Author: Qahwa World

Evolved Q Grader Program Adopts Coffee Value Assessment, Reshaping Global Coffee Standards

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Dubai, 13 August 2025 (Qahwa World) — The global coffee industry is set for a historic transformation as the Q Grader Program, the benchmark certification for coffee quality evaluation, adopts the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) framework under the leadership of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

From October 1, 2025, the SCA will take over program operations from the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), retiring the 2004 cupping protocol that has defined quality standards for over two decades. The move marks a significant shift toward a more holistic approach to coffee evaluation, placing equal emphasis on physical, sensory, cultural, and personal perception attributes.

Why the Change Matters

The 2004 protocol—built on objective scoring for aroma, flavor, body, and other measurable traits—has long been a trusted tool. However, industry leaders argue it underrepresents extrinsic factors such as origin, processing method, certifications, and producer stories, which increasingly influence market value.

Introduced in 2023, the CVA integrates four dimensions of assessment:

  • Physical Attributes — Objective evaluation of green coffee quality.

  • Extrinsic Attributes — Market-relevant factors such as terroir, certifications, and narratives.

  • Affective Attributes — The cupper’s personal impression on a 100-point scale.

  • Descriptive Attributes — Detailed sensory profiling of flavor and aroma.

By including these dimensions, the CVA reflects a coffee’s complete market value—not just its chemical or physical characteristics.

Impact on Q Graders

All current and former Arabica and Robusta Q Graders must complete the CVA for Cuppers conversion course by December 31, 2025 to maintain certification. The course, lasting two days, is designed to help graders transition smoothly to the new framework.

From 2026 onward, only the six-day Evolved Q Course will lead to certification. Missing the conversion deadline means starting the process from scratch.

Industry Reactions

“The CVA acknowledges that coffee quality is more than chemistry—it’s culture, craftsmanship, and context,” said Thomas Haigh, Specialty Coffee Merchant and Arabica Q Grader since 2015.

Producers, particularly in origin countries, see the shift as an opportunity to highlight unique practices and secure better recognition for their efforts. Roasters and green buyers anticipate richer, more nuanced data for sourcing decisions.

Key Transition Dates

  • October 1, 2025 — SCA takes over Q Grader Program; CVA becomes standard.

  • December 31, 2025 — Last day for Q Graders to complete CVA for Cuppers conversion course.

  • From 2026 — Six-day Evolved Q Course becomes the only certification route.

Looking Ahead

The adoption of the CVA is more than an administrative change—it represents an industry-wide realignment toward recognizing both intrinsic and extrinsic value in coffee. While some professionals may resist altering a long-trusted system, others view this as an essential evolution to meet the demands of a more globalized and story-driven specialty market.

Cold Snap Threatens Brazil’s 2026 Coffee Crop During Early Flowering

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Dubai, 13 August 2025- (Qahwa World) – As Brazil’s 2025 harvest concludes, attention is already turning to the next season — and early signs show potential trouble ahead. Early flowering has begun in several major coffee-growing regions, a stage when trees are especially vulnerable to weather changes. Recent cold temperatures in Minas Gerais and São Paulo have sparked frost concerns, prompting urgent on-the-ground assessments.

Flowering is underway in:

  • South of Minas – a high-altitude sub-region in Minas Gerais with dense specialty Arabica plantings, currently slightly behind in development.

  • Cerrado Mineiro – a designated coffee-producing area recognized for its dry harvest season and consistent quality.

  • São Paulo – including Mogiana, known for its fertile volcanic soils.

Over the past 24 hours, temperatures have fallen sharply. Patrocínio, in Cerrado Mineiro, recorded an early morning low of 1.9°C, with light frost confirmed in parts of the region. Initial reports point to minor visible damage so far. Weather forecasts indicate lows below 10°C across much of Minas Gerais through August 15, with frost risk at 50–70% in higher-altitude zones.

Potential Impact on Brazil’s Supply
While current assessments suggest limited frost damage, agricultural analysts caution that even without visible frost, low temperatures during flowering can reduce fruit set and lower yields. This could tighten Brazil’s 2026 coffee supply — a concern magnified by the recently imposed 50% U.S. tariff on Brazilian green coffee. Any further cold fronts in the coming days could escalate risks and push global coffee prices higher.

The next week will be critical in determining how weather conditions will shape Brazil’s production outlook for the year ahead.

Nordic Coffee Fest 2026 Opens Call for Industry Stage Speakers

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Göteborg, 12 August 2025- (Qahwa World) – The Nordic Coffee Fest (NCF) 2026 has officially opened applications for speakers to join its Industry Stage, set to be held in Göteborg, Sweden.

This year’s theme, “Facing the Next Five Years,” will focus on exploring the challenges, changes, and opportunities shaping specialty coffee in an increasingly volatile, fast-changing world.

The Industry Stage will provide a platform for thought leaders, innovators, and professionals to address pressing topics such as price volatility, climate change, shifting global demand, tariffs, and evolving market dynamics.

The aim is to create space for open, impactful discussions on what the coffee industry must understand, adapt, and improve to not only survive but thrive in the coming half-decade.

Organisers are inviting applications from individuals working across all sectors of the coffee value chain — from farmers and roasters to café owners, equipment specialists, trainers, content creators, and philanthropic leaders.

Applicants are encouraged to share perspectives that challenge the status quo or highlight important industry shifts.

Interested speakers can apply by completing the official pitch template and submitting it via the application form available on the festival’s website.

Submissions must include:

  • Official lecture title and pitch

  • Short biography

  • Lecture introduction for marketing purposes

  • Estimated lecture duration

  • Two high-resolution promotional photos (landscape and portrait)

Speaking opportunities will be awarded based on relevance to the event’s theme and the value of the proposed contribution.

For inquiries, applicants can contact Anna at [email protected].
The application process closes once the final lineup is confirmed.

About Nordic Coffee Fest
Nordic Coffee Fest is one of the region’s premier specialty coffee events, bringing together professionals, enthusiasts, and innovators to celebrate and advance the coffee industry. The 2026 edition promises an engaging mix of exhibitions, workshops, and thought-provoking discussions.

Tight Supplies Push Coffee Prices to Multi-Week Highs in September 2025

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Dubai, 12 August 2025 (Qahwa World) – The global coffee market saw a sharp rally at the start of August, with September Arabica futures (KCU25) rising by 14.00 cents (+4.53%) to hit a seven-week high, while September Robusta futures (RMU25) climbed 188 points (+5.28%) to a four-week high. The surge was fueled by clear signs of tightening supply in the world’s largest producing countries, driven by lower exports and falling inventories.

Brazil’s Trade Ministry reported that the country’s exports of unroasted coffee in July dropped 20.4% year-on-year to 161,000 metric tons. At the same time, ICE-monitored Arabica inventories fell to a 14.5-month low of 738,095 bags, while Robusta stocks declined to a two-week low of 6,981 lots.

Markets are closely watching the United States’ stance on import tariffs, as President Trump has yet to announce an exemption for coffee from the 50% import duty on Brazilian exports — a move that could impact U.S. sales and boost domestic inventories in Brazil.

In weather developments, Minas Gerais, Brazil’s largest Arabica-growing region, recorded 4.8 mm of rainfall during the week ending 9 August, amounting to 109% of the historical average, easing drought concerns. Harvest progress remains swift, with Safras & Mercado estimating that 94% of the 2025/2026 crop had been completed as of 6 August (99% for Robusta and 91% for Arabica). Cooxupé, the country’s largest coffee cooperative and exporter, reported its members had harvested 74% of their crop by 1 August.

Globally, the International Coffee Organization’s monthly report showed that June exports rose 7.3% year-on-year to 11.69 million bags, while cumulative exports from October to June slipped 0.2%.

In recent months, prices have faced downward pressure from expectations of abundant supply. In June, the U.S. Department of Agriculture forecast Brazil’s 2025/2026 coffee production at 65 million bags (+0.5%), and Vietnam’s output at 31 million bags (+6.9%, the highest in four years). The USDA also projected record global output of 178.68 million bags (+2.5%), with Arabica production down 1.7% and Robusta production up 7.9%. Ending stocks are expected to rise 4.9% to 22.82 million bags.

Brazil’s Coffee Exporters Council (Cecafe) reported that June green coffee exports fell 31% year-on-year to 2.3 million bags, with Arabica shipments down 27% and Robusta down 42%. In Vietnam, 2023/2024 production dropped 20% year-on-year due to drought, hitting a four-year low, while exports from January to July 2025 rose 6.9% to 1.05 million metric tons.

Volcafe projects that the global Arabica market will post a deficit of 8.5 million bags in 2025/2026, compared to a 5.5 million-bag deficit in 2024/2025, marking the fifth consecutive year of shortfall.

Liberica Coffee Reimagined: Three New Species Could Transform Farming and Conservation

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Dubai, 12 August 2025, (Qahwa World) – A landmark study published in Nature Plants (DOI: 10.1038/s41477-025-02073-y) has redrawn the coffee world’s genetic map.
Researchers led by A.P. Davis have confirmed—through high-resolution genomic, morphological, and ecological analyses—that what was long considered a single species, Coffea liberica, is actually three distinct species:

  • C. liberica (Liberica)

  • C. dewevrei (Excelsa)

  • C. klainei

This bold reclassification raises the official number of known coffee species from 131 to 133, ending decades of taxonomic uncertainty and opening new opportunities for coffee breeding, cultivation, and conservation—especially in the face of climate change.

From One to Three: How the Split Was Proven

The team sequenced 353 nuclear genes across 55 accessions using the Angiosperms353 target capture kit, and examined 2,240 SNPs, morphology, and geographic distribution.
The results revealed three monophyletic clades, each genetically distinct and occupying its own ecological range:

  • C. liberica (Liberica): Wild in upper West Africa—Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria.

  • C. dewevrei (Excelsa): Native to Central Africa—Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, DRC, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Uganda.

  • C. klainei: Endemic to West-Central Africa—Cameroon, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, Cabinda.

Why This Matters for Farmers

Though Liberica and Excelsa together make up less than 0.01% of global coffee exports (under 1,000 tonnes in 2024), production is being upscaled in Uganda, South Sudan, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and even the Pacific.
The two cultivated species offer complementary advantages:

C. dewevrei (Excelsa)

  • Higher yield, more flowers per node.

  • Smaller, Arabica-like seeds (9.3 × 6.6 mm) with thinner pulp and parchment—better outturn and compatibility with existing Arabica/Robusta post-harvest systems.

  • Grows at 500–1,200 m, cooler climates (22–25 °C), lower rainfall (1,500–1,800 mm).

  • Notable drought tolerance, making it a candidate to replace robusta in warming climates.

C. liberica (Liberica)

  • Larger seeds (12.6 × 8.4 mm), distinct flavor profiles for niche markets.

  • Thrives at 10–500 m, hotter climates (24–27 °C), high rainfall (2,000–4,000 mm), and more seasonal precipitation.

  • Historically valued for leaf rust resistance and adaptation to lowland tropics.

The study also suggests hybrid potential between Liberica and Excelsa—offering breeders the chance to combine Excelsa’s yield with Liberica’s resilience.

Morphology and Climate Niches

The paper’s Table 1 shows clear physical distinctions:

  • Excelsa: Longer, broader leaves; smaller fruits; thinner pulp (0.31 mm parchment vs 0.57 mm in Liberica).

  • Klainei: Morphologically closer to Liberica but with sessile, unbranched inflorescences and narrowly ellipsoid fruits.

Climatically, Liberica’s tolerance for seasonal rainfall suits regions with pronounced wet/dry cycles, while Excelsa thrives in more consistent rainfall zones, often riverine or gallery forests.

A Conservation Wake-Up Call

The refined species ranges reveal a much smaller natural footprint:

  • C. liberica’s Extent of Occurrence (EOO) drops from 6.8 million km² to 352,310 km² (−94.8%).

  • Area of Occupancy (AOO): now just 52 km².

This could move Liberica from “Least Concern” to Vulnerable under IUCN criteria.
C. klainei also faces habitat loss; C. dewevrei is less threatened but still impacted by deforestation.
Wild populations hold irreplaceable genetic diversity essential for climate-resilient breeding—losing them could weaken the coffee sector’s future adaptability.

The Bigger Picture for the Coffee Industry

By clarifying where Liberica ends and Excelsa begins, the study equips:

  • Breeders with accurate genetic boundaries to target traits.

  • Farmers with species better matched to their climate and elevation.

  • Conservationists with precise maps to protect threatened wild populations.

As Arabica and Robusta face climate stress, these redefined Liberica species could anchor a more diverse and resilient coffee supply—if the industry acts now to invest in breeding, cultivation trials, and habitat conservation.

Reference: Davis, A.P. et al. (2025). Genomic data define species delimitation in Liberica coffee with implications for crop development and conservation. Nature Plants. DOI: 10.1038/s41477-025-02073-y.

From Panama to the UAE: Luxury Geisha Embraces Dubai’s Prestige

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A historic deal puts Dubai at the heart of the global coffee map, reshaping the specialty coffee market from Panama to the Middle East.

In an unprecedented deal, Julith Coffee in Dubai purchased 20 kilograms of premium Geisha coffee from Hacienda La Esmeralda in Panama for a record $604,080. The sale captured global attention and reinforced Dubai’s position in the world coffee scene, while also raising questions about the impact of big spending on the sustainability of the specialty coffee market.

Dubai, 11 August 2025 (Qahwa World) – The coffee world is still abuzz after a historic sale at the 2025 Best of Panama auction, where a lot of washed Geisha from Hacienda La Esmeralda in Boquete, Panama, fetched a record-breaking $30,204 per kilogram, totaling $604,080 USD. Scoring an exceptional 98.00 points from 22 international judges, this coffee is now the highest-rated and highest-priced in auction history.

The buyer, Julith Coffee & Roastery in Dubai, is a brand-new company just one week old, backed by investors from Turkey — a fact that added even more intrigue and surprise to the deal.

This sale is not just a record number; it is a statement with implications reaching far beyond the auction floor, touching Dubai’s specialty coffee scene, Panama’s agricultural legacy, and the global coffee market. So, what does this deal mean for the buyer, the seller, Dubai, Panama — and most importantly, for the world?

For Julith Coffee, the purchase represents a calculated leap to the pinnacle of the specialty coffee world. In a city crowded with established brands and ambitious newcomers, making a bold first impression is a strategic move. Buying this Geisha is not simply acquiring coffee — it’s acquiring a story, a brand, and an identity that will define the company for years to come.

The marketing value of such a move is enormous. The phrase “the world’s most expensive coffee roasted in Dubai” will attract both local and international attention, draw in discerning coffee lovers, and position the brand as a purveyor of rare, exclusive experiences. Plans to roast the coffee in micro-lots and present it through selective tasting sessions further enhance its aura of exclusivity.

However, as Lee Safar, founder of Map It Forward and host of the Coffee Diaries podcast, points out, such high-profile deals can create a misleading perception that all coffee businesses in the Middle East operate with limitless budgets. This can lead some suppliers to raise prices for the region, creating an unbalanced market environment.

Dubai: Destination of Prestige

For Dubai, the deal reinforces the city’s place on the map of global specialty coffee hubs and underscores its growing role as a meeting point for farmers, traders, and discerning consumers. Alongside its image as a luxury destination, Dubai is cementing itself as a center for coffee culture, hosting world-class roasters, SCA-certified training centers, and high-profile international coffee events.

Yet, big spending is a double-edged sword. Regional history shows that splashy launches can fade quickly unless supported by a sustainable business model rooted in quality, relationship-building, and long-term planning.

Panama: Home of Luxury Geisha

For Hacienda La Esmeralda, the record sale marks another chapter in a long legacy of excellence. The name has been synonymous with the highest levels of Geisha production for years, and this year’s result reflects decades of precise cultivation, innovation in processing methods, and strong global brand-building.

According to Rachel Peterson, co-owner of the farm, the achievement reflects teamwork and dedication. David Paparelli, CEO of M-Cultivo — the auction’s organizer — emphasized that this sale solidifies Panama’s position as a world leader in premium coffee and opens new opportunities for farmers across the country.

Opportunity and Disruption

The Best of Panama is widely regarded as the top competitive platform for coffee sales. This year’s auction featured 50 lots: 20 washed Geisha, 20 natural Geisha, and 10 other varietals. Thirty lots surpassed the $1,000/kg mark, with an average price of $2,861.20/kg — nearly double the 2024 average — and a record 18,988 bids placed over 12 hours.

These results inspire coffee producers worldwide, proving that exceptional quality, paired with the right marketing channels, can deliver extraordinary financial returns. Yet, at the same time, such high prices can distort perceptions of specialty coffee economics, making consumers view it as an elite luxury rather than an accessible agricultural product.

Media Hype

This sale operates in a space similar to rare collectibles or assets whose value is driven more by scarcity and media attention than by inherent utility. Once the initial excitement fades, the challenge becomes maintaining relevance without relying on continuous large-scale spending to stay in the spotlight.

By contrast, the most successful coffee companies in the Middle East have built their reputations slowly, investing in quality, forging long-term partnerships with suppliers and customers, and adapting to market changes. These are the companies that stand the test of time.

A Deal to Remember

This transaction will remain a milestone in coffee history — not only for its record numbers but also for connecting Panama’s most elite coffee farms with Dubai’s vibrant specialty coffee scene. It stands as a powerful example of coffee’s ability to bridge distant cultures in a shared appreciation of craftsmanship, rarity, and storytelling.

The true test of its legacy, however, will not be in the headlines of 2025, but in what happens after the last cup is poured. Will it mark the beginning of a sustainable new chapter in Dubai’s specialty coffee story, or will it be remembered as a dazzling but fleeting moment before the market moves on to the next big thing?

Burundi Taste of Harvest Returns for 2025–2026, Showcasing the Nation’s Finest Coffees

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Bujumbura, August 11, 2025 – (Qahwa World) – The African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) has announced the much-anticipated return of the Burundi National Taste of Harvest (ToH) Competition, set to take place from August 25 to September 5, 2025, in Bujumbura.

Organized in partnership with the Office for the Development of Coffee of Burundi (ODECA) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) under the EU-funded EU-EAC MARKUP II program, this year’s competition will shine a spotlight on Burundi’s best coffees. The top-performing lots will be featured on the AFCA Taste of Harvest Auction Platform, giving producers a valuable opportunity to connect directly with international buyers and expand their market reach.

Call for Judges Now Open


AFCA is inviting seasoned coffee professionals—both African nationals and international experts—to apply as judges for the 2025–2026 National Taste of Harvest competitions. As a judge, participants will have the opportunity to taste and evaluate some of Africa’s most exceptional coffees, engage with industry peers at origin, and contribute to elevating the global reputation of African coffee.

The judging opportunity extends beyond Burundi to other participating countries, including Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia. Final judging panels will be selected by each country’s National Committee in collaboration with AFCA staff.

Strengthening Burundi’s Coffee Legacy


The Taste of Harvest is AFCA’s flagship program, aimed at honoring excellence in coffee production across the continent. For Burundi, a country celebrated for its high-quality Arabica coffee grown in unique terroirs, the event provides both recognition and tangible market linkages for producers.

Next Steps


Interested judges can submit their applications via the Call for Judges form. Guidelines for coffee sample submissions will be released soon.

This year’s competition reaffirms AFCA’s mission to lead, motivate, and professionalize Africa’s coffee sector, while celebrating the dedication and expertise of Burundi’s coffee producers.

Moscow to Host Russia’s Largest Coffee, Tea, Cacao, and HoReCa Gathering

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Moscow, 11 August-2025(Qahwa World) – The Russian hospitality and gastronomy industries are set for a milestone in 2026, as three of the country’s most significant professional events will unite under one roof. From April 15–17, 2026, the Coffee Tea Cacao Russian Expo, HORECA Expo, and Chef a la Russe national culinary championship will transform the Timiryazev Center in Moscow into a dynamic hub for industry leaders, innovators, and culinary talents.

A Triple Event for the Entire Value Chain
The Coffee Tea Cacao Russian Expo, organized by International Tea House LLC, will once again bring together producers and suppliers of green coffee, tea, cocoa beans, bean-to-bar chocolate, premium confectionery, roasting and brewing equipment, packaging, and accessories. The event is recognized as one of the most influential industry platforms in Russia and Eastern Europe, offering a complete showcase for businesses across the specialty coffee, tea, and chocolate sectors.

Running alongside, the HORECA Expo will cover all key segments of the hospitality industry — from restaurant and bar equipment, tableware, textiles, and food and beverage products to automation technologies, furniture, décor, and hygiene solutions. It promises to be a one-stop destination for restaurateurs, hoteliers, and catering professionals looking for innovation and operational excellence.

Completing the trio, Chef a la Russe — the all-Russian open culinary championship — will bring together the country’s finest chefs in a high-profile competition. Organized by METRO Russia in collaboration with the National Culinary Association of Russia since 2014, the championship is a flagship event for culinary excellence, talent discovery, and professional networking.

Scale and Impact
The 2026 edition will be the largest in the event’s history, featuring:

  • 400+ exhibitors from Russia and abroad;

  • Over 20,000 professional visitors from HoReCa, retail, distribution, and specialty sectors;

  • More than 200 tastings, presentations, and masterclasses by leading experts;

  • 150+ business events, including panel discussions, educational sessions, and product showcases;

  • Competitions in coffee, tea, and chocolate, alongside new industry-specific championships.

The exhibition will occupy 7,400 m² of space at the Timiryazev Center, providing attendees with extensive opportunities for business networking, sourcing, and learning.

Knowledge, Skills, and Networking
The program will include specialized educational sessions from METRO, Stanfood Academy, and professional industry associations. Attendees will gain insights into market trends, operational best practices, and emerging consumer preferences. Traditional championships such as Barista of the Year, Roaster of the Year, and Tea Master will share the stage with innovative competition formats designed to spotlight new talent and craftsmanship.

Strategic Partnership and Industry Support
METRO Russia will act as the strategic partner, reinforcing its commitment to supporting gastronomy professionals and fostering industry growth. The partnership will ensure a strong focus on professional development, business opportunities, and sustainability in the food and beverage sector.

A Premier Destination for the Industry
Located at Verkhnaya Alleya, 6, bld. 1, the Timiryazev Center offers easy access via Petrovskо-Razumovskaya metro station and provides nearby parking options. The central location, combined with the event’s comprehensive scope, positions the 2026 edition as a must-attend gathering for anyone involved in coffee, tea, cacao, and the broader HoReCa ecosystem.

With its fusion of trade exhibition, culinary competition, and professional development, the combined 2026 event promises to be the most comprehensive meeting point for the industry in Russia, offering participants an unparalleled platform to showcase products, discover trends, and build lasting partnerships.

Dubai to Host “The Science of Coffee Perception & Communication” Workshop with Dr. Fabiana Carvalho

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Dubai, August 11, 2025 – (Qahwa World) – Dubai is set to welcome coffee professionals and enthusiasts to a unique learning experience as Dr. Fabiana Carvalho brings her renowned workshop, The Science of Coffee Perception & Communication, to the Victoria Arduino Experience Lab this November.

The program will run in two parts:

15–16 November 2025 – Multisensory Flavour Perception

18–19 November 2025 – Acidity & Bitterness – Perception & Variability

Each session will feature in-depth lectures combined with hands-on sensory exercises, offering participants a deep understanding of how coffee flavours are perceived and how these perceptions can be communicated effectively.

Speaking about the event, Ms. Cleia Junqueira said:” Learning with Dr. Fabiana was an eye-opening experience — she connects science and coffee in a way that transforms how you taste, think, and communicate about flavor.”

Participation fees are AED 2,500 + VAT (US$ 680) per course, with a special combo price of AED 4,500 + VAT (US$ 1,225) for both sessions. Seats are limited, and early registration is encouraged.

For registration, email: [email protected]

Dubai to Host “The Science of Coffee Perception & Communication” Workshop with Dr. Fabiana Carvalho

DNA Doesn’t Lie: How Coffee Variety Mislabeling DNA Testing is Protecting Specialty Coffee

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By Ennio Cantergiani
Owner and Managing Director, l’Académie du Café – Switzerland

In recent weeks, I commissioned DNA analyses from a laboratory specializing in coffee genetics. I sent four coffees, each proudly marketed under a specific variety name. My goal was not to name farms or origins, but to highlight a crucial point: the specialty coffee industry must start using DNA verification as part of its quality control.

The Results

Authentic Varieties

  • Pink Bourbon — DNA confirmed it was genuine Pink Bourbon.

  • Geisha — DNA confirmed it matched the authentic Geisha genetic profile.

Misidentified Varieties

  • Typica Mejorado — DNA revealed it was not Typica Mejorado at all.

  • Java — DNA showed no match with the original Java variety; instead, it aligned more closely with a Catimor/Sarchimor hybrid.

Why Mislabeling Happens

Misidentification — whether from intentional fraud or unintentional mistakes — is more common in specialty coffee than many might think. Common causes include:

  1. Honest Ignorance
    Farmers may plant seeds from neighbors or nurseries without verified genetic identity. In many regions, varietal names are passed down verbally without scientific confirmation.

  2. Seed Contamination
    Poor nursery practices can lead to mixed seedlings in the same batch. Open pollination without controlled isolation can cause natural crossbreeding.

  3. Market Incentives
    High-value varieties like Geisha, Pink Bourbon, or Sidra command premium prices, tempting some to mislabel for higher profits.

  4. Lack of Standard Verification
    Many variety claims rely on visual identification — leaf shape, bean size — which is unreliable for hybrids and introgressed lines.

Why It Matters

  • Pricing & Trust – Specialty buyers pay higher prices for specific varieties expecting distinctive cup profiles. Mislabeling damages trust between farmers, roasters, and consumers.

  • Research & Breeding – Accurate identification is vital for agronomy, disease resistance, and flavor research.

  • Consumer Transparency – If transparency in origin and processing is important, genetic identity should be part of that promise.

The Way Forward

  • Make DNA Testing Accessible – Costs for coffee DNA analysis are falling, making it feasible for more producers and exporters.

  • Build Genetic Reference Libraries – Expanding verified databases of coffee varieties will improve accuracy.

  • Verify at the Source – Nurseries, cooperatives, and exporters should conduct DNA checks before coffee reaches the market to prevent fraud and errors early in the supply chain.

Conclusion:
The story of a coffee doesn’t end at the farm — it’s written in its DNA. To protect quality, authenticity, and trust across the specialty coffee sector, genetic verification should become a standard practice from seed to cup.

Registration Opens for the 2025 UAE National Cezve/Ibrik Championship

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Dubai, August 10, 2025 – (Qahwa World) – The Specialty Coffee Association – UAE Chapter, in collaboration with Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Dubai, has announced in a joint Instagram post the opening of registration for the 2025 UAE National Cezve/Ibrik Championship, scheduled to take place from September 30 to October 2, 2025 at Madinat Jumeirah – Madinat Arena, as part of the 4th Edition of Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Dubai.

The championship will bring together top professionals in the art of traditional coffee preparation, with daily competitions running from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Competitors will be judged according to the SCA Coffee Events Criteria, ensuring adherence to international professional standards.

Registration Deadline: September 8, 2025
Entry Fee: AED 1,000

Registration Requirements:

  • For UAE Nationals: A copy of passport and a valid SCA membership.

  • For Residents: A copy of passport, UAE residence visa or Emirates ID (front and back) with proof of at least two years’ UAE residency, and a valid SCA membership.

Applicants must upload all required documents through the official registration form. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Once reviewed, successful applicants will receive official confirmation by email before paying the participation fee.

This year, Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Dubai will offer a rich program of interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and exclusive tasting experiences, giving visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of chocolate, pastry, and specialty coffee. The event will be further distinguished by hosting the 2025 UAE National Cezve/Ibrik Championship, blending creativity, craftsmanship, and time-honored coffee traditions.

To register, click here.

Xinhua: In Yemen’s Highlands, Hope Persists Where Coffee Grows

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Dubai, August 10, 2025 – (Qahwa World) – China’s Xinhua News Agency has published a captivating report about coffee in Yemen, titled “Letter from the Middle East: In Yemen’s Highlands, Hope Persists Where Coffee Grows”, written by Xinhua journalist Yin Ke, who—judging from her piece—appears to have a deep affection for Sana’a and a keen understanding of Haraz and its place in the coffee world.

Yin Ke opens her report with this touching line: “As the first rays of sunlight crested the rugged hills of Haraz in western Yemen, I met Ahmad Ali Nassim, a fifty-year-old farmer, his hands already stained with the sap of coffee trees from his early morning work.”

We stood on a narrow path winding between stone terraces, the air crisp and carrying the fragrance of wild herbs and ripening coffee cherries.

Pointing to a branch laden with red berries, he said: “This tree has seen both war and storms, just like us.”

Six centuries ago, the Haraz highlands were already celebrated as one of the birthplaces of Yemen’s traditional coffee. With their high altitude, unique rocky soil, and humid climate, the mountains offer exceptional growing conditions that seem almost destined for producing some of the world’s finest coffee.

Nassim recalls: “Every harvest was already spoken for. All we had to do was keep the trees alive and maintain the irrigation systems.”

But all that changed with the outbreak of Yemen’s civil war in 2014.

As the conflict dragged on, some farmers were forced to abandon their land in search of safety. Yemen’s coffee industry suffered a devastating blow—production nearly ground to a halt, and thriving coffee plantations were replaced by qat, a stimulant plant similar to tobacco.

Yet, even amid war and displacement, locals never forgot the coffee trees they had planted with their own hands. Nassim says: “The coffee trees on the mountains—that’s home for us.”

Since 2020, northern Yemen has seen gradual stability return, and farmers from Haraz have made their way back, removing qat bushes and planting new coffee seedlings.

Despite the hardships, life moves forward. Nassim adds: “As long as the coffee trees are alive, there is hope for us,” his eyes brightening as he gazes at the ripening coffee cherries.

He whispers: “This land is coming back to life. Just as people start their day with coffee, for us farmers, these trees mark the start of a new chapter.”

For Yemenis, coffee is a precise measure of daily life. As trade in coffee beans between Nassim and other farmers grows, lines of customers outside local cafés tell a quiet story of renewal—a sign that society is regaining its footing.

At a small exhibition of local products in Sana’a’s Old City, I met Wafa Abdullah, a young organizer who likened coffee to Yemen’s resilience.

“People call oil black gold,” she said, “but our coffee is just as valuable. It connects us to others and the world, and it sustains families on the land.”

In the final days of my visit, reports emerged of renewed clashes between Houthi forces and government troops.

I asked Nassim whether he would leave again if violence escalated. He led me to a small coffee seedling he had planted two seasons earlier, its green leaves vibrant against the cracked, dry earth.

Softly, he said: “Like this coffee tree, I won’t leave this time. This land is our roots.”

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