BAHA — A study revealed that the Kingdom ranks as the largest coffee consumer in the world, importing 10,000 tons of coffee beans a year. The study, conducted by biology professor Firdous Bukhary, also revealed the average consumption rate of coffee for a Saudi is three kilograms a year. The annual estimated cost of importing coffee and its necessities is SR5.5 billion. Moreover, more than 26,000 tons of cardamom, ginger and saffron worth more than SR4.5 billion are imported on an annual basis. Arabic coffee is an important part of Arab culture and is considered the symbol of generosity and hospitality. Coffee is consumed on various private and public occasions. Traditionally, Saudis would gather at someone's house for coffee and snacks after the afternoon and evening prayers. Coffee is associated with other traditional and cultural occasions, such as gatherings listening to the songs of Fairuz or the poems of Mahmoud Darwish. Arabs even believe that you can analyze a person's personality by the flavor of the coffee they make. A Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition was held in Riyadh recently with the participation of more than 35 local companies and other pioneering Arab companies. At the event Deputy Minister of Agriculture Khalid Al-Faheed said the Kingdom is also one of the leading exporters of coffee beans in the world. He said: “The ministry prioritizes coffee beans exportation and provides the most suitable environment and soil for quality beans. “Jazan is considered the most popular area for coffee beans plantations in the Kingdom due to its mountainous landscape. “However the most popular type of coffee beans is mocha, typically planted in Yemen.” He added Jazan has more than 70,000 coffee bean trees planted by over 600 farmers. The province alone produces around 500 tons of coffee beans annually.
