Dubai Coffee Auction Achieves Record Prices With Panamanian Geisha Selling For US$10,020 Per Kilo

The first Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Specialty Coffee Auction set new records with intense global bidding. The event featured 16 lots from 11 producers across nine countries, showcasing six coffee varieties. Geisha coffee dominated with 11 lots, highlighting top global producers. Bidders participated both in-person and online through a digital platform.

Finca Sophia from Panama achieved the highest sale at US$10,020 per kilo. A Kona SL 34 lot from Hawaii set a new American record at US$910 per kg, eight times the previous high for Kona. La Llama beans from Los Rodriguez became Bolivia's priciest coffee at US$350 per kg. Ethiopian Gesha Village Oma Natural also set a record at US$1,100 per kg.

Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of DXB Live, remarked on the auction's success: "The inaugural Dubai Coffee Auction by DMCC in 2025 has reinforced Dubai’s position as a global hub for the coffee trade. By bringing together producers, traders, and enthusiasts from around the world, the auction showcased some of the rarest and finest coffees, achieving remarkable results and setting new records for specialty coffee."

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, stated that the auction highlighted Dubai’s role as a leading hub in the global coffee trade: "DMCC's 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."

David Paparelli, CEO and co-founder of M-Cultivo and auctioneer, explained that these auctions operate independently of commodity market prices: "These specialty coffee auctions operate independently of commodity market prices and buyers aren’t comparing these coffees to commercial-grade beans—they view them as luxury goods."

Specialty Coffee Standards

Specialty coffee is defined by scoring 80 points or above on the Specialty Coffee Association Cupping form. All auctioned coffees scored 92 or higher. Paparelli added that these auctions offer more than transactions: "They push the boundaries of coffee quality and innovation while providing producers with global exposure and financial incentives to keep refining their craft."

The auction was a highlight of World of Coffee Dubai 2025, the Middle East’s largest coffee trade show. Scheduled for February 10-12 at Dubai World Trade Centre, it will feature over 250 international exhibitors and visitors from 78 countries.

This event not only underscored growing demand for exceptional coffee but also strengthened efforts towards growth and sustainability in the industry. The auction demonstrated DMCC's pivotal role in shaping one of the world's most traded commodities' future.

With inputs from WAM