Growing demand for skilled baristas in Qatar

The exponential rise in the number of coffee shops and specialty cafes in Qatar, as well as in other GCC countries, has resulted in an unprecedented demand for skilled baristas, it is learnt.In Qatar, especially in Doha, new coffee establishments are constantly popping up to cater to the ever-growing demand for unique coffee experiences, and this expansion is not limited to urban centers; smaller towns and suburbs are also witnessing a surge in coffee culture, according to a number of industry experts.According to experts, the coffee culture in Qatar, particularly in Doha, is experiencing remarkable growth, with a steady opening of new coffee shops catering to the burgeoning demand for curated coffee experiences. Notably, this trend is not confined to urban centres alone; even smaller towns and suburbs are witnessing a surge in the coffee scene."There has been a huge demand for baristas in Qatar – before, during and the post- Covid 19 pandemic – a trend that has continued up to now. We witnessed this in several events and special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and other parties,” Ronnie Llorin, barista trainer and executive, Sales at Partners&Partners, told Gulf Times.Citing a boom in the catering business in the country, he said coffee has become one of the main items on offer along with a variety of pastries.Llorin, who also holds seminars and workshops to train baristas, noted a shift in career for many people: employed as salespersons or waiters in hotels to becoming professional baristas.Working in hospitality settings exposed them to a wide range of coffee varieties and brewing techniques, igniting a curiosity that drove them to dig deeper into the world of coffee, he added."I have seen a lot of friends and compatriots who transitioned from being waiters, clerks, and other office workers to become baristas, and have been doing well with their new career."This is one of the reasons why we see people enrolling in short courses and training to become baristas. In addition to seeking a higher salary, individuals pursuing this career also have the opportunity to unleash their creativity through latte art, exploring various coffee blends, and crafting distinctive specialty beverages,” Llorin said.Besides workshops, he also cited the increasing popularity of barista competitions and certifications as coffee shops strive to offer their customers exceptional coffee experiences.Llorin pointed out that the demand for baristas remains consistent throughout the year, from summer to the cold months when more companies get to bring in additional personnel.A long-time barista and employee of a well-known coffee chain in Qatar echoed a similar view, saying their company aims not only to hire but also continuously raise the level of their employees’ skills. This approach, he stressed, aligns with their ongoing expansion of business operations across Qatar.About the growing competition in Qatar, he said a thriving coffee market in Qatar attracted both well-known international coffee chains and independent boutique cafes, creating a competitive environment that highly values quality and innovation.As a consequence, he noted that there is an increased demand for capable and knowledgeable baristas who can expertly craft the perfect cup of coffee and offer exceptional customer experiences.About AI and robotisation of services, he allayed fears that automation and technology, which are becoming prominent in many industries, will replace the appeal of human touch and craftsmanship involved in coffee-making."The role of a barista goes far beyond merely operating espresso machines; it involves examining the intricacies of coffee beans, achieving the ideal grind, mastering milk frothing techniques, and expressing one's creativity,” he added.