All set for Doha International Coffee Exhibition debut

Qatar is set to host the first edition of Doha International Coffee Exhibition 2023, which will bring together coffee aficionados and professionals from around the globe at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre from September 14 to 16.This premier global coffee trade show, organised by the Qatar Specialty Coffee Association (Qatsca), promises to be a caffeine-fuelled extravaganza with a vibrant platform for innovation, education, and coffee trade.According to the organisers, this exhibition boasts an array of exciting features, including the Qatar National Coffee Championships where coffee connoisseurs will compete for top prize. The Roasters’ Village will be a hub for micro-roasters to meet customers, showcasing the latest trends in coffee sourcing, handling, roasting, brewing, and distribution, accompanied by plenty of coffee-tasting opportunities.The event’s website noted that other highlights will include the Brew/Espresso Bar, where skilled baristas will craft some of the most sought-after beverages while the Best Booth Design Awards will celebrate outstanding designs – known as a vital aspect of distinguishing specialty coffee.The exhibition will also showcase new and unique coffee products and services, alongside coffee lectures and training programmes, featuring renowned industry experts.Coffee enthusiasts will have the chance to savour unique coffee blends at the Cupping Corner, offering tasting rooms for businesses to present their coffees to a select group of customers and tasters.Organisers added that the event will also provide opportunities to meet and greet, as well as sign up for memberships with the Specialty Coffee Association and QATSCA, for networking and facilitating connections with global coffee industry leaders.Following the remarkable success of coffee festivals held in coffee capitals like Paris, London, and Amsterdam, organisers said the inaugural Doha International Coffee Exhibition is poised to become an indispensable gathering for coffee industry professionals. These include café owners, roasters, retailers, baristas, green coffee importers and exporters, coffee growers and producers, procurement, representatives from the hospitality, restaurants and catering sector, and coffee enthusiasts."This exhibition has experienced remarkable growth in both scale and reputation worldwide over the past six years. It has evolved from a modest event with 4,000 attendees and 60 exhibitors to a spectacular showcase featuring 12,945 visitors and over 340 exhibitors."With a history spanning over a decade, it is widely recognised as the foremost event in the global coffee industry, drawing the world's top coffee and Horeca industry suppliers,” organisers said.The organisers cited the remarkable growth of the Middle East coffee industry, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.5% during the forecast period. A surge in income levels has significantly contributed to the growth of the coffee market in the region, particularly in countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait, where there is a rising demand for café and coffee shop culture. The number of specialty cafés in the Middle East continues to expand to meet consumer demands.It is learnt that the substantial growth in the number of coffee shops and specialty cafes, not only in Qatar but also in other GCC countries, has led to an unprecedented need for highly skilled baristas.