'Doha poised to be a global coffee hub'

Doha has a huge potential to become an international coffee hub, thanks to the surging popularity of specialty coffee creations and signature drinks crafted by skilled baristas in the country, an industry expert said.Ronnie Llorin, Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) barista trainer at Partners&Partners, told Gulf Times that Doha has become the birthplace of numerous signature coffee concoctions, utilising an array of carefully sourced and high-quality coffee beans from diverse regions worldwide, including South and Latin America, and Africa."I see Qatar to be a very popular destination for coffee lovers and connoisseurs. There is a flourishing coffee business here and a growing community of skilled and passionate baristas, which I think is a direct response to the rising demand for skilled professionals in this field,” he said.It is learnt that this surge in interest has also driven many companies to join forces in organising various coffee-related events in Qatar: from major exhibitions to trainings, seminars and coffee-tasting activities, adding to the country’s appeal as a haven for coffee lovers.Different coffee events and activities are scheduled to take place in Doha in the coming weeks, including the inaugural Doha International Coffee Exhibition 2023, which will be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre from tomorrow until September 16.Organised by the Qatar Specialty Coffee Association, this premier global coffee trade show promises to be a caffeine-fueled extravaganza, offering a dynamic platform for innovation, education, and coffee trade.Following this event, Qatar is slated to present the "Growing Kopi, Drinking Qahwa; Stories of Coffee in Qatar and Indonesia" exhibition at the National Museum of Qatar on October 24. This immersive exhibit, a collaboration with the National Museum of Indonesia, highlights the global history of coffee by exploring the distinct coffee cultures of Qatar and Indonesia.The exhibition, a key highlight of the Qatar – Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture and Qatar Creates, will be on display until February 17, 2024.This November, participants at Hospitality Qatar 2023 will have the chance to exhibit their offerings, which include coffee, along with associated equipment and expertise, to a large audience.In addition, organisers said they will also have the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the Qatari market.Llorin said that several coffee activities such as coffee tasting, seminars and workshops, and competitions will also be organised at Al Bidda Park during the six-month Doha Expo 2023.Citing the demand surge for coffee, he said coffee booths at events like the Qatar International Food Festival have become popular hubs for visitors, contributing to the vibrancy of the country’s culinary and food & beverage scene.Llorin pointed out that these major events, which feature numerous selections of food and beverages, particularly coffee, attract huge crowds and strengthen Qatar’s position as a popular and must-visit destination.Apart from several local specialty coffee roasters, Llorin noted that Qatar is also home to a wide range of high-end coffee machines, including a 24-carat gold-plated equipment.Many visitors echoed a similar view, saying that Qatar offers not only classic and traditional drinks such as cappuccino, Spanish latte, and macchiato, in addition to the popular Arabic coffee, but also several highly sought beverages from other countries such as Turkish coffee, karak or chai latte, and other tea blends.