Jazan, February 1, 2025 — The Saudi Coffee Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), successfully concluded its second Saudi Sip of Excellence Competition in partnership with the Alliance for Coffee Excellence, during the International Saudi Coffee Exhibition 2025 in Al-Dayer Governorate, Jazan Region. This prestigious event further cemented Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a producer of high-quality specialty coffee and showcased the Kingdom’s potential in the global coffee market.
The competition attracted farmers from across Saudi Arabia’s key coffee-growing regions, including Jazan, Al-Baha, Mahayil Aseer, and Rijal Almaa. These farmers participated in a rigorous evaluation process based on the high standards set by the Alliance for Coffee Excellence. The judging process involved a detailed blind tasting and sample evaluation, where the coffee beans were scored on various criteria such as aroma, flavor, acidity, body, and aftertaste. Any coffee scoring 80 points or higher was classified as specialty coffee, highlighting its exceptional quality.
Twelve exceptional winners emerged from the competition, each receiving cash prizes as a reward for their efforts. The total prize pool amounted to over SAR 200,000, providing a significant incentive for local farmers to continue producing top-tier coffee.
This competition is a part of a broader initiative to elevate Saudi Arabia's coffee industry, which has deep roots in the Kingdom's cultural heritage. By supporting local farmers and encouraging innovation, the Saudi Coffee Company and its partners are helping to position Saudi Arabia as a key player in the specialty coffee industry, both regionally and globally. The International Saudi Coffee Exhibition 2025 also provided a valuable platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of ideas between coffee producers, exporters, and industry experts from around the world.
The success of the Saudi Sip of Excellence Competition underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to not only preserving its rich coffee heritage but also expanding its influence in the global coffee market. Through initiatives like this, Saudi Arabia is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of specialty coffee production.