In this special episode of The Cupping Table, M-Cultivo co-founder David Paparelli breaks down the "nuts and bolts" of the 2026 coffee auction season, specifically focusing on the unique hybrid format of the Dubai Coffee Auction. Following a record-breaking year in 2025 where coffee reached prices of $30,000 per kilo, David explains how the platform connects a global network of producers from regions like Panama, Yemen, and the United States with buyers through a two-round bidding process. He details how participants can navigate the transition from an open bidding period to a high-stakes "bidding war" involving a live auctioneer, while emphasizing that auctions serve as vital tools for price discovery, brand building, and fostering long-term relationships between producers and roasters.