International Coffee & Chocolate Exhibition 2026
About the event
The International Coffee & Chocolate Exhibition returns to Riyadh for its twelfth edition, running from one to five December 2026 at Venue Plus, Princess Nourah University. The event brings together coffee and chocolate makers from more than forty countries across five days of exhibits, competitions and tastings.
Visitors can explore dedicated zones for cafes and coffee brands, chocolate manufacturers, raw materials, packaging and equipment, alongside championships such as the Cup Art Championship and cultural programmes exploring the story of Saudi coffee. A parallel two-day programme, the Middle East Coffee Conference, brings together speakers from the coffee industry to discuss artificial intelligence, flavour science, the economics of a cup of coffee and the future of the cafe experience.
Admission is open to the public, subject to a free reserved ticket. The exhibition is a certified member of the Specialty Coffee Association and is recognised internationally by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.
Agenda
8- 16:00–17:15Coffee as a Cultural and Media ForceFrom Gahwa to global trend: how Arabic coffee has become part of modern culture, content, and lifestyle, and how social media is shaping the way coffee is experienced and consumed.
- 17:15–18:30The Science of Flavor and AIExploring flavor chemistry, fermentation, and the use of AI in sensory analysis. How data and technology are helping producers and roasters better understand flavor and quality in specialty coffee.
- 18:30–19:45Is Coffee Overpriced?What really determines the price of a cup of coffee? Exploring pricing, margins, costs, and the different stages of the coffee value chain.
- 19:45–21:00Will the Barista Disappear?How automation, robotics, and AI are changing coffee service. Exploring machine-assisted brewing, consistency, and the role of human skill and judgment in the future of the barista.
- 16:00–17:15The Saudi Coffee OpportunityA specialty segment growing 15-20% annually, a government-backed cultivation revival in Jazan, and the rise of homegrown brands. What the next decade looks like for operators, investors, and producers in the Kingdom's coffee story.
- 17:15–18:30Healthy Coffee.. Fact or Marketing?Exploring functional beverages, wellness trends, new ingredients, and the research behind coffee's health claims. Where is the line between evidence-based benefits and marketing?
- 18:30–19:45Designing the Café ExperienceHow café design, service, and atmosphere shape customer experience, loyalty, and brand identity. Exploring how cafés can create spaces and experiences that give customers a reason to return.
- 19:45–21:00From Cup to BrandBuilding a coffee brand capable of scaling, attracting investment, and creating long-term impact: identity, positioning, digital presence, and the strategic decisions that separate brands that last from those that don't.
