The Climbing Goat has two sites across Dubai, at Dubai Festival City and the Nakheel Mall | Photo credit: The Climbing Goat

UAE-based hospitality group Yolk Brands has acquired domestic specialty coffee roaster The Climbing Goat for an undisclosed sum. 
 

With two sites across Dubai, at Dubai Festival City and the Nakheel Mall, The Climbing Goat has the potential to become the region’s leading specialty coffee roaster, Yolk Brands said. 

“Quality homegrown concepts are the hallmark of Yolk Brands and The Climbing Goat fits the bill perfectly. Using only the finest beans from around the world roasted right here in Dubai, it’s a brand with huge potential for expansion with coffee being such an important part of the Middle East market,” said Steve Flawith, CEO, Yolk Brands. 

Dubai is the UAE’s coffee innovation centre-point, home to most branded chains as well as the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Coffee Centre, a ‘global hub for specialty coffee’, which aspires to place the UAE as the region’s foremost coffee trading location. 

Industry leaders surveyed by World Coffee Portal across the UAE and Saudi Arabia believe growing demand and appreciation of specialty coffee is currently the most important consumer trend in the Middle East, while 75% of consumers surveyed said specialty coffee is the most important factor behind a high quality coffee shop. 

Founded in 2019, Yolk Brands also operates the fast-food chains Pickl and BonBird and the gourmet deli and bakery chain 1762. The hospitality group is seeking to develop a network of 1,000 stores across its food and beverage brands within the next decade.