In this exclusive interview, Khalid Al Malki, brand manager of Tres Marias KSA, shares his wealth of knowledge about the brewing culture and deep understanding of the coffee market.
What are the benefits of coffee?
Coffee contains caffeine, which is a stimulant that activates the central nervous system. That’s why you may feel more awake, alert or energetic after your morning cup. Some even use it for their skincare routine. So, if you enjoy coffee but not the caffeine, you can still reap many of its rewards in decaffeinated form. Coffee has several benefits, such as increasing alertness and improving cognitive function, boosting metabolism, giving your workout a boost, and even lowering the risk of developing certain diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Coffee is nutritious and can help you lose weight. However, it’s important to remember that moderation is key because too much coffee can lead to negative side effects, like anxiety and disrupted sleep.
What is the difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee? Which coffee type is best?
Arabica and Robusta are two of the most grown coffee varieties in the world. Arabica coffee is generally considered to be of higher quality than Robusta. It has a smoother, sweeter taste, while Robusta is stronger and more bitter. Arabica coffee also contains less caffeine than Robusta coffee. If you ask me, Arabica is the most popular type of coffee; it has a sweeter, more complex flavor that you can drink straight. However, it is generally more expensive than Robusta coffee due to its superior taste and growing conditions. Robusta, on the other hand, contains about twice as much caffeine as Arabica, making it a popular choice for those who want a strong, bold cup of coffee.
Overall, both types of coffee have their own unique characteristics and are enjoyed by coffee lovers around the world.
How do you envision the future of traditional coffee concepts versus automated ones?
I think automated robotic coffee concepts are going to become more popular in the future. However, I believe there will always be a market for traditional coffee concepts because people love a personal touch and the human interaction that comes with it. The main benefit of using an automatic coffee machine is that it is available to everyone — employees and/or customers — and no coffee or water is wasted as everything is dosed perfectly and tastes consistent. Furthermore, such machines can produce a high volume of drinks quickly and efficiently without the need for human intervention, except for calibration. This can be particularly useful in busy places, such as airports, train stations and office buildings.
However, I believe that both segments will continue to grow, especially since traditional coffee shops offer a unique experience that cannot be replicated by automated robots. They provide a social atmosphere where people can gather, relax and enjoy their coffee while interacting with others. Additionally, many people appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into making a high-quality cup of coffee, which may be difficult for robots to replicate. Ultimately, the future of coffee concepts versus automated robotic coffee concepts will depend on a variety of factors, including consumer preferences, technological advancements and new trends. It is likely that we will continue to see a mix of both in the years to come.
