Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has officially launched the mezzanine level of its Coffee Centre, adding 500 square metres of premium workspace designed to support global coffee trade, innovation and business growth.
The new facility features 16 private offices, flexible hot-desking, and a members-only espresso bar for demonstrations and client hosting. The launch comes at a pivotal time for the industry, as coffee — one of the most widely traded commodities — faces shifting trade dynamics, climate pressures and evolving consumer demand.
Coffee at an inflection point
DMCC timed the announcement with the release of its latest Future of Trade special edition report, focused on the coffee sector. The report highlights that the global coffee industry generates over USD 200 billion in retail revenues annually, with international trade valued at USD 26 billion. More than two billion cups are consumed daily worldwide, sustaining the livelihoods of an estimated 25 million farmers, mostly smallholders.
However, the report warns that climate change, new consumer preferences, and digital disruption are redrawing the global coffee map.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, framed coffee’s trajectory as one of both heritage and reinvention.
“Coffee is far more than a commodity; it is part of our identity in the Arab world and a cornerstone of the global economy,” he said. “The sector now stands at an inflection point: building direct producer-to-consumer corridors, adopting climate-smart agriculture, and embracing digital tools such as AI-enabled traceability and tokenised trading to manage risk and deepen transparency.”
Dubai’s growing role
Dubai is positioning itself as a global coffee hub beyond redistribution. The emirate is gaining prominence in specialty coffee, underscored by the success of World of Coffee Dubai 2025, which drew over 17,000 visitors and set record auction prices for rare lots.
The MENA coffee market is projected to reach USD 11.5 billion, with Dubai anchoring regional growth. DMCC’s Coffee Centre, alongside its digital Tradeflow platform, provides roasting, logistics, storage and trading services — a foundation now strengthened by the newly opened mezzanine.
Mike Butler, Associate Director – Coffee at DMCC, said the space was designed to give members more flexibility.
“Our newly fitted-out mezzanine is a physical expression of our broader strategy to support the coffee ecosystem,” he said. “It reflects DMCC’s role in helping Dubai evolve as a global coffee hub.”
Key trends shaping the future
The Future of Trade report outlines five key trends likely to reshape the coffee industry:
- New trade corridors — emerging markets such as China and Asia-Pacific driving demand.
- Value retention at origin — producers like Ethiopia and Mexico investing in roasting and branding.
- Digital traceability — blockchain and AI tools to improve trust and price transparency.
- Climate-smart farming — adoption of drought-resistant varietals and regenerative practices.
- Changing consumers — younger buyers, especially Gen Z, driving specialty and sustainable coffee demand.
The report calls for greater investment in climate-smart agriculture, digitised supply chains, and infrastructure hubs such as Dubai to streamline logistics, reduce emissions, and enhance traceability.
With over 2.5 million cumulative downloads, DMCC’s Future of Trade series has become one of the most widely read resources on shifting global trade dynamics.
