The coffee industry is undergoing a significant shift, with sustainability, responsible sourcing, and fair trade taking center stage. These issues are now central to the future of the sector, discussed extensively at this year’s World of Coffee event in Dubai, UAE.
Shouq Bin Redha, Exhibition Director of World of Coffee Dubai, emphasized the industry’s transformation, stating, “The coffee industry is evolving, and with it, our commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability.” The event highlighted the growing importance of these practices, with stakeholders from producers to industry leaders gathered to discuss and implement change.
Khalid Al Mulla, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) UAE Chapter, underscored the non-negotiable nature of sustainability in today’s coffee market: “Sustainability and responsible sourcing are no longer optional in the coffee industry—they are essential.” The SCA’s collaboration with The Waste Lab, for instance, uses coffee grounds as fertilizer, showcasing innovative efforts toward environmental responsibility.
The role of fair trade in the industry came under scrutiny, with some local figures questioning its effectiveness. Mohammed Essa Al Ghurair, Vice Chairman of Essa Al-Ghurair Investment, argued that direct relationships with farmers were more beneficial than relying on fair trade practices. “We work directly with the farmers instead of the traders because what is the best thing we can do for farmers? Pay them fairly,” he said.
Packaging has emerged as a focal point for sustainability. Reona Pinto, Business Development Manager at Forward Focused, highlighted the positive impact of sustainable packaging, noting that it could improve both the coffee experience and the environment. Julian Peride, COO of The Bag Broker, added that there was little difference in performance between sustainable and traditional packaging in terms of convenience.
The event also touched on local coffee production in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Aaron Marshall, GM of CoffeeDesk, pointed out that this shift would help reduce emissions, create jobs, and strengthen the region’s coffee industry.
The evolving role of multinational brands like Starbucks was also discussed, with Francis Howard, Quality Assurance Specialist at Starbucks, explaining how the company’s Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) Practices program ensures that coffee purchased meets high ethical and quality standards.