Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has successfully concluded the eighth edition of its industry-leading Global Dubai Tea Forum (GDTF), which was held at The Address Dubai Marina Hotel between 25 to 27 April, 2023.
GDTF 2023, hosted by the DMCC Tea Centre under the theme of “Unpacking the Future of Tea: From Consumer Trends to New Market Opportunities”, gathered together over 300 industry experts and professionals including traders, producers, suppliers, buyers, and governments from across the globe. During the three-day conference, industry stakeholders addressed key trends within the global tea market.
DMCC’s GDTF 2023
According to the statement, they discussed how to harness current opportunities to drive its sustainable growth. The GDTF 2023 was supported and sponsored by a number of leading organizations from the industry.
The opening keynote address was delivered by Mr. Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Economy, who said, “With its strategic location, at the crossroads of the world, the advanced infrastructure and the enabling business ecosystem, the UAE is well-positioned to drive global tea trade. In 2021, we ranked first in global tea re-export with a 51 percent contribution in terms of value and quantity, and fifth in tea trade after major producing countries. As such, the UAE represents the perfect venue to host such an important forum that brings together traders and industry players to shape the future of tea.”
Ahmed Bin Sulayem Executive Chairman & CEO DMCC
“Tea is one of the oldest traded commodities in the world, from the first brews in ancient China 5,000 years ago, via the caravan networks of the Tea Horse Road to today’s pioneering new flavors. The second most consumed beverage in the world after water, tea’s star is set to soar in the coming years with a global market value projected to increase by 40 percent. This is a trend we have witnessed in Dubai, where DMCC Tea Centre now handles on average 43,000 metric tons of bulk tea every year contributing to the UAE’s status today as one of the largest re-exporters of tea in the world. The sector continues to evolve at a rapid rate and we expect to see new concepts, innovations, as well as trade, move to Dubai in the coming years alongside the tea industry’s global growth trajectory.”
GDTF is one of the most important events in the global tea industry calendar, playing a major role in shaping the future of the industry and facilitating its growth by bringing key stakeholders together and providing a platform for collaboration.
“In line with its mandate to attract, facilitate and steer new trade flows through Dubai, DMCC has been a driving force in establishing the emirate as a leading global hub for tea trade. Since its inception in 2005, the DMCC Tea Centre has witnessed consistent growth, handling an average of 43,000 metric tons of tea per year,” as per the statement.
The services provided by the Centre have proven invaluable to the entire tea value chain, offering a one-stop solution for tea businesses and allowing them to capitalize on opportunities within the industry.
DMCC Tea Centre
“The DMCC Tea Centre has played a major role in positioning Dubai at the heart of the global tea trade. This world-class facility aims to develop and grow the tea trade by connecting markets through Dubai. Building on a record-breaking 2022, our Tea Centre is poised to deliver yet another strong performance throughout 2023. This growth will be driven by technology and automation, as well as a focus on developing specialty tea and innovative infusions that will delight tea enthusiasts around the world,” commented Mr. Saeed Al Suwaidi, Director of Agri Commodities at DMCC.
