Kuwait's coffee market on track to reach a staggering $953 million by 2030

In the heart of the Arabian Gulf, Kuwait is rapidly becoming a hub for coffee lovers. With a projected consumption of 11,000 tons by 2028, the country's coffee market is on an upward trajectory.

Cafés in Kuwait serve as more than just places to grab a cup of joe. They are cultural and social icons, influencing fashion, language, and lifestyle trends. The average Kuwaiti consumes 3.7 kilograms of roasted coffee annually, a figure that speaks volumes about the nation's love for coffee.

The coffee industry in Kuwait is not just a local affair. It's expanding, with export prices averaging $10,590 per ton in 2024. The majority of these exports find their way to the UAE (60%), Qatar (19%), and Saudi Arabia (9%). Interestingly, 73% of the cafes in Kuwait are independently owned, a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of young Kuwaitis.

Local café brands in Kuwait are making a mark with their focus on design, social media presence, and storytelling. Innovation is the name of the game, with concepts like pet cafes and digital cafes making their way into the scene.

Kuwait's coffee market is projected to grow from $728 million in 2024 to $953 million by 2030. By May 2025, the country hosted over 1,115 cafes, a number that continues to grow.

However, the road is not without challenges. Cafe owners face issues such as market saturation, rising costs, shifting consumer tastes, weak digital presence, and sustainability pressures. Despite these challenges, the love for coffee in Kuwait remains undeterred.

It's worth noting that Kuwait ranks second in coffee consumption in the Gulf, after Oman. The Netherlands, Switzerland, and the UK are the top three suppliers of roasted and decaffeinated coffee imports to Kuwait. The main suppliers in 2024 were Brazil, Vietnam, and Germany, accounting for approximately 75% of the total imports. Italy, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia follow as significant suppliers of coffee imports to Kuwait.

In the world of coffee, Kuwait is a brewing storm, a testament to the enduring love for this popular beverage and the entrepreneurial spirit of its people.