Saeed Al Suwaidi in a Comprehensive Interview: 1.36 kg Per Capita Coffee Consumption in the Emirates
The UAE and regional coffee markets are experiencing significant expansion, with per capita coffee consumption in the UAE rising to 1.36 kg in 2023 and coffee market sales exceeding AED 1 billion. The UAE coffee market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 8.4% until 2029.
Saeed Al Suwaidi, Director of Agri Commodities at DMCC, shared insights on this growth and its implications in an exclusive interview with Al Bayan Newspaper.
The Flourishing Coffee Market
Al Suwaidi stated that the thriving coffee market in the UAE opens up vast opportunities for companies in the coffee value chain. This growth enhances the demand for specialty and premium coffee products, creating extensive opportunities for businesses to go beyond their roles in the supply chain and benefit from the immense investment and trade opportunities offered by this burgeoning market. DMCC, through its Coffee Centre, plays a pivotal role in this successful trade.
Dubai’s Global Position in Coffee Trade
In the interview, Al Suwaidi revealed that Dubai is solidifying its position globally in the production and trade of high-quality coffee. He highlighted that the DMCC Coffee Centre, established in 2019, provides advanced infrastructure and comprehensive services for coffee traders and companies. These include secure, climate-controlled warehouses, modern coffee processing and roasting facilities, and a training center accredited by the Specialty Coffee Association.
The Importance of Hosting the UAE Aeropress Championship
When asked about the significance of hosting the UAE Aeropress Championship, Al Suwaidi emphasized its importance to the DMCC Coffee Centre and Dubai’s coffee culture. The championship, the largest coffee competition in the region, is significant for the DMCC Coffee Centre and Dubai’s coffee sector. It brings together coffee enthusiasts, baristas, and industry professionals from across the UAE and beyond, facilitating networking and showcasing skills through coffee tastings and workshops.
Preparations for the UAE Aeropress Championship 2024
Al Suwaidi detailed the preparations for the upcoming UAE Aeropress Championship 2024. With over 400 participants expected, this year’s event will be the largest edition yet. The competition has expanded to welcome more participants, and registration opened in July, allowing each Emirate to accept up to 81 competitors on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring a diverse mix of baristas and coffee lovers from across the UAE.
Engagement with the Coffee Community
The UAE Aeropress Championship serves as a premier event where participants showcase their coffee brewing skills and creativity, fostering community interaction and networking. Winners of the national championship will represent the UAE at the World AeroPress Championship finals in Lisbon, Portugal, enhancing the UAE’s coffee industry on the world stage.
Future Plans for the UAE Aeropress Championship
Looking ahead, Al Suwaidi shared plans to expand the scope and impact of the competition. The Centre aims to host the event annually, making it larger and more inclusive. They plan to increase participant numbers, enhance the competition’s presence, and incorporate diverse activities and workshops to engage a wider audience, envisioning the Championship as a key event in the global coffee calendar.
Overview of the DMCC Coffee Centre
Established in 2019, the DMCC Coffee Centre aims to position Dubai as a global hub for coffee trade and processing by offering world-class infrastructure and services. The Centre provides secure, climate-controlled storage for up to 9,500 metric tonnes of green coffee, advanced processing equipment, specialty and commercial roasting facilities, an instant coffee repacking machine, SCA-certified training facilities, and comprehensive logistics support, including customs services. It also offers commercial office spaces, Q Grading cupping rooms, and a demonstration café, fostering a collaborative environment for coffee businesses.
Size of the UAE’s Coffee Trade
The coffee market in Dubai and the region is experiencing substantial growth. The UAE coffee market is forecast to grow by 8.4% annually through to 2029. DMCC plays a significant role in this growth through the Coffee Centre, which processed over 7,330 metric tonnes of green coffee last year, facilitating trade for key markets in Central and South America, Asia, and Africa.
Companies Operating in the Coffee Centre
The DMCC Coffee Centre currently has over 130 registered members, including leading companies from across the world. This reflects the Centre’s role as a central global hub for coffee trade, providing comprehensive services and infrastructure to support coffee businesses.
Sustainability and Ethical Practices
The DMCC Coffee Centre is committed to sustainability and ethical practices, utilizing solar power, promoting ethical sourcing, obtaining sustainability certifications, and offering specialized training. The Centre emphasizes direct trade relationships, supporting certifications like Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance, and provides courses on sustainable coffee production and ethical sourcing practices.
Trends in the Coffee Market
Key trends include the rise in popularity of flavor fusions and specialty coffees, a growing interest in single-origin and micro-lot coffees, and a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing. In the UAE, there is robust growth in the specialty coffee sector and a rising demand for premium coffee products.
Adapting to Trends and Capitalizing on Opportunities
Innovations in coffee production and consumption, such as precision agriculture and new brewing technologies, are transforming the industry. DMCC adapts to these trends through dedicated ecosystems and services, including the DMCC Sustainability Hub and tech-focused ecosystems that support the latest technological innovations.
Supporting Coffee Entrepreneurs and Startups
The DMCC Coffee Centre provides innovative solutions and services to support entrepreneurs and startups. It connects growers and exporters with international markets, facilitating the trade of over 100 coffee varieties. This extensive sourcing capability enhances Dubai’s position within the global coffee supply chain, allowing it to meet the growing demand for specialty and ethically sourced coffee.
Success Stories and Notable Partnerships
The DMCC Coffee Centre has supported numerous success stories and partnerships, significantly impacting the coffee trade in Dubai and the region. One prominent partnership is with Boncafé Middle East, focusing on producing locally roasted coffee at the DMCC Coffee Centre, enhancing Boncafé’s brand presence across the GCC.
In conclusion, the UAE’s coffee market is on a remarkable growth trajectory, with the DMCC Coffee Centre playing a central role in this success. The Centre’s comprehensive services, commitment to sustainability, and support for innovation are key drivers of this growth, positioning Dubai as a leading global hub for coffee trade and innovation.
