Head to Riyadh to Experience the Romance Between Saudi Arabia and Coffee

In early December, Riyadh was bathed in warmth and rich coffee aroma. DHPO team headed to the long-awaited industry grand event, the International Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition, held from December 2nd to 6th. Before departure, we had heard that Saudis have an extraordinary love for coffee. However, when we truly stepped into the exhibition hall, we felt the profound shock of this "coffee mania".

The exhibition hall was full of tourists, with no boundaries of age or status. Regardless of gender or age, visitors wandered around the coffee-scented venue. Even as night fell, parents still held their children in arms or pushed strollers, browsing, sampling and purchasing amidst the bustling crowd, sharing the unique romance that belongs to coffee lovers.

From morning till night, long queues formed in front of every booth, and the tasting areas, coffee bean display zones, and information desks remained fully occupied throughout. Such enthusiasm for coffee far exceeded our expectations.

But this enthusiasm for coffee is no accident. According to data, in 2025, Saudis consume approximately 36 million cups of coffee everyday, with the annual market value reaching as high as $1.3 to $1.9 billion. This indicates that coffee culture has become an indispensable part of Saudis' daily lives. This phenomenon has elevated Saudi Arabia’s coffee consumption to one of the highest levels all over the world.

What's even more remarkable is that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued over 61,000 operating licenses for cafes, which account for 16% of the total number of food and beverage establishments. From local brands such as Barnes (with over 800 stores), Kyan, and Dr. Café to the internationally renowned Starbucks, these brands are collectively shaping Saudi Arabia’s urban coffee culture.

Through chatting with people at booths and consumers at the exhibition, we gained a deeper insight into coffee’s unique significance in Saudi Arabia. It is not only the centerpiece of Arabia’s traditional hospitality etiquette, symbolizing kindness and respect, and an indispensable bond for family gatherings and friend meetings, but has now evolved into a brand-new lifestyle. Cafés are no longer just a place to grab a coffee. They have become central hubs for community events, art exhibitions and business meetings, catering to diverse social, cultural, and professional needs.

It's worth noting that Saudi Arabia is fully committed to transforming its coffee industry from a "major consumer" to a "powerful producer." Driven by both the government and enterprises, the Saudi Coffee Company plans to invest nearly $320 million in nurturing the local coffee sector. With the goal of planting 5 million coffee trees by 2030, the annual output of coffee beans will increase from 800 tons to 10,000 tons, establishing "Saudi Coffee" as a globally recognized brand. This initiative not only preserves local coffee culture but also endows the entire market with substantial long-term development potential.

During this exhibition, we engaged with various clients, gaining much recognition for our products as well as opportunities for cooperation, such as Mini Double Walled Coffee Cup CM80-01A and Sky One Electric Grinder CH19A. In this market that values individuality and quality, "Customization" has emerged as a key bridge connecting brands and consumers.

Behind the daily consumption of 36 million cups of coffee lies cultural heritage, market developing and countless untapped cooperation opportunities. Our coffee journey in Saudi Arabia is far from over. We will continue to forge ahead on this vibrant path, allowing our products to dance alongside the aroma of Saudi coffee at this grand event.

Keywords: chocolate exhibition

Originally published 31 Dec 2025, updated 31 Dec 2025.