Wired chocoholics? Coffee, chocolate sales tripled over decade in the Middle East

Coffee and chocolate sales have trebled in the Arab world in the past decade, with consumption having increased by 100 per cent in Saudi Arabia alone in the past three years, according to an expert.

Saudi Arabian nationals spend more than SR5 billion ($1.3 billion) on coffee each year, said economist Hajar Al-Fadl.

"The kingdom has achieved a huge growth in coffee sales with 25 per cent annual growth each year from 2011 to 2014, making it the fastest-growing coffee market in the world," he said.

The figures were revealed ahead of the second International Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition, which is set to take place at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from November 26 to 28.

Mohammed Al-Afees, chairman of the organising committee, said: “The event is one of the most significant coffee and chocolate events in the Arab world, and provides an integrated platform to highlight all aspects of the two products.

“This year we are adding a number of interactive workshops and training programs for participants, as well as the national Barista championships to celebrate masters of the art of coffee preparation.”