Flavours of Iraq Shine at Coffee and Tea Festival

This week, Iraq celebrated its second edition of the Coffee and Tea Festival in its capital.

Taking place at the Palm Complex in Baghdad, the event, organised by the Reza Alwan Cultural Foundation and Enfold Company, brought together nearly 70 coffee and tea companies from across Iraq and neighbouring nations. Among the international participants from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Italy.
Big names such as Nescafé and Nido stand alongside local producers, each inviting visitors to taste and learn. 

Event organisers estimate that the event will attract over 100,000 visitors by the end of the week. 

Local companies are taking advantage of the opportunity to showcase regional specialities.
Businesses such as Al-Tuffaha Tea Company offer versions of black tea, flavoured tea and cardamom tea, each adapted to suit local tastes. 

Meanwhile, Rida Alwan Coffee, in business since 1960, presents a variety of coffees, from Guatemalan espresso brands to traditional Turkish coffee.

In addition to the tastings, the festival also hosts competitions, educational workshops and expert panels, offering insights into sustainable sourcing, tea culture, roasting and brewing. 

The significance of this event stretches deeply into Iraqi cultural heritage. Values of hospitality and food sharing are a rich part of Iraqi daily life and culture. This festival celebrates these traditions whilst introducing them to the younger generations through a new lens.

Event organisers say the strong public response has exceeded expectations, and plans are underway to expand the event to other areas of Iraq.

Beyond its cultural value, the festival also offers economic opportunities by connecting local and international brands with Iraqi buyers and giving local producers visibility.  

If momentum continues, the Baghdad Coffee and Tea Festival seeks to become a key annual event.