Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition is the premier annual event for the coffee and chocolate industry in the Middle East. Scheduled for December 1-5, 2026, at Venue Plus, Princess Nourah University in Riyadh, this exhibition will showcase over 350 local and international exhibitors.
Attendees can expect a unique experience featuring tastings, workshops, and competitions, all designed to enhance knowledge and foster partnerships in the industry. Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition takes place in.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition runs from December 1 to 5, 2026, at Venue Plus, Princess Nourah University, Riyadh.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is the largest annual gathering of coffee and chocolate producers from over 40 countries.
- 3Organiser: The exhibition is organized by Heights, a leading event management company in Saudi Arabia.
- 4Buyer Authority: The event attracts coffee roasters, chocolate manufacturers, food industry professionals, and culinary experts.
- 5Entry Requirements: Admission is open to all, but advance ticket booking is required.
Why visit
Visitors can enjoy open tastings of specialty coffees and fine chocolates from around the world. Participate in hands-on workshops to learn brewing and roasting techniques from experts. Experience live competitions, including barista and cup art challenges, and immerse yourself in the cultural journey of Saudi coffee.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors gain access to a diverse audience of industry professionals, including coffee roasters and chocolate manufacturers. The exhibition provides a platform for networking, showcasing new products, and forging valuable partnerships. It also offers opportunities for brand visibility and engagement with high-spending consumers.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Coffee roasters looking for new suppliers
Chocolate manufacturers seeking partnerships
Food industry professionals and buyers
Culinary experts and chefs
Media and influencers in the food sector
Coffee enthusiasts and hobbyists
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Coffee producers and roasters
Chocolate manufacturers and suppliers
Food and beverage distributors
Equipment and machinery suppliers
Packaging and hospitality product vendors
Training and consultancy services in coffee and chocolate
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Specialty coffee products and equipment
Artisan chocolates and confections
Coffee brewing and roasting equipment
Packaging solutions for food products
Hospitality and café supplies
Training programs and workshops
Location & Facilities
Venue
Venue Plus, Princess Nourah University
Princess Nourah University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Facilities
Parking
Venue Plus, Princess Nourah University in Riyadh typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Venue Plus, Princess Nourah University in Riyadh typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Venue Plus, Princess Nourah University for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
:2:00 PM – 11:30 PM daily
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Why it matters
On 2026-12-01 to 2026-12-05, Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition in Riyadh covering Specialty coffee products and equipment, Artisan chocolates and confections, Coffee brewing and roasting equipment, Pack gives food buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · SAR
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Riyadh
Primary international gateway serving Riyadh.
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Prime Hotel Suites - Qurtuba (Madhaal Qurtuba)
Serviced apartments / budget
Qurtuba, walking distance to Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Center340 m to venueGuest rating 4.5 from 120 reviews; closest cluster of lodging to the venue, suitable for a short walk or very short transfer.
Razen Suites
Serviced apartments
Qurtuba, adjacent to Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Center400 m to venueGuest rating 4.9; within a few minutes' walk of the exhibition centre.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Qurtuba
4-star
Qurtuba district, near Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Center970 m to venue4-star hotel with breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, air conditioning, fitness centre, spa and bar; eco-certified.
Madareem Hotel
4-star
Near Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Center4.2 km to venue4-star hotel with breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, pools, hot tub, air conditioning, pet-friendly policy and fitness centre; eco-certified.
Casa KM Serviced Apartments
Serviced apartments
Qurtuba / Riyadh Front1.8 km to venueGuest rating 4.7; short drive or taxi from the exhibition centre.
Holiday Inn Riyadh the Business District by IHG
Upscale business hotel
Riyadh business districtGuest rating 4.8; business-oriented IHG property suited to exhibitors needing meeting space.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Riyadh Metro
Estimated costApprox. SAR 4-8 per single journey; confirm current fares and ticket types
Best forNearest metro station to the venue district, with a short taxi or walk for the last mile
Riyadh Metro is useful for reaching major districts; check the closest station to your hotel and allow extra time for the last-mile transfer to the exhibition centre.
Riyadh Bus
Estimated costApprox. SAR 3-6 per single journey; confirm current fares
Best forCity bus or Park & Ride lot to the exhibition district
Riyadh Bus and Park & Ride services can reduce driving into the venue district; routes and timings should be checked on the official Riyadh transport apps before travel.
Taxi
Estimated costApprox. SAR 80-130; confirm the meter or fixed quote before departure
Best forRiyadh (RUH) to Venue Plus, Princess Nourah University
Airport taxis are available outside the terminals; allow extra time around show opening hours and keep the venue gate name ready for the driver.
Ride-hail
Estimated costApprox. SAR 40-90 for in-city trips; airport trips approx. SAR 70-130; surge pricing possible
Best forCareem or Uber from hotel or airport to the venue
Ride-hailing is widely used in Riyadh. Confirm the pickup zone at RUH and the venue, and keep a card linked to the app for smoother payment.
Parking
Estimated costApprox. SAR 0-20 per day; confirm current rates with the venue
Best forOn-site visitor parking at the exhibition centre
The Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center advertises more than 7,500 parking spaces for visitors; allow time for gate queues at peak opening hours.
Walking
Estimated costFree
Best forQurtuba and Riyadh Front hotels to the exhibition centre
Several serviced apartments and hotels are within a 5-15 minute walk; use shaded routes where possible and carry water in the daytime.
Weather
December in Riyadh is mild and dry by day, cool at night. Expect daytime highs around 18-25°C and overnight lows around 8-13°C, with low rainfall (roughly 10-20 mm for the month) and occasional dust or haze. A light jacket is useful for evening transfers and air-conditioned halls.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Saudi Arabia's main mobile networks (STC, Mobily and Zain) provide 4G and 5G coverage in Riyadh; eSIM and local prepaid SIM options are available at the airport and in the city. Venue Wi-Fi may be available but confirm access with the organiser, and keep a local data plan for maps and ride-hail.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Dress and public conduct
Riyadh is more conservative than many business capitals. Modest business attire is appropriate for the venue; shoulders and knees covered is a safe baseline. Alcohol is prohibited.
Weekend and prayer times
The Saudi weekend is Friday-Saturday. Prayer times can briefly affect shop and service hours; build a little slack into meeting schedules.
Greetings and business cards
A handshake is common in business settings; wait for a woman to offer her hand first. Carry business cards and use titles where known.
Transport and evenings
December days are mild but nights can be cool; carry a light layer. Taxis and ride-hail are widely used; agree the fare or use the app.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: RUH
Captured sample fares for 1-5 December 2026, economy, 1 adult including taxes and fees, included around SAR 558 from Dubai (nonstop), SAR 2,725 from London (one stop), from about SAR 3,264 from New York (one stop via Europe), SAR 2,597 from Singapore (one stop via Istanbul) and from SAR 5,694 from Sydney (two stops). Fares vary by booking date and carrier; compare one-stop Gulf routings and book early for December, which is a busy travel period. Confirm baggage and change rules before paying.
Visa
A valid, unexpired passport and a Saudi visa are required for entry. Business visitors typically need a business visit visa supported by a passport, headshot photograph, completed application form, company documents and an invitation letter; check the current rules on the official Saudi government services portal before booking travel.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Business visa document packs commonly include passport, photo, business cover letter, application form and letter of invitation. Requirements can vary by nationality, so confirm with the Saudi embassy or the official national portal before applying.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Riyadh (RUH): Primary international gateway serving Riyadh.. Allow road or rail time to Venue Plus, Princess Nourah University; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Venue Plus, Princess Nourah University: Qurtuba, walking distance to Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Center: Prime Hotel Suites - Qurtuba (Madhaal Qurtuba); Qurtuba, adjacent to Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Center: Razen Suites; Qurtuba district, near Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Center: Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Qurtuba.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps such as Careem and Uber operate in Riyadh and are widely used by business travellers. Confirm pickup points at RUH and the venue, expect surge pricing at peak hours, and keep a card linked to the app. For late-night returns, pre-book or ask the hotel to arrange a trusted car.
Public transit: Riyadh Metro and Riyadh Bus networks cover many districts; use the official apps or station maps to plan the nearest stop to your hotel and the venue. Allow for a last-mile taxi or walk, especially around show opening hours. Park & Ride lots let you leave the car and continue by metro or bus.
Parking: The Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center advertises more than 7,500 visitor parking spaces. Confirm current daily rates, gate access and hall-specific parking with the venue or organiser before driving; allow extra time at peak opening hours.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: December (winter)
Temperature: Daytime roughly 18-25°C; nights 8-13°C; occasional cooler spells
Seasonality: Rain is rare (roughly 10-20 mm in December); dust or haze possible; winter is a comfortable season for walking and outdoor evenings.
Packing: Layers for cool evenings, a light jacket, modest business attire, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and sunglasses for bright days.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 14
Confirm your visitor registration and badge status; check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond entry.
Day 14
Book flights to King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and reserve a hotel in Qurtuba, Riyadh Front or the business district.
Day 10
Confirm visa eligibility and apply if needed; request an invitation letter from the organiser if your visa route requires one.
Day 10
Arrange airport transfer or download ride-hailing apps; save the venue address and hall details offline.
Day 7
Download the exhibitor directory and floor plan; shortlist companies and request meetings before the show opens.
Day 7
Check the December weather forecast and pack layers, modest business attire and comfortable shoes for walking the halls.
Day 5
Print or save hotel, flight and registration confirmations; confirm check-in times and any deposit requirements.
Day 3
Reconfirm meeting times and booth numbers; charge your phone and pack a power bank and local data plan.
Day 2
Check traffic and travel times from your hotel to the venue; plan to arrive 30-45 minutes before your first meeting.
Day 1
Collect your badge, test venue Wi-Fi if available, and walk the hall layout to locate priority exhibitors.
T-11
Show day: Allow time for security screening at the gate; keep a digital copy of your badge and passport details.
T-12
Departure day: Leave buffer time for the airport; RUH can be busy during December travel peaks.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Venue Plus, Princess Nourah University
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition registration concourse
Venue Plus, Princess Nourah University
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Venue Plus, Princess Nourah University
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsSAR 190.00
- Per diem × 2SAR 150.00
Estimated totalSAR 340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Specialty coffee products and equipment and Artisan chocolates and confections solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition in Riyadh.
Min. budget
$450.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Specialty coffee products and equipment and Artisan chocolates and confections products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Riyadh show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- CandC Expo
- The event's official short name; use it when searching for registration, the exhibitor directory and hall plans.
- Trade visitor
- A professional attendee who registers with a business identity to access exhibits, conference sessions and scheduled B2B meetings.
- Buyer badge
- The printed or digital pass issued after registration and verification; it is required for hall entry and often for meeting-area access.
- Exhibitor directory
- The official list of participating companies, usually searchable by hall, country or product category before and during the show.
- Invitation letter
- A document the organiser may issue to support a visa application or entry approval; request it early and check the exact requirements with the organiser.
- Venue Plus / Riyadh Front
- The exhibition district in north Riyadh where the event is held; confirm the exact hall and gate on your badge or the organiser's floor plan.
- Build-up day
- The set-up period before the public opening; exhibitors need build-up passes, and freight access is usually scheduled in fixed windows.
- B2B meeting
- A pre-booked business meeting between an exhibitor and a buyer, often arranged through the event platform or an on-site meeting desk.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Riyadh coffee show
- 2026 coffee events
- Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition Riyadh 2026
- Coffee 2026
- Coffee Riyadh 2026
- Riyadh Saudi Arabia
- Food & Beverage Trade Show Riyadh 2026
- Food & Beverage Trade Show Exhibition Riyadh
Trust footer
Sources
2
References
1
Publishers
0
Date checked
1
Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition
- official_website
- event_info
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.