Paris and Dubai, October 1, 2024 – On the occasion of International Coffee Day on October 1, Emirates is highlighting the annual consumption of more than 170 tonnes of coffee by its coffee-loving customers. The airline offers a wide range of artisan coffees in its lounges and on board its flights to 140 destinations worldwide, including its own signature blend of traditional Arabic coffee.
More than 130 tons of coffee served on board each year
Emirates serves over 130 tonnes of coffee on board each year and has even commissioned its own signature blend of Arabic coffee in collaboration with local artisan producer, Mattina.
Mattina’s Arabic coffee blend for Emirates uses the highest quality Arabica beans, enhanced with natural cardamom and saffron, following traditional recipes passed down from generation to generation. It replicates the ceremonial coffee experience that has been at the heart of Arab hospitality for centuries. The blend is made from Arabica beans from the Cerrado de Minas region of Brazil, known for their sweet, mellow and aromatic character. These beans are lightly roasted to obtain the characteristic light brown color of Emirati Arabic Qahwa. Emirates Arabic Coffee is blended with cardamom from the Guatemalan highlands, renowned for its rich, intense flavors, a spice that gives Qahwa its distinctive aromatic taste. It also contains subtle notes of some of the finest saffron in the world, adding to the authenticity of the Qahwa tradition. Emirates’ signature blend of Arabic coffee is served on board to First Class customers around the world and can also be ordered in First Class and Business Class lounges.
Across the Emirates network, a myriad of coffee types and producers are offered to in-flight customers, including Lavazza, Coffee Planet, Nairobi Coffee and Tea Company, as well as a host of independent suppliers across the world. As part of the on-board service, Economy Class and Premium Economy Class customers are offered coffee once or twice during their flight, while Business Class and First Class customers can order order a Lavazza Italian coffee from a menu, which includes options such as decaffeinated coffee, cappuccino, iced Americano, espresso, macchiato and affogato al café. Emirates also collaborates with Coffee Planet to create bespoke drinks for special occasions like Christmas and Valentine’s Day, such as the rose mocha or the orange crush latte.
Lounges for coffee lovers: 40 tonnes of coffee served by Emirates every year
The 5.1 million customers who relax each year in the 7 luxurious Emirates lounges in Dubai consume an average of 26 tonnes of coffee beans. In the First Class Lounge in Concourse B at Dubai International Airport, Emirates has a dedicated coffee counter, where customers can choose from a variety of three single-origin coffees, freshly prepared by a barista. Each coffee has a variety of aromas, acidity and bitterness, and the Emirates team has been specially trained to suggest the best coffee based on the customer’s preferences. The selection changes every three months so frequent travelers can sample beans from around the world. For example, Colombia Huila Buenavista is a juicy, silky coffee with a smooth finish reminiscent of a cocoa bean and floral notes as well as hints of apricot, grape, blackberry and grapefruit. Burundi Nyagishiru has a sweet fruity aroma, a smooth finish of milk chocolate, brown spices, caramel and stone fruits, with tangy acidity and a velvety texture. Brazil Sao Vale Do Sol is a full-bodied coffee with a sweet fruity aroma, citrus acidity, aromas and notes of grapefruit, vanilla, almond, chocolate with a clean finish. The First Class and Business Class lounges also offer Costa Coffee, an Emirates Leisure Retail company, where a wide range of coffees and side dishes are served.
Across Emirates’ 34 lounges located in cities around the world, 2.1 million customers access these luxury lounges each year, with an annual consumption of 14 tonnes of coffee beans.
Specialized coffee training for Emirates cabin crew
Emirates crews receive specialist coffee training, during which they learn the origins of coffee, different blends and how to prepare the perfect cup for each customer. During training sessions, crews perfect their skills in serving and presenting each type of coffee and are assessed on the preparation and serving of Emirates’ signature Arabic coffee. First Class passengers can enjoy their coffee in a Royal Doulton fine china mug or cup, and Business Class passengers in a fine china cup. The quality of the water used to prepare the coffee is also taken into account and regularly monitored. Emirates ensures that water tanks, equipment used for transportation and supply lines provide perfectly safe drinking water, through regular disinfection, maintenance and audits. International Coffee Day – Emirates serves over 170 tons of coffee each year to its customers
