The Desert Vipers will be enjoying a caffeine buzz in more ways than one during the upcoming season four of the DP World ILT20 after agreeing a partnership with the Dubai-based RAW Coffee Company (RCC). The two-year agreement sees RAW Coffee Company become an Official Supplier to the cricketing franchise and the team’s Official Coffee Partner.
As part of the arrangement, RAW Coffee Company will supply a barista and a coffee machine at the team hotel for the duration of the tournament. The Desert Vipers’ newest commercial partner has already hosted players and coaches from the team’s Development Pathway programme at its 13,500 square feet working roastery café in Al Quoz, Dubai, ahead of the new season of the DP World ILT20.
RAW Coffee Company is also developing a drink for the players that will give them a caffeine boost with the aim of assisting athletic performance. The company sources, roasts, and supplies premium coffee to businesses and consumers in the United Arab Emirates. It also trains coffee professionals and home enthusiasts in the art of coffee, with a core focus on ensuring that the sourcing of its beans is ethical and sustainable.
Desert Vipers CEO Phil Oliver said he was delighted the franchise has joined forces with RAW Coffee Company.
“This is a terrific partnership as the Desert Vipers and RAW Coffee Company champion the same values, especially when it comes to sustainability,” Oliver said. “This agreement also means we are working with and supporting a UAE business, in keeping with other aspects of what we are doing – putting down roots in the country and being present across the year and not just during the duration of the tournament.
“The social aspect of coffee is very important too, and that is something RAW Coffee Company has bought into in our partnership by supplying a barista and coffee machine at the team hotel throughout the tournament. We have been proud that in the three seasons of the DP World ILT20 we have created a terrific team spirit within the franchise, and having a focal point for players, staff and families to get together every day with our own coffee club will only enhance that family feeling.”
Matt Toogood, CEO of the RAW Coffee Company, said the partnership reflects both organizations’ shared philosophy of connection, sustainability, and excellence.
“Cricket and coffee share a universal language of bringing people together. This collaboration is built on shared values – community, authenticity, and a deep commitment to doing things responsibly. As a UAE-grown company, we’re proud to support a team that not only plays at the highest level but also invests in building something lasting for the region. We see this as the start of a meaningful, long-term partnership that celebrates quality, integrity, and the energy that drives performance.”
