Author: Qahwa World

The Rise of Coffee Chains

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By: Serkan Oral

The 21st century is the age of coffee chains more than any other. Coffee beans are becoming as valuable as gold. The sector continues its upward trend, driven by the rapid expansion of coffee chains worldwide.

Let’s talk numbers.
Between 2015 and 2024, global coffee imports reached a total of $370.3 billion. The United States accounted for $69.2 billion of this total, followed by Germany with $41.9 billion and France with $28.9 billion. Other major importers included Italy, Canada, Belgium, Spain, Japan, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, with their combined imports amounting to $238.5 billion. Altogether, the top 10 coffee importers represented 64.4% of the global market during the past decade.

There are also emerging markets on the rise.

Meanwhile, Brazil stood as the world’s largest coffee exporter, with exports over the past decade totaling $360.3 billion, followed by Switzerland with $28.7 billion and Colombia with $28.6 billion. Other significant exporters were Germany, Vietnam, Italy, Honduras, France, Belgium, and Indonesia.

Türkiye carries a dual identity in the global coffee story — as both the heir to the Ottoman coffee legacy and as a modern hub for new-generation coffee culture.

Türkiye’s coffee imports between 2015 and 2024 reached $2.7 billion, with prices for imported coffee rising from $153.4 million in 2015 to $497.1 million in 2024, marking an increase of 224%, according to the national statistical bureau TurkStat.

On the export side, Türkiye recorded $354.5 million worth of coffee exports over the last decade, including $55.6 million in the first half of this year alone.

Türkiye imported most of its coffee from Brazil, totaling $1.7 billion, followed by the Netherlands with $201.1 million, Italy with $100.5 million, Germany with $80.9 million, and Colombia with $79.9 million. The country’s imports stood at $472.5 million as of June, with Brazil remaining its top supplier.

The world’s coffee consumption — both hot and iced — over the past decade totaled $370.3 billion, according to data from the International Trade Center (ITC). The United States was the largest importer, while Brazil dominated exports.

Personally, I prefer iced coffee on summer afternoons, but I always start my day with a hot Turkish coffee. For Turks, the tradition of the 11 a.m. coffee break continues as a nationwide ritual. Around the world, specialty coffee is also gaining momentum, and habits are evolving quickly.

The golden era of coffee and coffee shops has already begun, spreading across continents. More lovely qahwa days are on the horizon.

Mexico Prepares Early for World of Coffee Dubai 2026

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Xalapa – Mexico, August 21, 2025 (Qahwa World) – As part of Mexico’s early preparations for World of Coffee Dubai 2026, the Secretariat of Economic and Port Development of the State of Veracruz (SEDECOP), through its Directorate of Foreign Trade and in collaboration with Casa Tostadora Briones, has officially invited Veracruz specialty coffee producers to participate in the global event, scheduled for January 18–20, 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (Za’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5 & 6).

Showcasing Veracruz Coffee in the Middle East

The initiative targets Arabica specialty coffee producers from Veracruz to submit samples that highlight the diversity, quality, and richness of the state’s coffee sector. Each sample will be displayed at Mexico’s pavilion in Dubai with the producer’s name, farm, region of origin, and coffee profile — a recognition of the growers’ work and a step to foster direct trade links.

SEDECOP underlined that the purpose of the participation is to strengthen international trade ties, promote the quality of Veracruz coffee in global markets, and position it as an authentic product with high added value. Casa Tostadora Briones emphasized that this step represents an opportunity to give Mexican coffee “a voice and presence” on the global stage while honoring the work and traditions of Veracruz farmers.

Veracruz: Mexico’s Coffee Heartland

Located on the eastern coast of Mexico along the Gulf of Mexico, Veracruz is one of the country’s oldest and most important agricultural regions. Its capital is Xalapa, and the state enjoys diverse climates — from tropical on the coast to temperate in the highlands — creating ideal conditions for coffee cultivation.
Veracruz is among Mexico’s largest coffee-producing regions, particularly in the central highlands, where high-quality Arabica is grown and internationally recognized. The historic Port of Veracruz also serves as a key export gateway for agricultural products, especially coffee.

Participation Requirements

Interested producers must meet the following:

  • Submit 500 g of green specialty Arabica coffee.

  • Minimum cupping score of 82+ (SCA standards).

  • Provide a technical datasheet in both Spanish and English.

  • Samples accepted from August 2025 until January 5, 2026.

  • Participation is free of charge, sponsored by Casa Tostadora Briones.

Application Process

  1. Complete the official online registration form:
    World of Coffee Dubai 2026 – Application

  2. Submit a valid tax compliance certificate issued within the last 90 days.

  3. Sample shipments will be coordinated through Casa Tostadora Briones.

Eligible participants will be selected based on compliance with requirements and registration deadlines, with chronological order of registration serving as the main selection criterion.

Event Details

  • Event: World of Coffee Dubai 2026

  • Dates: January 18–20, 2026

  • Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre – Za’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5 & 6

Contact Information

  • Directorate of Foreign Trade – SEDECOP
    Boulevard Cristóbal Colón 5, Torre Ánimas, Office 1005, Jardines de las Ánimas, Xalapa, Veracruz.
    Tel: +52 (228) 841-8500 ext. 3615
    Email: [email protected]

Complaints or inquiries can also be directed to SEDECOP’s Internal Control Office at: [email protected].

Novikov Café Celebrates Emirati Women’s Day with Elegant Chocolate Tribute

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Dubai,August 2025 (Qahwa World) — The Mediterranean brasserie Novikov Café, known as one of Dubai’s most elegant eateries, is celebrating Emirati Women’s Day with a thoughtful gifting initiative that honours the women who quietly shape the world around them — at home, in their communities, and across the nation.

Located within the luxurious Fashion Avenue at Dubai Mall, Novikov Café offers modern Mediterranean cuisine under the direction of Head Chef Riccardo Stevan. Drawing on locally sourced ingredients from across the UAE, Stevan creates wood-coal-cooked dishes that blend contemporary culinary techniques with timeless Mediterranean traditions.

To mark Emirati Women’s Day, the café has created a bespoke box of handcrafted chocolates, presented in the brand’s signature style. The gift is designed to feel precious — a quiet gesture wrapped in care.

From August 23 to 27, a select group of women will receive the gift in advance of the celebration as a personal token of recognition. On August 28, all women dining at Novikov Café will be offered the same chocolate gift — a sincere expression of appreciation and respect.

The initiative reflects Novikov Café’s philosophy that true hospitality extends beyond the table, finding meaning in small moments, where care is most powerful when it feels genuine.

A gentle tribute that embodies Novikov Café’s belief in celebrating grace, and in leaving lasting meaning in every gesture.

The Coffee Off Returns to Milan After Five-Year Hiatus

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Dubai, August 21, 2025 (Qahwa World) – After being absent since 2019, one of Milan’s most popular fall traditions is set to make its comeback. The Coffee Off, a downtown street fair, tasting event, and brewing competition, will return to Tolan Square on October 4 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., bringing together coffee lovers, local vendors, and community members for a morning of flavor and connection.

According to organizers, the event was paused after 2019 due to increased commitments from Moving Milan Forward, the nonprofit that runs the festival. The group shifted its focus toward community infrastructure projects, including improvements to Tolan Square and other civic initiatives, which meant temporarily shelving the Coffee Off. With many of those projects now complete, the organization said 2025 was the right moment to revive the event as a way to reconnect the community and celebrate local traditions.

From its launch in 2014 until its pause in 2019, The Coffee Off grew from a small neighborhood gathering into one of Michigan’s most recognizable seasonal coffee events. Its revival this fall is framed around a new goal: rebuilding community ties through shared coffee culture.

“This is a beloved event, and we’re thrilled to bring it back,” said organizer Dave Baldwin. “Whether you’re a devoted espresso enthusiast or just someone who enjoys a cozy cup on a crisp autumn morning, The Coffee Off is for everyone. Come sip, connect, and support Milan.”

All proceeds from the 2025 event will benefit Friends of the Saline River, a nonprofit dedicated to clearing log jams and restoring recreational access for kayaking, canoeing, and other outdoor activities.

This year’s program will feature interactive coffee stations with live demonstrations and tastings, a competition with both People’s Choice and Judges’ Pick awards, live music by singer-songwriter Amy Timbers, and local food from Grumpy Monkey Waffle Co. and Rich Grains Bakery. Coffee-related vendors will also be present. Each ticket includes a tasting mug and event t-shirt while supplies last.

More than 400 attendees are expected, and the festival is open to the public, promising a warm and welcoming atmosphere for both newcomers and longtime residents. For ticket sales or event updates, visit milancoffeeoff.com or contact Josh Kofflin at [email protected].

Breville Eyes China’s Coffee Market as U.S. Tariffs Pressure Sales

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Dubai, 21 August 2025 (Qahwa World) – Breville is looking to China and the Middle East as promising new growth markets for its coffee appliances, aiming to balance the impact of U.S. tariffs on its business. Chief executive Jim Clayton said rising demand for premium coffee machines in these regions provides long-term opportunity, even as higher import duties in the United States pose near-term challenges.

The company, which generates about 40 percent of its revenue from the U.S., has shifted part of its production from China to facilities in Indonesia and Mexico. Clayton confirmed that this diversification strategy will continue through the year to reduce exposure to higher costs.

For the year ending June 30, Breville posted revenue of $1.7 billion, an increase of nearly 11 percent, while operating profit rose just over 10 percent to $204.5 million. Despite the strong performance, investor concerns about tariffs weighed on the share price. Clayton acknowledged that higher input costs remain an issue for the U.S. market but said the company would manage these pressures through supplier negotiations, selective price increases, and new product launches.

Recent highlights include the launch of the Oracle Dual Boiler coffee machine in Australia, with a new grinder and a compact smart oven scheduled for release this month. Coffee appliances remain the company’s leading category, helping Breville deliver double-digit growth across all three of its regional markets in 2025. The business has increased revenue and profit every year since 2015, even during challenging conditions.

Analyst opinions are mixed. Some warn that U.S. tariffs could affect earnings through FY27, raising questions about consensus forecasts of flat growth this year and a return to double-digit gains next year. Others view the current slowdown as temporary, pointing to Breville’s consistent record of expansion and opportunities in international markets. UBS projects that the $5 billion company could more than double sales over the next decade, driven by coffee market growth globally and particularly in China.

Founded over 90 years ago, Breville has grown into a global brand with a presence in more than 70 countries. Known under the Breville and Sage names, the company has built a reputation for innovation in small appliances and premium coffee equipment. Its teams of engineers, designers, and food technologists have helped place Breville at the forefront of its category. The company also emphasizes sustainability and ethical practices across its operations, with a focus on reducing environmental impact and contributing positively to society.

Clayton said that early results in China and the Middle East are encouraging, though still in the early stages, and that both regions represent significant long-term potential. To close out the financial year, Breville declared a final dividend of 19 cents per share, bringing the full-year payout to 37 cents, payable on October 2.

Paris Baguette Marks 250th Café with New Opening in Frederick, Maryland

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Moonachie, N.J., August 21, 2025 (Qahwa World) – Paris Baguette has reached an important milestone in its expansion, celebrating the opening of its 250th bakery café in North America. The brand, which continues to grow across the United States and Canada, views this moment as part of its mission to revive the neighborhood café experience by offering expertly crafted pastries, quality coffee, and warm, welcoming spaces for communities.

Chief Executive Officer Darren Tipton said the achievement reflects the dedication of franchise owners, café teams, and loyal guests. He noted that each new opening represents more than growth for the company, highlighting its goal of creating places that foster joy and connection.

The new café in Frederick, Maryland, located at 520 Snowshill Street, is operated by Waseem Mohamad, who previously served as a general contractor building nearly 20 Paris Baguette locations. Together with his partners Prant Kumar and Prince Kumar, Mohamad is now taking on his first ownership role. Their family ties to the area and familiarity with the brand provide them with strong insight into the local community, and they intend to open additional cafés in the region in the future.

For Mohamad, the occasion carries personal significance. Having witnessed other milestone openings for the company, including the 150th and 200th cafés, he now celebrates the 250th as his own. He explained that his long-time love of the brand’s products, shared by his family, makes this step especially rewarding as he introduces the café to his community.

The company’s growth is supported by strong customer loyalty and consistent performance. Paris Baguette recently surpassed one million members in its PB Rewards program and reported eighteen consecutive quarters of positive same-store sales growth, along with seventeen quarters of rising guest traffic. In 2025 alone, forty-six cafés have opened, with over 170 new franchise agreements signed and fifty more cafés set to launch by the end of the year. Nearly 450 additional locations are in development, positioning the company to double its North American presence within two years and reach 1,000 cafés by 2030.

Future expansion is planned in several U.S. states, including Massachusetts, Florida, Illinois, and Ohio, as well as Canadian markets such as Quebec, Vancouver, and Toronto. With each opening, Paris Baguette underscores its commitment to hospitality, craftsmanship, and community connection, aiming to reestablish the bakery café as a central part of neighborhood life across North America.

Born from a love of bread and a passion for quality, Paris Baguette was founded in 1988 as a fast-casual bakery-café specializing in French and Asian-inspired goods. In addition to cakes, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and signature coffee and tea, the company delivers a unique bakery and café experience to thousands of customers daily. Today, with over 4,000 locations worldwide, Paris Baguette continues to satisfy the tastes of people across all ages and backgrounds. The brand invites those with a passion for food, service, and community to become part of its story, offering opportunities to join a diverse and talented team driven by fun, collaboration, and success.

Coffee Boom: Saudis Consume 36 Million Cups Daily

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Dubai, August 21, 2025 (Qahwa World) – Saudi Arabia’s coffee market is witnessing unprecedented growth, positioning the Kingdom among the world’s top consumers of caffeine. According to the Saudi Restaurants and Cafés Association, Saudis consume around 36 million cups of coffee every day, roughly equivalent to one cup per person. The local market is valued at between $1.3 and $1.9 billion annually, reflecting strong demand and a broad consumer base. Projections also suggest that the coffee market across the Middle East and North Africa could reach $11.7 billion by 2027, with Saudi Arabia making a major contribution thanks to the rising popularity of specialty coffee.

The Ministry of Commerce has issued more than 61,000 café licenses across the country, including 27,000 licenses for traditional neighborhood cafés that serve Arabic coffee and heritage products. This surge underscores how cafés have evolved into vibrant social and economic hubs that now compete with restaurants in both customer traffic and revenue. International chains such as Starbucks and Tim Hortons sit alongside fast-rising Saudi brands like Eksiir Al Bun (Elixir Bunn), Khutwat Jaml (Camel Step), and Barn’s, offering innovative experiences inspired by local culture. Technology has also played a vital role in transforming the café landscape, with online ordering apps, digital payment systems, and even the use of robot baristas in advanced outlets.

According to Ahmed Al-Qashqari, CEO of the Saudi Restaurants and Cafés Association, cafés now account for 16% of the Kingdom’s food service sector, compared to a time when restaurants dominated. He noted that the sector is expanding at an annual growth rate of more than 5%, driving job creation and diversifying income streams in line with Vision 2030, which seeks to establish a sustainable, diversified economy. Beyond their economic role, cafés have also become important community spaces, providing ideal environments for networking, creativity, and entrepreneurship, particularly among young Saudis who make up the majority of the population and lead many successful ventures in this sector.

Saudi Arabia has also invested around $320 million to boost domestic coffee cultivation, particularly in the regions of Jazan, Al-Baha, and Asir, which produce the premium Khoulani Arabica beans renowned for their global quality. This investment is designed to significantly increase production and transform Saudi coffee from a cultural tradition into a competitive economic product with strong export potential. The initiative also strengthens the Kingdom’s standing in the global coffee industry. Meanwhile, events such as the Saudi Coffee Festival continue to promote local products and enhance cultural tourism, further solidifying coffee’s strategic role in the national economy.

Despite this remarkable growth, the sector faces challenges, including high operating costs, fierce competition among brands, and the need to continuously train baristas and staff to ensure a world-class experience. Reliance on imports for certain coffee varieties also remains an obstacle to full self-sufficiency. Nevertheless, ongoing investments in local production, combined with technological innovation and consumer-focused strategies, point toward a bright future for Saudi Arabia’s coffee industry, which is fast becoming one of the most dynamic economic and cultural drivers in the region.

Coffee Prices Surge on Dry Weather in Brazil and Tighter U.S. Supplies

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Dubai, 21 August 2025 (Qahwa World) – Coffee prices continued their sharp rally this week, reaching multi-month highs as drought in Brazil, tighter U.S. supplies, and falling inventories combined to fuel bullish sentiment in global markets. September arabica coffee (KCU25) closed up +4.05 cents (+1.14%), while September robusta coffee (RMU25) jumped +236 points (+5.35%), marking the strongest levels for arabica in more than two months and for robusta in two and a half months. The upward trend has now extended for over two weeks, signaling growing concerns among traders and roasters alike.

Much of the momentum is driven by weather conditions in Brazil, the world’s largest producer. Somar Meteorologia reported that Minas Gerais, the country’s main arabica-growing state, received no rainfall during the week ending August 16. Dry conditions at this stage of the harvest have spurred funds and speculators to increase their positions in coffee futures. While dryness helps in harvesting ripe cherries, prolonged lack of rain threatens the health of trees and could affect the next cycle’s yield, especially for arabica, which is more sensitive to climatic stress.

At the same time, the United States, one of the biggest coffee importers, is facing its own supply squeeze. Following the imposition of 50% tariffs on Brazilian coffee exports, American buyers have been avoiding new contracts and seeking loopholes in existing ones to escape the higher levies. Some have even requested extended shipping timelines in hopes that trade restrictions may eventually ease. With about a third of unroasted coffee consumed in the U.S. normally sourced from Brazil, the tariffs have significantly tightened the market.

Export figures from Brazil reinforce the tightening picture. The country’s Trade Ministry reported that unroasted exports in July dropped -20.4% year on year to 161,000 metric tons, while Cecafé, the exporters’ council, confirmed that green coffee exports fell -28% to 2.4 million bags. Within that total, arabica shipments declined -21% and robusta plunged nearly -49%. Overall, Brazil’s coffee exports in July fell to 2.7 million bags, and shipments for the first seven months of the year were down -21% to 22.2 million bags compared to the same period in 2024.

Another layer of support for prices comes from declining inventories on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). Arabica stocks dropped to a 1.25-year low of 726,661 bags last week before inching up slightly, while robusta inventories sank to a three-week low of 6,732 lots, still well below the two-year high reached in late July.

Even as supply pressures mount, Brazil’s harvest progress offers a short-term counterbalance. Cooxupé, the country’s largest cooperative and exporter, announced that its members had harvested 86.1% of their crop by August 15. Independent consultancy Safras & Mercado placed national progress at 94% complete, with nearly all robusta and more than 90% of arabica cherries already picked. This suggests that near-term supply will remain steady, though the longer-term outlook is clouded by weather concerns.

Globally, the International Coffee Organization (ICO) reported that exports in June rose +7.3% year on year to 11.69 million bags, though cumulative shipments for October through June were nearly flat at 104.14 million bags, down -0.2% compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, in Vietnam, the world’s largest robusta producer, production in 2023/24 fell -20% to 1.472 million metric tons, the smallest harvest in four years, due to severe drought. Exports for 2024 slipped -17.1% to 1.35 million metric tons, and the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association has already cut its production forecast for 2024/25 to 26.5 million bags, down from an earlier estimate of 28 million. Yet, despite these challenges, Vietnam’s exports in the first seven months of 2025 rose +6.9% to 1.05 million metric tons, providing some temporary relief to the international market.

Looking ahead, projections from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) suggest that world coffee production in 2025/26 will increase +2.5% year on year to a record 178.68 million bags. Arabica output is expected to fall -1.7% to 97.02 million bags, while robusta is forecast to rise +7.9% to 81.65 million bags. Brazil is projected to produce 65 million bags (+0.5%), and Vietnam is forecast to reach a four-year high of 31 million bags (+6.9%). Ending stocks are expected to climb by nearly +4.9% to 22.82 million bags. Still, major trader Volcafe has warned of a widening deficit in arabica, projecting a shortfall of -8.5 million bags for 2025/26, compared with -5.5 million bags this year. If accurate, this would mark the fifth consecutive year of arabica deficits, ensuring that upward pressure on prices will likely persist well into next year.

Tarrazú: Costa Rica’s Highland Coffee That Captivates the World

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Dubai, August 20, 2025 (Qahwa World) – The announcement by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) yesterday of an innovative scientific initiative to safeguard the authenticity of Tarrazú  coffee using advanced nuclear techniques has sparked a wave of questions about this coffee and its unique value. In response, Qahwa World seeks to shed light on this exceptional origin, which has established its reputation over centuries with outstanding quality that combines heritage, sustainability, and distinctive flavor.

Costa Rica may account for less than one percent of global coffee output, but few origins enjoy such prestige. According to the USDA, the country produces around 1.18–1.19 million bags annually, a modest volume compared with global production exceeding 178 million bags. Yet Costa Rican coffee, and Tarrazú in particular, consistently commands premium prices thanks to its unique combination of altitude, climate, and artisanal production methods.

Geography and Identity

The Tarrazú region lies within the Los Santos highlands, covering the cantons of Tarrazú, Dota, and León Cortés. Farms stretch between 1,200 and 1,900 meters above sea level, conditions that classify beans as “Strictly Hard Bean” (SHB). At this altitude, coffee matures slowly, developing dense beans rich in sugars and aromatic compounds. Combined with volcanic, mineral-rich soils and a climate marked by seven months of rain and five months of dry weather, Tarrazú produces a cup profile that is instantly recognizable: bright acidity, floral notes, and citrus complexity with a clean, sweet finish.

Shade trees—including banana, citrus, avocado, guava, and mango—play an important role in protecting biodiversity and stabilizing the soil. Generational farming families preserve artisanal methods, while the micro-mill model gives producers control over processing and enhances traceability. These small-scale mills have become a Costa Rican hallmark, enabling farmers to secure direct trade relationships and better incomes.

In 2019, Tarrazú coffee was granted Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO) status, ensuring that only beans grown in its three cantons may use the name. The PDO, now protected in more than 180 countries, safeguards the livelihoods of farming families and reassures consumers worldwide of the coffee’s authenticity. It also reinforces a national narrative: coffee is not just an export crop but a pillar of Costa Rica’s independence and cultural identity.

Sustainability lies at the core of Tarrazú’s success. Farmers invest in eco-friendly wet mills that recycle water, soil conservation techniques that maintain fertility, and reforestation programs that protect watersheds. These practices not only preserve the landscape but also secure the future of coffee cultivation in the face of climate change.

Between Tradition and Science

Tarrazú’s reputation is not only built on geography and farming practices but also on culture. One of the most visible symbols is the Vandola, a hand-crafted ceramic brewer designed by artisan Minor Alfaro. Each piece is made of natural clay and highlights the clarity and aroma that define Tarrazú’s cup profile. Beyond its function, it transforms brewing into a ritual of heritage, linking Costa Ricans and coffee enthusiasts worldwide to the traditions of the highlands.

On the international stage, Tarrazú continues to shine at specialty coffee auctions such as the Cup of Excellence, where its lots regularly achieve high scores and command top prices. Specialty roasters from North America, Europe, and Asia compete fiercely for access, a sign of the origin’s enduring appeal.

The IAEA’s #Atoms4Food initiative now adds another layer to this story. By applying nuclear techniques, scientists at the University of Costa Rica are developing a geographic database that authenticates the beans’ origin with scientific precision. This project will help protect farmers from fraud and strengthen consumer trust in global markets.

Yet long before science arrived, authenticity in Tarrazú was safeguarded by its people, their traditions, and their respect for the land. Today, as international bodies lend their expertise, Tarrazú stands as both a cultural emblem and a scientific case study, proving that heritage and innovation can thrive together. Every sip carries not only bright citrus notes and floral elegance, but also the resilience of a community and the story of a nation.

U.S. Roasters Halt Brazilian Coffee Purchases After 50% Tariffs

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Dubai, 20 August 2025 (Qahwa World) – American coffee buyers are pulling back from new deals with Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer, after President Donald Trump’s 50% tariff on imports took effect earlier this month.

According to brokers, roasters, and exporters contacted by Bloomberg, U.S. companies are avoiding fresh contracts and looking for ways to adjust existing agreements to escape the higher levies. Some buyers are even requesting delayed shipments in the hope that tariffs might later be eased, Brazil’s exporter group Cecafé reported.

“Deals between the U.S. and Brazil have totally stalled,” said broker Thiago Cazarini. “No one’s really buying anything.”

Brazil supplies roughly one-third of America’s unroasted coffee. The tariff escalation follows Trump’s earlier April announcement of a 10% levy on Brazilian agricultural imports, which surged to 50% on August 6. The trade conflict is intertwined with Trump’s criticism of what he calls the “politically motivated persecution” of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a close ally now facing trial over an alleged coup attempt against current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

For U.S. roasters, the tariffs pose a major challenge. Florida-based Zaza Coffee, which sources about 25% of its beans from Brazil, has 14 to 16 weeks of supply left. “Within this window maybe something can change regarding the tariffs,” said JP Juarez, Zaza’s director of coffee innovation. “But if tariffs remain, we probably won’t buy Brazilian coffee.” The company is exploring alternatives from Central America, Peru, and Mexico.

Still, for many roasters, Brazil’s dominant volumes and bean profiles are nearly irreplaceable. “Roasters have blends they want to keep consistent in any cost environment,” noted Jim Watson, analyst at Rabobank. Starbucks, for example, uses only Brazilian arabica in its blends.

With Brazil sidelined, U.S. buyers are eyeing other origins. Colombia, Vietnam, and Honduras are the next biggest suppliers, according to the Department of Agriculture. Vietnam’s robusta beans—cheaper and mostly used in instant coffee—could see imports rise to “historical highs,” according to Laleska Moda of Hedgepoint Global Markets, since tariffs there are only 20%. Indonesia and Uganda could also gain market share with lower tariffs.

Yet shortages loom. Honduran coffee is already trading 30 to 40 cents per pound above futures prices, while Colombian exporters are holding back, waiting for possible market surges, said Tomas Araujo of StoneX.

Some roasters are turning to futures markets to hedge costs. Café Aroma, a Cuban-style brand, is shifting imports toward countries with more predictable tariffs, said vice president Bernadette Gerrity.

If U.S. demand for Brazilian beans declines, those supplies will likely flow to Europe, where buyers are seeking traceable coffee to comply with new EU deforestation rules. More beans may also head to China’s expanding market, leaving U.S. roasters exposed to a more expensive supply chain, said Dave Behrends of Sucafina SA.

For some companies, the immediate hit is already being felt. Gregorys Coffee in New York received its last Brazilian shipment on August 2, just before the tariffs took effect, securing stock until mid-November. But its next shipment is already locked in at the higher rate. “Absorbing a 10% tariff is nearly impossible for a small business to do on its own,” said Daria Whalen of San Francisco’s Ritual Coffee Roasters. “Fifty percent feels staggering and insurmountable.”

At JPMorgan’s New HQ, Coffee Takes Center Stage

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New York, August 19, 2025 (Qahwa World) – Coffee is no longer just a morning perk at JPMorgan Chase’s new headquarters on 270 Park Avenue—it has become a central feature of the $3 billion tower that is set to redefine workplace culture for up to 14,000 employees.

Rising 1,388 feet into Midtown’s skyline, the headquarters brings together state-of-the-art technology, modern design, and a deep focus on coffee as part of daily life. From floor-to-floor cafés to QR-powered coffee machines, the building treats coffee as a driver of productivity, comfort, and social connection.

The tower is equipped with one of the most extensive coffee networks in any corporate office:

  • Work cafés on every floor provide quick and easy access to coffee throughout the day.

  • Four main cafés, including a Starbucks on the 14th floor and The Corner, a space for locally crafted drinks.

  • The Exchange, a food and beverage hub across floors 13 to 16, featuring 15 outlets, including plant-based and gourmet options alongside coffee stations.

  • Park Avenue Express, open 24/7, ensuring that employees working late shifts or early mornings always have access to coffee.

In a building designed to showcase intelligent systems, coffee is seamlessly tied to technology. Break rooms are fitted with QR-powered coffee machines, allowing employees to order with a simple phone scan. The company’s “Work at JPMC” mobile app enables staff to preorder drinks from cafés, ensuring beverages are ready upon arrival while also serving as a digital badge and office navigation tool.

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has called all 300,000 employees back to the office five days a week. To ease that transition, the bank has made coffee part of the strategy—turning it into more than a beverage. Cafés are designed to foster informal interaction, encourage collaboration, and provide a sense of comfort within a high-tech environment.

The building’s circadian lighting and biophilic design—including windows that allow 30% more natural daylight than a standard office—enhance the experience of a coffee break. Together, technology and design aim to make each cup part of a healthier and more balanced workday.

At JPMorgan’s new headquarters, coffee has been redefined as:

  • A cultural anchor, shaping how employees connect.

  • A productivity tool, offering a boost through long work hours.

  • A social hub, turning cafés into spaces of collaboration across departments.

By putting coffee at the center of its workplace experience, JPMorgan Chase has created more than a headquarters—it has built a model for how coffee, culture, and technology can come together in the modern office. For employees at 270 Park Avenue, the coffee break is no longer a pause in the workday—it is part of the company’s vision of the future of work.

Brazil Weather and U.S. Tariffs Drive Coffee Prices to Multi-Month Highs

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Dubai, August 19, 2025 (Qahwa World) – Coffee prices surged on Tuesday, with arabica futures climbing to a 2.25-month high and robusta reaching a two-month high, supported by dry conditions in Brazil’s key growing regions and tightening U.S. supplies following new tariffs on Brazilian coffee.

September arabica coffee (KCU25) rose 1.85% (+6.35¢/lb), while September ICE robusta (RMU25) gained 4.04% (+$168). The rise reflects mounting concern over Brazil’s weather, particularly in Minas Gerais, the country’s largest arabica-producing state, where Somar Meteorologia reported no rainfall during the week ending August 16.

Market support is also coming from the United States, where buyers are avoiding new contracts for Brazilian coffee due to a 50% tariff imposed on imports. Brazil typically supplies about one-third of U.S. unroasted coffee, making the tariff impact significant for roasters and traders.

Brazil’s July export figures further underscored supply concerns. According to the Trade Ministry, unroasted coffee exports fell 20.4% year-on-year to 161,000 metric tons. Exporter group Cecafé reported that green coffee shipments dropped 28% y/y to 2.4 million bags, while total coffee exports fell to 2.7 million bags. From January to July, Brazil’s overall exports declined 21% to 22.2 million bags.

Certified exchange inventories remain tight. ICE arabica stocks fell to a 1.25-year low of 726,661 bags on August 14 before recovering slightly to 733,105 bags this week. ICE robusta stocks dropped to a three-week low of 6,749 lots, down from late-July’s two-year high of 7,029 lots.

On the supply side, Brazil’s 2025/26 coffee harvest is advancing. Research firm Safras & Mercado estimates the crop was 94% complete as of August 6, with robusta nearly finished (99%) and arabica at 91%. Cooxupé, Brazil’s largest coffee cooperative, reported its members had completed 80.4% of their harvest by August 8.

Beyond Brazil, Vietnam’s coffee industry continues to influence robusta prices. Drought reduced 2023/24 production by 20% y/y to 1.47 million metric tons, the lowest in four years, while 2024 exports fell 17.1% to 1.35 million metric tons. However, recovery signs emerged with January–July 2025 exports up 6.9% y/y to 1.05 million metric tons.

The International Coffee Organization (ICO) reported that global coffee exports in June rose 7.3% y/y to 11.69 million bags, though October–June totals slipped 0.2% to 104.14 million bags.

Looking ahead, the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) projects 2025/26 world coffee production at a record 178.7 million bags, up 2.5% year-on-year. Arabica output is expected to fall 1.7% to 97 million bags, while robusta is forecast to rise 7.9% to nearly 82 million bags. Ending stocks are projected to grow 4.9% to 22.8 million bags.

However, trader Volcafe sees a very different balance: a global arabica deficit of 8.5 million bags in 2025/26, the fifth consecutive year of shortages and larger than the 5.5 million bag deficit recorded in 2024/25. This highlights continued market tightness despite record overall supply projections.