Author: Qahwa World

Acclaimed coffee consultant Cleia Junqueira is set to host an exclusive two-day course, “Multisensory Flavour Perception,” featuring distinguished neuroscientist Dr. Fabiana Carvalho. This immersive program will delve into the science of sensory perception, offering coffee professionals and enthusiasts a transformative understanding of how aroma, taste, and other sensory factors shape the coffee experience.

Course Dates & Venues:

• Dubai: April 26–27, 2025 – Victoria Arduino & Nuova Simonelli Experience Lab
• Muscat: April 29–30, 2025 – Crowne Muscat International
• Time: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Investment: AED 2500 + VAT / US$ 680 + VAT
• Registration: [email protected]

Limited seats available – Reserve now!

About Dr. Fabiana Carvalho

A pioneering researcher in sensory neuroscience, Dr. Fabiana Carvalho holds an MSc in Biochemistry and a PhD in Psychobiology, specializing in neural processes related to perception and memory. As the creator of “The Coffee Sensorium” research project and a collaborator with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and Oxford University’s Prof. Charles Spence, her groundbreaking work explores how packaging, cups, and environmental factors influence coffee tasting.

Course Overview

This exclusive program blends cutting-edge neuroscience with practical coffee sensory exercises, helping participants refine their flavour perception skills through hands-on techniques.

Day 1 – Multisensory Flavour Perception in Coffee

Participants will examine the sensory mechanisms that shape flavour perception, exploring how taste, smell, sight, touch, and sound interact to influence the coffee experience.

Morning Theory Session:

• The fundamentals of gustation, olfaction, and oral somatosensation
• How the brain processes flavour: bottom-up and top-down mechanisms
• The impact of packaging and cup design on sensory perception

Afternoon Practical Session:

• Tasting exercises assessing individual sensitivity to taste and organic acids
• Understanding genetic predisposition to bitterness perception
• Exploring mouthfeel descriptors such as silkiness and velvety textures
• Experimenting with how colour and sound alter coffee flavour perception

Day 2 – Aromas in Coffee: Perception and Description

This session will enhance participants’ ability to identify and articulate coffee aromas, a critical skill for industry professionals.

Morning Theory Session:

• The neurobiology of olfaction and how aromas influence flavour
• Genetic variations in scent perception
• Identifying key aroma families in coffee

Afternoon Practical Session:

• Sensory exercises to develop aroma recognition and crossmodality skills
• Identifying key aroma notes in coffee and perfume samples
• Exploring retronasal olfaction and its role in flavour dominance

Who Should Attend?

This course is tailored for coffee professionals, Q-Graders, baristas, sensory analysts, roasters, and coffee enthusiasts eager to deepen their understanding of multisensory perception in coffee.

Don’t Miss This Exclusive Learning Experience!

Curated by Cleia Junqueira, this event offers a unique opportunity to learn from one of the world’s leading sensory scientists. Participants will gain valuable insights and practical techniques to enhance their coffee sensory skills.

For registration and inquiries, contact: [email protected]

About Cleia Junqueira

With 19 years of experience in the coffee industry, Cleia Junqueira is a seasoned expert in green coffee analysis, roasting, and coffee blend development. She has spent over a decade in the Middle East, working closely with industry leaders and shaping coffee culture in the region.

A certified Q-Grader and Q-Robusta Grader, Cleia has served as a Certified Judge for World Coffee Events for six years and was a board member of the Specialty Coffee Association (UAE Chapter) from 2017 to 2019. She is also a respected consultant for green coffee suppliers and roasted coffee businesses across the UAE.

Cleia has contributed to major coffee publications, including Hospitality News ME and Taste & Flavor Magazines, and continues to play a vital role in the global coffee community.

JDE Peet’s (EURONEXT: JDEP), the world’s leading pure-play coffee and tea company, has repurchased 1,303,975 ordinary shares in the period from March 10 to March 14, 2025, at an average price of EUR 18.61 per share. This latest tranche amounts to a total consideration of EUR 24.3 million, further advancing the company’s EUR 250 million share buyback programme announced on March 3, 2025.

With this latest repurchase, JDE Peet’s has now acquired a total of 2,588,336 ordinary shares under the programme, representing an aggregate investment of EUR 47.7 million. This follows the company’s initial repurchase of 1,284,361 shares between March 3 and March 7, 2025, at an average price of EUR 18.25 per share, amounting to EUR 23.4 million.

The buyback programme reflects JDE Peet’s confidence in its long-term growth prospects and robust financial position. Announced alongside the company’s full-year 2024 results on February 26, 2025, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to return up to EUR 1 billion to shareholders over multiple years, with EUR 250 million earmarked for share buybacks in 2025 alone.

The primary objective of the buyback remains the reduction of JDE Peet’s share capital, with the majority of repurchased shares slated for cancellation. A smaller portion will be allocated to cover obligations related to share-based remuneration.

The share buyback is being executed in compliance with the EU Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) and within the framework authorized at JDE Peet’s 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 30, 2024. Further execution authority, if granted, will be reaffirmed at the upcoming AGM on June 19, 2025. An independent intermediary has been appointed to oversee the execution, ensuring adherence to applicable regulations and pre-defined parameters.

JDE Peet’s will continue to provide periodic updates on the buyback programme’s progress via official press releases and a dedicated section on its corporate website.

 

Ahmed Al-Rashid has emerged as one of Iraq’s first dedicated coffee content creators. Over the years, his passion and commitment have led him to become a certified trainer by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). Through his work, he has played a crucial role in raising awareness about specialty coffee and improving quality standards in the industry. In this interview, Al-Rashid shares his journey from the world of sales to the coffee industry, the challenges he faced, and his insights into the evolving coffee scene in Iraq, the Gulf region, and beyond.

How did your journey with coffee begin, and what inspired you to enter this field?
For years, I worked as a sales manager and trainer in the mobile phone industry, traveling frequently and experiencing a wide variety of coffee—some great, some not so much. This exposure led me to question how I could contribute to improving the coffee scene. But before I could help develop the industry, I needed to develop my own knowledge first. That’s how my journey into coffee began.

What motivated you to become a coffee content creator?
Creating content about coffee is a fascinating challenge because it requires a deep, scientific understanding rather than just personal taste. Additionally, when I started in 2019, there were no other content creators in Iraq specializing in coffee. That made me realize the opportunity to fill this gap and provide valuable knowledge to the community.

How did your career progress until you became a certified trainer (AST SCA) in barista skills and brewing?
My extensive experience in sales and marketing, along with certifications such as TOT from New York University, provided me with strong training skills. Moreover, my academic background in chemistry helped me approach coffee scientifically—after all, coffee is fundamentally a chemical process. Once I had acquired enough knowledge, I decided to transition from mobile sales to my true passion: coffee.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a coffee content creator?
The biggest challenge has been balancing my personal life with the demands of content creation, which requires a significant amount of time, effort, and travel.

How has content creation contributed to spreading awareness about specialty coffee?
As the first coffee content creator in Iraq, I had a direct impact on educating people about specialty coffee. This, in turn, put pressure on cafés and restaurants to improve their quality and raise their standards.

Have you noticed a shift in how people perceive coffee over the years?
Absolutely. The rise of home baristas and coffee enthusiasts is clear evidence that people are becoming more interested in and appreciative of quality coffee.

In your opinion, what makes a successful coffee content creator today?
Accurate knowledge, hands-on experience, and an openness to different perspectives. Creating content isn’t just about sharing opinions; it requires continuous learning and development.

How do you see the future of the specialty coffee market in the UAE?
Previously, Saudi Arabia dominated the specialty coffee scene in the Arab world. However, I believe the UAE is set to become a major player in the coming years due to its strong focus on the industry, its ability to attract major companies, and the rapid growth of specialty roasteries. The success of World of Coffee Dubai (WOC Dubai) further solidifies its position.

What are the key differences between the coffee scene in the UAE and the rest of the Gulf region?
The UAE offers an exceptional business environment, attracting top global coffee brands and professionals from around the world. This diversity enriches the market and enhances overall quality.

How is the Arab world engaging with specialty coffee, and what are the main challenges the industry faces?
As Arabs, coffee is deeply ingrained in our culture. The biggest challenge is ensuring that we’re not just consumers but also leaders in coffee production, innovation, and quality.

Do you see a growing interest in coffee education and training in the Arab world?
Yes, very much so. The demand for specialized courses and workshops is increasing significantly, reflecting a rising awareness of specialty coffee.

How would you describe the current coffee culture in Iraq?
Traditionally, coffee in Iraq was purely a commercial product. However, in the past two years, the shift toward specialty coffee has accelerated at an impressive rate.

What factors are driving the growth of specialty coffee in Iraq?
There are four key factors:

1. Content creators who educate the public about specialty coffee.
2. Certified trainers who provide accurate information (as opposed to unqualified trainers who spread misinformation).
3. Importers and traders who ensure high-quality coffee is available.
4. Local specialty roasteries, which are the most crucial factor in establishing a strong coffee culture.

What are the biggest challenges facing the Iraqi coffee market?
Limited awareness of specialty coffee, difficulties in sourcing high-quality beans, and a lack of advanced training programs.

Are there promising Iraqi coffee brands or initiatives?
Yes, several initiatives have emerged in recent years. One example is Kava Academy, which I established to provide specialized training and free consultations to support new coffee businesses and help them start on the right path.

How do you see Iraq’s coffee market evolving compared to other Arab countries?
In the coming years, Iraq will become a strong competitor due to the rapid growth of its specialty coffee sector and increasing consumer demand.

With advancements in technology, AI, and modern brewing methods, what do you think the future of coffee looks like?
Technology is making coffee more accessible and improving its quality. These advancements will only strengthen the industry, making the future of coffee very promising.

What are the biggest global challenges facing the coffee industry today?
Climate change and rising coffee prices, both of which directly impact production and supply chains.

What advice would you give to newcomers in the coffee industry and aspiring content creators?
Never stop learning. The key to success in this industry is continuous education and hands-on experience. Knowledge is what sets true professionals apart.

The global coffee market witnessed significant fluctuations in February 2025, with total coffee exports declining while the ICO Composite Indicator Price (I-CIP) surged by 14.3% compared to January 2025. According to the latest data from the International Coffee Organization (ICO), total coffee exports for January 2025 amounted to 10.8 million bags, reflecting a decline in Robusta exports while Arabica experienced a moderate drop.

Arabica coffee accounted for 61.6% of all coffee exports, with a slight decrease of 2.5% compared to January 2024. In contrast, Robusta exports saw a steep decline of 26.4%, significantly impacting the overall trade balance. The total volume of coffee exported in January 2025 reached 42.3 million 60-kg bags across all forms of coffee, highlighting a noticeable shift in supply chain dynamics.

Despite declining exports, the global coffee price index saw a notable increase. The ICO Composite Indicator Price (I-CIP) averaged 354.32 US cents per pound in February 2025, marking a 14.3% rise from January 2025. The surge in prices was largely driven by tightening supply conditions, particularly in Robusta, as well as increasing demand for premium Arabica varieties.

The ICO report further details that the highest I-CIP recorded during February was 375.00 US cents/lb, while the lowest stood at 337.54 US cents/lb. Notably, Colombian Milds and Brazilian Naturals saw the strongest price movements, reflecting increased demand and limited supply from key producing regions.

With supply-side constraints and growing uncertainty in global coffee trade, stakeholders are closely monitoring market trends. The decline in Robusta exports and the upward pressure on prices could reshape trading patterns in the coming months, influencing sourcing decisions and consumer preferences worldwide.

Ethiopia has earned 1.226 billion U.S. dollars from coffee exports in the past eight months, reflecting the success of government-led reforms aimed at maximizing the sector’s potential, the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) announced on Friday.

According to an official statement from the ECTA, Ethiopia exported over 257,000 tonnes of coffee during the first eight months of the 2024/2025 Ethiopian fiscal year. The increase in revenue is attributed to a series of reforms that enhanced coffee production, productivity, and quality, resulting in higher export volumes.

The East African nation, renowned as the birthplace of Arabica coffee, is on track to generate $2 billion in coffee export revenue by the end of the 2024/2025 fiscal year, with a target of over 400,000 tonnes of coffee exports, according to Fana Broadcasting Corporate S.C. (FANA).

Ethiopia previously earned more than $1.4 billion from coffee exports in the last fiscal year, and the country is now looking to surpass that figure as demand for high-quality Ethiopian Arabica coffee continues to rise in the global market.

During the reported period, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and the United States ranked as the top three importers of Ethiopian coffee. Other key buyers include Belgium, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and China.

With strong demand and continued government-backed initiatives, Ethiopia’s coffee sector remains one of the country’s most valuable export industries, reinforcing its global reputation as a leader in Arabica coffee production.

Coffee prices slipped on Friday as market pressures mounted amid forecasts of widespread rain in Brazil’s key coffee-growing region and evolving global supply dynamics. May arabica coffee (KCK25) closed down by 2.20%, marking a two-week low, while May ICE robusta coffee (RMK25) fell 2.37%.

In Minas Gerais, Brazil’s largest arabica-producing region, Somar Meteorologia forecasted widespread showers for next week, alleviating earlier concerns over a prolonged dry spell. However, support for prices was short-lived as other market factors added downward pressure. The region recorded just 1.1 mm of rain for the week ended March 8—merely 2% of the historical average—raising concerns over long-term crop impacts.

Market sentiment was further dampened by Marex Solutions’ report, which revised the global coffee surplus forecast for the 2025/26 season to 1.2 million bags, a significant increase from the surplus of 200,000 bags expected in the 2024/25 season. Meanwhile, robusta coffee faced its own set of challenges. Vietnam, the world’s leading robusta producer, reported a 6.6% increase in February exports, reaching 169,000 MT. However, drought conditions have taken their toll, with Vietnam’s 2023/24 robusta production dropping 20% to 1.472 million metric tons. Subsequent estimates for the 2024/25 season have been revised slightly downward by both the USDA FAS and the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association.

Despite these bearish signals, some supportive factors have provided short-term relief. ICE-monitored robusta inventories fell to a 1½ week low of 4,288 lots, and the weakening U.S. dollar—evidenced by the dollar index tumbling to a 4¾ month low—helped stabilize prices momentarily. On the export front, Brazil’s February green coffee shipments declined 12% year-over-year, while Conab has projected a 4.4% drop in Brazil’s 2025/26 coffee crop to a three-year low of 51.81 million bags.

The impact of last year’s dry El Niño weather, combined with continued below-average rainfall in Brazil, has damaged coffee trees during the critical flowering stage. This not only jeopardizes the current season but also raises concerns about longer-term crop prospects in South and Central America. Colombia, the world’s second-largest arabica producer, is still recovering from the drought conditions that plagued the previous year.

USDA reports have painted a mixed picture for the coffee market. The latest projections indicate a modest increase in global production—1.5% for arabica and 7.5% for robusta—yet ending stocks are expected to drop by 6.6% to a 25-year low. In a further sign of uncertainty, Volcafe’s recent revision slashed its Brazil 2025/26 arabica production estimate by about 11 million bags following extensive drought assessments. The projection now foresees a wider global deficit of 8.5 million bags for the upcoming season, compared to a 5.5 million bag deficit for 2024/25.

As market participants brace for continued volatility, all eyes remain on weather forecasts and evolving global supply data that will likely dictate the trajectory of coffee prices in the coming months.

Europe has now become Costa Rica’s top destination for its coffee exports, outpacing the United States for the first time in history. According to new data from Costa Rica’s Foreign Trade Promoter, 27,494 tons of coffee were sent to European markets in 2024—making up 42.6% of total exports—while the US, long the country’s primary buyer, imported 25,759 tons (40%). Major European importers include Belgium, Switzerland, and Germany.

Over the past four years, overall export volumes have experienced a slight decline. However, Costa Rican coffee producers are shifting focus toward higher quality products, catering to a growing global appetite for premium and specialty coffee, particularly in Europe and Asia. Both PROCOMER and the Costa Rican Coffee Institute see these figures as a sign of increasing European confidence in Costa Rican coffee, even as new EU deforestation regulations (EUDR) loom on the horizon. These rules, set to take effect on December 30, 2025, will require EU importers of commodities like coffee, cocoa, palm oil, paper, and wood to verify that their products have not contributed to deforestation since the end of 2020.

Gustavo Jiménez, President of the Costa Rican Coffee Institute, remarked that selling more coffee to Europe than to the US highlights a pivotal shift in international trade dynamics and readiness to adapt to evolving market conditions.

The data is also encouraging for proponents of the EUDR. In November 2024, the EU postponed the regulation’s implementation after concerns emerged about the preparedness of coffee producers and the potential impact on supply chains and market access. In response, Costa Rica has taken proactive steps to ensure its coffee complies with these new standards. For instance, in March 2024, the United Nations Development Programme reported the country’s first shipment of deforestation-free coffee to Europe, with Exclusive Coffees sending 275 bags (each weighing 60 kg) to Italy’s illycaffè. A month later, Aquiares Estate—the largest Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee farm in Costa Rica—exported EUDR-compliant coffee to Barcelona-based specialty roaster Nomad Coffee.

Today, over 27,300 family groups, with 85% being smallholder farmers, contribute to Costa Rica’s vibrant coffee industry, which now stands as the nation’s third largest export, following medical equipment and fruit.