Saudi Arabia hosts world’s largest coffee meet

Large crowds of coffee and chocolate enthusiasts filled the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center for the Middle East Coffee Conference.
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Updated 25 December 2019
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Saudi Arabia hosts world’s largest coffee meet

Saudi Arabia hosted the world’s largest gathering of coffee and chocolate enthusiasts at the recently concluded 2nd Middle East Coffee Conference, held in conjunction with the 6th International Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition.

More than 90,000 attended the twin events, which featured talks from leading coffee experts, including Darrin Paul Daniel, executive director of Cup of Excellence and Alliance for Coffee Excellence, as keynote speaker on the future growth of the industry, sustainability challenges as well as innovations and trends in production, consumption and marketing coffee products and related businesses.

The conference also featured the Middle East Coffee Awards, a one-of-its-kind awards to recognize excellence, success and innovation in the coffee industry in the region. Global giant Starbuck won the “Fastest Growing International Brand in the Middle East” award while “The Roasting House” was named the “Fastest Growing Local Brand in KSA.” Seven Coffee received the “Fastest Growing KSA Coffee Startup” award.

During the exhibition, the Saudi Barista Championship was held and proclaimed Ahmed Baha as the champion. He will represent the Kingdom at the World Barista Championship.

The global gathering of coffee experts in Saudi Arabia augurs well for the Kingdom, which continues to strengthen its position as the fastest growing coffee market in the Middle East, with a 9.6 percent annual growth rate.

“Because of the Kingdom’s thriving coffee business, the Middle East Coffee Conference and the International Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition were both huge successes, hosting more visitors than in previous editions,” said Suman Shenoy, communications director of Heights, organizers of the events.

The event will have smaller versions that will take place in Jeddah and Alkhobar in February and March, respectively.


LuLu expands specialty coffee footprint in KSA with Sulalat

Updated 24 January 2026
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LuLu expands specialty coffee footprint in KSA with Sulalat

LuLu Group has signed a landmark MoU with Sulalat Coffee during the 5th edition of World of Coffee Dubai trade show. This exclusive retail partnership is designed to enhance the specialty coffee offerings across LuLu Hypermarkets in Saudi Arabia, meeting the growing demand for premium coffee experiences within the region.
The agreement was signed by Mohamed Haris, director, Saudi Arabia, LuLu Group, and Abdulelah Al-Murqi, marketing director, Sulalat Coffee. Through this collaboration, LuLu Group will provide a dedicated platform for Sulalat’s specialty-grade beans, which are globally sourced and roasted in Riyadh. This initiative ensures that world-class coffee quality, previously reserved for niche aficionados, is now readily accessible to coffee lovers throughout the Kingdom.
By partnering with Sulalat Coffee, LuLu Group is integrating artisanal expertise with large-scale retail excellence. Sulalat has been a pioneer in the specialty coffee movement in the region, and this partnership allows LuLu to showcase unique varieties and professional-grade roasting. The collaboration reflects a shared vision to celebrate the thriving local coffee culture and deliver an unparalleled selection of premium products to everyday consumers.
In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, this partnership reinforces LuLu Group’s commitment to empowering homegrown brands and fostering economic diversification within the Kingdom. By providing a global stage for local excellence at events like World of Coffee Dubai, LuLu continues to support the growth of a vibrant private sector and a sustainable retail ecosystem.
As the premier platform for the industry, World of Coffee Dubai 2026 highlights the rapid growth and innovation within the regional coffee scene. With the event attracting more than 17,000 visitors and hundreds of global exhibitors, it provides a vital stage for industry leaders to connect.