Author: Qahwa World

Princi Brings Milanese Spirit to Dubai with New Flagship at Dubai Mall

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Artisanal quality, authentic Milanese culture, and an all-day café experience

DUBAI – QAHWA WORLD

Princi, the Milan-based bakery and café, has officially opened its Dubai Mall flagship in partnership with Alshaya Group. The new location offers visitors an opportunity to experience Milanese coffee and baked goods within one of the region’s premier dining destinations. Following its first regional branch in Kuwait, this opening marks a significant step in the brand’s international expansion.

Rocco Princi, founder of Princi, said: “Princi embodies the spirit of Milan—its rhythm, discipline, and warmth. It begins with three simple elements: water, flour, and fire. Over time, these become something tangible that reflects Milanese craftsmanship. With our Dubai location, we aim to bring this daily ritual to a new audience.”

An All-Day Experience

From morning espresso to evening meals, Princi offers a full all-day menu celebrating Italian tradition and contemporary Milanese culture. The selection includes artisan breads, pastries, pizzas, salads, and desserts, all crafted with high-quality ingredients and meticulous attention to detail.

John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group, added, “The launch of Princi in the UAE reinforces our commitment to providing authentic, world-class culinary experiences. This new destination reflects the vibrant essence of Milanese culture and offers guests a unique opportunity to enjoy it firsthand.”

  • More Than a Café

Princi’s Dubai Mall location is designed as an immersive destination, reflecting the Milanese “La Piazza” style—a social hub where community, craftsmanship, and culture converge. The space combines contemporary design with traditional Milanese energy, creating a café experience suited for repeat visits and everyday enjoyment.

  • About Princi

Founded in Milan in 1986 by Rocco Princi, the brand focuses on artisanal baking with premium ingredients and traditional Italian techniques. Princi has grown internationally over three decades, offering refined, minimalistic bakery spaces and menus suitable for all times of day—from morning breads and pastries to lunch and dinner options including pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, and handmade desserts.

  • About Alshaya Group

Founded in Kuwait in 1890, Alshaya Group manages over 50 international brands across retail, food, health, beauty, and hospitality sectors. Operating more than 3,500 stores, cafés, and restaurants in the MENA region, Türkiye, and Europe, the group provides both physical and digital experiences, including the loyalty program Aura. Brands include Starbucks, American Eagle, Footlocker, Victoria’s Secret, H&M, Bath & Body Works, Charlotte Tilbury, Raising Cane’s, Shake Shack, Chipotle, Primark, and Ulta Beauty.

Climate Crisis Threatens Global Coffee Production

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DUBAI – QAHWA WORLD

New analysis shows the world’s top five coffee-producing nations are experiencing dozens of additional high-heat days annually — putting global supply, prices, and farmer livelihoods at risk.

The global coffee industry is entering a critical phase as climate change intensifies across the tropical “coffee belt” between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. A recent analysis by Climate Central found that the five largest coffee-producing countries — responsible for 75% of global supply — have experienced an average of 57 additional days per year above 30°C between 2021 and 2025 due to climate change.

Temperatures above this threshold are particularly harmful to coffee trees, especially Arabica, the premium variety that dominates specialty markets.

  • Ethiopia: Coffee’s Birthplace Under Growing Pressure

In Ethiopia — widely recognized as the birthplace of coffee — more than four million households depend on coffee as their primary source of income. The sector contributes nearly one-third of the country’s export earnings.

Officials from the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperatives Union report that rising heat is already affecting yields and increasing tree vulnerability to disease. Reduced shade cover and stronger direct sunlight are compounding the stress on farms.

  • El Salvador and Brazil Among the Hardest Hit

The analysis found that El Salvador recorded 99 additional days of coffee-damaging heat during the 2021–2025 period — the highest among major producers.

Meanwhile, Brazil — the world’s largest coffee producer, accounting for roughly 37% of global output — experienced 70 additional days above 30°C. Given Brazil’s dominant role in global supply, prolonged heat stress raises concerns about market stability and price volatility.

  • Why 30°C Is a Critical Threshold

Coffee trees require stable temperature ranges and balanced rainfall patterns. Arabica, in particular, begins to suffer productivity losses when temperatures consistently exceed 30°C. Prolonged heat can result in:

  1. Lower cherry production
  2. Reduced bean quality
  3. Increased pest and disease outbreaks
  4. Higher production costs

These factors directly affect both yield and cup quality, creating ripple effects throughout the supply chain.

  • Record Prices Reflect Climate Strain

Globally, approximately two billion cups of coffee are consumed daily. Any disruption in producing countries quickly impacts international markets.

According to the World Bank, prices for Arabica and Robusta nearly doubled between 2023 and 2025, reaching record highs in February 2025.

The surge reflects tightening supply conditions, climate-driven production challenges, and structural vulnerabilities within the coffee value chain.

  • Smallholder Farmers on the Front Line

Smallholder farmers produce between 60% and 80% of the world’s coffee. Yet climate adaptation funding reaching these producers remains limited, leaving many with constrained capacity to respond to rising temperatures.

Without stronger climate adaptation strategies — including shade management, climate-resilient varieties, and financial support — suitable growing areas may shrink or shift to higher elevations, increasing long-term production risks.

  • The Future of Coffee at a Crossroads

Coffee is more than a commodity; it is a cultural and economic pillar supporting millions of livelihoods worldwide. As heat extremes intensify across major producing regions, the industry faces structural transformation driven by climate realities.

The central question is no longer whether climate change affects coffee — but how quickly producers, governments, and markets can adapt to safeguard the future of one of the world’s most consumed beverages.

 

Coffee Prices Plunge on Rising Global Supply

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DUBAI – QAHWA WORLD

Coffee futures fell sharply on Tuesday, pressured by improving global supply expectations and stronger production forecasts from key producing countries.

March arabica coffee contracts dropped 5.15%, settling at a 7.25-month low. March robusta futures declined 4.44%, marking a six-month low. The downturn extends a three-week slide driven largely by expectations of a bumper crop in Brazil.

According to Brazil’s crop forecasting agency Conab, the country’s 2026 coffee production is projected to rise 17.2% year-over-year to a record 66.2 million bags. Arabica output is expected to increase 23.2% to 44.1 million bags, while robusta production is forecast to climb 6.3% to 22.1 million bags.

Weather conditions have also supported the bearish outlook. Somar Meteorologia reported that Minas Gerais — Brazil’s largest arabica-growing region — received 72.6 mm of rainfall during the week ending February 6, representing 113% of the historical average.

Additional pressure came from Vietnam, the world’s largest robusta producer. Data from Vietnam’s National Statistics Office showed January coffee exports surged 38.3% year-over-year to 198,000 metric tons. Full-year 2025 exports rose 17.5% to 1.58 million metric tons. Production for the 2025/26 season is projected to increase 6% to 1.76 million metric tons (29.4 million bags), the highest level in four years.

Rising exchange inventories have also weighed on prices. Intercontinental Exchange-monitored arabica stocks rebounded from a 1.75-year low of 396,513 bags in mid-November to 461,829 bags in early January. Robusta inventories likewise recovered from a 13-month low of 4,012 lots in December to 4,662 lots in late January.

On the supportive side, Brazil’s Trade Ministry reported a 42.4% year-over-year decline in January coffee exports to 141,000 metric tons. Meanwhile, production in Colombia — the world’s second-largest arabica producer — fell 34% in January to 893,000 bags, according to the National Federation of Coffee Growers.

Globally, supply signals remain mixed. The International Coffee Organization reported that exports for the current marketing year (October–September) slipped 0.3% year-over-year to 138.658 million bags.

In its latest bi-annual outlook, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service projected that global coffee production for 2025/26 will rise 2.0% to a record 178.848 million bags. Arabica output is forecast to decline 4.7% to 95.515 million bags, while robusta production is expected to jump 10.9% to 83.333 million bags.

The agency also estimates that global ending stocks for 2025/26 will decline 5.4% to 20.148 million bags, compared with 21.307 million bags in 2024/25 — suggesting that despite short-term pressure, underlying supply dynamics remain closely balanced.

EL&N London Opens Two New Branches in Abu Dhabi

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Abu Dhabi – Qahwa World

EL&N London, one of the world’s leading luxury café brands founded in London, has announced its continued expansion in the United Arab Emirates with the opening of two new branches in the capital, Abu Dhabi. The new locations at Reem Mall and Marina Mall mark a strategic step that reinforces the brand’s presence in high-growth key markets.

Having established itself as a favorite destination for coffee lovers and design enthusiasts alike, EL&N London is known for its vibrant interiors, contemporary aesthetics, and diverse menu featuring specialty coffee and premium desserts. The brand now brings its distinctive identity to two of Abu Dhabi’s most prominent retail and lifestyle destinations.

The new EL&N London Daily at Reem Mall introduces a refined yet simplified concept tailored for guests seeking a quick, high-quality experience. The offering includes freshly baked pastries, artisanal breads, specialty coffee, and practical grab-and-go selections. The space features a lighter, more contemporary design while maintaining the elegance that defines the brand’s core identity.

Meanwhile, the EL&N London branch at Marina Mall delivers the full brand experience for which it is globally recognized. Guests can enjoy the café’s signature vibrant décor, immersive atmosphere, and an all-day dining menu featuring specialty coffee, carefully crafted desserts, and distinctive dishes that combine refined flavors with artistic presentation.

Founded in London in 2017, EL&N London rapidly evolved into a globally recognized brand, expanding across Europe, Africa, and the Gulf region. Its growth has been driven by an innovative vision centered on creating modern café experiences that blend lifestyle, hospitality, and design.

With these new openings, EL&N London continues to strengthen its investment in the UAE market, positioning Abu Dhabi as a key hub within its regional expansion strategy while offering residents and visitors fresh experiences that reflect the brand’s playful yet luxurious approach to café culture.

 

Coffee, Fasting, and Finding Your Rhythm This Ramadan

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Dubai – QAHWA WORLD

Ramadan is a month of reflection, balance, and heightened awareness of our bodies. Daily routines, including coffee habits, naturally shift during this period. Rather than giving up coffee entirely, many people adjust how, when, and what they drink—a subtle change that can make a big difference.

There is no single “right” way to enjoy coffee during Ramadan. Taste preferences, caffeine sensitivity, work schedules, and sleep patterns are deeply personal. The key is finding what supports your energy and well-being throughout the fast.

  • Suhoor: Starting the Day Mindfully

At suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, caffeine choices are often deliberate. Some find a small cup of coffee helps maintain alertness during the morning, while others skip it to return to sleep more easily after eating. Individual metabolism plays a role: some people feel energized for hours, while others may experience a quick crash or jitteriness.

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Choosing a lower-caffeine option can help. Coffees made from 100% Arabica beans naturally contain less caffeine than Robusta while retaining rich flavor and aroma.

  • Iftar and Evening Rituals

Iftar, traditionally opened with water and dates, is followed by a light meal or soup. Coffee is often enjoyed later, once the body has rehydrated and blood sugar levels have stabilized. When savored mindfully, it becomes part of a calming evening ritual rather than merely a stimulant.

Hydration is crucial during Ramadan. Coffee should never replace water, especially on long fasting days. Drinking sufficient water between iftar and suhoor reduces fatigue and headaches more effectively than extra caffeine.

Added sugar can cause blood sugar spikes followed by energy dips. If you enjoy sweetened coffee, consider slightly reducing sugar or pairing your drink with food to minimize its impact.

For those concerned about caffeine withdrawal, decaffeinated coffee can be a helpful bridge. High-quality decaf, such as coffee processed using the Swiss water method, retains flavor while removing most caffeine, offering a gentle alternative without sacrificing taste.

  • Thoughtful Coffee Choices

Ramadan is not about restriction for its own sake—it is about awareness, intention, and care, including caring for your own body. Coffee can remain part of this mindful practice if enjoyed thoughtfully.

Whether you choose to drink less, switch origins, reduce caffeine, or simply slow down and savor your cup, the best coffee choice this Ramadan is one that supports your rhythm, rest, and well-being.

SCA UAE Completes All Seven National Coffee Championships

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DUBAI – QAHWA WORLD

The Specialty Coffee Association UAE has officially concluded all seven of its National Coffee Championships, marking a significant milestone for the country’s rapidly growing specialty coffee sector.

The successful completion of the championship season reflects months of preparation, collaboration, and commitment from partners, sponsors, judges, volunteers, competitors, and the wider coffee community. Their collective effort has strengthened the UAE’s position as a serious contender on the global specialty coffee stage.

SCA UAE emphasized that the championships are more than competitions—they are platforms designed to nurture talent, encourage innovation, and raise professional standards across the industry. With each edition, the national stage continues to produce competitors capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best.

  • UAE National Champions Set for the World Stage

Following the conclusion of the national events, SCA UAE proudly announced the champions who will represent the country at upcoming World Coffee Championships across multiple continents in 2026.

  • Cezve/Ibrik Champion

Jane Espante – Behind the Cup
Espante represented the UAE at World of Coffee Dubai (January 18–20, 2026) and secured victory at the World Cezve/Ibrik Championship, delivering a landmark achievement for the nation.

  • Latte Art Champion

Jhomar Morales – Benchmark
Morales will represent the UAE at World of Coffee USA in San Diego (April 10–12, 2026).

  • Cup Tasters Champion

Adeola Peter Akingbade – Laura Coffee
Akingbade is set to compete at World of Coffee Asia in Bangkok (May 7–9, 2026).

  • Brewers Cup Champion

Ibrahim Al Mallouhi – The Espresso Lab
Al Mallouhi will take the UAE’s brewing expertise to World of Coffee Europe in Brussels (June 25–27, 2026).

  • Coffee in Good Spirits Champion

Mariam Erin – Brewing Gadgets
Erin will also compete in Brussels at World of Coffee Europe (June 25–27, 2026).

  • Roasting Champion (2026)

Raha Shahsavar – Crack Coffee Roastery
Shahsavar will represent the UAE at World of Coffee Europe in Brussels (June 25–27, 2026).

  • Barista Champion

Frederick Adam Ruben – Benchmark
Ruben will compete at World of Coffee Panama in Panama City (October 22–25, 2026).

  • Roasting Champion (2026)

Nizam Pasha Lolowang – Espressi
Lolowang holds the 2027 national roasting title, further demonstrating the depth of roasting talent emerging in the UAE.

  • Elevating the UAE’s Specialty Coffee Reputation

The breadth of categories—from Cezve/Ibrik and Latte Art to Roasting and Coffee in Good Spirits—highlights the maturity of the UAE’s specialty coffee ecosystem. Over the past decade, the country has evolved from a fast-growing market into a competitive force within the international coffee community.

SCA UAE extended its appreciation to everyone who contributed time, expertise, and trust throughout the championship season, underscoring that the strength of the industry lies in collective effort.

As these national champions prepare to step onto the global stage, they carry not only personal ambition but also the pride of an entire coffee community. With international audiences watching, the UAE’s representatives are poised to showcase the country’s craftsmanship, creativity, and commitment to excellence.

The world stage awaits—and the UAE coffee community stands firmly behind its champions.

Coffee Meets Competition: Art4you Gallery Ignites Creativity at Kefi Café

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DUBAI – QAHWA WORLD

As part of the Coffee Art Marathon – Edition 2, Art4you Gallery hosted Coffee Art Ignite, a high-energy live postcard art competition at Kefi Books, Board Games & Specialty Coffee Shop in Dubai. The event, supported by Qahwa World, showcased the growing synergy between contemporary art and coffee culture.

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“Designed as a 90-minute creative challenge, Coffee Art Ignite invited artists and students to explore coffee as a sustainable artistic medium. Participants were tasked with creating as many original coffee-painted postcards as possible, turning speed, skill, and spontaneity into a compelling live performance,” said Jesno Jackson, Curator of Art4you Gallery.

  • A Unique Artistic Challenge

The competition required all participants to work exclusively with coffee as pigment. Within the 90-minute timeframe, artists produced multiple miniature artworks on postcard-sized formats. Winners were determined based on the number of completed original postcards and jury-selected works, evaluated by Prof. Dr. Mohamed Yousif, pioneer Emirati artist, sculptor, and Fine Arts professor at the University of Sharjah, UAE. VIP guests included Ali Al Zakary, Ajab Yusuf Bharbhaya, Tasneem Hussain Turabally, and Hussain Ibrahim.

Demonstrating exceptional creativity and speed, the winning artist produced 40 original coffee-painted postcards, earning the title Coffee Art Ignite Champion. Participants included both professional artists and emerging creatives, such as Cristina Gabiela, Noreen Nawab, Jesno Jackson, Fathimath Thasleema, Maiia Opuk, Alisa Volnova, Zara Bekmurzaeva, Vasilisa Eliseeva, and Sophie Bekmurzaeva, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the Coffee Art Marathon.

  • Why Coffee Art Ignite Was Curated

Art4you Gallery designed Coffee Art Ignite to:

  • Promote coffee as a sustainable and innovative art medium

  • Encourage experimental, time-based artistic expression

  • Offer interactive art experiences within community spaces

  • Strengthen connections between artists, cafés, and cultural audiences

  • Build momentum for the broader Coffee Art Marathon initiative

By hosting the event in a specialty coffee café, Kefi Café transformed into a live creative arena, blurring the line between exhibition space and social gathering. Vasilisa Eliseeva won 1st Prize in the Artist category, while Sophie Bekmurzaeva took 1st Prize in the Student category.

  • About Coffee Art Marathon

The Coffee Art Marathon (CAM2) is an international art initiative organized by Art4you Gallery under founder and Chief Curator Jesno Jackson. Running from February to April 2026 across the UAE, the marathon features 30 creative activations including live competitions, exhibitions, workshops, and community art engagements.

The initiative highlights coffee not just as a beverage, but as a conscious artistic medium, aligned with sustainability and contemporary art practices. By activating cafés, galleries, and cultural spaces, Coffee Art Marathon creates accessible platforms for artists while engaging audiences in unique art experiences.

  • Event Details

  • Event: Coffee Art Ignite – Live Postcard Art Competition

  • Venue: Kefi Books, Board Games & Specialty Coffee Shop, Dubai

  • Support Partner: Qahwa World

  • Organizer: Art4you Gallery

  • Part of: Coffee Art Marathon – Edition 2

For media inquiries, interviews, or future collaborations, contact Art4you Gallery.

Coffee Prices Rise as Demand Returns After Sharp Decline

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DUBAI – QAHWA WORLD

Coffee prices rose for a second consecutive day at the end of the week, following recent declines that prompted roasting companies to return to the market and rebuild their low inventories.

March arabica contracts recorded a slight increase, while robusta contracts rose to a one-week high, signaling strong renewed demand.

  • Sharp Declines Trigger Buying

Over the past two weeks, coffee faced significant pressure. Robusta prices fell to a six-month low, while arabica prices reached the same level, amid expectations of a plentiful Brazilian crop.

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Brazil’s National Supply Agency Conab announced that the country’s coffee production in 2026 is expected to rise by 17.2 percent compared to last year, reaching a record 66.2 million bags. Arabica production is projected to increase by 23.2 percent to 44.1 million bags, while robusta output is expected to rise by 6.3 percent to 22.1 million bags.

  • Rainfall Improves Crop Outlook

Heavy rainfall has eased drought concerns and improved expectations for Brazil’s coffee harvest. Minas Gerais, the country’s largest arabica-growing region, received 72.6 millimeters of rain for the week ending February 6, or 113 percent of the historical average, according to Somar Meteorologia.

  • Vietnam Increases Supply

Meanwhile, rising exports from Vietnam have added pressure on robusta prices. Vietnam’s January exports rose 38.3 percent year-on-year to 198,000 metric tons, while full-year 2025 exports increased 17.5 percent to 1.58 million metric tons.

READ THIS INTERVIEW: Hind Shaia: The Entrepreneur Renewing the Heritage of Yemeni Coffee from the Heart of Sana’a 

Vietnam’s coffee production for the 2025/2026 season is expected to rise six percent to 1.76 million metric tons, the highest level in four years, further boosting global robusta supply.

  • Inventory Recovery Limits Gains

Coffee inventories monitored by international exchanges have recovered from previous lows, moderating price gains. Arabica stocks rose from a one-and-a-half-year low, and robusta inventories recovered from a thirteen-month low to reach a two-month high.

  • Price Support Factors

Despite abundant supply in some regions, supportive factors remain. Brazil’s trade data showed January exports fell 42.4 percent year-on-year.

Colombia’s coffee production fell 34 percent in January to 893,000 bags, supporting arabica prices, as Colombia is the world’s second-largest producer of arabica coffee.

READ THIS RELATED STORY: Coffee Prices Rise as Brazilian Real Strength Sparks Short Covering 

Globally, the International Coffee Organization reported that world coffee exports during the marketing year from October to September declined 0.3 percent to 138.658 million bags, reflecting a slight tightening of global supply.

  • Global Production Forecast

The United States Department of Agriculture’s biannual report projects that world coffee production in the 2025/2026 season will rise two percent to a record 178.848 million bags. Arabica production is expected to decrease 4.7 percent to 95.515 million bags, while robusta output will rise 10.9 percent to 83.333 million bags.

Global ending stocks are projected to fall 5.4 percent to 20.148 million bags from 21.307 million bags in the previous season.

This data shows that the coffee market is balancing between ample supply in some countries and declining production and exports in others, alongside renewed demand at low price levels, keeping prices volatile and closely watched in the coming weeks.

 

The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops 2026 Unveiled in Madrid

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A defining moment for global specialty coffee

Madrid – Qahwa World × Buna Kurs – Media Partners

Madrid once again became the epicenter of global specialty coffee as CoffeeFest Madrid 2026 hosted the official presentation of The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops. Now in its second edition, the ranking continues to position itself as the definitive global benchmark dedicated exclusively to recognizing excellence in specialty coffee shops.

Qahwa World and Buna Kurs observed firsthand the level of anticipation surrounding this year’s announcement—a list that has quickly evolved into one of the most closely followed references in the global coffee industry.

  • The 2026 Podium

At the top of the 2026 ranking stands Onyx Coffee Lab (USA), recognized as the world’s best coffee shop. Based in Arkansas, Onyx earned the distinction for its rigorous commitment to specialty coffee standards, technical precision, responsible sourcing at origin, solar energy use, roast control systems, and continuous barista development. Its philosophy, “Never Settle for Good Enough,” is reflected across its operations and has resonated strongly with judges worldwide.

The podium is completed by:

  • Tim Wendelboe (Oslo, Norway): Long considered a global reference in specialty coffee.

  • Alquimia Coffee (Santa Ana, El Salvador): A micro-roastery deeply rooted in origin that promotes Salvadoran coffee through a contemporary and terroir-driven approach.

  • Global Trends and Spanish Success

Geographically, the 2026 ranking highlights the expanding map of excellence. The United States leads with nine coffee shops in the Top 100. Australia follows with seven, Peru secures five, while Spain, Honduras, and Taiwan each place four coffee shops.

Spain demonstrated strong positioning with two shops in the Top 20:

  1. Nomad Frutas Selectas (Barcelona): Reached position 16, recognized for its commitment to in-house roasting and quality-driven sourcing.

  2. Hola Coffee Lagasca (Madrid): Followed at position 19, representing a growing brand that combines education and coffee culture promotion.

Completing Spain’s representation are D·Origen Coffee Roasters (83rd) and Kima Coffee (93rd), confirming the maturity of the national scene.

  • Rigorous Evaluation Criteria

More than 15,000 coffee shops were analyzed by over 800 professional judges, alongside public voting that exceeded 350,000 votes. The evaluation covered:

  • Coffee quality and consistency.

  • Barista expertise and technique.

  • Sustainability practices and innovation.

  • Space design, atmosphere, and customer service.

The 2026 edition is supported by DaVinci Gourmet as Global and Title Sponsor, alongside Slayer, Markibar, Cropster, Fidatec, and the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia. The initiative is organized by Neodrinks.

For Qahwa World and Buna Kurs, serving as media partners is about participating in a global moment that redefines standards and expands the international specialty coffee conversation.

The full 2026 ranking is available at: www.worlds100bestcoffeeshops.com

Nordic Coffee Fest 2026: The Largest Coffee Event in Gothenburg

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GOTHENBURG – QAHWA WORLD

The Nordic Coffee Fest is set to return to Bananpiren in Gothenburg from February 28 to March 1, marking its largest and most ambitious edition to date. This year, the festival has expanded by a massive 50 percent compared to previous years, expected to attract between 4,000 and 5,000 visitors, solidifying its position as the premier meeting place for specialty coffee in the Nordic region.

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The expansion comes at a time of record-breaking interest in coffee culture. According to global search data, “how to make a cappuccino” was the top “how-to” query in Sweden during 2025. As rising coffee prices become a daily conversation for consumers, the festival serves as a vital hub to address these trends—from mastering home brewing to understanding global perspectives on production, pricing, and quality.

  • Global Roaster Showcase: A World-Class Experience

A major highlight of the 2026 edition is the Global Roaster Showcase. The festival is bringing four internationally recognized roasteries from South Korea, India, Colombia, and the USA to Gothenburg. These roasters will feature full-service “pop-up” concepts, allowing visitors to experience world-class coffee exactly as it is served in its country of origin—an experience that would typically require traveling across the globe.

  • The Industry Stage and Barista School: A Program of Excellence

Festival organizers have expressed particular pride in this year’s Industry Stage program. This platform will host deep-dive lectures and discussions featuring renowned profiles from the restaurant and coffee sectors. Topics will range from the evolution of coffee flavors and innovative brewing methods to the complex development of global coffee prices.

For those looking to sharpen their practical skills, the Barista School returns to offer hands-on masterclasses. Regardless of their prior knowledge, visitors can learn the intricacies of espresso, filter brewing, and the delicate art of latte pouring directly from leading experts.

  • Live Competitions and Challenges

The festival’s high-energy atmosphere is further fueled by a series of live competitions, including:

Latte Art Challenge: Where participants compete live on stage in creative milk pouring.

Nordics Best Roaster: A prestigious title awarded to the top roastery in the region.

Public’s Choice: An interactive award where visitors vote for their personal favorite coffee of the festival.

“Hardly a day goes by without someone asking which coffee is actually the best, or how they can make better coffee at home,” says Steve Moloney, founder of the festival and two-time Swedish Barista Champion. “Nordic Coffee Fest is for everyone who’s curious and wants to learn more—directly from some of the world’s leading experts.”

Global Coffee Prices Rise as Roasters Step In After Recent Slump

Posted on by Qahwa World

Global coffee prices moved higher for a second consecutive session as bargain buying emerged after recent six-month lows. While Brazil and Vietnam are expected to expand production, tightening exports and shifting inventories are keeping the market balanced.

DUBAI – QAHWA WORLD

Global coffee markets extended gains for a second consecutive session on Friday, supported by renewed buying interest after prices recently fell to six-month lows.

March arabica futures (KCH26) closed up 0.40 cents (+0.13%), while March ICE robusta (RMH26) rose by $24 (+0.63%), with robusta touching a one-week high. The rebound follows a sharp two-week decline that pushed both contracts to six-month lows earlier in the week, encouraging roasters to rebuild inventories at more attractive price levels.

  • Domestic Market Remains Stable

While international prices moved higher, domestic coffee prices held steady at 96,400–97,700 VND per kilogram. The highest levels were recorded in Gia Lai and Dak Lak at 97,700 VND/kg, while Lam Dong posted the lowest at 96,400 VND/kg.

On the futures markets, London robusta contracts advanced across delivery months. The January 2026 contract rose by $24 to $3,859 per ton, and the November 2026 contract gained $46 to $3,584 per ton.

In New York, March 2026 arabica edged up 0.4 cents to 300.05 cents per pound, while the December 2026 contract climbed 0.85 cents to 286.40 cents per pound. Brazilian arabica futures showed mixed movement, with March down 4.6 cents to 384.0 cents per pound and May up 1.35 cents to 381.4 cents per pound.

  • Pressure from Expanding Supply

Despite the short-term recovery, coffee prices have faced sustained pressure from expectations of strong global supply.

Brazil’s crop forecasting agency, Conab, projected that Brazil’s 2026 coffee production will rise 17.2% year-on-year to a record 66.2 million bags, including a 23.2% increase in arabica output to 44.1 million bags and a 6.3% rise in robusta production to 22.1 million bags.

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Improved weather conditions have further eased supply concerns. According to Somar Meteorologia, Brazil’s key arabica-growing region of Minas Gerais received 72.6 mm of rainfall in the week ended February 6 — 113% of the historical average — reducing earlier drought worries.

Vietnam’s strong export performance has also weighed on robusta prices. The country’s National Statistics Office reported January coffee exports surged 38.3% year-on-year to 198,000 metric tons, while full-year 2025 exports rose 17.5% to 1.58 million metric tons. Vietnam’s 2025/26 coffee production is projected to increase 6% year-on-year to 1.76 million metric tons (29.4 million bags), marking a four-year high.

  • Inventory Recovery Adds Headwinds

The rebound in ICE-monitored inventories has also added downward pressure. Arabica stocks, after falling to a 1.75-year low of 396,513 bags in November, recovered to a 3.25-month high of 461,829 bags in early January. Robusta inventories similarly rebounded from a 13-month low in December to a two-month high by late January.

  • Supportive Factors Remain

On the supportive side, Brazil’s January coffee exports dropped 42.4% year-on-year to 141,000 metric tons, tightening short-term supply availability.

In Colombia, the world’s second-largest arabica producer, January coffee production fell 34% year-on-year to 893,000 bags, according to the National Federation of Coffee Growers.

The International Coffee Organization (ICO) reported that global coffee exports for the current October–September marketing year declined 0.3% year-on-year to 138.658 million bags, pointing to tighter trade flows.

Meanwhile, the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) projected world coffee production in 2025/26 will increase 2.0% year-on-year to a record 178.848 million bags. Arabica output is expected to fall 4.7% to 95.515 million bags, while robusta production is forecast to rise 10.9% to 83.333 million bags. FAS estimates 2025/26 ending stocks will decline 5.4% to 20.148 million bags from 21.307 million bags in 2024/25.

  • Market Outlook

The market remains caught between short-term demand recovery and longer-term supply expansion. While bargain buying has lifted prices in recent sessions, forecasts for larger crops in Brazil and Vietnam continue to cap upside momentum.

Madrid celebrates Valentine’s weekend with CoffeeFest 2026

Posted on by Qahwa World

Madrid brews love, business and global coffee energy

Madrid – Qahwa World & Buna Kurs: Media Partners

Madrid is celebrating Valentine’s weekend with more than flowers and romance this year. From February 14–16, the Spanish capital has transformed into Europe’s beating heart of specialty coffee as CoffeeFest Madrid 2026 takes over IFEMA Madrid.

With more than 250 brands, a 40% expansion in exhibition space, and thousands of professionals and enthusiasts gathering under one roof, CoffeeFest has once again positioned Madrid as a continental capital of quality coffee and hospitality trends.

While couples filled the city’s streets on February 14, inside Hall 14 it was clear: coffee was the real love story.

  • A European hub with global reach

Founded and directed by César Ramírez of NEO Drinks, CoffeeFest Madrid has rapidly evolved into one of Europe’s most influential coffee gatherings. The 2026 edition reflects a sector that is more professionalized, more innovative, and more connected to gastronomy and sustainability than ever before.

This year’s program features internationally recognized voices, including World Barista Champion Jack Simpson and educator and roaster Kat Melheim (RoasterKat), alongside a strong lineup of European and global experts shaping the future of coffee.

Beyond specialty coffee, the festival expands into tea, matcha, cacao, bean-to-bar chocolate, and boutique pastry—reinforcing how coffee culture is increasingly interwoven with broader premium hospitality experiences.

  • The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops gala returns

One of the most anticipated moments of the weekend is the second edition of The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops international gala, taking place on February 16.

The ranking has quickly become a benchmark for global coffee excellence, celebrating cafés that combine quality, service, design, innovation, and community impact. The Madrid stage once again becomes the epicenter of global recognition in the coffee world.

  • Competition, origin and industry momentum

CoffeeFest also hosts Spain’s Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) championships, including the Spanish Barista Championship, Brewers Cup, and Coffee Roasting Championship—platforms that spotlight technical precision, creativity, and craft at the highest level.

A major highlight remains the international green coffee auction, showcasing exceptional lots from producing countries and emphasizing traceability, direct trade, and social responsibility. The auction reinforces a growing commitment within the European market to origin transparency and long-term producer relationships.

  • CoffeeFest as a trend thermometer

More than a trade show, CoffeeFest has become a living laboratory of emerging coffee trends—from sustainability innovation to digitalization, new brewing formats, and evolving consumer behavior.

On Valentine’s weekend, Madrid is not just celebrating romance. It is celebrating a global industry built on connection, culture, and craft.

As coffee professionals, roasters, producers, and brands gather from across Europe and beyond, one message is clear:

Coffee is not just in the cup. It is in the air.