The Best of Yemen 2025 auction has set a new benchmark for Yemeni coffee, with Lot 1 selling for an unprecedented price of US$1878 per kilogram.
The lot was a natural Yemenia cultivated by Yahya Al Faqeeh in Al Jidan, Sana’a. It was secured by Black Sip Roastery of Saudi Arabia.
Black Sip Founder Saeed Al-Khabti highlights how the win reflects the company’s mission.
“Winning first place in the Qima Yemen auction and acquiring the most expensive Yemeni coffee crop in the history of global auctions is a pivotal and historic moment for us and for specialty coffee in the Kingdom,” says Al-Khabti.
The new benchmark marks the third consecutive year the Best of Yemen auction has broken the global record for Yemeni coffee prices. Held in partnership with the Alliance for Coffee Excellence (ACE), the Qima auction drew 5700 bids from buyers across the globe. In total, 33 winning lots were sold, achieving an average price of US$302 per kilogram.
“This year’s historic result is a moment of immense pride, not just for Qima but for all of Yemen,” says Faris Sheibani, Founder of Qima Coffee.
“The US$1878 price reflects the world’s renewed confidence in Yemeni coffee, a testament to the powerful synergy between our dedicated farmers, our expert teams, and the discerning international buyers who recognise this coffee as a global treasure. This is about proving that Yemen’s living coffee heritage, which has endured for centuries, is not history but a vibrant reality.”
The 2025 edition of the auction honoured Yemen’s 500-year coffee heritage while also celebrating the increase in participation of women farmers.
“I feel immense pride in achieving first place in this year’s Yemen coffee auction. Last year, I placed eighteenth,” says Yahya Al Faqeeh, the 2025 winner.
“After a year of hard work, experimentation, and learning, I reached first place. I firmly believe that good farming practices, a proper agricultural calendar, and technical guidance make all the difference and I encourage all farmers to follow this model.”
Of the 33 winning coffees, 22 lots were secured by Saudi Arabian roasters, reflecting the collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Yemen in the coffee industry. International buyers also included roasters from China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Egypt, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Since its inception in 2018, the Best of Yemen auction has opened international markets to hundreds of Yemeni farmers, driving recognition and investment into one of the world’s oldest coffee cultures.
