Clareto Monsorate

SOHO Middle East will be partnering with Japan’s Kyoto-based coffee chain % Arabica.

As of October 2023, the coffee brand had 163 stores worldwide, but with demand for the signature roasts on the rise, there are plans to bring their coffee to the bustling streets of Europe’s most celebrated cities, starting with the city of lights, Paris.

This is not the first time % Arabica is eyeing the French market either — they debuted at the Place Vendôme, Paris in 2019 but exited the market soon after.

Now, the Kyoto-based global chain is looking to get back that market share, with a Paris re-launch event in early 2024.

The UAE in particular has been a big reason for the specialty coffee chain’s success, with almost two dozen outlets across the country. The minimalist styling of the boutiques and the signature coffee blends offered here have made % Arabica a favourite in the UAE coffee scene.

This popularity at home is what % Arabica seeks to replicate in Europe, with Dubai’s SOHO Middle East leading the charge. And France is just the beginning of the brand’s planned expansion.

The partnership aims to introduce % Arabica’s acclaimed coffee culture to Europe, beginning with France, and extending to Germany, Portugal, Greece, Hungary, and Spain by the end of the year.

Currently, % Arabica’s presence in Europe is limited, with only four outlets in London. However, the brand’s global footprint is impressive, spanning 23 countries with a significant stronghold in China and the Middle East.

This expansion marks a new chapter for % Arabica and SOHO Middle East, and one that is eagerly awaited.

It promises to bring a piece of Kyoto’s revered coffee tradition to the cobblestone streets of Europe’s most iconic cities.