UAE to introduce National Cezve/Ibrik Championship

The Speciality Food Festival 2015 will debut the National Cezve/Ibrik Championship at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 27 – 29 October. Run by the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE), the National Cezve/Ibrik Championship will see the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) best baristas prepare coffee using one of the oldest methods – in the region it was created. Commonly referred to as Turkish coffee, Cezve/Ibrik is the art of brewing coffee in a small, long-handled pot. Ibrik is popular in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. “Cezve or Ibrik is such a traditional method of brewing in the UAE and we expect the National Cezve/Ibrik Championship at this year’s The Speciality Food Festival will generate tremendous interest throughout the UAE and around the Arab world,” said David Veal, SCAE’s Executive Director. “This dedicated National Cezve/Ibrik Championship will return the coffee-making focus to traditional methods of preparation in what is now one of the world’s fastest-growing coffee markets.” The latest Euromonitor market report estimates that coffee sales in the Middle East contribute eight per cent of the global market. The report found that in 2014 the global coffee industry was worth US$85 billion. The Speciality Food Festival is organised alongside Sweets and Snacks Middle East and, seafood expo, SEAFEX. Organisers say exhibitor space is at 95 per cent capacity. “The sixth annual Speciality Food Festival will be bigger than ever in terms of floor space, exhibitors and visitors,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC. The winner of the National Cezve/Ibrik Championship will represent the UAE when the World Cezve/Ibrik Championships are staged at Gulfood in February next year.