The Dubai Coffee Auction: Al-Khanshali Estate

Reviving Yemeni coffee: Mokhtar Alkhanshali’s mission to restore a legacy

For centuries, Yemen was at the heart of the global coffee trade. The Port of Mokha, synonymous with high-quality coffee, was once the gateway for some of the world’s finest beans. However, political instability, economic challenges, and outdated farming practices led to the decline of Yemen’s coffee industry. Enter Mokhtar Alkhanshali, the man behind the Port of Mokha and a driving force in the revival of Yemeni coffee. Through relentless passion, innovation, and a deep respect for tradition, he has positioned Yemen back on the map of specialty coffee.

A journey rooted in passion and history

Mokhtar’s journey into coffee began with a deep curiosity about his Yemeni heritage. While growing up in the U.S., he discovered the rich history of Yemeni coffee and was inspired by the idea of bringing it back to its former glory. His research led him to Ethiopia and Yemen, where he immersed himself in coffee culture, history, and farming practices.

Determined to transform Yemen’s coffee industry, he traveled across the country, visiting farms, speaking with farmers, and analyzing the challenges they faced. He quickly realized that while Yemen had some of the world’s oldest and most unique coffee varieties, the industry suffered from inconsistent processing methods, lack of infrastructure, and poor market access.

Elevating quality through innovation

One of Mokhtar’s key strategies in revitalizing Yemeni coffee was improving the processing and drying techniques. Drawing inspiration from Panama’s Geisha coffee farms and Ethiopia’s traditional methods, he introduced modern fermentation and slow-drying techniques. These innovations helped enhance the natural flavors of Yemeni coffee while preserving its unique terroir.

Mokhtar also established direct trade relationships with farmers, ensuring they were paid premium prices for their high-quality cherries. By eliminating middlemen, he created a sustainable model where farmers received fair compensation while improving the overall quality of their coffee.

Yemen’s coffee in the global market

Through partnerships with renowned specialty coffee roasters and auction platforms, Mokhtar successfully introduced Yemeni coffee to global buyers. His efforts culminated in his coffee scoring an unprecedented 97 points on Coffee Review, the highest rating ever given to a Yemeni coffee. This milestone validated the exceptional quality of Yemen’s coffee and opened doors for more producers to enter the high-end specialty market.

Additionally, Mokhtar played a crucial role in organizing Yemen’s first national coffee auction, providing local farmers with direct access to international buyers. This initiative not only increased visibility for Yemeni coffee but also drove competition and encouraged farmers to produce higher-quality beans.

Overcoming challenges and looking ahead

Despite the successes, the journey has not been without obstacles. Yemen remains a conflict-ridden country, making logistics, exportation, and infrastructure development incredibly challenging. However, Mokhtar’s unwavering commitment keeps pushing the industry forward. He continues to work on expanding educational programs for farmers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and strengthening the global market for Yemeni coffee.

With a vision rooted in history and a strategy focused on quality, Mokhtar Alkhanshali is ensuring that Yemen’s coffee renaissance is not just a moment but a lasting movement. His work exemplifies the power of passion and perseverance in transforming an industry and uplifting an entire community through coffee.

For those eager to experience the taste of this revival, Yemeni coffee will be featured at the upcoming at the Dubai Coffee Auction live at WOC Dubai on February 10-11th and also in the online global auction on March 13th, offering a rare opportunity to savor one of the world’s most storied and exceptional coffees.

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The Dubai Coffee Auction by DMCC

Join us for a live event taking place at the World of Coffee Dubai on February 11th and the Global Online Auction event happening on March 13th. Curated by M-Cultivo, this first-of-its-kind event will showcase the world’s top producers.

Join Mokhtar Alkhanshali in the The Cupping Table - Podcast by M-Cultivo