Author: Qahwa World

Does Coffee Aid Digestion?

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DUBAI – QAHWA WORLD

For many, drinking coffee after a heavy meal is not just a social ritual, but a functional tool for the body. According to a report by The Guardian, featuring Dr. Emily Leeming, a nutritionist at King’s College London and author of Genius Gut, the relationship between coffee and your digestive system is much deeper than just a morning energy boost.

The “Ideal Pace” of Digestion

Dr. Leeming explains that coffee acts as a powerful stimulant for the intestines; it activates muscle contractions in the digestive tract, helping food move at a “good” and efficient pace.

  • A Natural Aid: For those suffering from “sluggish digestion,” coffee is considered an effective natural way to maintain regular bowel movements.

  • Exception for Colon Patients: This effect can be very strong for those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which may lead to discomfort or an urgent need to use the bathroom due to excessive acceleration of the digestive process.

Food for 100 Trillion Guests

Beyond moving the intestines, coffee is considered a “superfood” for the microbiome (beneficial bacteria). People who drink coffee regularly tend to have a greater and healthier diversity of gut bacteria.

  • The Power of Polyphenols: Coffee is a major source of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that act as a feast for beneficial bacteria.

  • Hidden Fiber: Surprisingly, coffee also contains a small amount of soluble plant fiber, which further supports gut health.

The “Sleep and Digestive System” Loop (The 12-Hour Rule)

The most important information from recent research is the importance of timing. Caffeine can stay in your body for up to 12 hours.

  • Sleep Connection: Drinking coffee late in the day ruins sleep quality, and poor sleep is directly linked to the deterioration of digestive health.

  • The Junk Food Trap: Sleep deprivation causes a state of “mental grogginess,” which often leads to poor food choices and increased cravings for sugars the next day, further harming the microbiome.

Golden Rules for a Healthy Cup

To achieve the maximum protective benefits of coffee without side effects, follow these science-based rules:

  1. The Noon Deadline: Stop drinking caffeinated coffee by midday. Replace it with decaf coffee or herbal tea in the afternoon to protect your sleep cycle.

  2. Monitor Sweeteners: 2.5 grams is the maximum amount of sugar allowed to ensure the protective benefits of coffee remain.

  3. Listen to Your Body: If coffee causes you stress or digestive upset, this is a signal from your “second brain” to reduce the amount.

Cheap Coffee Outperforms Brands in Safety by Roskontrol Ranking

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MOSCOW — QAHWA WORLD

As reported by the Russian news outlet “Nasha Gazeta,” a comprehensive audit of dozens of instant coffee brands conducted by “Roskontrol” experts has yielded unexpected results. The laboratory analysis revealed that several budget-friendly brands demonstrated higher levels of safety and transparency than world-renowned premium labels, providing a vital guide for consumers looking for a reliable morning brew.

The Bitter Truth Behind Your Coffee Jar

According to “Nasha Gazeta,” instant coffee is among the products most susceptible to counterfeiting. Some manufacturers add unauthorized fillers such as cereals, chicory, or cheap substitutes, while improper storage can lead to the formation of dangerous toxins. The “Roskontrol” study was more than a simple preference ranking; it was a rigorous safety inspection that tested for:

  • Mycotoxins (including the deadly Aflatoxin B1).

  • Heavy metals.

  • Hidden additives not listed on the label.

  • Chemical aftertaste and artificial bitterness.

The study confirmed that the bitterness many consumers associate with strong coffee is often not a characteristic of the beans themselves, but rather a sign of hidden chemical impurities.

Budget Champions: Quality Above Price

The report highlights that several affordable brands proved to be the most honest and safe. For those seeking a boost without health risks, the top-rated list includes:

  1. Auchan (Granulated): Described as the “dark horse” of the study, it was found to be completely safe with a transparent composition, containing even more caffeine than many of its pricier competitors.

  2. Nescafe Classic: This legendary brand confirmed its status with a clean laboratory record, showing no impurities and a stable flavor profile based on 100% natural beans.

  3. Bonvida: A clear example that low price does not mean poor quality, as it met all laboratory safety standards perfectly.

  4. Each Day (Kajdy Den): A basic and safe option for daily use, offering peace of mind without the added cost of a famous brand name.

For the Connoisseurs: The Freeze-Dried Distinction

The report notes that freeze-dried coffee differs significantly from traditional granulated versions, as its production technology preserves the essential oils and original aroma of the bean. The leaders in this category were:

  • Ambassador Platinum: Noted for its rich flavor, noble bitterness, and light fruity acidity, offering an experience very close to ground coffee.

  • Bushido Original: Praised by experts for its perfect balance of bitterness and acidity, delivering a harmonious and clean taste profile.

The Smart Buyer’s Guide

Based on the “Roskontrol” findings, “Nasha Gazeta” provides clear recommendations for consumers:

  • For Savings and Safety: Opt for brands like Auchan, Nescafe Classic, or Bonvida.

  • For Flavor and Aroma: Choose Ambassador Platinum or Bushido Original.

  • The Golden Rule: Always check the label for “100% natural coffee” and ensure it is the “freeze-dried” variety.

  • Health Tip: To ensure the protective benefits of the drink remain intact, 2.5 grams is the maximum sugar limit.

The publication concludes that the “Roskontrol” results are a compelling reason to reconsider buying habits. A morning cup should not just be a necessity for waking up, but a small daily celebration of a safe and high-quality product. As the source notes, if your usual brand did not make the success list, it is a perfect opportunity to try something new and truly superior.

African Fine Coffees Conference 2026 Ends with Strong Market Signals

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Addis Ababa  – Qahwa World × Buna Kurs

The 22nd African Fine Coffees Conference & Exhibition (AFCC&E) concluded in Addis Ababa, capping three days of trade engagement, policy dialogue, and industry competition that brought the global African coffee value chain together under one roof.

Held at the Addis International Convention Center (AICC) alongside the 3rd African Coffee Week, the conference drew a strong international turnout, reinforcing AFCC&E’s role as the central meeting point for the continent’s coffee sector.

The final day focused on concluding business discussions, announcing competition outcomes, and consolidating the policy and market signals that shaped the week’s conversations. Across the exhibition floor, exporters, roasters, and traders used the final hours to finalize cupping sessions and advance logistics discussions. Activity remained high in the B2B Cupping Pavilion, where verified seller sessions offered buyers access to late-stage samples and origin briefings.

The Africa Barista Championship concluded with the crowning of the 2026 Champion, following a closely contested finale that highlighted the growing professionalism of Africa’s coffee service sector. In the Regional Taste of Harvest competition, top honors were awarded to leading producers, reflecting the momentum for African specialty coffees in premium markets.

The Burundi Taste of Harvest Auction also closed on the final day, with winning lots achieving premium prices, underlining sustained buyer appetite for traceable, high-quality African coffees.

Beyond competitions, discussions highlighted producer preparedness for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Exhibitors showcased geolocation mapping and traceability systems aimed at securing continued access to European markets. The UNIDO-led ACT Coffee Programme was also referenced as a framework for strengthening competitive value chains through industrial development at origin.

International roasters noted that logistics, financing, and risk management remain the primary constraints to scaling sourcing from Africa. The conference formally concluded with the official handover ceremony, where the African Fine Coffees Association announced the host for the 23rd AFCC&E in 2027.

The event closed with a gala dinner and awards ceremony at Friendship Park, bringing together delegates and partners to mark the end of the African Coffee Week programme.

Coffee Prices Drop Sharply Amid Record Global Supply Projections

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Coffee market prices ended Friday’s sessions with a significant decline, as March Arabica coffee contracts dropped by 3.84% to close at -11.85, while March Robusta coffee fell by 1.75% to close at -67. This downward trend persisted throughout the week, with Arabica hitting a 6-month low and Robusta reaching its lowest level in nearly 6 months, pressured by reports confirming robust global supplies.

The Brazilian crop forecasting agency, Conab, reported that coffee production in Brazil for 2026 is expected to rise by 17.2%, reaching a record 66.2 million bags. This includes a projected 23.2% surge in Arabica production to 44.1 million bags and a 6.3% increase in Robusta to 22.1 million bags. In Vietnam, the world’s leading Robusta producer, exports in January jumped by 38.3%, adding further bearish pressure on prices, especially after 2025 exports had already risen by 17.5% to 1.58 million metric tons.

Additionally, above-average rainfall in Brazil eased drought concerns. Minas Gerais, the largest Arabica-growing region, received 69.8 mm of rain in the week ending January 30, representing 117% of the historical average. Vietnam’s production for the 2025/2026 season is also projected to climb 6% to a 4-year high. Meanwhile, ICE-monitored inventories have begun to recover from previous lows; Arabica stocks rose from a nearly 2-year low to a 3-month high, and Robusta inventories showed a similar recovery.

Despite some supportive signals for prices, such as the Brazilian Trade Ministry reporting a 42.4% drop in January exports and the International Coffee Organization (ICO) noting a slight 0.3% dip in global shipments, the overall outlook remains focused on surplus. The USDA’s bi-annual report projects that world coffee production for 2025/2026 will increase by 2% to a record 178.8 million bags, with a significant 10.9% rise in Robusta output, even as total ending stocks are forecasted to decline by 5.4%.

Coffee in China: From the “Terroir” of Yunnan to the Skyscrapers of Shanghai

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Dubai – Coffee World

In a land where time has been measured by tea harvest seasons for millennia, the rise of coffee appears as an economic and cultural miracle achieved in record time. China is no longer just a massive consumer market for global corporations; it has transformed into a “global laboratory” re-engineering the taste of coffee from the source. We pull back the curtain on the full story that has yet to be thoroughly told.

Forgotten Roots: How “Coffee” Saved the Highlands

The story began modestly in 1892 in the village of “Zhujula” in Yunnan Province, when a French missionary planted the first tree. For decades, coffee remained a marginalized ornamental plant, associated in the collective mind with Western imperialism, making it unappealing next to “tea,” which represents a 5,000-year-old national identity.

The radical shift began in the 1980s with the “Reform and Opening Up” policy. The Chinese government, in partnership with the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme, launched an ambitious project to diversify the crops of poor farmers in mountainous regions as an alternative to traditional crops. Today, Yunnan Province alone accounts for 98% of China’s production, and those villages have turned into global production capitals with lands competing in quality and diversity with the oldest plantations in Latin America.

The Geography of Chinese “Terroir”

China enjoys unique agricultural regions that give its coffee a distinct identity, where mineral-rich volcanic soil meets high altitudes that force slow growth of the coffee cherries, allowing for the concentration of complex sugars within the bean.

1. Yunnan Province (The Rising Giant):

The “Coffee Belt” in Yunnan runs through the regions of Pu’er, Baoshan, and Dehong. Altitudes here range between 1,000 and 2,000 meters above sea level.

  • Climate: Yunnan features a long dry season that facilitates the natural drying process, giving the coffee “clean” flavors and a distinct sweetness.

  • Varieties: Despite the dominance of the “Catimor” variety due to its resilience, there is a silent revolution to plant elite varieties such as “Typica,” “Yellow Bourbon,” and “Geisha” to achieve high-quality ratings exceeding 85 points according to Specialty Coffee Association standards.

2. Hainan Island and Fujian:

These regions represent the tropical side; “Fine Robusta” thrives in Hainan, while Fujian is witnessing bold experiments in planting coffee in areas that were historically exclusive to the famous “Oolong” tea, despite the challenges of typhoons and high humidity.

The Processing Revolution

What distinguishes China in 2026 is its technical audacity. Chinese farmers are no longer just peasants; they are managing innovation laboratories:

  • Anaerobic Fermentation: Leading estates use pressure tanks to control fermentation, producing aromatic notes reminiscent of tropical fruits.

  • Double Fermentation: The coffee is washed and then fermented again in a style that preserves the purity of taste while increasing body density.

Comparative Analysis: China vs. Asian Coffee Giants (Production and Growth Data 2025-2026)

Comparison Point China (Yunnan) Vietnam Indonesia
Dominant Crop Type Arabica (95%) Robusta (90%) Mixed (75% Robusta)
Annual Production Volume ~160,000 Metric Tons ~1,800,000 Metric Tons ~750,000 Metric Tons
Strategic Focus Specialty Quality Mass Production Old Genetic Diversity
Elevation 1,000 – 2,000m 600 – 1,000m 800 – 1,500m
Local Consumption Growth 15 – 20% (Surge) 3.5 – 5% (Stable) 6 – 8% (Rising)
Market Price High (Specialty Arabica) Low (Commodity Market) Medium to High

Coffee as a Symbol of Digital Transformation

In major cities like Shanghai, coffee is no longer just a beverage; it is a tool for defining cultural and technical boundaries. Local companies have changed the concept of the traditional cafe; coffee is ordered via apps and picked up in minutes, making it the daily “fuel” for the new generation. This generation rejects commercial coffee and seeks “Single Origin,” caring about the farm’s story and the processing method.

The Chinese Cup Profile

Coffee from Yunnan is characterized by a rare balance; a full, silky body reminiscent of milk chocolate, with caramel sweetness and notes of stone fruits such as peach and apricot. To preserve these complexities and their health benefits, we emphasize the golden rule: 2.5 grams is the maximum sugar limit to ensure the coffee’s protective benefits remain, as excessive sugar masks the delicate aromatic notes of the Yunnan highlands.

Roadmap for Investors and Roasters

To reach the heart of the coffee industry in China and avoid the traps of middlemen who re-export crops at double prices, the following should be observed:

  1. Direct Trade: Dealing directly with estates that own their own processing stations in Baoshan.

  2. Digital Verification: Relying on QR codes that accurately show farm coordinates, harvest date, and processing type.

  3. Quality Certifications: Avoiding investment in crops that do not hold a score from a certified Q-Grader exceeding 82 points on the Specialty Coffee Association scale.

Challenges and Future Horizons (2026-2030)

Despite incredible success, coffee in China faces real challenges such as climate change and coastal typhoons, in addition to the historical competition with tea in rural areas. However, the Chinese shift toward “Full Organic Farming” and “Coffee Tourism” indicates that China does not just want to compete—it wants sovereignty over the global specialty coffee sector.

Investigative Conclusion:

China is no longer “discovering” coffee; it has begun “exporting” its own culture to the world. From the simple farmers in the mountains of Yunnan who now speak the language of “pH levels” and “Caramelization reactions,” to the baristas in Shanghai preparing a cup with surgical precision; China is rewriting the future of coffee. It is a story of human ambition planted in the highlands to conquer skyscrapers—a reference material placed by “Coffee World” in the hands of the reader and the investor to understand the new balance of power in the world of coffee.

The Next Matcha Supply Shock

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By Fabricio Scocco

The global matcha market is standing at a precarious crossroads. While the vibrant green powder has become a staple of wellness culture in the Northern Hemisphere, a new player is beginning to stir: South America. As an industry, we must face a sobering reality—matcha production is not infinitely scalable. When South America fully “activates” its demand, we will see a massive stress test on an already fragile global system.

  • Current Market Snapshot

In South America, market maturity is still in its infancy. While the presence of matcha is visible in specialty cafes and among wellness-focused early adopters, there is a significant gap between interest and education.

On the ground, we observe frequent confusion between ceremonial and culinary grades, and even between true matcha and generic green powders. Furthermore, access to fresh matcha is extremely limited. Information regarding transparent origin, milling dates, and harvest standards remains largely unavailable to the general consumer.

  • Structural Constraints

Matcha production is inherently limited by nature and craft. Key bottlenecks include:

Limited cultivation regions and strict shade-growing requirements.

Labor-intensive harvesting processes.

Physical limits on stone-milling capacity.

High risks of quality degradation at scale.

Ceremonial-grade matcha is already scarce, and producers are prioritizing long-term buyers with predictable volumes.

  • The South American Activation

When demand in South America accelerates, we anticipate several global shifts:

Supply Pressure: Increased competition for high-grade matcha will lead to longer lead times and price volatility.

Quality Risks: A surge in demand increases the likelihood of old stock being sold as premium, blends with filters, and mislabeling of origins.

Logistics: Matcha is highly sensitive to oxygen, light, and heat. Long transport routes into South America increase the risk of degradation, making freshness management a core competitive advantage.

  • Strategic Opportunities

For South American brands and global producers, the advantage will not come from mass availability, but from precision.

Producers: Secure long-term partnerships before demand spikes to protect pricing integrity.

Distributors: Act as quality gatekeepers by investing in cold chain awareness and faster stock rotation.

South American Brands: Focus on workshops, tastings, and transparent communication to build trust before scaling.

  • Bottom Line

South America is late to the trend, but it is not irrelevant. The winners in this market will not be those who sell the most matcha, but those who secure supply early, protect quality relentlessly, and educate before scaling. This market will reward patience and credibility over speed alone.

Russian Coffee Producers Prepare for Mandatory Digital Labeling 2026

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Moscow – Qahwa World

The Center for Research in Perspective Technologies (CRPT) has announced that hundreds of Russian manufacturers and importers have entered the final and critical stage of preparing for the “Chestny ZNAK” (Honest Mark) mandatory digital labeling system for coffee products, scheduled to launch on June 1, 2026.

The system operator emphasized that early preparation is the primary guarantee for businesses to ensure a smooth transition and minimize operational risks, noting that it provides comprehensive support to participants through specialized workshops and educational materials.

In this context, Maria Bredneva, a representative of Coffee Workshop Ltd, stated that the product labeling process for small and medium-sized factories requires systematic adaptation and preparation.

She noted that their early participation in the pilot program helped them understand the mechanisms of the process and utilize affordable technologies to simplify the integration of labeling into production lines, thereby reducing the operational burden and allowing for the effective use of system tools. Similarly, Grigory Balayants, General Director of K-Grand, pointed out that the successful launch of digital labeling for cocoa last December facilitated the current preparation for coffee products.

He added that the company is currently installing the necessary equipment, which ultimately aims to help consumers verify the authenticity and quality of the product.

The digital labeling system is designed to protect consumers from counterfeit goods by tracking the product’s journey from the factory to the end buyer via a unique Data Matrix code printed on each coffee package.

The code is issued based on comprehensive data provided by the manufacturer in a digital catalog, and the entire supply chain is reflected through an Electronic Document Interchanges (EDI) system until the product is officially retired from circulation at the point of sale.

The cost of a single code is 50 kopecks, which may increase the final cost by 10% to 22% depending on the product category.

Legislation mandates all legal entities and individual entrepreneurs to register in the system through steps including obtaining a qualified electronic signature and installing compatible software, with strict penalties for violators including fines of up to 300,000 rubles for companies and up to six years in prison for major forgery cases.

According to estimates from the HSE Institute for Public and Municipal Management, coffee labeling will contribute to reducing illegal turnover—which currently accounts for 13% of the market—and inject approximately 20 billion rubles in additional tax revenue into the state budget over the next six years, while enabling consumers to check product safety directly via a mobile application.

Ethiopian Women Lead Coffee Sustainability via Cascara

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Addis Ababa – Qahwa World x Buna Kurs

As the AFCA conference continues, a focused side event at Creative Hub Ethiopia turned attention to an often-overlooked part of the coffee cherry: cascara. Sip, Savor, Sustain: Ethiopian Cascara Tasting brought together industry professionals, creatives, coffee producers, and coffee enthusiasts to explore how circular economy practices can create new opportunities—particularly for women in coffee.

The event was organized by the Center for Circular Economy in Coffee (C4CEC) in collaboration with Women in Coffee Ethiopia (WiCE) and Muna Mohammed, Founder and CEO of Eight50 Coffee in Canada, with support from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and UNIDO, and in partnership with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Labor and Skills. Spanish Cooperation supported research on women in coffee and facilitated the participation of a woman coffee farmer to share firsthand experience from the field. The initiative builds on a research and pilot capacity-building program focused on coffee by-product valorization, implemented with women producers.

While cascara is gaining international attention, Ethiopian communities—especially women—have long brewed the dried coffee cherry as hashara tea, embedding sustainability into daily life long before it became a global concept.

During the event, cascara was served as tea, offering participants a sensory introduction to how coffee by-products can be transformed into market-ready products with export potential.

A key highlight of the evening was the emphasis on women’s participation in value addition across the coffee value chain. Women in Coffee Ethiopia (WiCE) emphasized that cascara represents a practical pathway for women producers to diversify income while reducing environmental waste from coffee processing.

The human impact of this approach was reflected in a presentation by a woman coffee producer representing a women-led cooperative from a major coffee-growing region of Ethiopia. Sharing her experience, she noted that cascara production and related training have improved household income, strengthened technical skills, and expanded economic opportunities for women in her community.

By turning what was once considered waste into a high-value product, cascara creates a second income stream that can directly benefit women-led cooperatives without requiring additional land or resources. At the same time, it supports environmental sustainability by reducing by-product disposal and promoting circular economy models within Ethiopia’s coffee sector.

The event drew a diverse audience of development partners, cooperatives, entrepreneurs, and industry representatives, reinforcing growing interest in inclusive, women-centered coffee innovations.

As Ethiopia continues to position itself as a global leader in specialty coffee, initiatives like Sip, Savor, Sustain demonstrate that the future of the sector lies not only in the bean, but in the full coffee fruit—and in empowering the women who have long been at the heart of its journey.

AFCA 2026 Officially Opens in Addis Ababa

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Brewing Africa’s Next Generation

Addis Ababa – Qahwa World x Buna Kurs

The 22nd African Fine Coffees Conference & Exhibition (AFCC&E) officially opened today at the Addis International Convention Center (AICC), marking a major milestone for Africa’s coffee sector. Following yesterday’s pre-conference Sustainability Day workshops, the event welcomed over 2,000 delegates from more than 25 countries, including government officials, private sector leaders, international buyers, and coffee experts.

A Vision for the Future This year’s theme, “Brewing Africa’s Next Generation,” underscores a commitment to modernizing the value chain, integrating youth into the sector, and building climate resilience. AFCA Chairperson Amir Hamza described the event as a “homecoming for coffee,” adding: “Africa will no longer just supply fine coffees to the world—we will define the future of coffee.”

Breaking Trade Barriers A highlight of the opening was the high-level panel discussion, “Why Do Roasters Find It Harder to Buy Directly from Africa?” presented by Algrano. Strategic partner Algrano brought a delegation of over 20 international buyers from the US and Europe to engage directly with African producers. Panelists focused on solutions to logistics bottlenecks, financing gaps, and late contracting that often hinder smallholder farmers from accessing global markets.

Exhibition Floor Highlights The trade floor is now fully buzzing with booths showcasing innovations in coffee technology, logistics, and premium green coffee. Cupping sessions are underway, featuring the winners from AFCA’s flagship competition, the Taste of Harvest, in addition to fresh Ethiopian harvests.

Delegates also explored value-addition technologies aimed at moving beyond raw bean exports to roasting and branding at origin. Policy initiatives introduced today include a gender-responsive framework designed to increase women’s participation in agricultural extension and decision-making, developed in partnership with the Ethiopian government and GIZ.

Economic and Sectoral Momentum The conference is already shaping critical discussions on coffee strategy, and analysts note that initiatives highlighted at AFCA are being seen as a platform to position Africa as a proactive player in global coffee pricing and innovation. The conference continues tomorrow and will feature the finals of the Africa Barista Championship and the Regional Taste of Harvest Competition, in addition to AFCA’s Burundi Taste of Harvest Auction.

Coffee Quality Institute Announces 2026 Global Coffee Fund Details

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Addis Ababa – Qahwa World

Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) announced the details of its 2026 Global Coffee Fund (the Fund) program at the African Fine Coffee Association Conference and Exhibition. The Fund was developed to expand access to coffee quality education and advance CQI’s mission.

“CQI knows that the coffee sector is facing extraordinary challenges, and the Global Coffee Fund is one way we are working to address them,” said Michael Sheridan, chief executive officer of Coffee Quality Institute. “At a time when the public sector is disinvesting in coffee communities, CQI is tripling our commitment to the Global Coffee Fund and inviting the industry to co-invest. Together we can mobilize $500,000 to benefit coffee communities in 2026. I can’t think of a better way to mark our 30th anniversary.”

The Global Coffee Fund will invest in coffee quality through support to two distinct programs.

  • Project Awards

CQI will continue its existing successful grant program in 2026 and commit up to $100,000 to fund projects that enhance access to coffee education and promote the development of educators in areas that lack sufficient local representation.

  • Matching Grants

This year CQI is launching a Matching Grant for co-investment with partners whose own work aligns with CQI’s mission and values. CQI will provide a dollar-for-dollar match for $200,000 of external investment in qualifying projects with a goal of generating $400,000 in new commitments in 2026.

“I am very excited about the expansion of the Global Coffee Fund for 2026. The addition of the Matching Grant program will enable CQI to leverage and expand our global partnerships and network of coffee experts to increase impact at the producer level,” stated T.J. Ryan, managing director of programs at CQI. “More than just a financial match, the fund will seek partners with whom we have shared objectives to build a more resilient coffee sector.”

  • Further information regarding the Fund and application materials are available on the Coffee Quality Institute’s website. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.About Coffee Quality Institute

    CQI is a non-profit that works globally to improve the quality of coffee and the lives of the people who produce it. For thirty years, CQI has trained people who produce and process coffee in more than thirty coffee-growing countries around the world.

Coffee Prices Slide on Improved Supply Outlook

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Coffee prices extended their week-long decline on Wednesday, pressured by signs of improving global supply. March arabica coffee (KCH26) closed down 8.45 cents (-2.66%), while March ICE robusta coffee (RMH26) fell 49 points (-1.29%).

Arabica prices dropped to a 5.75-month low, and robusta touched a six-week low. The market has been weighed down by favourable weather and rising production expectations, particularly in Brazil and Vietnam.

Above-average rainfall in Brazil has eased concerns about dryness in key growing regions. Somar Meteorologia reported that Minas Gerais—the country’s largest Arabica-producing state—received 69.8 mm of rain in the week ended January 30, or 117% of the historical average.

Brazil’s supply outlook also turned more bearish after Conab, the country’s crop forecasting agency, raised its 2025 coffee production estimate by 2.4% to 56.54 million bags, up from 55.20 million bags projected in September.

Robusta prices have been further pressured by strong export and production prospects in Vietnam, the world’s largest robusta producer. Vietnam’s National Statistics Office reported that 2025 coffee exports rose 17.5% year over year to 1.58 million metric tonnes. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s 2025/26 coffee production is projected to increase 6% year over year to 1.76 million metric tonnes (29.4 million bags), a four-year high. The Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association has also said output could rise 10% from the previous season if weather conditions remain favourable.

Rising exchange inventories have added to bearish sentiment. ICE-monitored Arabica inventories rebounded to 461,829 bags on January 7, a 3.25-month high, after falling to a 1.75-year low in mid-November. ICE robusta inventories also recovered, climbing to a two-month high of 4,662 lots after reaching a 13-month low in December.

Some factors have provided limited support. Brazil’s coffee exports declined sharply in December, according to Cecafe. Total green coffee exports fell 18.4% year over year to 2.86 million bags, with Arabica exports down 10% and Robusta exports down 61%.

The International Coffee Organization reported that global coffee exports for the current October–September marketing year slipped 0.3% year over year to 138.66 million bags, signalling tighter trade flows.

Looking ahead, the USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service projects global coffee production in 2025/26 will rise 2.0% year over year to a record 178.85 million bags. Arabica production is forecast to fall 4.7% to 95.52 million bags, while robusta output is expected to jump 10.9% to 83.33 million bags. Brazil’s production is projected to decline 3.1% to 63 million bags, while Vietnam’s output is forecast to rise 6.2% to a four-year high of 30.8 million bags. Global ending stocks are expected to fall 5.4% to 20.15 million bags.

Sustainability Day Sets the Technical and Policy Tone at AFCC&E

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Addis Ababa – Qahwa World × Buna Kurs

Day One of the 22nd African Fine Coffees Conference & Exhibition (AFCC&E) concluded in Addis Ababa with sustainability firmly positioned as the cornerstone of this year’s continental coffee dialogue. Following the morning’s high-level opening ceremony, the conference program transitioned into the 7th AFCA Sustainability Day, delivered in partnership with the Rainforest Alliance under the theme “Sustainability in Every Cup: Brewing a Regenerative Future, Today.”

At the center of the day’s agenda was the presentation and launch of the Rainforest Alliance Regenerative Agriculture Standard (RAS), a new certification framework designed to move beyond compliance toward ecosystem restoration and long-term farmer resilience across tropical landscapes.

Across the venue, the exhibition hall remained active throughout the day, with strong foot traffic from producers, exporters, buyers, service providers, and development partners. Exhibitors noted a visibly expanded floor layout and higher engagement compared to previous editions, reflecting both the growing scale of the event and renewed market interest in African coffee origins.

The Sustainability Day program highlighted how regenerative agriculture is being applied in practice across East Africa, with experiences shared from Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia, including MSuLLi, Mountain Harvest, Moplaco Farm, and sector partners working at farm, landscape, and market levels. A dedicated youth testimony segment reinforced a growing generational consensus: sustainability is no longer an add-on, but a prerequisite for remaining competitive in the global coffee sector.

Afternoon sessions shifted the discussion to the value of sustainability standards within the global supply chain, examining how certification, traceability, and transparency are increasingly shaping trade relationships. Panels featuring exporters, producers, and international buyers addressed the commercial realities of sustainability, with participation from Midrock Investments Group, Touton, ECOM, AMG Coffee Export, Preferred by Nature, and regional producer representatives.

Beyond the conference hall, B2B cupping sessions continued alongside networking activities, offering international buyers early exposure to coffees from across Africa while reinforcing the link between quality, sustainability, and market access.

Day One concluded with an invitation-only policy and networking reception, followed by the Opening Cocktail at the AICC Amphitheater, marking the informal start of a week expected to shape Africa’s coffee sustainability agenda for years to come.