Kuwait's coffee market projected to expand to $953 million by 2030

In the heart of the Gulf, Kuwait's bustling cafe culture continues to captivate locals and visitors alike. With over 1,115 cafes as of May 2025, these establishments have evolved into cultural and social icons, offering unique experiences through design, social media presence, and storytelling.

Two districts, Ahmadi and Hawalli, stand out for their high cafe density. Ahmadi boasts 293 outlets, while Hawalli leads with an impressive 332. These cafes have significantly influenced fashion, language, and lifestyle trends in the country, shaping a vibrant and dynamic social landscape.

Coffee consumption in Kuwait is on the rise, with the projected figure for 2028 standing at 11,000 tons. In 2023, Kuwaitis consumed approximately 10,000 tons, making them the second-highest consumers in the Gulf after Oman, with each Kuwaiti consuming an average of 3.7 kilograms of roasted coffee annually.

The coffee market in Kuwait is projected to expand from $728 million in 2024 to over $953 million by 2030. This growth is driven by a mix of local and international players, with 73% of the cafes being independently owned, mostly by young Kuwaitis.

Kuwait's coffee imports and exports are diverse, with key contributors including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Italy, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. The Netherlands, Switzerland, and the UK supply over half of Kuwait's roasted and decaffeinated coffee imports. Export prices for coffee in Kuwait averaged $10,590 per ton in 2024.

However, the cafe sector in Kuwait is not without its challenges. Cafe owners face issues such as market saturation, rising costs, shifting consumer tastes, weak digital presence, and sustainability pressures. Despite these hurdles, innovation continues to thrive, with concepts like pet cafes and digital cafes becoming part of the landscape.

As the coffee culture in Kuwait continues to evolve, it remains a fascinating study of a thriving industry and its impact on the social and economic fabric of the nation.