World of Coffee Dubai 2025, which concluded on 12 February, saw coffee sell for more than US$10,000 per kilogram at auction and attendance figures exceed 17,000, up 30 per cent from 2024.
Returning for its fourth edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the record-breaking event welcomed almost 2000 participating companies including more than 130 new ones.
The inaugural Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Specialty Coffee Auction held on 12 February saw 16 lots from 11 different producers across nine countries, featuring six different coffee varieties. Out of these, 11 lots were Geisha coffee.
The highest-selling coffee came from Finca Sophia, a farm in Panama, and sold for $10,020 per kilogram. Meanwhile, a lot of Kona SL 34 from Hawaii set a new record for American coffee, going for $910 per kilogram, 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 kilogram, while a new record was set for Ethiopian coffee with $1100 per kilogram paid for Gesha Village Oma Natural.
Overall, the top three bids were from the Geisha variety with another lot of Finca Sophia selling for $8614 and Finca La Mula selling for $2620.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, says the 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,” he says.
Specialty coffee is classed as coffee scoring 80 points or above on the 100-point scale used on the Specialty Coffee Association Cupping form. Those auctioned all scored 92 and above.
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.
Auctioneer David Paparelli explains some cafés may brew and sell these coffees for as much as $1000 per cup, offering an exclusive tasting experience for customers.
