RIYADH: The eighth International Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition has kicked off at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center with the participation of more than 300 local and international institutions from across the world. Continuing until Dec. 3, the exhibition aims to attract investors, importers and seekers of new investments in the coffee and chocolate field and provide a platform to launch new products. The Saudi Barista Championship, accredited with the World Barista Championship, will see the winner travel to Athens to represent Saudi Arabia in the international contest. The exhibition has also prepared workshops and courses specializing in coffee and chocolate. It will feature the Coffee Race Zone, a recreational area for adults and kids with virtual reality VR games and a small race-car circuit, and a Coffee Talk area, which will bring together prominent coffee and business experts with the public to talk about topics related to coffee and investment in the field. Culinary professionals and amateurs will also have an opportunity to compete with the Cooking Platform, which will see four chefs challenged daily to prepare a special dessert. The exhibition attracts government agencies, entrepreneurs, producers and exhibitors for coffee and chocolate products and equipment, as well as a number of donors.