The Saudi Arabia Coffee Market
Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the most dynamic coffee markets in the world, driven by a culture in which coffee is far more than a beverage. The traditional Arabic coffee ceremony — serving lightly roasted, cardamom-infused qahwa — has been a cornerstone of Saudi hospitality for centuries. What is changing rapidly is the layer above it: a thriving specialty coffee and café culture that has taken hold across Riyadh, Jeddah and beyond with remarkable speed.
The Market Opportunity
Saudi Arabia is among the highest per-capita coffee-consuming countries in the Arab world, and import volumes reflect this. Demand is increasingly tilted toward premium and specialty products as consumer tastes evolve. The rise of Vision 2030 — the government's economic diversification programme — has accelerated growth in the hospitality, retail and food service sectors, all of which are driving demand for quality coffee products, equipment and expertise.
For international suppliers, Saudi Arabia presents a commercially serious market with strong purchasing power and a consumer base that is young, urban and increasingly brand-aware. The specialty segment in particular is growing faster than in many established Western markets, making early market entry strategically valuable.
The Event: International Coffee & Chocolate Exhibition
The International Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition — known as C&C Expo — is Saudi Arabia's largest annual gathering of coffee and chocolate professionals, held in Riyadh at Princess Nourah University's Venue Plus.
The exhibition brings together over 300 local and international participants from more than 40 countries across five days, making it the most significant platform of its kind in the Kingdom. It attracts a broad cross-section of the industry: green bean suppliers, roasters, equipment manufacturers, packaging companies, café brands and producing-country representatives, alongside an extensive programme of competitions, workshops and trade sessions.
Beyond the Exhibition Floor
For international suppliers looking to go deeper than a stand, CoffeeFairs.com can arrange direct meetings with Saudi coffee professionals — roasters, importers and specialty buyers — on the sidelines of the event. These targeted introductions are particularly valuable for companies entering the market for the first time, where a direct conversation with the right buyer is worth more than three days of footfall alone.