The Dubai Coffee Auction, organized by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) as part of the World of Coffee 2025 event at the Dubai World Trade Centre, achieved record-high prices for rare coffee beans, with the auction displaying 16 lots of some of the world's rarest and finest coffee products from 11 producers across nine countries.

Among these were 11 lots of Geisha coffee, encompassing six different varieties, making the auction a global showcase for top coffee producers.

Dominating the auction, the Natural Geisha coffee from Panama's Finca Sofia sold for an unprecedented $10,020 per kilogram.

Additionally, another variety from the same farm achieved a selling price of $8,614 per kilogram.

A lot from Finca La Mula was sold for $2,620 per kilogram, while Ethiopian Ouma Natural coffee set a new record at $1,100 per kilogram, representing a significant record for Ethiopian coffee.

The auction also saw the Kona SL34 coffee from Hawaii reach a record price of $950 per kilogram, marking an eightfold increase from previous high auction prices for Kona coffee.

Geisha coffee is known as one of the rarest and most expensive coffee types globally, esteemed for its unique flavor and high quality.

Originally from Ethiopia and specifically the Gesha village, it was moved to Panama in the 1960s and cultivated at high altitudes.

Additionally, the La Yama coffee from producer Los Rodriguez emerged as the most expensive Bolivian coffee ever sold, with a price of $350 per kilogram.

Ahmed bin Sulayem, CEO of the DMCC, stated that the auction has significantly enhanced the pricing discovery mechanism within the specialty coffee market, bringing together coffee producers, traders, and enthusiasts from around the world.

He emphasized the DMCC's pivotal role in shaping the future of one of the most traded commodities globally.

Khalid Al Hamadi, Vice President of DXB Live, noted that the inaugural coffee auction in Dubai has solidified the emirate's status as a global coffee trading hub, while also showcasing the rising demand for rare and luxury coffee beans and the commitment to drive excellence and growth in this sector.

David Paparelli, auction manager and CEO of M-Cultivo, remarked that prices at specialty coffee auctions diverge significantly from regular market prices, with buyers viewing such coffee not as regular products but as luxury items.

He explained that these auctions serve not just as sales but also aim to push the boundaries of quality and innovation in coffee, offering producers global opportunities and financial incentives to further refine their skills.

Specialty coffee is classified as coffee scoring 80 points or higher on a 100-point scale used by the Specialty Coffee Association's cupping form, with all lots presented at the auction scoring 92 points or more.

Shouq Ben Rida, Director of the World of Coffee 2025 event, indicated that the auction is a highlight of the exhibition, which is recognized as the largest coffee trade show in the Middle East.

The event, now in its fourth edition, features participation from over 1,980 companies and brands, including 118 UAE-based companies, alongside over 250 global exhibitors and trade visitors from 78 countries.

This edition has seen a 33% increase in exhibition space and a 50% rise in the number of exhibitors, as well as the participation of 15% of the world’s largest coffee brands.

New national pavilions from Morocco and Mexico were featured, along with established presence from Brazil, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, which highlighted significant participation from the Arab region with 137 companies on display, including over 30 companies from Saudi Arabia—a sixfold increase from the previous year.

Khalid Al Mulla, Chairman of the Specialty Coffee Association in the UAE, stated that the exhibition serves as a dynamic platform for market expansion, forging industry relationships, and establishing trade agreements among global coffee industry leaders.

He noted the event's focus on innovation and new ideas, which includes 14 international lectures and 10 practical workshops, in addition to facilities like the Cupping Room, Brew Bar, and Roasters Village, providing participants with valuable insights into the world of coffee and its industries.

The exhibition hosts daily competitions with over 50 participants vying for top honors in national brewing, roasting, and latte art championships, in addition to awards for coffee design and best new products.