As the traditional Arabic Qahwa ritual evolved towards a more modern lifestyle, coffee has become one of the fastest growing commodities in the Middle East. According to the World Coffee Portal, Dubai is the most developed coffee shop market in the Middle East and the focal point for coffee innovation with a dedicated Coffee Center in the Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC).
Another survey conducted by the same agency revealed that 88% of 200 industry leaders believed that there is still significant growth capacity in the coffee shop markets in the UAE. A 2020 report by Statista revealed that coffee commanded 10% of total beverage sales in Dubai alone.
Coffee serves multiple purposes: It is associated with socialization, it is enjoyed after a meal and it has a unique taste which consumers of the product come to love. However, coffee is primarily consumed for its caffeine content which perks the mind and helps most of us kick start our day and rejuvenate in the afternoons. This unique property of caffeine which lifts mood, awakens and energizes drives coffee sales into a daily habit with a large market. Along with water, coffee and teas are daily drinks for most. However there are very few on-the go options for busy consumers in the GCC. In a warm climate like ours there is a hot opportunity for chilled RTD Coffees which are price competitive with barista offerings and imported products and which add value with health benefits as well – a USP which is not offered by any other product in the market.
