Erika Mondadori in Dubai for the International Coffee and Tea Festival 2016

ICTF 2016 took place in Dubai the 02-04 November with the aim to bring together international and local industry leaders to educate, inform and do business, all on the region's most dedicated platform that places emphasis on specialty coffee & tea.

Erika Mondadori, export manager for Nuova Ricambi Srl, decided to combine the usual visit to her customers with a day at the festival and on her return she tells us her impressions of the multiannual festival:

“The event was organized in Meydan Hotel, in the heart of the area which will soon become imposing focal point for trade shows, meetings and conventions, which are strengths in the economy and growth of Dubai and the Emirates.

The festival, in itself very circumscribed, has been well thought out and channeled on the distribution of coffee and tea. Not all coffee machines brands were present, but I could meet the companies representing Nuova Simonelli, Cimbali, Synesso, Slayer, Conti and Sanremo.

Different roasters, exposing their qualities best single origins, have attracted the attention of the many baristas looking for the perfect grain: the location was in fact ideal for those companies willing to meet the baristas before and after their personal demonstration for the "barista championship" or "brewers’ cup championship."

Nuova Ricambi, leader since 1980 in the distribution of espresso machine parts, is very attentive to every development or change in the Middle East markets. Visiting the customers and participating at the main event, exhibit or festival where to meet customers and potential customers is imperative to know our customers and be able to customize our offer according to their needs.

Erika is already programming her next visits in the Middle East: among them from 18-20 September Gulfood 2017, hold during the “Dubai International Hospitality Week’ which from now on will be the only trade platform to connect with the foodservice buying community and is expected to attract 60,000 buyers over 90,000sm.