Sri Lanka’s Department of Coffee makes international debut with Oman outlet

Department of Coffee at the Sabco Shopping Centre in Muscat | Photo credit: Department of Coffee

Sri Lankan specialty coffee group Department of Coffee has made its international debut with an outlet at the Sabco Shopping Centre in Muscat, Oman. 
 

Launched in 2021 by Sri Lankan specialty coffee roaster J M Robertson & Co, Department of Coffee currently operates four stores in its home market, comprising a flagship outlet and two smaller stores in the capital Colombo and a further site in Kandy, a major city located in the key tea and coffee growing Central Province. 

“Opening our first international branch in Muscat is a proud moment for Department of Coffee. We are excited to bring a piece of Sri Lanka’s coffee culture to Oman and share our passion for specialty coffee with the community here. Muscat is a city with a rich heritage and a growing appreciation for quality, and we look forward to building connections and creating memorable experiences for our customers,” said Natalie G, CEO, Department of Coffee. 
 

Department of Coffee sources single origin coffees from Brazil, Colombia and Guatemala and also serves specialty Sri Lankan Lakparakum coffee, which has been grown in the South Asian country since the early 2000s as part of government efforts to rebuild the island’s coffee producing industry.

Known for its strong yields and tolerance to coffee leaf rust, the premium Lakparakum variety is credited with driving a 66% rise in Sri Lanka’s total coffee exports to 50.6 tons 2021-2022 to 50.6 tons. 

With over 200 outlets, Oman is the eighth largest branded coffee shop market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The market is led by international operators, with just three homegrown chains currently operating – Extract Coffee & Roastery, Azura and The Crepe Café – according to new World Coffee Portal research.