Category: News

The African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) has officially announced the winners of its annual Taste of Harvest coffee competition and the Africa Barista Championship, both held during the 21st African Fine Coffees Conference & Exhibition in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

AFCA, a nonprofit organization representing stakeholders across 11 coffee-producing countries, organized the event as part of its ongoing efforts to promote quality, sustainability, and market access in the African coffee sector. Since its founding in 2000, the association has played a vital role in elevating the profile of African coffees on the global stage.

Regional Taste of Harvest Winners Announced

The 2024/2025 edition of the Taste of Harvest competition featured 96 green coffee samples — including Arabica and Robusta — from eight countries. A panel of six regional and international judges, led by Head Judge Mukayisenga Grace of Hills Coffee Lab (Rwanda), evaluated the entries based on quality, flavor, and cup score.

Washed Arabica

1. Nardos Coffee Export – Ethiopia

2. ES Coffee – Ethiopia

3. New KPCU – Kenya

Natural Arabica

1. Lulo Coffee – Ethiopia

2. Demelash Bekele – Ethiopia

3. Mountain Harvest SMC Ltd – Uganda

Honey-Processed Arabica

1. Mountain Harvest SMC Ltd – Uganda

2. Kebir Coffee Export – Ethiopia

3. Yihonal Trading – Ethiopia

Robusta

1. Ubumwe – Tanzania

2. Tie: Ankole Coffee Producers Cooperative Union – Uganda

3. Tie: Terrific Coffee – Cameroon

4. Terrific Coffee – Cameroon

AFCA announced it will host a “Meet the Winners” webinar on April 8, offering industry stakeholders an opportunity to connect directly with producers behind the award-winning coffees.

Baristas Compete for Top Honors in Africa Barista Championship

The 2025 Africa Barista Championship brought together 22 baristas from 12 countries, who competed in front of 14 regional and international judges. Competitors were evaluated on technical skill, creativity, and sensory performance. The event was led by Head Judge Régine Guion-Firmin, an SCA-certified trainer and owner of Mau Mau Kahawa Ltd in Kenya.

Top Three Barista Champions

1. Stevo Kühn – South Africa

2. Ibrahim Kiganda – Uganda

3. Teresia Maina – Kenya

“These competitions not only showcase the incredible talent and craftsmanship within Africa’s coffee industry but also drive quality and innovation,” said Gilbert Gatali, Executive Director of AFCA. “They provide a platform for companies and individuals to access new markets, elevate their careers, and expand business opportunities.”

Bootcamp Supports Barista Development

Ahead of the barista championship, AFCA, in partnership with several organizations including the International Trade Centre’s Alliances for Action, La Marzocco, and Atom Coffee Hub, hosted a two-day bootcamp focused on preparing competitors for the World Barista Championship (WBC).

More than 20 baristas participated in the training, which covered technical skill development and sensory analysis. Trainers included Régine Guion-Firmin, Sara Yirga (YA Coffee Roasters), Smayah Uwajeneza (Elevate Through Coffee), and Erika Koss (A World in Your Cup Consulting), along with virtual contributions from U.S.-based companies Cxffeeblack and Black & White Coffee Roasters.

AFCA noted that the bootcamp is expected to become a recurring program to support professional development among African baristas.

World of Coffee Geneva, one of the most anticipated events in the specialty coffee calendar, is set to take place from June 26 to 28, 2025, at Palexpo Geneva, bringing together more than 13,000 coffee professionals, including roasters, baristas, green coffee producers, buyers, and innovators from across the global coffee industry.

Organized by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the annual trade show has grown into a premier destination for networking, discovering new trends, and exploring the future of coffee. With 430 exhibiting companies and 120 roasters participating in this year’s Roaster Village, World of Coffee Geneva is expected to be one of the largest and most dynamic editions to date.

Registration Now Open with Early Bird Discounts

Event organizers have announced that registration is now open, with a 25% discount available until March 31, 2025. Registration fees will increase starting April 1. Exhibitors are also being urged to act quickly, as 85% of Roaster Village space is already sold, and overall exhibition space remains limited.

A Global Showcase of Innovation and Excellence

The 2025 edition of World of Coffee will feature several key attractions, including:

• Roaster Villages, where visitors can experience new roast profiles and green coffee varieties designed to enhance product offerings.

• World Coffee Championships, taking place live at the venue, including the World Latte Art Championship, World Cup Tasters Championship, Cezve/Ibrik Championship, and World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship.

• Best New Product Awards, highlighting innovations in brewing technology, sustainability, and equipment design.

• Cupping Rooms, offering attendees the opportunity to taste and evaluate new coffees while connecting directly with producers and distributors.

• SCA Lectures and Workshops, presenting insights from leading voices in specialty coffee on business trends, sustainability, and innovation.

• Green Coffee Connect, facilitating direct relationships between importers, exporters, and producers.

• Coffee Business Lounge, a dedicated space for high-level networking among industry leaders and partners.

• Coffee Design Awards, celebrating excellence in branding, packaging, and café design from across the specialty coffee sector.

Geneva: A Strategic Hub for Coffee Trade

With its location at the heart of Europe and status as a global business hub, Geneva provides an ideal setting for this year’s event. The Palexpo exhibition center is conveniently located just seven minutes on foot from Geneva Airport, and visitors will benefit from free public transportation throughout their stay, thanks to the Geneva Transport Card.

Attendees are also encouraged to book accommodation before March 27, 2025, to benefit from discounts of up to 30% on hotels located near the venue and across the city.

Industry Leaders Highlight the Importance of the Event

Organizers emphasize that World of Coffee Geneva is more than just a trade show. “It’s where global connections are formed, where the newest innovations are unveiled, and where the passion for specialty coffee is celebrated,” said a spokesperson from the SCA.

With the specialty coffee sector continuing to evolve rapidly, World of Coffee Geneva provides a critical platform for businesses to stay ahead of the curve, foster new collaborations, and meet potential customers from around the world.

For more information on registration, exhibitor opportunities, and travel arrangements, visit www.worldofcoffee.org.

JDE Peet’s, the world’s leading pure-play coffee and tea company, has issued a new update on its ongoing 2025 share buyback programme. The company confirmed that the programme, which aims to repurchase up to €250 million of its ordinary shares this year, is progressing in accordance with its initial plans.

The programme was announced on February 26, 2025, in conjunction with the publication of the company’s full-year 2024 financial results. It forms part of a broader multi-year share buyback cycle of up to €1 billion, reflecting JDE Peet’s strong confidence in its long-term growth strategy and sustained free cash flow generation.

The main purpose of the programme is to reduce the company’s share capital by cancelling nearly all repurchased shares. A small portion of the shares will be used to fulfill share-based remuneration commitments.

The execution of the programme has been delegated to an independent intermediary, which conducts purchases within predefined parameters. This ensures compliance with the EU Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) and allows transactions to occur during both open and closed periods.

JDE Peet’s anticipates completing the €250 million share repurchase by the end of 2025, unless market conditions or other unforeseen factors require adjustments to the timeline.

Qima Coffee has announced the launch of its newest regional logistics hub at the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), the region’s premier commodities trading hub, strategically located in the heart of Dubai.

Historically, roasters across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region have grappled with complex and fragmented logistics for specialty coffee. Delays due to extended customs procedures, dispersed warehousing, and inconsistent traceability have often compromised freshness and quality, creating significant operational challenges for roasteries.

With this new presence at DMCC, Qima Coffee is taking a bold step forward to resolve these inefficiencies. The hub offers streamlined customs clearance, consolidated storage solutions, and optimized logistical procedures—ensuring shorter lead times and better preservation of coffee integrity.

“Our new base at DMCC allows us to offer GCC roasters faster, more reliable access to our curated selection of coffees,” the company stated. “From rare, award-winning micro-lots and competition-grade coffees to scalable, high-quality specialty offerings, our portfolio is now closer to our clients than ever before.”

While the DMCC hub primarily serves the Gulf region, it also enhances service capabilities for clients in Asia and Europe, complementing Qima Coffee’s existing distribution centers in both regions.

For roasters looking to simplify sourcing and elevate quality, Qima Coffee’s Dubai hub marks a significant upgrade in regional specialty coffee logistics.

The Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE2025) exceeded all expectations this year, attracting an impressive 31,708 attendees over its three-day run at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event once again cemented its status as the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most influential coffee trade show, drawing café owners, roasters, hospitality professionals, and coffee lovers from across Australia and the globe.

From cutting-edge coffee equipment and technology to the latest brewing trends and business innovations, MICE2025 served as a dynamic platform for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. With more than 11,000 annual attendees typically expected, this year’s turnout marked a new milestone, highlighting the growing interest in specialty coffee and hospitality.

Exhibitors had the opportunity to connect with hundreds of potential clients, grow their networks, and showcase innovations shaping the future of the industry. The show floor buzzed with energy as visitors explored the latest products, attended live demonstrations, and engaged with thought leaders across the coffee value chain.

Building on this momentum, MICE will return from 26–28 March 2026, once again hosted at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. With excitement already building, over 40% of the exhibition floor space has already been secured, reflecting the strong demand and anticipation for next year’s edition.

MICE2026 promises another groundbreaking event, offering unparalleled opportunities for businesses to grow, connect, and be at the forefront of coffee innovation.

On the remote island of Himeshima in southwestern Japan, home to just 1,700 residents, Australian John Widmer has become a local figure of interest — and not just because he’s reputedly the island’s only foreigner. He’s also the proud owner of Ozi Cafe, a colorful coffee shop he hopes will become a new destination for visitors.

Travelers arriving by ferry to the island in Oita Prefecture are met with the café’s eye-catching green and yellow facade, adorned with a cheerful hand-drawn caricature of Widmer himself, now 64 years old.

Widmer opened Ozi Cafe in May 2023, driven by a passion for quality coffee and a desire to bring a taste of home to Japan. Serving brews made from beans roasted and imported from Australia, the café quickly became popular among both locals and tourists.

“Customers were really surprised at how nice the coffee was,” Widmer said. “I give them a taste of the beans. If the bean tastes good, you’re going to get good coffee — that’s how I always choose coffee at home.”

Local businesses have seen a boost as well. Since Walk Japan Ltd., a company offering walking tours across the country, added Himeshima to its itinerary, more foreign visitors have been stopping by the café, helping put the small island on the map.

Originally from Sydney, Widmer was a competitive swimmer and ran a swim school in Australia for about 20 years. His connection to Japan — and to Oita, where his wife is from — eventually led the couple to relocate to Himeshima.

Despite initial challenges with language and cultural differences, Widmer has been warmly embraced by the local community. Beyond running his café, he also teaches swimming to elementary school students and is a member of a local volleyball club.

“We welcome new people bringing fresh ideas,” said Shiori Matsubara, a 63-year-old souvenir shop employee. “I hope the island keeps getting livelier.”

Robusta coffee prices climbed on Friday amid growing concerns over hot and dry weather conditions in Vietnam, the world’s largest producer of robusta beans. According to the Dak Lak weather office, the Central Highlands region is forecast to receive limited rainfall between March 21 and 31, raising fears of further crop stress.

On the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), May robusta futures (RMK25) closed up $18, or 0.33%, while May arabica futures (KCK25) slipped 0.19%, or $0.75. The strength of the U.S. dollar, which reached a two-week high, weighed on most commodities, including arabica coffee.

Despite a slight increase in ICE-monitored robusta inventories, which rose to a six-week high of 4,360 lots, concerns persist over shrinking global production. In contrast, ICE-monitored arabica inventories declined to a one-month low of 777,708 bags.

In Brazil, insufficient rainfall continues to impact arabica crops. Somar Meteorologia reported only 30.8 mm of rain in Minas Gerais—the country’s key arabica-producing region—during the week ending March 15, just 71% of the historical average. Cooxupé, Brazil’s largest arabica cooperative, also noted that high temperatures and below-average rainfall in February are expected to reduce yields this year.

According to the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council (Cecafé), Brazil’s green coffee exports dropped 12% year-over-year in February, totaling 3 million bags. Earlier forecasts by Conab, Brazil’s national crop agency, projected the 2025/26 coffee crop to fall by 4.4% year-over-year to 51.81 million bags, the lowest level in three years. The 2024 crop estimate was also revised downward by 1.1% to 54.2 million bags.

Meanwhile, Marex Solutions projected a growing global surplus, forecasting that the coffee surplus for the 2025/26 season will widen to 1.2 million bags, up from 200,000 bags in 2024/25.

Vietnam’s February coffee exports rose by 6.6% year-over-year to 169,000 metric tons, according to the General Statistics Office. However, the longer-term outlook remains tight. Drought conditions have already reduced Vietnam’s 2023/24 robusta crop by 20% to 1.472 million metric tons—the smallest harvest in four years. The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) projects a slight decline in Vietnam’s robusta output to 27.9 million bags in 2024/25. The Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association recently cut its production forecast for 2024/25 to 26.5 million bags, down from a previous estimate of 28 million.

Globally, coffee export data presents a mixed picture. Brazil’s 2024 coffee exports rose by 28.8% to a record 50.5 million bags, according to Conab. However, the International Coffee Organization (ICO) reported that global exports in December dropped by 12.4% year-over-year to 10.73 million bags, with total exports for Q4 2024 falling 0.8% to 32.25 million bags.

The USDA’s latest biannual report forecasts a 4.0% increase in global coffee production in 2024/25, reaching 174.86 million bags. Arabica output is expected to rise by 1.5% to 97.85 million bags, while robusta production is projected to increase by 7.5% to 77.01 million bags. Despite the production rise, ending stocks are forecast to fall by 6.6% to 20.87 million bags—the lowest level in 25 years.

In a separate report, Volcafe cut its estimate for Brazil’s 2025/26 arabica crop to 34.4 million bags, down 11 million from its September forecast, citing the impact of prolonged drought. The firm now projects a global arabica deficit of 8.5 million bags for the 2025/26 season—widening from the 5.5 million deficit expected in 2024/25 and marking the fifth consecutive annual shortfall.

China exported coffee worth $1.1 million to Russia in January and February of 2025, marking a nearly twelvefold increase compared to the same period last year, when shipments totaled just $91,700. This data was published by China’s General Administration of Customs and highlights a growing momentum in the coffee trade between the two countries.

Although China has long been associated with tea, the country is increasingly making a name for itself as a coffee producer. The southwestern province of Yunnan has become the center of Chinese coffee cultivation, with its high-altitude terrain producing Arabica beans known for their balanced body, mild acidity, and fruity notes. Improvements in quality and scaling of production have allowed China to expand its coffee exports and find growing demand in international markets.

In the first two months of 2025, China exported coffee to 36 countries. The leading destinations included the Netherlands ($8.9 million), Germany ($4.3 million), Japan ($2.9 million), France ($1.2 million), and Russia ($1.1 million). This positions Russia among China’s top five coffee export markets during the period, a notable shift considering its previously minor role in China’s coffee trade.

For the full year of 2024, Russia imported $13.6 million worth of coffee from China, a 6.3% increase compared to 2023. While Chinese coffee still represents a small portion of Russia’s overall coffee imports—traditionally dominated by Brazil, Vietnam, and Indonesia—the sharp growth reflects increasing interest from Russian roasters and importers seeking new origins and supply alternatives amid shifting geopolitical and logistical realities.

Meanwhile, China’s tea exports to Russia declined by 12.6% during January–February 2025, totaling $6.9 million, compared to $7.9 million in the same period a year earlier. However, for the full year 2024, tea imports from China to Russia reached $58.7 million, an increase of 8.3% year-over-year.

Globally, China exported tea to 98 countries during the first two months of 2025. Key importers included Morocco ($47.9 million), Ghana ($17.5 million), Senegal ($11.8 million), Mauritania ($9.5 million), and Malaysia ($15.7 million).

China’s rise as a coffee exporter, particularly to Russia, signals a deeper structural change in global coffee trade dynamics. Once seen solely as a tea powerhouse, China is now carving a niche in the specialty coffee segment. With improving quality and competitive pricing, Chinese coffee is increasingly being adopted by roasters looking to diversify their offerings with new flavor profiles and origins. If current trends continue, China may soon emerge as a stable and recognizable origin in Russia’s evolving coffee landscape.