The Saudi Coffee Company has revealed the winners of its Saudi Sip of Excellence Competition, which took place at the International Coffee Exhibition on 29 January 2025.
The competition, now in its second year, was organised in partnership with the global nonprofit Alliance for Coffee Excellence.
The opening ceremony was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz bin Muhammad bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Jazan Region, alongside coffee professionals from around the world, Saudi government representatives, and regional coffee enthusiasts.
After a month-long assessment and a multi-phase selection process, 12 winners were announced among the farmers from Jazan, Al Bahah, Muhayil Aseer, and Rijal Almaa. Coffees were cupped and scored according to the standard procedures used by the Alliance of Coffee Excellence, with coffees scoring 80 or above being considered to be specialty.
The winners were awarded a share of the SAR 210,000 (US$56,000). The winners were announced on a regional basis as follows:
- Al-Baha: Jumaam Ahmed Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, score of 87.28
- Mahayel Asir: Mohammed Lahiq, score of 87.28
- Rijal Almaa: Ali Mohammed Ahmed Al-Khairy, score of 87.44
- Jazan: Mohammed Kalfoot Ali Al-Raithi, score of 89.17, also winner at the national level.
“This year’s Saudi Sip of Excellence Competition has set a new benchmark for quality and innovation in Saudi Arabia’s coffee industry,” says Khalid N. Abu Theeb, CEO of Saudi Coffee Company.
“The competition has brought together communities from the southern regions, reaffirming our shared commitment to ensuring a bright future for Saudi coffee. The passion and dedication of our farmers has been inspiring, and we are proud to support their journey toward international recognition.”
