In line with the growth of the Middle East’s coffee industry – expected to reach $4.4bn by 2021 according to Euromonitor International – Dubai International Hospitality Week (DIHW) will offer the ultimate platform for coffee sourcing.
Taking place from 18-20 September at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the three-day event encompasses six trade shows under one roof, to source the very best coffee supplies, from high-tech coffee machines to specialist beans from across the world.
Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president, exhibitions & events management (DWTC), commented: “Coffee has long been a beverage enjoyed cross-culturally, and a profitable item on the menu. However, a changing coffee culture has meant that the foodservice industry must be adaptable. Everything from the café dining experience and the trained baristas to the origins of the beans should be strongly considered to remain competitive in the market.
“Key trade shows held during Dubai International Hospitality Week have been designed to be at the forefront of changing consumer behaviour, providing an invaluable opportunity to connect with international suppliers, elevate coffee offerings and stay relevant to today’s customer.”
Exhibitors at The Speciality Food Festival – dedicated to specialist food from around the globe – will showcase the world’s best speciality coffee, including Boon Coffee, Caffe Di Artisan, Easternmen & Co., Karam Foods Industries and Lavazza.
Orit Mohammed, founder of Boon Coffee said: “We are proud to be able to offer 100% pure, single-origin, Arabica coffee beans sourced directly from Ethiopia – the birthplace of coffee. That single cup of coffee is not just a source of caffeine, it is a story of hardworking farmers and all those who took part in its creation.
The Speciality Food Festival will host a dedicated area for coffee masterclasses, held by Lavazza at the ‘Lavazza Bar’.
This will include ‘Lavazza experts’ from Italy who will give master classes, guided food pairings and coffee tasting experiences.
The inaugural National Barista & Latte Art Championship will also be held this year to find the UAE’s top baristas.
Certified by World Coffee Events (WCE) and organised by the Specialty Coffee Association UAE Chapter (SCA/UAE), the National Barista & Latte Art Championship will see the UAE’s best baristas put their knowledge and coffee expertise on full display.
All baristas are welcome to compete in either the National Barista Championship or Latte Art Championship – entrants can register their interest by emailing contact@scamena.com.
Dubai International Hospitality Show also incorporates GulfHost 2017, the first dedicated hospitality equipment and foodservice expo in the Middle East.
Highlighting the latest, most efficient and innovative equipment to master the art of coffee, exhibitors include Bella Coffee, Bravilor Bonamat, Cimbali, La Marquise International, Lelit Espresso, Quality Espresso and Schaerer.
Olga Cassidy, marketing manager at La Marquise International, said: “In a world of constant innovation, it has never been more important to stay ahead using the latest technologies. Our range of coffee machines provides a new experience to help cafes engage more with their customers, from our latte art printer to our touch screen coffee machines.”
GulfHost 2017 and Speciality Food Festival are co-located with four other shows: Yummex Middle East (jointly organised by DWTC and Kölnmesse) Seafex Middle East (organised by DWTC) and The Hotel Show and The Leisure Show (which are owned and organised by dmg events).
The shows are open from 18-20 September 2017 and are for trade and business professionals only.
