UAE’s tea consumption has witnessed a steep rise in the last couple of year to reach about seven million kilograms per annum, with tea being the second most consumed drink in the country, only after water.

 

The growth is attributed to the growing population as well as an increasing focus on tea nutrition and fitness properties, according to the Dubai Tea Trading Center.

 

Coffee consumption also continues to demonstrate a steady upward trend, registering a growth of 85 per cent between 2010 and 2013, it said.

 

With a high consumption of tea and an expected 70 per cent increase in coffee purchases in 2014, the UAE progressively holds its position as one of the region’s leading markets for these beverages. 

 

As a larger variety of international and local chains open up their restaurants and cafes in the UAE, in response to the growing demand for tea and coffee, the International Coffee & Tea Festival will be held from November 12 to 14 at the Meydan Imax Gallery in Dubai.

 

It will provide a one-stop destination showcasing all facets of coffee, tea, bar and café products, equipment and services, presenting a focused, industry-recognised platform in the Middle East. 

 

Ryan Godinho, UAE’s national co-ordinator for World Coffee Events (WCE), stressed on the strategic importance of the event in creating a wealth of business opportunities for industry players.

 

“Over the last ten years, the consumption of coffee and tea has more than tripled in the Arab region, while it has become a thriving economic activity in the UAE worth around Dh300 million ($81.6 million) a year.  With independent cafes on the rise, it is evident that the trend is heading in a more positive and sustainable direction with the emphasis on quality products and services,” he said.

 

“We are in a steady growth process that will have the UAE eventually catch up with the rest of the world’s thriving café cultures. The International Coffee and Tea Festival is a time-tested and proven platform for local, regional and international exhibitors to capitalize on this demand and promote their products, while launching innovative concepts and channeling partnerships for overall business expansion.”

 

The National Level Barista and Latte Art Championships will also be conducted at the show venue, where the most skilled and professional baristas in the country will battle for the titles of the sixth UAE Barista Champion and third UAE Latte Art Champion. The winner will represent the UAE at the World Barista Championship in 2015. 

 

The winner of last year’s competition will be competing at the World Barista Championship 2014, due to take place from June 9 to 12 in Rimini, Italy. - TradeArabia News Service