Dubai Coffee Auction Sets New Record Prices with Panamanian Geisha sold for US $10,000 per kilo
DMCC Specialty Coffee Auction sets record prices for specialty coffees
New highest auction prices set for coffee from Bolivia, Ethiopia and the USA
First auction of its kind at World of Coffee Dubai with all lots held onsite in Dubai
The inaugural Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Specialty Coffee Auction saw record prices set in an afternoon of frantic global bidding.
The event saw 16 lots from 11 different producers across nine countries, featuring six different coffee varieties. Out of these, 11 lots were Geisha coffee, making it a truly global showcase of some of the best coffee producers in the world. Bidders were both in the room and remote via a digital auction platform.
The highest-selling coffee came from Finca Sophia, a farm in Panama, and sold for $10,020 per kilo. Meanwhile, a lot of Kona SL 34 from Hawaii set a new record for American coffee, going for $910 per kg, eight-times the previous highest price paid for Kona.
La Llama beans from the Los Rodriguez producer became the most expensive Bolivian coffee ever sold, fetching $350 per kg, while a new record was set for Ethiopian coffee with $1,100 per kg paid for Gesha Village Oma Natural. Overall, the top three bids were from the Geisha variety with another lot of Finca Sophia selling for $8,614 and Finca La Mula selling for $2,620.
Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President, DXB Live said: 'The inaugural Dubai Coffee Auction by DMCC in 2025 has reinforced Dubai's position as a global hub for the coffee trade. By bringing together producers, traders, and enthusiasts from around the world, the auction showcased some of the rarest and finest coffees, achieving remarkable results and setting new records for specialty coffee. This auction has not only highlighted the growing demand for exceptional coffee but also strengthened our commitment to driving growth, sustainability, and excellence within the industry.'
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, added: 'DMCC's inaugural Dubai Coffee Auction showcased some of the rarest and finest coffees, setting new record prices for some specialty coffees that have reinforced Dubai's position as a leading hub in the global coffee trade. Through a transparent and competitive bidding platform, we have enhanced price discovery in the specialty coffee segment and brought coffee producers, traders, and enthusiasts together from around the world – testament to DMCC's central role in shaping the future of one of the world's most traded commodities.'
David Paparelli, the auctioneer, CEO and co-founder of M-Cultivo said, 'These specialty coffee auctions operate independently of commodity market prices and buyers aren't comparing these coffees to commercial-grade beans—they view them as luxury goods. It's like comparing a Patek Philippe to a Timex—both are watches, but one operates in an entirely different class.'
Specialty coffee is classed as coffee scoring 80 points or above on the 100-point scale used on the Specialty Coffee Association Cupping form and those auctioned all scored 92 and above.
'These auctions are more than just transactions,' Paparelli added. 'They push the boundaries of coffee quality and innovation while providing producers with global exposure and financial incentives to keep refining their craft.'
High prices are determined by three main factors. The coffee must be among the best in the world, typically scoring 90+ on cupping evaluations. Limited availability increases demand, with unique growing conditions and small-batch production add to the exclusivity. Thirdly, the producer's reputation and story play a significant role as buyers look for consistency in quality and a compelling backstory that enhances the coffee's prestige.
Buyers in auctions such as this are often private collectors and coffee enthusiasts, with some curating rare coffee collections for their clientele, similar to luxury private shopping experiences. Others were roasters and cafés who often buy in small quantities to sell as limited-edition offerings. Paparelli explained, 'A few cafes may brew and sell these coffees for as much as $1,000 per cup, offering an exclusive tasting experience for customers.'
The auction has been one of the highlights of the World of Coffee Dubai 2025 event, the Middle East's largest coffee trade show. Returning for its fourth edition from February 10-12, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with more than 250 international exhibiting companies and trade visitors from 78 countries.
Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
2 days ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan visits world's largest diamond tender facility
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, visited the DMCC, the leading international business district that steers the flow of global trade through Dubai, exploring of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), the largest diamond tender facility in the world. Sheikh Hamdan's visit occurred at the same time as a defining moment for the UAE's diamond industry, as DMCC announced the milestone of over 1 billion carats of diamonds traded over the past five years, strengthening its position as the dominant force in global diamond trade. Hamdan bin Mohammed visits Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), the leading international business district driving global trade through Dubai, and tours the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), the world's largest diamond tender facility. — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 2, 2025 Throughout the trip, Sheikh Hamdan was accompanied during the visit by Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications. Sheikh Hamdan was also welcomed by Dr. Hamad Buamim, Chairman of the Board of DMCC; Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC; and Feryal Ahmadi, DMCC's Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Dubai's diamond exchange showcased The Dubai Crown Prince visited the Dubai Diamond Exchange tender floors, where he was briefed about the trade practices in place for diamonds, lab-grown stones and other gemstones. He also received information on DMCC's comprehensive diamond ecosystem, including the strategic expansion of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) into DMCC's new district, Uptown Dubai. 'The visit provided the opportunity to see first-hand how DMCC continues to play a central role in driving global trade and investment flows to Dubai, positioning the emirate as a world-class business hub. As we advance our economic diversification journey under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, DMCC is leading the way in building high-performance, globally connected ecosystems that attract innovation, talent and capital across priority sectors,' Sheikh Hamdan said in a statement. He was also updated on the regulatory, policy and infrastructure advancements that have driven the UAE to become the leading hub for rough diamond trade worldwide. His Highness was also briefed on DMCC's latest regulatory, policy, and infrastructure advancements that have positioned the UAE as the world's leading hub for rough diamond trade. — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 2, 2025 The rapid growth of the UAE in polished and lab-grown sector, added united with its leadership role as both Chair and Custodian Chair of the Kimberley Process, has positioned Dubai as a progressive, forward-thinking, and globally trusted centre of excellence for the diamond industry. Alongside the visit, DMCC announces Strategy 2033, an ambitious roadmap that places its specialised industry ecosystems at the centre of its growth over the next decade. From globally recognised hubs in diamonds, gold, and energy to forward-looking platforms in AI, Web3, blockchain, and gaming, the strategy aims to drive the expansion of key international sectors. It does so through a suite of value-added services, including customised licensing options, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and streamlined access to capital and industry expertise. Built on a proven model that has positioned DMCC as one of the world's most dynamic and fastest-growing free zones, Strategy 2033 leverages this strong foundation. Surging trade ecosystems With growing momentum across all areas, DMCC is set to surpass 26,000 member companies by year-end. DMCC's success is due to the consistent expansion of both legacy and frontier sectors. Over the past five years, the precious stones ecosystem has climbed by 177 per cent, precious metals by 74 per cent, and energy by 72 per cent, while the coffee and tea trade continue growth. Meanwhile, DMCC's newer technology ecosystems have accelerated, mirroring Dubai's rise as a global centre for innovation. This has coincided with a period of stable growth for DMCC, which now makes up 15 per cent of Dubai's foreign direct investment and 7 per cent of its GDP. Sheikh Hamdan's visit also highlighted the further transformation of the Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) and Uptown districts into flourishing business and lifestyle destinations. Today, DMCC is home to over 25,000 companies and has recently seen mounting growth from new industries such as Web3, crypto, gaming and AI. Towards the end of his visit, he received a luxury edition of DMCC's 2024 Future of Trade report, which describes the shifting dynamics of international commerce and predicts key trends shaping global markets. 'It was an honour to welcome His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to DMCC and the Dubai Diamond Exchange today. This visit is a powerful endorsement of DMCC's role, not only in positioning the UAE as the global leader in diamond trade, but also in advancing Dubai's position as a centre of excellence across a wide range of future-focused industries,' Dr. Hamad Buamim, Chairman of the Board, DMCC said. 'Through long-term investment, bold policy frameworks and a commitment to international partnerships, DMCC has built an ecosystem that enables growth across commodities, technology, services and innovation. As Dubai accelerates the goals of D33, our integrated model will continue to be central to attracting global business and reinforcing Dubai as a leading hub for international trade,' he added. 'It was a privilege to welcome His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to DMCC at this historic moment for our diamond industry. As we continue to scale our impact through our world-class districts of JLT and Uptown Dubai, attract global institutions, and lead industry dialogues across sectors, DMCC is shaping the future of trade from the heart of Dubai. From precious stones and energy to emerging fields such as AI, Web3 and blockchain, we are building the connected, future-ready ecosystems that global businesses need to thrive – and expecting to surpass 26,000 companies this year,' Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, explained further adding that by driving innovation, integrity and sustainable growth, 'DMCC is proud to support the national economic agenda and continue to cement Dubai's status as a world-leading hub for trade and commerce.' Feryal Ahmadi, Deputy CEO & Chief Operating Officer, DMCC, added: 'From transforming the global tender landscape in diamonds to advancing growth in Web3, AI and sustainable trade, DMCC is building the next generation of global commerce. His Highness' visit is a strong validation of DMCC's Strategy 2033 that will elevate our future-ready, connected ecosystems to ultimately support innovation, ensure resilience and deliver long-term value. As international markets evolve, Dubai is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of businesses, investors and entrepreneurs across sectors, reinforcing its reputation as a dynamic, responsible and forward-looking global hub.' Leading global diamond hub Since 2021, the UAE has rapidly expanded its presence and led the world in rough diamond trade and polished and lab-grown segments. Polished diamonds now represent nearly half of the total diamond trade value, while the lab-grown segment has exceeded AED 3.7 billion in trade in the past year. DMCC has been instrumental in establishing Dubai as a leading global hub for the diamond and precious stones industry. Anchored by the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) and a thriving ecosystem of over 1,350 member companies, DMCC has developed the specialised infrastructure, regulatory framework, and international networks necessary to facilitate smooth and efficient trade across all segments of the diamond market. In 2024, the DDE hosted 85 tenders, emphasising its crucial role as a hub for the global diamond community. This position is strengthened by the presence of the Kimberley Process Office, the DMCC Vault and a suite of high-impact networking and industry initiatives, including the Tender Best Practice Forum, all of which uphold the highest standards of security, compliance and market engagement. The expansion of globally renowned institutions like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) into Uptown Dubai further enhances the city's comprehensive offering, reinforcing its position as a world-leading hub for the diamond trade across every stage of the value chain. The DMCC continues to serve as a key driver in shaping the future of global trade across a wide range of sectors. With a significant community of over 25,000 member companies from 180 countries, it offers world-class infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and tailored industry ecosystems that foster growth in commodities, financial services, and emerging technologies. Through specialised hubs such as the DMCC Crypto Centre, Gaming Centre, AI Centre, and Tea and Coffee Centres, DMCC is not only solidifying Dubai's position as a nexus for both traditional and digital trade but also powering the next wave of enterprise, innovation, and global business.
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Gulf Today
Sharjah City Municipality warns against circulating, displaying or selling Zamzam water
Sharjah City Municipality announced a ban on the sale and circulation of Zamzam water in commercial establishments operating in Sharjah, adding that it would intensify its inspection campaign of these establishments to ensure their compliance with its decision. The municipality's move is aimed at curbing commercial fraud and public deception schemes and tampering with products in line with its goal of making public health a priority and providing safe and healthy food to the public in accordance with applicable health requirements and standards. Khalid Al Hammadi, Head of Food Control Section, said the municipality was closely monitoring markets and conducting regular and surprise inspection campaigns to detect any food products that did not meet health requirements and standards and curb fraud or public deception, especially in such products as Zamzam water, which was hard to be distinguished from other waters. Therefore, the municipality is constantly updating requirements and permits in line with its objectives and strategy for regulating the work of commercial and food establishments, he added. Al Hammadi explained that the municipality began forwarding circulars to commercial establishments prohibiting the sale, circulation and display of Zamzam water, especially after inspection teams succeeded in arresting a person who had been using deception and commercial fraud to win illicit gain. The suspect used to fill water from the tanks of his house into plastic bottles with labels indicating that they contained Zamzam water and to sell and promote it on social media platforms, selling large quantities of it for large sums of money, he said. Al Hammadi pointed out that the municipality was hereby urging the public to co-operate with it by refraining from buying Zamzam water from local markets and reporting any violations to the call center at 993. The municipality was also calling on the public not to deal with any unlicenced food establishments and not to buy any products through social media unless they had verified their source and made sure that such products had been licensed by the competent authorities in the emirate, he added.
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Municipality bans Zamzam Water sale and trade
The municipality called on all establishments, regardless of their activity, to refrain from displaying or selling Zamzam water in local markets. It also urged consumers to refrain from purchasing it from any unofficial source and to report any violations via the 993 call centre. Public health, a priority The move aims to limit commercial fraud, product tampering, and public deception. This is in line with its goal of making public health a priority and providing safe and healthy food to the public in accordance with applicable health requirements and standards. Combating fraud In this context, Khalid Al Hammadi, Head of the Food Control Section, confirmed that the Municipality is closely monitoring markets and conducting periodic and surprise inspection campaigns to detect any food products that do not meet health requirements and standards. The campaign aims to curb fraud and public deception, particularly in certain products such as Zamzam water, which can be difficult to distinguish from other waters. Therefore, the Municipality is constantly updating requirements and permits in line with its objectives and strategy for regulating commercial and food establishments. Al Hammadi explained that the Municipality has begun circulating circulars to commercial establishments prohibiting the sale, trade, and display of Zamzam water, especially after inspection teams succeeded in apprehending an individual who had used deception and commercial fraud to make illicit gain. He had converted a house into a site for filling water tanks in plastic containers with labels indicating that the water was Zamzam water. He then sold and promoted the containers on social media, selling them for large sums of money. Public cooperation is key Al Hammadi pointed out that the municipality urges the public to cooperate with it by refraining from purchasing Zamzam water from local markets. In the event of any violation, report it to the call centre on 993, and refrain from dealing with any unlicensed food establishments or purchasing any products through social media sites unless they have verified their source and have been licensed by the relevant authorities in the emirate.
