Author: Qahwa World

Popular Science highlights how research is rewriting what we thought we knew about coffee—debunking myths about roast strength, dehydration, heart health, and more.

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, yet it remains surrounded by misconceptions. From the idea that dark roast has more caffeine to the belief that coffee causes dehydration or heart issues, myths persist despite scientific evidence to the contrary.

In a recent feature published by Popular Science, journalist Justin Pot examined four of the most common coffee myths and presented what the science really says. Here’s a breakdown of those myths—and the research that dispels them.

1. Dark Roast Doesn’t Mean More Caffeine

Contrary to popular belief, dark roast coffee isn’t stronger in caffeine content than light or medium roast. While the taste of a dark roast is more intense, it doesn’t correlate with higher caffeine levels.

According to a 2017 study cited by Popular Science and published in Nature, researchers Megan Fuller and Niny Z. Rao from Thomas Jefferson University found that medium roast Arabica beans actually had higher caffeine concentrations than dark roast when measured by mass. The longer roasting process reduces caffeine slightly, meaning that the darker the roast, the less caffeine it may contain.

2. Coffee Doesn’t Stunt Growth in Children

Another widespread myth is that drinking coffee can stunt a child’s growth. However, no scientific research supports this claim.

Popular Science references Dr. Roy Kim of the Cleveland Clinic, who clarified that “caffeine doesn’t impact growth.” While caffeine may slightly suppress appetite, this does not translate into any significant effect on child development or height. However, excessive caffeine consumption in children may cause sleep issues, moodiness, or heart palpitations—reasons why moderation is still advised for young coffee drinkers.

3. Coffee Does Not Dehydrate You

Because caffeine is known as a diuretic, many assume that drinking coffee leads to dehydration. This idea, though popular, has been largely debunked.

A 2014 study by researchers at the University of Birmingham, published in PLOS ONE and highlighted in Popular Science, compared hydration markers in men who consumed either coffee or water. The findings revealed no significant difference in hydration between the two beverages, showing that coffee contributes to fluid intake similarly to water. This is because coffee is mostly water—offsetting any mild diuretic effect from the caffeine.

4. Coffee Doesn’t Cause Heart Disease—It May Even Help

Many people worry that regular coffee consumption might increase the risk of heart problems due to its stimulating effects. However, research paints a very different picture.

As noted by Popular Science, a major 2022 study by the European Society of Cardiology found that drinking two to three cups of coffee per day—whether instant, ground, or decaf—was linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and lower overall mortality. The study involved more than 500,000 participants and supports the idea that moderate coffee consumption is not only safe but potentially beneficial for heart health.

Bottom Line: Science Supports Your Morning Cup

Coffee has long been misunderstood, but studies continue to show that many of the concerns associated with it are unfounded. Whether it’s fears about caffeine levels, dehydration, or long-term health effects, Popular Science makes it clear: coffee in moderation can be part of a healthy lifestyle.

Before making any significant changes to your caffeine intake, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional—especially if you have existing conditions. But for most people, that daily cup of coffee is not just safe—it may even be doing you good.

Peru’s coffee production is forecast to reach 4.2 million bags in 2025/2026, an 8% increase driven by better prices, fertilizer use, and organic market leadership. Challenges persist with pests, infrastructure, and EU regulations.

Peru’s coffee industry is set for a modest rebound in the 2025/2026 marketing year, with total production forecast to reach 4.2 million 60-kg bags, marking an 8% year-on-year increase, according to the Coffee Annual Report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on May 21, 2025. This improvement is largely attributed to stronger international prices and increased fertilizer use, despite ongoing pressures from pests and structural limitations.

Coffee in Peru is primarily cultivated along the eastern slopes of the Andes, with the key producing regions being Cajamarca (22%), San Martín (20%), Junín (19%), and Amazonas (15%). Production remains almost entirely Arabica, with Typica (70%) and Caturra (20%) as the dominant varieties. The majority of cultivation takes place at elevations between 1,000 and 1,800 meters, where coffee is shade-grown, hand-picked, and sun-dried. Yields vary widely based on farm management practices, with the national average reaching 721 kg/ha in 2024/2025.

Despite better weather conditions and modest yield gains, Peruvian coffee farmers continue to face economic hardship. Labor represents 58% of production costs, followed by fertilizers (24%) and agrochemicals (12%). Most farms are smaller than 5 hectares and rely on traditional methods. Financial challenges persist due to limited access to credit, especially where land titles are not formalized, pushing many farmers toward cooperatives or informal lenders.

The harvest area remains stable at 335,000 hectares, with harvests typically running from April to September, peaking in June and July. However, coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix) and coffee borer beetle (Hypothenemus hampei) continue to affect up to 40% of production. These threats are particularly problematic at lower elevations and have led to increased use of phytosanitary treatments and tree replacement programs.

Peru’s domestic coffee consumption is forecast to rise slightly to 300,000 bags, although it still accounts for only 6% of total production. Per capita consumption remains low at 950 grams, far behind Colombia (2.5 kg) and Brazil (6 kg). Soluble coffee dominates the local market (75%), but preferences are shifting among younger urban consumers who increasingly opt for roasted and ground coffee.

On the trade front, Peru’s coffee exports are projected to rebound to 4.2 million bags in 2025/2026. In the previous year, the United States remained the top destination, taking in 27% of exports, followed by Germany (19%) and Belgium (11%). Export prices rose by 28% to an average of $229 per bag, with U.S.-bound coffee fetching slightly more at $236 per bag. Peru remains globally competitive, in part due to its status as the world’s leading exporter of organic coffee, with 90,000 hectares certified organic and many more effectively organic due to limited input use.

Peruvian producers actively pursue certifications like Fair Trade, Organic (USDA NOP, JAS, OCIA), Rainforest Alliance, and Café Practices, and the country is a frequent contender at international specialty coffee competitions. However, infrastructure issues—particularly poor roads and limited storage—continue to hamper access to global markets.

New policy developments are shaping the sector. Through the USDA-backed MOCCA initiative, Peru has trained over 27,000 producers, established 515 nurseries, and facilitated nearly $17 million in credit. The government also launched a national coffee promotion plan (through the National Executive Coffee Council) extending through 2030, aiming to improve production, boost consumption, and elevate Peruvian coffee on the world stage.

Yet looming regulatory concerns threaten smallholders. The EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR) mandates traceability for imported coffee. Peru’s National Coffee Board warns that most small producers lack proper land-use certifications and face regulatory complexity that may limit access to EU markets. Although Peru’s Congress amended forestry laws in January 2024 to simplify compliance, producers insist more support is required.

Coffee continues to play a pivotal role in Peru’s rural economy, generating over 855,000 jobs, especially in remote regions. Through agencies like DEVIDA, the government promotes coffee as a sustainable alternative to coca leaf cultivation, reinforcing its significance as both an economic and social development tool.

Tanzania forecasts 1.45 million bags of coffee in 2025/2026. Robusta gains strength, exports grow to 1.37 million bags, while domestic consumption and EU trade shape future strategies.

The Coffee Annual Report – Tanzania 2025/2026, published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on May 20, 2025, forecasts Tanzania’s total coffee production to reach 1.45 million 60-kg bags, up from 1.35 million the previous year. The increase is driven by favorable weather, ongoing farm rehabilitation, and strong international prices that continue to incentivize investment. Robusta production leads the growth, particularly in the northwest Kagera region, where new farms are emerging in districts like Ngara.

Tanzania’s cultivated coffee area is set to expand to 270,000 hectares in 2025/2026, though the harvested area remains stable at 265,000 hectares due to the maturity timeline of new plantings. While over 40% of Tanzanian farmers grow coffee—mostly on small plots averaging 0.63 hectares—the majority of trees are over 25 years old, highlighting the importance of replanting initiatives.

The country grows both arabica (60.9%) and robusta (39.1%). Arabica thrives in the northern highlands and southern regions such as Kilimanjaro, Mbeya, and Njombe, while robusta is cultivated mainly in Kagera, near Lake Victoria. The harvest season runs from July to October, with about 90% of total production generated by 320,000 smallholder farmers.

Increased rainfall, stable temperatures, and ongoing government-supported seedling distribution (25 million seedlings by end-2025) are helping rejuvenate aging farms. Additionally, robusta prices and market demand have encouraged farmers to expand and invest in fertilizers, tools, and better agricultural practices. Nonetheless, fertilizer use remains limited—only 40% of farmers in the north and south apply synthetic fertilizers, and just 2% in the west.

Fertilizer costs are high, with subsidized prices ranging from $23 to $28 per 50-kg bag as of September 2024. Since Tanzania imports 95% of its fertilizer, price volatility remains a constraint, especially for smallholders with limited capital. On average, farmers apply just one bag per hectare—far below recommended levels.

Coffee exports are forecast to grow to 1.37 million bags in 2025/2026, up from 1.26 million the prior year. Export momentum remains strong, supported by premium Tanzanian arabica, global price incentives, and improved capacity in production and marketing. The European Union continues to dominate as Tanzania’s largest export market, purchasing six times more green beans than the United States. Despite a decline from 749,000 bags in 2023 to 653,000 in 2024, the EU remains critical. Japan is the second-largest importer, followed by the United States, which has more than doubled its purchases over the past three years. China and India also show rising interest.

Tanzania’s soluble coffee exports—centered in Bukoba—are projected to remain stable at 10,000 bags, with destinations like Kenya, Turkey, and the EU showing varied but consistent demand. The export season peaks between December and February, with January 2025 seeing a high of 169,638 bags shipped.

On the domestic front, consumption is projected to grow to 85,000 bags, up from 77,000 the previous year. Urbanization, rising incomes, and government-led coffee promotion in cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha are boosting demand. Low-cost coffee stalls and awareness campaigns aim to shift local preference away from tea, which remains the dominant beverage.

However, local consumption still lags significantly behind production due to high roasting costs, limited infrastructure, and cultural preferences. The government continues to encourage local roasting and brewing, but strong export demand keeps most production headed abroad.

Stocks are forecast to rise slightly to 51,000 bags, held primarily by cooperatives, exporters, and larger growers. Government policy efforts—guided by the Tanzania Coffee Industry Development Strategy (2020–2025)—focus on improving quality, expanding cultivation, and strengthening market access. In April 2025, a major Memorandum of Understanding with Corus International secured $30 million in funding to improve coffee quality, marketing, and farmer income.

Tanzania’s position as one of only three global producers of Colombian Mild Arabica—alongside Colombia and Kenya—remains a major asset. The country’s coffee sector has shown resilience amid climate challenges and market fluctuations. With rising production, expanding exports, and ongoing replanting initiatives, Tanzania’s coffee industry is poised to grow—provided it can address persistent input, infrastructure, and quality bottlenecks.

• Mexico’s coffee output is forecast to reach 3.9 million bags in 2025/2026, driven by high prices and renewed investment. Exports and consumption rise, but challenges remain in labor and farm renovation.

According to the Coffee Annual Report – Mexico 2025/2026, published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on May 20, 2025, Mexico’s coffee production is projected to reach 3.9 million bags (green bean equivalent) in the upcoming season. This slight increase over the previous year is fueled by strong international prices, targeted government support, and sustained efforts to renovate plantations and promote coffee quality.

Production is concentrated in four states—Chiapas, Veracruz, Puebla, and Oaxaca—which together account for over 91% of the national output. Chiapas remains the leading state by volume, while Puebla continues to post the highest productivity levels, thanks to favorable agro-climatic conditions, investment in disease-resistant varieties, and proximity to urban infrastructure.

Arabica coffee dominates production with 3.5 million bags, while robusta output is forecast to decline slightly, especially in lowland Veracruz, which was hit by heatwaves between June and October 2024. The national average yield stands at 5.89 GBE/ha, with Veracruz and Puebla reporting much higher averages of 7.04 and 12.22 GBE/ha, respectively.

Although planted and harvested areas remain relatively stable across Mexico’s 14 coffee-growing states, factors like labor shortages, input costs, climate variability, and pests continue to affect year-to-year output. Labor challenges are particularly acute in Chiapas, where restrictions on migrant workers—especially from Guatemala—and competition from higher-paying industries like tourism have limited workforce availability. Rising costs across transportation, fertilizer, and fuel further strain profitability.

Despite these obstacles, Mexico’s domestic consumption is expected to grow modestly to 3.15 million bags, a 1.6% increase from the previous year. The demand for roasted coffee is driving this growth, with urban areas showing increased interest in single-origin and premium varieties. Soluble coffee still dominates the market, accounting for 57% of total consumption, but the specialty segment is expanding steadily.

A notable development in 2024 was the launch of Café Bienestar, a government-backed instant coffee brand distributed through over 24,000 Bienestar stores across Mexico. The program aims to provide affordable coffee while supporting small producers, especially in northern Veracruz. Though the brand currently represents a small share of the soluble market, it plays a key social role by increasing access to coffee in underserved communities.

Mexico’s coffee exports are projected to rise to 3.05 million bags in 2025/2026, including 1.6 million bags of soluble coffee. The United States remains the top buyer of Mexican coffee in all forms—green, roasted, and soluble. Export volumes are seasonally highest between April and May, and recent revisions have shown stronger-than-expected shipments of soluble products.

At the same time, coffee imports are expected to increase to 2.39 million bags, mostly driven by robusta imports used in blending and soluble manufacturing. Brazil remains the leading supplier of green and soluble imports, while the United States dominates roasted coffee imports.

Regulatory dynamics are shaping consumption trends. In March 2025, Mexico enacted the Healthy Life in Schools Law, which bans the sale of caffeinated beverages in primary and middle schools. While this may reduce early-age exposure to coffee, the law allows unsweetened coffee consumption in higher education institutions, potentially strengthening coffee habits among university students.

Meanwhile, the government continues to promote domestic coffee through programs such as “Ask for a Mexican Coffee,” encouraging agrotourism in Chiapas, Veracruz, and Puebla. Competitions like Expo Café, Cup of Excellence, and regional events like Expo Orgullo de Puebla play a critical role in boosting national appreciation for Mexican-grown coffee and connecting producers with buyers and consumers.

Private and NGO partnerships are also revitalizing the sector. Programs by Nestlé, Starbucks, Sabormex, BASF, and Solidaridad focus on distributing rust-resistant plants, offering agronomic training, soil analysis, and creating new business models through youth engagement. Starbucks alone has donated over 4.8 million seedlings and operates a Farmer Support Center in Chiapas. These efforts are complemented by partnerships with universities, co-ops, and international donors.

Policy-wise, Mexico is consolidating coffee support programs under the Cosechando Soberanía en Café initiative. In 2024, over 205,000 producers received direct support payments totaling nearly US $75 million. Fertilizer subsidies and certified seed distribution are also part of a broader 2026–2030 strategic plan aimed at stabilizing productivity, improving plant health, and expanding exports to Eastern Europe and Asia.

At the global level, price volatility remains a central factor. In April 2025, coffee prices fluctuated between 308 and 340 US cents per pound, driven by supply disruptions in Brazil, rising global demand, and potential tariffs. The tight global supply, combined with increased investment by Mexican farmers, has temporarily boosted margins, but the long-term outlook depends on whether global supply growth corrects prices in the coming seasons.

As Mexico enters the 2025/2026 marketing year, the coffee sector finds itself in a cautiously optimistic position. Strong prices, rising demand, and quality-driven initiatives are supporting producers and exporters alike, but risks tied to climate, regulation, and cost must be carefully managed to maintain momentum.

Vietnam forecasts a record 31 million coffee bags in 2025/2026, with robusta dominating production. Exports and domestic consumption rise, while prices and processing investment reshape the sector.

The Vietnam Coffee Annual Report 2025/2026, published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on May 19, 2025, projects a notable recovery in Vietnam’s coffee sector, with total production expected to reach 31 million 60-kg bags of green bean equivalent. This marks a strong rebound from the previous year’s 29 million bags and reflects both improved weather and stronger farmer investment driven by record prices. Robusta continues to account for the vast majority of production, at an estimated 30 million bags, while arabica holds steady at 1 million bags.

The Central Highlands — including Dak Lak, Lam Dong, Dak Nong, Gia Lai, and Kon Tum — remain the core of Vietnam’s coffee industry, producing over 90% of the country’s output. The combination of volcanic soil, high elevation, and distinct wet-dry seasons creates optimal conditions for robusta cultivation. Despite some local media reports about farmers switching to higher-value crops like durian, official data shows the coffee area expanding, with 730,000 hectares planted in 2024, 92% of which is harvestable.

Farmer investments have been bolstered by global coffee prices that more than doubled over the past year. Domestic robusta prices reached approximately VND 125,000 per kilogram in early 2025 — a 130% increase over 2024 — while average export prices hit $5,630 per ton, up 143% year-on-year. Many producers, anticipating further gains, have been withholding stocks, which caused a 23% drop in exports during the first half of 2024/2025 despite strong global demand. Exporters have shifted toward a just-in-time model, moving away from large-scale stockpiling as capital costs rise.

Vietnam’s coffee exports are expected to rebound to 27 million bags in 2025/2026, up from an estimated 25.8 million in the current year. This includes 23.7 million bags of green coffee and 3.3 million bags of processed products, such as roasted and soluble coffee. Processed coffee continues to gain market share, rising from 8.8% of exports in 2022 to 9.6% in 2024, fueled by growing demand in Asia. Countries like the Philippines, China, and Indonesia are paying higher prices than Europe, with the Philippines paying $4,424/ton, compared to Germany’s $3,390 or Italy’s $3,260.

Soluble and roasted coffee exports are gaining momentum, supported by major factory investments. Nestlé recently invested nearly $75 million to expand its Dong Nai facility — producing for over 35 global markets — bringing its total Vietnam investment to nearly $1 billion. Local companies are also scaling up: Trung Nguyen is building a $75 million processing plant in Dak Lak, and Highlands Coffee opened a new $20 million facility with a processing capacity of 75,000 tons per year.

Domestic consumption is also growing fast. Forecasts for 2025/2026 suggest 4.9 million bags will be consumed locally, up from 4 million this year. This growth is driven by a rising middle class, recovering tourism, and a boom in café culture. Vietnam now has over 500,000 cafés, from traditional street vendors to modern coffee chains. Takeaway and home-brewed coffee are also gaining popularity among younger consumers.

Meanwhile, Vietnam is preparing for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which takes effect in 2026. With 41% of exports destined for the EU, compliance is critical. Two Vietnamese companies have already met the requirements — including Simexco Daklak with its traceability system. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is building regional monitoring systems covering 136,000 hectares, developing a national coffee database to support certifications like Rainforest Alliance, 4C, and Fair Trade.

While weather conditions in early 2025 were favorable — with higher rainfall than 2024 — concerns remain about drought risks in April and May. Nonetheless, the overall forecast suggests stable and improving growing conditions. Vietnam’s top research institution, WASI, continues to supply 4–5 million coffee seedlings per year for new and replanted farms, aiming to raise productivity and climate resilience.

Despite the high prices, coffee yield improvements remain critical. Robusta yields are forecast at 2.90 metric tons per hectare, slightly up from 2.73 in 2024. Arabica yields remain modest and will require stronger investment and varietal development. The Ministry’s specialty coffee development plan aims to expand specialty coffee to 19,000 hectares by 2030, signaling future diversification in quality segments.

Vietnam’s coffee imports are projected to decline slightly to 800,000 bags in 2025/2026 due to higher domestic supply, but sustained demand for arabica beans and processing inputs will keep import levels stable.

As Vietnam enters the 2025/2026 marketing year, it does so with strong fundamentals: record prices, recovering export flows, fast-growing domestic demand, and a strategic shift toward higher-value products and traceable supply chains. However, exporters must remain agile amid price volatility and regulatory pressure, especially as Europe and Asia demand more than just beans — they want quality, transparency, and resilience.

Indonesia projects 5% growth in coffee production for 2025/2026, reaching 11.3 million bags. Robusta dominates output, exports rise 7%, but domestic consumption slows amid weak spending.

According to the Coffee Annual Report – Indonesia 2025/2026, published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on May 19, 2025, Indonesia’s coffee production is forecast to reach 11.3 million 60-kg bags, marking a 5% increase over the previous year. This growth is attributed to favorable weather during the flowering season and improved farm inputs. However, despite higher production and a 7% rise in exports, domestic consumption remains sluggish due to weak middle-class spending.

Indonesia’s total planted area remains unchanged at 1.2 million hectares, as no major expansion or replanting initiatives have been introduced in recent years. Smallholder plantations—typically between one and two hectares—continue to dominate the sector, accounting for 98% of total area. Larger estates, managed by private and state-owned companies, are located primarily in Sulawesi, Sumatra, and East Java.

The island of Sumatra remains the heart of Indonesia’s coffee belt, producing 70–75% of the country’s total output, with the majority being robusta from provinces like South Sumatra, Lampung, and Bengkulu. Arabica production is centered in North Sumatra, as well as high-altitude zones in Java, Sulawesi, and Papua.

In 2025/2026, robusta production is expected to increase by 500,000 bags, reaching 9.8 million bags, driven by improved rainfall and increased fertilizer use. Farmers in Jambi and South Sumatra began harvesting in late April 2025, with peak harvest expected between June and July. Meanwhile, arabica production is projected to reach 1.45 million bags, showing a slight increase. Arabica is harvested twice annually—in April/May and again in September/October.

Improved margins from rising prices over the past two years have motivated smallholders to rejuvenate neglected plots and adopt better farm practices. In regions like Lampung, fertilizers and pesticides are often accessed on credit through village-level aggregators. Family labor is commonly used, with rotational harvesting labor helping reduce overall costs.

Despite this, yields—especially for robusta—remain below one ton per hectare, constrained by inconsistent seed quality and a limited supply of improved planting material. Local government support for better seedlings and training programs remains geographically limited.

Domestic consumption in 2025/2026 is forecast at 4.81 million bags, up slightly by just 10,000 bags. While roasteries and processors continue to show demand, many were pressured by rising input costs and subdued consumer purchasing power during 2024/2025. Lower- to mid-grade coffee products are expected to perform better, particularly among working-class and Gen Z consumers in urban areas. Street vendors and hawkers selling affordable coffee maintain steady sales, while high-end cafés remain popular with younger and higher-income demographics.

Ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee sales continue to grow—albeit at a slower pace. In 2025, RTD volume is projected to increase by 3%, the slowest rate since the pandemic. These products, often priced more accessibly than those at branded coffee chains, have become increasingly popular in convenience stores and vending machines.

On the trade front, green bean exports are forecast to increase to 6.5 million bags, up from 6.1 million last year. The growth comes from improved availability following the production rebound. However, uncertainty surrounds shipments to the United States, which had resumed during a temporary tariff pause but may face disruption after July 2025. Exporters are bracing for the expiration of a 90-day suspension on a reciprocal 32% tariff, and are actively redirecting shipments to alternative destinations such as ASEAN countries, Japan, the EU, and the Middle East.

In 2024/2025, exports to the U.S. reached 726,000 bags, a 23% increase over the prior year. The EU remained the top buyer, driven by demand from Belgium and Germany, with over 1.4 million bags shipped between March 2024 and February 2025—double the volume from the previous year. However, the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) poses new compliance challenges. Exporters are now preparing to meet stricter traceability and sustainability requirements, including the need to provide due diligence statements certifying that coffee is deforestation-free.

Green bean imports, mostly of robusta from Vietnam and arabica from Brazil, are projected to fall to 400,000 bags in 2025/2026 as local availability improves. During the 2024 period, imports from Vietnam dropped to 490,000 bags, while Brazilian imports stood at 180,000 bags.

As for pricing, domestic bean prices have soared. Robusta spot prices in Lampung exceeded IDR 222,000/kg in early 2025, up sharply from IDR 55,000–70,000/kg the year before. Arabica spot prices in Medan surpassed IDR 213,000/kg in April and May. This price spike is tied to global market trends and lower stocks in late 2024, when many farmers held back supplies in anticipation of continued increases.

Despite these high prices, the use of high-yield, disease-resistant seedlings remains limited, and yield gaps persist across regions. Heavy rains and strong winds during cherry development continue to pose risks, especially for arabica grown in highland areas. However, weather during the flowering season was favorable, particularly from October to November 2024, boosting optimism for the current cycle.

As the Indonesian coffee sector moves into the 2025/2026 cycle, modest production gains, a resilient robusta base, and improved inputs set a stable foundation. But policy uncertainty, export redirection, price volatility, and looming EU regulations demand adaptive strategies. Strengthening farmer support programs, modernizing planting systems, and expanding traceability infrastructure will be key to sustaining momentum in the seasons ahead.