperature Control

Barista Terminology | Episode 6: Grind & Extraction Variables

Barista Terminology | Episode 5: Milk Texturing & Latte Art

Barista Terminology | Episode 4: Brew Methods Explained

Barista Terminology | Episode 1: The Coffee Bean – From Seed to Roast

Barista Terminology | Episode 2: Barista Tools & Equipment

Barista Terminology | Episode 3: Espresso Basics

Panama Seeks Global Trademark for “Panama Geisha” as Record Auction Prices Spark New Push for Protection

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Panama’s Specialty Coffee Association (SCAP) is taking formal steps to secure global branding and trademark rights for “Panama Geisha” following another historic year at the Best of Panama (BoP) auction. The move comes as gesha coffees continue to dominate both the quality rankings and international market prices.

At the August 2025 BoP auction, a washed Gesha coffee from Hacienda La Esmeralda in Boquete, Panama, set a new record at $30,204 per kilogram. The 20-kilogram lot, scoring 98.00 points from 22 international cupping judges, was purchased by Julith Coffee & Roastery in Dubai for a total of $604,080. Overall, the auctioned lots generated approximately $2.8 million, more than double the previous year’s total.

Out of 50 lots, 40 were gesha, reflecting the global demand for this premium variety. Although gesha originates from Ethiopia, the Panamanian cultivar has evolved into a distinct genetic line, renowned for its delicate floral aroma and complex cup profile.

Trademark Efforts

SCAP has accelerated its long-running effort to protect “Panama Geisha.” In September 2025, the association filed trademark applications for a figurative logo in the United States and United Kingdom, following earlier approvals in the European Union and Japan in 2022. Some Panamanian producers have already integrated the logo into packaging and trade show displays.

SCAP president Richardo Koyner states that the trademark will protect the authenticity and origin-linked value of Panamanian gesha, cultivated under unique conditions of volcanic soil, high altitude, diverse microclimates, and artisanal expertise.

Historical Auction Price Highlights

The rise in gesha’s market value is illustrated by previous auctions:

2017: top lot sold for $601/lb; total auction revenue $368,711.

2024: top lot sold for $4,542/lb; total revenue $1.38 million.

2025: top lot sold for $30,204/kg (20 kg, total $604,080) at the Best of Panama electronic auction.

The rapid growth in prices has also attracted counterfeit coffees, a challenge similar to Hawaii Kona or Jamaica Blue Mountain. Trademarking “Panama Geisha” is intended to counter misuse and preserve the integrity of the brand.

Trademark vs. Geographical Indication

SCAP is pursuing a stylized logo, not the term alone. Legal experts note that protecting a figurative mark is often more feasible than a geographic or descriptive term.

Other countries have used geographical indications (GI) for origin protection. For example, Colombia’s “Café de Colombia” and Mexico’s “Café Veracruz” and “Café Chiapas” are legally protected. Panamanian gesha qualifies for GI due to its unique qualities linked to local terroir and genetic distinctiveness, as confirmed by World Coffee Research.

However, SCAP chose the trademark approach because it is simpler, faster to enforce, and easier to license. Membership in SCAP, which currently exceeds 89 members, is required to use the trademark, even though Panama has over 8,200 coffee producers nationwide. Critics argue that broader protections like a GI could benefit all producers cultivating gesha.

Looking Ahead

While U.S. and U.K. trademark approvals are still pending, branding efforts are already enhancing the global prestige of Panama’s gesha. Combined with rising demand and auction performance, “Panama Geisha” is likely to remain one of the world’s most celebrated and high-value coffees for years to come.

Global Coffee Giants Face Slower Growth and Rising Costs

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Leading coffee companies are encountering a slowdown in consumer demand. Poor harvests, trade tariffs, and rising costs have weakened coffee consumption in Western markets, slowing sales growth and putting pressure on company valuations in the $400 billion industry. Expansion into emerging markets like China is seen as the next step, but it will likely be a costly and complex effort.

The modern coffee surge began in the late 1990s, peaking just before the pandemic. Major chains like Starbucks spread rapidly through Western cities, followed by the emergence of numerous specialty coffee shops. Companies such as Nestlé expanded their coffee lines to capitalize on growing demand for a high-margin beverage.

In 2018, Nestlé acquired the rights to sell Starbucks-branded products outside the U.S. for $7 billion. That same year, JAB, owner of JDE Peets, invested $2 billion to acquire a controlling stake in Pret A Manger. Coca-Cola also purchased Costa for $5 billion, describing the chain as a platform to broaden coffee sales from supermarkets to automated vending.

Yet, recent years have seen challenges mount. Coffee prices have surged, making popular drinks like cappuccinos and lattes more expensive for consumers, particularly in inflation-affected regions. In the U.S., ground coffee reached a record $9 per pound, double the price from 2021, and coffee prices increased 9% in the past year, well above overall inflation.

Future production faces risks from extreme weather events—droughts, floods, and frost—in key coffee-growing countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Rising labor costs and other operational expenses now make up roughly 90% of the cost of a cup of coffee. Tariffs on countries producing coffee pods, including Switzerland and Brazil, further strain margins, though recent U.S. agreements with Argentina, Ecuador, Guatemala, and El Salvador may ease some pressures.

The sector is seeing major shifts. Starbucks, valued at $100 billion, has faced profit warnings and is closing about 1% of its stores under CEO Brian Niccol. Keurig Dr Pepper’s $18 billion purchase of JDE Peets is designed to separate higher-margin beverage sales from lower-margin coffee operations. Pret A Manger also recorded a significant write-down, and Coca-Cola has considered divesting Costa due to underperformance.

Nestlé, whose at-home coffee products tend to be smaller and lower in caffeine content, appears better positioned against inflation. Still, the bigger challenge is sustaining growth in already crowded markets. In the U.S., Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts operate nearly 30,000 stores combined, while in the U.K., 98 million cups of coffee are consumed daily, with almost one in five people visiting a coffee shop each day.

To find growth, companies are increasingly turning to China and Latin America. Nestlé’s new CEO, Philipp Navratil, plans to introduce products in these regions, and Starbucks recently announced 145 new stores across Latin America and the Caribbean. However, income levels remain modest in these markets, competition is intense, and marketing costs will likely rise, limiting profitability. Starbucks’ experience in China demonstrates the difficulty of competing with local operators and imitations.

Expanding beyond saturated Western markets is logical, but the path forward may mean slower growth and smaller margins for the coffee industry.

Kelachandra Coffee Names Dr. J.S. Nagaraja as Head of Research & Development

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Bengaluru/Chikkamagaluru – Qahwa World

Kelachandra Coffee, one of India’s largest privately held coffee plantation companies, has appointed Dr. J.S. Nagaraja as its new Head of Research and Development (R&D).

Dr. Nagaraja, who most recently served as Joint Director of Research at the Coffee Board of India, brings over 30 years of experience in soil science, post-harvest technology, and sustainable coffee cultivation. His work has included research on soil chemistry, coffee quality improvement, agrochemical analysis, and technology transfer.

At Kelachandra Coffee, Dr. Nagaraja will oversee R&D initiatives across the company’s estates, including soil and leaf analysis, fertilizer optimization, specialty coffee development, disease management, and sustainability projects such as carbon footprint studies.

Speaking on his appointment, Dr. Nagaraja said he plans to focus on soil health, climate resilience, and carbon sequestration, and explore scientific methods to validate the distinctiveness of the company’s coffee varieties.

Dr. Nagaraja holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, and is recognized for developing the DRIS (Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System) norms for Arabica coffee, a nutrient-modelling framework that has influenced fertilizer management practices across India. He has also contributed to advances in post-harvest processing and organic certification evaluation.

About Kelachandra Coffee

Kelachandra Coffee, a division of the historic Kelachandra Group (est. 1786), operates coffee estates in Karnataka and Kerala, producing Arabica and Robusta varieties. The company follows scientific agronomy practices and post-harvest processing protocols and exports to multiple international markets, including Japan, Denmark, Norway, Australia, Germany, and the Middle East.

Peet’s Coffee Names Stuart Heflin as New President Amid US Growth Push

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Peet’s Coffee, the iconic Californian specialty coffee brand, has appointed Stuart Heflin as its new President, marking a fresh chapter for the US coffee pioneer. Heflin succeeds Eric Lauterbach, who stepped down as President and CEO after three-and-a-half years at the helm.

Heflin joins Peet’s from Colorado-based food group Simply Good, where he served as General Manager of its Quest Nutrition division. In his new role, he will oversee all domestic and international Peet’s operations, including 250 company-owned stores in the US and 250 licensed outlets across China, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Heflin will also lead Peet’s specialty coffee brands Stumptown Coffee and Intelligentsia Coffee, both acquired by Peet’s in 2015.

“I’m confident that Stuart, with his deep appreciation for brands with soul and proven ability to lead with both vision and heart, is the right leader for this next phase,” Lauterbach said. Lauterbach, who joined Peet’s in 2010, guided the company through its transition from public to private ownership under JAB Holding Company and the formation of JDE Peet’s in December 2019.

The leadership change coincides with Peet’s strategic shift towards a franchise-led growth model in the US. Most of Peet’s 250 US stores remain company-owned, primarily in California, but the company is now seeking new franchise partners to expand across eastern US states. Peet’s is also increasing investment in consumer packaged coffee products, including ready-to-drink beverages, concentrates, and instant coffee.

These moves form part of JDE Peet’s “Reignite the Amazing” strategy, unveiled to investors in July 2025, and one of its three major growth priorities alongside the French coffee brand L’OR and a portfolio of heritage brands led by Jacobs. The strategy gains added significance as JDE Peet’s prepares for acquisition by Texas-based Keurig Dr Pepper in an $18.2 billion deal, with plans to invest heavily in premium and profitable coffee categories.

Founded in 1966 with its first café in Berkeley, California, Peet’s continues to blend its legacy as a US specialty coffee pioneer with an ambitious plan for national and international expansion under Heflin’s leadership.

Mexican Coffee to Make History in Dubai 2026

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Coatepec, Veracruz – Qahwa World

Mexican coffee is set to leave a historic mark at one of the Middle East’s premier coffee events. Casa Tostadora Briones has announced its participation in the upcoming exhibition from January 18 to 20, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, representing all coffee-producing regions of Mexico in a first-of-its-kind national initiative.

“This is an unprecedented moment,” said José Manuel Hernández García, CEO of Casa Tostadora Briones. “For the first time, all producing states, institutions, and growers are moving forward together. In Dubai, we will present not only our coffee but the story of every hand and every mountain that shapes our harvests.”

The initiative brings together multiple official and civil partners, including: Veracruz Secretariat of Economic Development

  • Chiapas Ministry of Economy and Labor and the Coffee Institute of Chiapas

  • Guerrero Secretariat of Economic Development

  • Mexican Ministry of Tourism

  • Asociación Civil Ayuda Productores Veracruzanos

In addition to promoting Mexican coffee internationally, the project highlights the cultural, natural, and touristic richness of Mexico’s coffee-growing regions and aims to encourage origin-based tourism, showcasing the deep connections between coffee, history, and local communities.

Casa Tostadora Briones has also pioneered new export routes from Mexico to the Middle East, ensuring that every batch maintains its origin identity and high-quality standards.

The company is inviting coffee producers, cooperatives, and associations from across Mexico to join this historic national representation.

The Dubai exhibition will take place January 18–20, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Main Halls, bringing together leading figures in the global coffee industry.

What’s New in the Dubai Coffee Auction 2026

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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.

Mokha 1450 and Primavera Gerrein Coffee Unite to Launch “Guatemala Esperanza” in Dubai

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Dubai – Qahwa World

With its signature elegance and commitment to innovation, Mokha 1450 unveiled its latest creation — Guatemala Esperanza Mokha 1450, a single-origin coffee that embodies craftsmanship, authenticity, and sustainability.

This new offering marks a promising partnership with Primavera Gerrein Coffee from Guatemala, led by Ms. Nadine Rasch, the company’s Director and Second Vice President of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). Nadine Rasch comes from a family with four generations of coffee growers in Guatemala and founded Primavera to honor that legacy. From the beginning, her mission has been to deliver exceptional coffees efficiently and transparently to roasters worldwide while ensuring that sustainability remains at the heart of every stage of production.

Primavera started as Third Wave Coffee Source, an importer of Guatemalan coffees in the UK, before expanding into Europe and North America. In 2018, its sister company La Central de Café opened in Guatemala City to strengthen ties with producers and improve efficiency in the value chain. In 2019, the brand unified under the name Primavera Green Coffee, and by 2023, it expanded to include new origins, continuing to represent its core values of sustainability, transparency, and uncompromising quality.

The elegant launch event took place at Mokha 1450’s new branch inside the Modora luxury furniture gallery in Dubai’s Umm Suqeim district. The event gathered a select audience of coffee professionals, enthusiasts, and industry figures who celebrated the union of two brands known for their integrity, innovation, and passion for coffee excellence. The evening reflected a shared commitment to bridging cultures and connecting coffee lovers with the people and places that make every cup extraordinary.

Founded in the United Arab Emirates, Mokha 1450 is an innovative luxury specialty coffee brand deeply rooted in the origins and ethics of coffee culture. The company’s philosophy is built on direct trade and social responsibility, sourcing rare and exceptional coffees directly from producers while supporting women-owned and operated farms across the world. Mokha 1450 is guided by a belief that true luxury lies not only in quality but also in purpose — in fostering long-term relationships that empower farming communities and preserve the authenticity of coffee’s story.

The launch of Guatemala Esperanza Mokha 1450 represents more than the debut of a new coffee; it symbolizes a collaboration built on trust, expertise, and shared values. Together, Mokha 1450 and Primavera Gerrein Coffee reaffirm their dedication to a global coffee movement where sustainability, transparency, and craftsmanship remain the defining ingredients in every brew.

Dutch Bros Surges After Strong Q3 Earnings and Upgraded Outlook

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Dutch Bros (NASDAQ: BROS) reported impressive third-quarter results, surpassing Wall Street expectations for both earnings and revenue. The drive-thru coffee chain posted adjusted earnings of $0.19 per share, topping forecasts of $0.17, on revenue of $423.6 million versus the expected $413.6 million.

Revenue jumped 25.2 percent year-on-year, rising from $338.2 million in Q3 2024, while net income more than doubled to $27.3 million from $12.6 million. Same-store sales advanced 7.4 percent at company-operated shops and 5.7 percent system-wide. Dutch Bros also opened 38 new locations across 17 states, expanding its total footprint to 1,081 stores.

Chief Executive Officer Christine Barone highlighted the company’s resilience, stating that strong momentum through October prompted management to raise full-year guidance for both total revenue and same-store sales growth.

Despite the surge in sales, gross profit fell 8.5 percent year-over-year to $82.4 million, signaling higher costs for labor, commodities, or logistics. Nonetheless, operating income grew 27.6 percent to $41.5 million, and adjusted EBITDA rose 22.3 percent to $78 million, suggesting that scale and operational efficiency continue to buffer inflationary headwinds.

Key Financial Highlights

Revenue: $423.6 M (+25.2 % YoY)

Adjusted EPS: $0.19 (+11.8 % YoY)

Net Income: $27.3 M (+115.8 % YoY)

Operating Income: $41.5 M (+27.6 % YoY)

Adjusted EBITDA: $78 M (+22.3 % YoY)

Company-operated same-store sales: +7.4 %

System-wide same-store sales: +5.7 %

The raised guidance underscores management’s confidence in the brand’s growth trajectory. However, investors will closely watch gross-margin trends and the sustainability of same-store sales as Dutch Bros continues its aggressive expansion. Persistent cost pressures may require future pricing or operational adjustments, but the company’s accelerating profitability suggests its strategy is gaining traction.

World of Coffee San Diego 2026: A New Global Chapter for the Specialty Coffee Industry

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San Diego – Qahwa World

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has officially announced World of Coffee San Diego 2026, marking the North American debut of the globally renowned World of Coffee event series. Set to take place from April 10–12, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center, this exhibition represents the evolution of the beloved Specialty Coffee Expo—North America’s leading coffee trade show for over three decades—into a truly global platform for connection, innovation, and growth.

A Global Expansion of Coffee’s Premier Event

Bringing together over 17,000 visitors and 650+ exhibitors from more than 90 countries, World of Coffee San Diego unites professionals from every segment of the specialty coffee value chain, from farmers and roasters to equipment manufacturers, importers, and café owners. The event will maintain the dynamic spirit of the Specialty Coffee Expo while expanding its reach to align with the international World of Coffee network, which already includes editions in Europe, the Middle East, Central America, and Asia

According to the SCA, the rebranding aims to “connect the North American coffee market with the global community” and offer exhibitors “greater visibility, growth opportunities, and access to international buyers.”

Where Coffee’s Future Happens

The exhibition will host an extensive show floor showcasing the latest in coffee technology, roasting innovations, sustainable solutions, and consumer trends. Participants can explore products across sectors including:

Green and roasted coffee

Brewing and grinding equipment

Packaging, technology, and water treatment solutions

Allied beverages, pastries, and flavorings

More than 76% of attendees are confirmed decision-makers, including roasters, producers, importers, café owners, and business leaders—making the event a premier meeting point for industry professionals

Special Features and Awards

World of Coffee San Diego will feature two major global competitions:

Best New Product Awards, celebrating innovation across coffee equipment, accessories, and beverages.

Coffee Design Awards, recognizing excellence in branding, packaging, and space design that elevate the specialty coffee experience.

These awards, open exclusively to exhibitors, provide unparalleled exposure to global media and buyers.

Roaster Village: A Showcase for Craft Roasters

A highlight of the event, the Roaster Village offers boutique roasters and green coffee importers a dedicated platform to showcase their finest coffees through tastings and cuppings. Participation is reserved for SCA members classified as small or medium businesses with annual revenues under $5 million USD—ensuring the village remains a true celebration of artisan roasting and authentic specialty coffee craftsmanship

Schedule and Activities

The three-day event begins with an Opening Reception on April 9, followed by full exhibition days from April 10–12, 2026, including lectures, workshops, and networking sessions led by industry leaders. Registered exhibitors will receive complimentary passes to sessions valued at over $1,600, access to workshops, and invitations to networking events

Booth Packages and Pricing

Standard 10×10 booth packages start at $3,350 for SCA members and $4,020 for non-members, including complimentary staff badges, guest passes, mobile app listings, and event access. Larger island booths are available up to 1,200 sq ft, with special pricing tiers for members and non-members.

Event Logistics

Venue: San Diego Convention Center, 111 Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA

Dates: April 10–12, 2026 (Move-in begins April 8; move-out ends April 13)

Registration Opens: December 2025

Hotel Reservations Open: August 2025

Organizer: Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)

About the Specialty Coffee Association

The SCA is the world’s largest coffee trade association, dedicated to fostering a global coffee community and promoting sustainability and equity throughout the coffee value chain. Its initiatives encompass research, standards, education, and events that elevate quality and innovation worldwide.

For exhibitor inquiries, contact [email protected] or visit worldofcoffee.org.

RAW Coffee Expands to Dubai Creek with Radisson Blu Partnership

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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.

 

Registration Opens for the UAE National Barista, Latte Art, and Roasting Championships 2026

Posted on by ali alzakary

Dubai – Qahwa World

The Specialty Coffee Association of the UAE (SCA UAE) has officially announced the opening of registration for the UAE National Barista, Latte Art, and Roasting Championships 2026, which will take place as part of World of Coffee Dubai, hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from January 18 to 20, 2026.

These championships are among the most anticipated events in the UAE and regional coffee scene, bringing together top professionals and skilled enthusiasts to showcase their mastery in coffee brewing, latte art presentation, and coffee roasting according to the global standards set by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

The national championships serve as a gateway for UAE-based baristas and roasters to qualify for international competitions, providing a platform for cafés and roasteries to highlight their expertise and creativity before an audience of industry professionals and coffee lovers.

Participation Requirements:

  • Participants must have resided in the UAE for at least two years and hold a valid residence visa.

  • Participants must be individual members of the Specialty Coffee Association.

Registration Fee: 
AED 1,500 per competitor.

Official Sponsors:

  • Roasting Championship: Sponsored by IRM Coffee Roasters.

  • Barista and Latte Art Championships: Sponsored by Victoria Arduino Middle East.

The SCA UAE emphasized that these championships reflect its commitment to developing the specialty coffee industry in the country and nurturing local talent capable of competing on regional and global stages.

For registration details or inquiries, participants can contact:
[email protected]

Part of a Global Coffee Celebration

The championships will take place within the fifth edition of World of Coffee Dubai 2026, organized by DXB LIVE, the event management arm of the Dubai World Trade Centre, in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

Since its launch in 2022, World of Coffee Dubai has rapidly grown to become the leading coffee event in the Middle East and one of the most influential gatherings in the global coffee industry. It brings together producers, roasters, traders, suppliers, and innovators from around the world.

The 2026 edition is expected to be the largest yet, with 77% of exhibitors coming from outside the UAE, a clear reflection of Dubai’s growing status as a global hub for coffee trade, culture, and innovation.

A Booming Coffee Market

The UAE’s coffee sector continues to flourish, currently valued at over USD 3.2 billion (approximately AED 12 billion) and projected to grow by 8.4% annually, reaching USD 4.5 billion (around AED 16.5 billion) by 2029.

Across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the coffee market is expected to exceed USD 11 billion (more than AED 40 billion) within the same period, fueled by rising demand for specialty coffee, evolving consumer tastes, and growing investments in quality, sustainability, and innovation.

According to Khalid Al Mulla, CEO of the UAE chapter of the Specialty Coffee Association, the upcoming championships underscore Dubai’s vision to be a global leader in specialty coffee culture.

“Through these competitions, we aim to empower local talent and give them the opportunity to compete on the world stage,” said Al Mulla. “We are committed to advancing coffee knowledge, craftsmanship, and appreciation across every link in the value chain — from the bean to the cup.”

He added that the collaboration between SCA UAE and DXB LIVE has created a dynamic platform that blends education, innovation, and trade, making World of Coffee Dubai a global meeting point for the entire coffee community.

Invitation to Participate

The UAE National Barista, Latte Art, and Roasting Championships 2026 will be held during World of Coffee Dubai, from January 18 to 20, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Coffee professionals, competitors, and enthusiasts are invited to join the celebration of craftsmanship and excellence. Exhibitors and visitors can now secure their spaces and early-bird tickets through the official website:
dubai.worldofcoffee.org/home