World Of Coffee Dubai 2026 Day Two Highlights: Trade, Auctions And Origin Engagement

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 moved into its second day with strong business activity and networking across Dubai World Trade Centre, as trade-focused sessions, auctions, and championships kept producers, buyers, and roasters engaged, reinforcing the event’s role as a working marketplace for the speciality coffee industry.

The momentum followed a record opening day that recorded a 30 percent rise in visitor attendance compared with the previous edition. On day two, traffic across exhibition zones stayed high as producers, roasters, buyers, and suppliers continued meetings, cupping sessions, live demonstrations, and technical discussions aimed at evaluating coffees and securing new commercial agreements.

A key commercial feature was the World Class Auction, held under the Dubai Coffee Auction programme, where participants assessed coffees through structured cupping before taking part in a live bidding format. This combination positioned the auction as a transparent mechanism for quality-based pricing and supported direct engagement between buyers and origin representatives.

The World Class Auction reached its top price at $3,075 per kg, equal to more than AED13,000, for a Natural Geisha secured via M-Cultivo. The result highlighted the strong price premiums attached to exceptional microlots and signalled how buyers are differentiating origins and processing styles when allocating budgets for speciality coffee purchases.

Alongside the auction, the Producer Panel gathered origin country representatives and wider industry stakeholders to address topics such as market access, value creation, and the changing nature of producer–buyer relationships. Discussions explored how producing countries are adapting to shifting consumer expectations and sustainability requirements within the speciality coffee value chain.

Speakers also focused on transparency and relationship length, noting how buyers increasingly seek traceable supply arrangements and stable partnerships. The panel examined how producers respond through new processing methods, quality investments, and collaborative models that align with long-term contracts, environmental priorities, and the need for more predictable income streams.

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 championships and professional development

Competitive events advanced on day two, with the Roasting Championship entering a technical stage that centred on Roast Plan Submission sessions. Competitors detailed roasting strategies, profiling methods, and quality goals under internationally recognised evaluation standards, using the platform to demonstrate approach, consistency, and understanding of green coffee potential.

Activity also continued in the Cezve/Ibrik Championships 2026, which highlighted one of the oldest brewing traditions within a modern speciality context. Competitors combined traditional equipment with contemporary sensory expectations, showing how heritage brewing methods remain relevant for current café menus, consumer education, and regional coffee culture narratives.

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 exhibitor sentiment and marketplace role

Exhibitors reported clear commercial benefits from participation, pointing to both immediate leads and longer-term partnerships. Sanjeev Dinesh Fernando, Sales Manager at Alpro, said, "We have been part of World of Coffee since the beginning because our products are closely linked to coffee. Each year, the show continues to grow, and our participation consistently creates strong opportunities and business leads."

First-time exhibitor Tajer Coffee also noted strong results from engaging with visitors. Mohamed Alhammadi, Co-Owner of Tajer Coffee, said, "This is our first time exhibiting at World of Coffee Dubai, and also our first time sponsoring the Roasters’ Village. The response has exceeded our expectations and reinforced our decision to support such a significant industry event."

Event management highlighted how the second day reflected the show’s design as a practical trading environment rather than a purely promotional showcase. Shouq bin Redha, Exhibition Manager of World of Coffee Dubai, said, "Day two reflected the way World of Coffee Dubai is designed to function as a working marketplace for the speciality coffee sector. From the live cupping auction and producer dialogue to championship progression and professional learning, the programme has focused on practical exchange, quality evaluation, and trade outcomes that move the industry forward."

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 is scheduled to close this evening, with the final day featuring the Exhibitors’ Coffee Auction, announcements of championship results, award presentations, and continuation of the educational programme, rounding off three days of trade-focused activity for regional and international speciality coffee stakeholders.

With inputs from WAM