Coffee Planet turns 20: A legacy of craft, growth, and vision

Two decades ago, in 2005, Coffee Planet began its story with little more than a single coffee machine and a bold ambition: to bring world-class specialty coffee to the UAE. Today, the company stands as one of the region’s most respected roasters, a brand with international recognition and deep local roots.

Marking its 20th anniversary this year, Coffee Planet is not only celebrating the journey so far but also looking firmly toward the future. At the center of this story is the dynamic partnership between chairman Allan Jones and his son, CEO William Jones, two leaders whose different approaches have shaped the company into what it is today. Their shared belief in quality and innovation has been the foundation for Coffee Planet’s steady growth, its entry into international markets, and its expansion into retail outlets across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

From a small start to a coffee powerhouse

Coffee Planet’s beginnings were humble. Allan Jones and his co-founder, Matthew Yorke Smith, first introduced the idea of specialty coffee in a market that was still finding its appreciation for high-quality brews. What started with 30 cups a day from a single machine inside a petrol station quickly grew into something larger, driven by the rising demand for better coffee experiences.

Today, Coffee Planet operates a state-of-the-art roasting facility in Dubai, sourcing beans from more than 23 origins around the globe. Its coffees now reach consumers not only in the UAE but also in multiple international markets, proving that a local idea can grow into a global name while staying true to its heritage.

“From those early days to now, the scale of what we’ve achieved is extraordinary,” Allan reflects. “But what matters most is that we’ve remained true to our principles, Coffee Planet has always been a UAE brand with international ambition.”

The strength of two perspectives

What sets Coffee Planet apart is not just its coffee but also its leadership. Allan Jones brings with him decades of business experience and a deep respect for tradition. For him, the essentials of business, integrity, reliability, and longterm relationships, are non-negotiable.

“Businesses that endure do so because they stay consistent with their values,” Allan notes. “Quality and trust have kept us here for 20 years, and they’ll keep us going for decades more.”

His son William, however, represents the other half of Coffee Planet’s strength: innovation and adaptability. Since stepping into his role, William has pushed the company toward digital transformation, embraced new consumer trends, and explored international opportunities.

“The way people experience coffee today is very different from 20 years ago,” William explains.

“Our customers are informed, adventurous, and expect more from their cup. My role is to ensure Coffee Planet continues to lead with innovation, whether that’s through technology, sustainability, or creative new products.”

This balance, Allan’s focus on heritage and William’s focus on reinvention, has become Coffee Planet’s signature advantage, ensuring the business remains both grounded and progressive.

Blending tradition with progress

Coffee Planet’s operations reflect this philosophy of balance. On one hand, the company maintains long-standing ties with coffee farmers, supporting traditional methods of cultivation and ethical sourcing. On the other hand, it invests in cutting-edge roasting equipment, barista training, and product development to stay ahead of changing customer tastes.

Allan explains it simply: “We’ve always believed that great coffee should not be an exclusive luxury. Our goal has been to make specialty coffee accessible, and that belief has guided our innovation every step of the way.”

William builds on that: “For us, innovation doesn’t mean ignoring tradition. It means celebrating the history of coffee while finding new ways to connect with today’s and tomorrow’s consumers.”

Expanding the coffee planet experience

In addition to supplying hotels, restaurants, and retailers, Coffee Planet has made significant strides in its own retail presence. Over the past few years, the company has opened 12 coffee shops across the UAE through its trusted partners DASH Hospitality.

These outlets have allowed the brand to create direct connections with customers, offering them a taste of Coffee Planet’s craftsmanship in carefully designed spaces.

The company has also looked beyond the UAE, with exciting growth in Saudi Arabia. In partnership with HB Brands, Coffee Planet recently opened its 5th coffee shop in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), one of the capital’s most prestigious business hubs.

These ventures highlight Coffee Planet’s ability to adapt its model to new markets while keeping its identity consistent.

The next 20 years

While the anniversary is an opportunity to look back, the Jones family is focused on what lies ahead. For Allan, the priority is legacy. “Reaching 20 years proves that our foundations are strong. The next step is ensuring those values endure as we continue to expand.”

For William, the vision is about growth and reinvention. “We want Coffee Planet to be more than a roaster. Our ambition is to shape how people experience coffee globally. That means pushing into new territories, exploring sustainability in deeper ways, and delivering experiences that surprise and delight.”

More than just coffee

Ultimately, Coffee Planet’s story is not only about coffee beans and machines. It is about family, perseverance, and the strength of combining different perspectives. Allan and William’s contrasting philosophies sometimes pull in different directions, but together they have given the company resilience, character, and staying power.

As Coffee Planet celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is clear that its success has come not just from great coffee but from human values, integrity, vision, and the belief that a family-run business can thrive on the world stage.

Allan sums it up: “At the heart of everything we’ve done is the fact that we are, and always will be, a family business. That’s what makes Coffee Planet special. It’s why we’ve lasted 20 years, and why we’ll continue to grow.”

With two decades behind it and an exciting future ahead, Coffee Planet is ready to continue its mission: to honor coffee’s traditions while constantly innovating for a new generation of drinkers.

The journey that began with one machine now spans countries and cultures, and this is only the beginning.