Coffee consumption in Iran has grown significantly over the past decade, making the country’s coffee industry one of the fastest-developing sectors. Alongside changing consumer tastes, production and industrial activities related to coffee have also increased. In this context, Amin Davoodi spoke with Ali-Asghar Asghari, manager of Max Coffee, about the current state of the industry.

 Asghari highlighted the growth in coffee consumption: “If we compare today with 10 to 15 years ago, we see a significant rise. Both coffee bean imports and consumer demand have increased several-fold. This shift has driven growth in areas such as roaster manufacturing, coffee accessories, and the organization of specialized coffee exhibitions.”

All Coffee Beans Are Imported; Roasting and Processing Done in Iran He explained:

 “Because of Iran’s climate, coffee cannot be grown locally. All beans are imported in raw form and then roasted and processed domestically before being prepared for consumption.”

Starting Roaster Production in Iran

About entering the roaster manufacturing field, Asghari said: “Fifteen years ago, with coffee consumption on the rise, we realized there was a need for local coffee equipment. At that time, no Iranian manufacturers were active in this field, so we started. Others later joined the industry. Today, the quality of Iranian roasters competes with foreign models.”

Domestic Market Share and Export Potential

He added: “Currently, only a small portion of roasters comes from Europe or Turkey. Roughly 70 to 80 percent of machines used in Iran are produced locally, which helps prevent currency outflow and creates jobs. We also export to countries like Oman, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Iraq. With increased production, the potential for exports to Europe and Africa is significant.”

Challenges and Competitive Edge

 On obstacles to growth, Asghari noted: “One challenge is that domestic demand is still strong. Most production serves the local market. With higher capacity and support, exports could grow. Regarding competition, Turkey and some European countries have a longer history, but Iranian machines are serious competitors today. In software, we even have an advantage — many European brands rely on PLC systems, while we developed our own dedicated software.”