How to Source Coffee for HoReCa in the GCC | Al Bthra
Here’s a handy guide for hotels and cafés in the GCC: it covers everything from beans versus capsules, private label options, volumes, quality control, to logistics based in Dubai that keep your coffee programs running smoothly.
Hotels and cafés throughout the GCC are on a mission to achieve two key goals: serving up unforgettable coffee and ensuring smooth operations without any hiccups. If your venues are located in bustling cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, or Muscat, you’re likely familiar with the challenge of maintaining a consistent flavor profile at scale, all while using packaging that fits the realities of back-of-house operations and a supply chain that can handle seasonal fluctuations. As a partner based in Dubai, Al Bthra is here to help by providing beans, capsules, and private-label options, while also keeping a close eye on logistics and compliance to ensure your launch happens right on schedule.
Start with the experience, not the SKU list
Begin by focusing on the guest experience rather than getting lost in a list of SKUs. Are you looking to serve bright, aromatic filter coffees during breakfast and a rich, chocolatey espresso for your milk-based drinks? Determine your brewing methods (like espresso, batch brew, V60, Turkish coffee, or capsules) and the flavor profiles you want to highlight (fruity/floral versus cocoa/nutty). This approach will help you narrow down your choices for origins, roast levels, and formats, saving you weeks of back-and-forth.
Quick checklist
– Brew methods for each outlet (espresso, filter, capsules, Turkish)
– Flavor targets (e.g., “medium-dark, chocolate & nut for milk drinks”)
– Milk profile (dairy versus plant-based; consider frothing behavior)
– Service speed expectations (capsules or pre-ground options for busy times)
Beans vs capsules: when each format shines
Beans (whole or ground): They offer maximum control and freshness, making them perfect for barista-led service where the quality of grinders and machines is top-notch. Opt for 1 kg bags for back-of-house use and 250 g bags for retail displays. Capsules (aluminum): These are fantastic for ensuring consistency and speed across multiple locations. They’re especially useful in guest lounges, meeting rooms, and places with varying staff levels. Plus, capsules make waste management and portioning a breeze—great for audits. Ground for filter/bulk brew: If you expect high breakfast volumes, consider using a medium-light filter roast in pre-weighed pouches to maintain consistent flavor and simplify training.
Tip: Many HoReCa groups mix things up—using beans for their signature bar while opting for capsules for in-room service or overflow demand.
Volumes, packaging, and private label
Make sure to lock in your monthly volume early. A typical pilot range is around 60–200 kg per month for each city; capsules usually come in 10-pack and 50-pack cases. Once you’ve set your volume band, we can get more accurate with pricing, plan green coffee allocations, and secure roasting capacity. If private label is part of your strategy, think about the packaging style (matte or gloss, valve placement, label or full print), barcode/GTIN logic, and the languages you’ll need. Keep in mind that private label often requires extra time for dielines, approvals, and printing; so plan backwards from your launch date and allow for sample sign-offs with clear deadlines.
What Al Bthra takes care of
Sourcing & profile alignment (cupping notes, brew recipes)
Packaging & print coordination (bags, capsules, labels)
TRN/VAT, HS codes, and paperwork readiness
Warehousing & delivery windows aligned with your rollout
Logistics and lead times from Dubai
From Dubai, we ship throughout the GCC with reliable timelines. Beans and ground coffee usually take about 2–4 weeks, depending on the roast schedule and packaging; however, private-label capsules or printed bags might extend that to 4–6 weeks.
Pricing that remains consistent
To steer clear of any re-negotiation headaches, it’s best to tie your pricing tiers to specific volume bands and set a regular review schedule (like quarterly). For private label products, make sure to distinguish between the consumable item (like coffee) and the costs associated with packaging. This way, when you expand, it’s a breeze to add new SKUs without having to overhaul the entire agreement. Final thoughts Your guests will remember two key things: the taste and the reliability of your offerings. Nail down the flavor profile and format, then safeguard it with samples, straightforward standard operating procedures, and a logistics plan that aligns with real-world operations. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to scale up, just send us your menu and monthly volume estimates. We’ll provide you with profile options, pricing, and lead times within 24 to 48 hours.