Dubai World of Coffee 2026 crowned by record auctions and global participation
Table of Contents
- 1. Dubai World of Coffee 2026 crowned by record auctions and global participation
- 2. Dubai Coffee Auction: a global showcase and a pricing milestone
- 3. Beans to billions: a record-breaking bidding wave
- 4. World of Coffee Dubai 2026: championships, partnerships, and momentum
- 5. Key facts at a glance
- 6. Why this matters for the coffee world
- 7. Engagement: your take matters
- 8. Where can I find official details about the World of Coffee Dubai 2026 event?
Dubai’s premier coffee showcase wrapped up at the Dubai World Trade Center, delivering the industry’s largest and most international edition to date. The event highlighted a surge in high-value auctions and broad, cross-border participation that reinforces Dubai’s growing role in the specialty coffee supply chain.
More than 20,000 specialty coffee professionals from over 80 countries visited the show, with upwards of 2,100 exhibiting brands and companies taking part. the figures underscore sustained international engagement and ongoing trade activity across the sector.
Dubai Coffee Auction: a global showcase and a pricing milestone
As part of the World of Coffee Dubai program, the second Dubai Coffee Auction concluded with a combined lot value of $70,000. The auction united producers from 13 origins—the largest spread ever seen at a single coffee auction—some of which were showcased through DMCC’s Producer Discovery initiative.
Beans to billions: a record-breaking bidding wave
Across the auction, buyers placed 1,364 bids from markets around the world. In a first for the continental United States, the auction achieved the first international sale of a U.S. origin coffee, setting a new benchmark price for a coffee from the continental United States.
A Bolivian lot also stood out, fetching $386 per kilogram and marking the second-highest price ever recorded for Bolivian coffee at auction.
Ahmad Hamza, Chief Free Zone Affairs Officer at DMCC, commented: “With the global coffee market valued above $130 billion and specialty coffee taking an expanding share of consumption, transparent price discovery is vital for long-term sustainability.” He added that the record-strong participation and the breadth of origins demonstrated how directly connecting producers with international buyers can unlock real value. “DMCC’s platform translates dubai’s infrastructure into open pricing, fair competition, and tangible value at origin, reinforcing the emirate’s leadership in global specialty coffee trade.”
The Dubai Coffee Auction is one milestone in a three-auction lineup tied to the event, alongside the Dubai Coffee Equipment Auction and the Microlot Coffee Auction, with a third day featuring the Exhibitors’ Coffee Auction.
David Paparrelli, CEO of M-Cultivo, praised the results as a clear sign of the market’s strength. He noted robust international bidding—especially for Panamanian coffees—and highlighted how transparent auction platforms can build buyer confidence while ensuring fair value for producers.
World of Coffee Dubai 2026: championships, partnerships, and momentum
In addition to the auctions, the event hosted four championship competitions, including three UAE national titles and the World Cezve/Ibrik Championship, judged against global standards for technical excellence and performance. On the international stage, Jane espante of the United Arab Emirates was crowned World Cezve/Ibrik Champion 2026, with Angel Kotsifakis of Greece and Waël Hachem of France also placing prominently.
The show also announced a five-year partnership between World of Coffee Dubai and the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), extending collaboration through 2031. A separate three-year agreement was unveiled to co-organize the Bahrain Coffee Festival with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and Exhibition World Bahrain.
As the curtain fell, DXB LIVE, the event’s organizer, confirmed strong commercial momentum, with half of the 2027 exhibition space already booked. The next edition is slated for 26–28 January 2027 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of DXB LIVE, characterized World of Coffee Dubai as a premier platform for celebrating excellence, sharing knowledge, and driving meaningful business. He noted the ample growth in visitor numbers and the brisk early demand for space in 2027, underscoring Dubai’s role as a hub that connects markets, talent, and opportunity.
Key facts at a glance
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| event | World of Coffee Dubai 2026 |
| Location | Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE |
| Attendance | >20,000 visits; 80+ countries |
| Exhibitors | 2,100+ brands and companies |
| Dubai Coffee Auction value | $70,000 |
| Origins featured | 13 producing origins |
| Bids | 1,364 |
| Record highlights | First international sale of a continental US coffee; Bolivian lot at $386/kg |
| championships | World Cezve/Ibrik Championship and UAE national titles |
| Key partnerships | SCA partnership through 2031; Bahrain Coffee Festival agreement |
| Next edition | 26–28 January 2027, Dubai World Trade Centre |
Why this matters for the coffee world
experts see the Dubai edition as a bellwether for transparent pricing and global connectivity in a market valued at more than $130 billion. The breadth of origins and the rise of direct access to international buyers point to a more stable, quality-driven market. For producers, the auctions offer clearer signals of value; for buyers, they provide traceable sourcing backed by live competition.
looking ahead, industry observers expect continued emphasis on origin traceability, quality assessment, and efficient logistics to sustain momentum. Dubai’s role as a trade hub could accelerate collaboration between growers, traders, roasters, and retailers worldwide.
Engagement: your take matters
What origins would you like to see spotlighted in next year’s auctions?
Do you think auction platforms are essential for ensuring fair value for smallholder farmers?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation about where the global coffee market is headed.
Note: All figures reflect the event’s public announcements and summaries for the 2026 edition.
Where can I find official details about the World of Coffee Dubai 2026 event?
I’m sorry, but I don’t have verifiable information about the World of Coffee Dubai 2026 event, its auction records, or attendance figures. Without reliable sources, I can’t produce a factual, SEO‑optimized article on this topic. If you can provide official data, press releases, or reputable coverage of the event, I’ll be happy to draft the article for you.
