Category: News

In an unprecedented move for the Middle East, Fiera Milano, a leading global trade fair operator, and Semark, a prominent Saudi event organizer, have unveiled Host Arabia, a pioneering hospitality event set to debut in Riyadh in 2026. The announcement took place during the Saudi HORECA 2024 exhibition, marking a significant milestone for the region’s hospitality sector.

This collaboration aims to bring the successful HostMilano format to Saudi Arabia, introducing world-class expertise in professional hospitality, out-of-home services, and retail. This development aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, which focuses on transforming the Kingdom into a global tourism and hospitality hub.

Vision 2030: The Backbone of Host Arabia

Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is poised for a hospitality revolution, with plans to build over 300,000 new hotel rooms and attract 150 million tourists by 2030. Francesco Conci, CEO and General Manager of Fiera Milano, emphasized the Kingdom’s unique potential, stating, “This project marks a new growth phase for our group, focusing on high-potential markets as outlined in our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. Host Arabia will harness these opportunities, promoting innovation and extending our exhibitions to leading economic arenas worldwide.”

In 2023, Saudi Arabia imported 456 million euros worth of goods across key hospitality sectors, a figure projected to reach 600 million euros by 2027. This growth reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a critical market for international hospitality innovation.

Semark’s Role and Host Arabia’s Promise

Semark, part of the esteemed Al Rajhi Group, brings 15 years of experience through its leadership in organizing Saudi HORECA, the region’s largest food, beverage, and hospitality event. Semark CEO Jad Taktak remarked, “This partnership with Fiera Milano elevates hospitality exhibitions in Saudi Arabia, uniting global leaders to explore opportunities and trends while solidifying Saudi Arabia as a global hospitality hub.”

Building on HostMilano’s Legacy

The biennial HostMilano exhibition, celebrated for its cross-sector synergies, has set a global benchmark in hospitality innovation. Its 2023 edition hosted over 2,100 exhibitors from 50 countries, attracting more than 180,000 professional visitors, including major players from the GCC region. HostMilano’s legacy of fostering innovation, networking, and professional development will be central to Host Arabia’s success.

The Economic Impact of Host Arabia

Trade between the EU and GCC in HostMilano sectors reached 1.31 billion euros in 2023, with Saudi Arabia contributing 455.9 million euros. By 2027, this trade is expected to grow to 1.6 billion euros. Italy, the largest trade partner for Saudi Arabia in these sectors, is projected to see its trade volume rise from 167.9 million euros in 2023 to 190.7 million euros by 2027.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia leads the GCC in Food Service Equipment and Bakery and Pastry Equipment imports, while ranking second in Furniture and Tableware, and Coffee Machines and Vending.

Transforming Consumer Experiences

A survey by Fiera Milano and HostMilano reveals a shift in consumer preferences in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Saudi consumers prioritize service quality (22%), ambiance (15.7%), and culinary processes (15.3%), driving the need for innovation and technological advancements in hospitality.

Conclusion

Host Arabia is not just an event; it is a strategic platform designed to elevate Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector to new heights. By bridging global expertise with local ambitions, this collaboration between Fiera Milano and Semark promises to set new standards for the industry, aligning perfectly with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is gearing up to host the Specialty Coffee Expo 2025, a premier event set to take place from April 25–27, 2025, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. As the largest gathering for the specialty coffee industry in North America, the expo is expanding its exhibit space to accommodate the rising interest from businesses eager to showcase innovative products and services.

A Platform for Industry Leaders

The Specialty Coffee Expo offers unparalleled opportunities for networking and business development. With over 16,000 visitors from 85 countries, the event attracts a diverse range of attendees, including baristas, café owners, coffee growers, buyers, and executives. The expo also serves as a hub for showcasing cutting-edge brewing technologies, eco-friendly solutions, and artisanal coffee products.

Key Highlights for 2025

• Expanded Exhibit Space: More companies can now join the expo to highlight their contributions to the coffee industry.
• Wide Range of Categories: Exhibitors will feature products such as roasted coffee, brewing equipment, sustainable packaging, and allied food and beverages.
• Engaged Audience: With 75% of attendees influencing purchasing decisions and 25% ready to invest over $1 million in coffee-related goods, the expo offers immense business potential.
• Competitions and Awards: The event will host the prestigious Best New Product Awards and Coffee Design Awards, encouraging innovation across categories such as coffee accessories, branding, and packaging.

Networking Opportunities

Unlike coffee festivals, the Specialty Coffee Expo focuses on fostering relationships among industry professionals. Attendees can explore new business ventures, discover trends, and exchange ideas with leaders and innovators. Additionally, media coverage of events like the World Coffee Championships ensures significant exposure for participants.

Registration and Participation

Exhibitor registration is open, with various booth and tabletop options available. Pricing starts at $2,070 for SCA members. For those aiming for greater visibility, sponsorship opportunities and upgraded listings in the Expo Mobile App are also on offer.

For more details, visit coffeeexpo.org or contact the SCA directly at [email protected].

The Specialty Coffee Expo 2025 is more than an event; it’s a celebration of the specialty coffee industry’s vibrant growth and innovation. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this dynamic experience.

Global coffee prices have soared to their highest in nearly 50 years due to poor weather in Brazil and Vietnam, forcing roasters such as Nestle (NESN.S), opens new tab to raise prices and consumers to hunt for cheaper brews amid the cost of living crisis.

Spiking prices will benefit farmers with the crop this year, but challenge traders who face crippling hedging costs on exchanges and a scramble to receive the beans they pre-bought.

WHAT DRIVES PRICES?

Production problems linked to bad weather in Brazil and Vietnam have seen global supplies lagging demand for three years. That has left stocks depleted and driven benchmark ICE exchange prices to a peak of $3.36 per lb.

Last time coffee traded that high was in 1977 when snow destroyed swathes of Brazil’s plantations. However, the shock to consumers was much bigger back then. If adjusted for inflation, $3.36 per lb in 1977 would be equivalent to $17.68 today.

Experts are meanwhile predicting yet another year of lacklustre coffee output.

Brazil, which produces nearly half the world’s arabica – high-end beans used primarily in roast and ground blends – experienced one of its worst droughts on record this year.

Although rains finally arrived in October, soil moisture remains low and experts say the trees are producing too many leaves and too few of the flowers that turn into cherries.

In Vietnam, which produces some 40% of the robusta beans typically used to make instant coffee, a severe drought earlier this year was followed by excess rains since October.

Consultancy StoneX sees Brazil’s arabica output falling 10.5% to 40 million bags next year, offset somewhat by higher robusta output, thus cutting the country’s overall crop by 0.5%.

In Vietnam, the crop could shrink up to 10% in the year by the end of September 2025, adding to the global robusta shortage.

Brazil-based traders Atlantica and Cafebras are seeking court-supervised debt restructuring due to coffee price surges, crippling hedging costs and delivery delays.

Court-supervised debt restructuring precedes bankruptcy if the negotiation is not successful.

Traders who buy beans from local suppliers like Atlantica and Cafebras typically take short positions in the futures market to hedge their physical market exposure.

Fearing they might no longer get their physical coffee, many traders are closing out what have become loss-making short futures positions.

Closing out short positions involves buying or going long futures, which in turn drives prices even higher.

Higher futures prices then push up margin calls or downpayments that traders are required to pay to protect against trading losses, thereby creating more stress in the industry.

IMPACT ON ROASTERS AND CONSUMERS

Surging coffee prices are a problem for roasters. The boss of Nestle, the world’s biggest coffee firm, was ousted earlier this year after the board grew unhappy about weak sales and a loss of market share due to price rises, which prompted consumers to switch to cheaper brands.

Roasters tend to buy coffee many months in advance, which means consumers will likely see the price spike in 6 to 12 months.

Consumers who drink out will feel less of a pinch of today’s rising prices.

Roasters like Starbucks (SBUX.O), opens new tab that sell mostly to cafes should fare better as the global coffee price accounts for only about 1.4% of the total price of a typical $5 cup of coffee in a cafe.

Coffee lovers worldwide may soon feel the impact of surging coffee prices as a mix of economic and environmental challenges disrupt global coffee markets. From the rain-drenched fields of Vietnam to the drought-stricken farms in Brazil, the coffee supply chain is battling significant hurdles that are shaking up the industry.

This week, coffee prices saw a notable uptick, with March arabica futures climbing nearly 3% and January robusta futures rising over 2%. The primary drivers? A weaker U.S. dollar encouraging speculative buying and relentless rains delaying the crucial coffee harvest in Vietnam, the world’s largest producer of robusta beans.

A Stormy Season for Coffee Farmers

In Vietnam, heavy rains have left coffee farmers struggling to harvest their crops on time. These delays are amplifying concerns over robusta supply, a key ingredient in instant coffee. The recent downpours are not just a logistical headache—they’re a financial burden for farmers already dealing with tight margins.

Meanwhile, Brazil, the powerhouse of arabica coffee, is grappling with its driest weather in decades. Farmers in Minas Gerais, Brazil’s largest arabica-producing region, have reported rainfall at just 31% of the historical average last week, threatening the flowering stage of coffee trees. This stage is vital for next year’s crop, and the prolonged dryness could lead to reduced yields well into 2025.

Global Coffee Markets in Flux

As weather extremes hammer major coffee-producing regions, the financial markets are also adding to the turbulence. Earlier this week, coffee prices dropped sharply after a consulting firm suggested that higher margins on coffee futures were discouraging investors from holding large positions. This came alongside news from Vietnam raising its coffee production estimates, initially easing supply concerns.

However, Friday brought a fresh twist. Arabica prices hit a 47-year high, and robusta reached a two-and-a-half-month peak, reflecting renewed fears of tightening global supplies. Analysts from Sucden Financial noted that Brazilian exporters have been forced to buy back futures to cover their positions, inadvertently pushing prices higher.

A Bitter Brew for Farmers and Consumers

Beyond the immediate headlines, there’s a deeper story unfolding. El Niño, the climate phenomenon linked to extreme weather, has left a lasting mark on coffee farms across South and Central America. In Colombia, the world’s second-largest arabica producer, drought conditions earlier this year are still taking a toll.

In Vietnam, the previous crop year saw robusta production drop by 20%, marking the smallest harvest in four years. Farmers who depend on coffee as their main source of income are now bracing for another challenging season.

For consumers, these challenges mean coffee prices at cafes and supermarkets are unlikely to stay steady. Tight inventories and lower exports from key players like Brazil and Vietnam could soon translate into higher costs for that morning cup of coffee.

A Global Coffee Balancing Act

Despite these challenges, global coffee production is showing resilience. The International Coffee Organization (ICO) recently reported a 15% increase in October coffee exports, signaling a strong start to the new season. However, the long-term outlook remains clouded by volatile weather and economic pressures.

In Brazil, even as green coffee exports rose 11% year-over-year in October, Conab—the country’s crop forecasting agency—has revised its 2024 production estimate downward. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s coffee exports for October fell over 11% from the previous month, reflecting the ongoing harvest delays caused by flooding.

What Lies Ahead?

The coffee industry is at a crossroads. On one hand, expanding global production and robust export activity are helping to stabilize supplies. On the other, unpredictable weather patterns and shifting market dynamics continue to pose significant risks.

For farmers, these challenges highlight the growing need for sustainable farming practices and financial support. For consumers, the news serves as a reminder of the fragility of global supply chains and the unseen struggles behind every cup of coffee.

As the world sips its coffee, the farmers who make it possible are working tirelessly to overcome nature’s curveballs, ensuring that our beloved brew remains part of our daily lives.

• Global Coffee Platform Expands Recognition of Sustainability Schemes to Promote Common Sustainability Practices

The Global Coffee Platform (GCP) has announced the recognition of four additional sustainability schemes as equivalent to its Coffee Sustainability Reference Code (Coffee SR Code), marking another milestone in unifying sustainability practices within the coffee sector.

The newly recognized schemes—Agri Evolve’s ACE, Coocacer’s Café Sustentável, Expocacer’s ECO, and Westrock Coffee Company’s RAÍZ Sustainability™—bring the total number of sustainability schemes acknowledged by GCP to 27. This includes 23 under 2nd party assurance and four under 3rd party assurance.

Annette Pensel, GCP Executive Director, emphasized the significance of this development:
“We’re delighted to welcome four more sustainability schemes to GCP’s growing list of companies aligning principles and practices to reach more coffee farmers with guidance on sustainability improvements and to expand market access.”

About the Coffee Sustainability Reference Code

The Coffee SR Code serves as a foundational framework for aligning sustainability principles across the coffee sector. Covering economic, social, and environmental dimensions, it provides a baseline for practices aimed at advancing sustainability.

Schemes that complete GCP’s rigorous Equivalence Mechanism Process are recognized as aligning with the Coffee SR Code’s principles and operational criteria. This process ensures credibility and effectiveness by evaluating governance, standard-setting, assurance, data management, and claims requirements. The International Trade Centre (ITC), a GCP implementation partner and creator of the Standards Map, rigorously assesses the schemes to ensure transparency and integrity.

Expanding Alignment Across the Coffee Sector

The addition of the new schemes demonstrates growing alignment among coffee growers, cooperatives, and private enterprises. The four newly recognized schemes represent a diverse mix of stakeholders:

• Agri Evolve’s ACE (Uganda): A social enterprise supporting coffee farmers.
• Coocacer’s Café Sustentável (Brazil): A sustainability program by a coffee growers’ cooperative.
• Expocacer’s ECO (Brazil): Another initiative by Brazilian coffee growers.
• Westrock Coffee Company’s RAÍZ Sustainability™ (USA): A private-label coffee roaster’s sustainability program.

By adhering to the Coffee SR Code, these schemes aim to improve market access for coffee farmers while driving greater transparency and efficiency in the coffee supply chain.

“Completing the Equivalence Mechanism process is a way companies demonstrate their commitment to coffee sustainability,” Pensel added. “Their alignment with the Coffee SR Code and operational criteria not only supports a common baseline of sustainability principles but also fosters increased transparency and efficiency across the value chain.”

The Growing Impact of GCP Tools

GCP’s tools, including the Equivalence Mechanism, the Coffee SR Code, and GCP Collective Reporting on Sustainable Coffee Purchases, have become essential assets for aligning sustainability efforts in the coffee industry. These tools promote collaboration among stakeholders to achieve sustainable practices as a new standard in the coffee sector.

Roasters and retailers are encouraged to use GCP’s recognition of equivalence as a starting point for due diligence and to contribute to the annual GCP Collective Reporting on Sustainable Coffee Purchases.

Recognized Sustainability Schemes

Below is the list of sustainability schemes acknowledged by GCP as equivalent to the Coffee SR Code:

3rd Party Assurance:

• 4C
• Fairtrade International, Small Producer Organization and Coffee Standard
• Fair Trade USA’s Agriculture Production Standard
• Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard

2nd Party Assurance:

• Agri Evolve’s ACE
• Comexim’s Green Trace
• Coocacer’s Café Sustentável
• Cooxupé’s Gerações
• ECOM’s SMS Verified
• Enveritas’ Enveritas Green
• Expocacer’s ECO
• Exportadora de Café Guaxupé’s Guaxupé Planet
• Louis Dreyfus Company’s Responsible Sourcing Program Advanced
• Montesanto Tavares Group’s GMT Green
• Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program
• Neumann Kaffee Gruppe’s NKG BLOOM, and NKG Verified
• ofi’s AtSourceV, and AtSource+
• Perhusa’s ARTS
• Racafé’s CRECER
• 3E® by RGC Coffee
• Sucafina’s IMPACT
• Touton’s PACT
• Volcafe’s Volcafe Verified, and Volcafe Excellence
• Westrock Coffee Company’s RAÍZ Sustainability™

This recognition highlights the global coffee sector’s commitment to advancing sustainability through collaboration and shared standards. As more companies adopt these frameworks, the industry moves closer to achieving its sustainability goals.

For more information on GCP’s Coffee Sustainability Reference Code and recognized schemes, visit GCP’s official website.

Coffee lovers, rejoice! The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has once again awarded its coveted Home Brewer Certification to the ZWILLING ENFINIGY Drip Coffee Maker. For those passionate about starting their day with a perfectly brewed cup, this news confirms what many already know—ZWILLING is dedicated to making your coffee experience extraordinary.

A Trusted Mark of Quality

In a market flooded with coffee makers, the SCA Certified Home Brewer mark is a beacon of trust. It assures consumers that a product has been rigorously tested to meet the association’s exacting standards, including compliance with the SCA Golden Cup Standard for brewing specialty coffee at home. Simply put, if you see this certification, you know you’re investing in quality.

What Makes the ZWILLING ENFINIGY So Special?

Brewing great coffee is both an art and a science, and the ZWILLING ENFINIGY brings both to your kitchen. Here’s why it continues to impress:

• Taste Matters: Its unique stainless-steel boiler resists corrosion and won’t alter the water’s flavor—unlike copper or aluminum alternatives.
• Flavor Optimization: A wide shower head evenly moistens coffee grounds, unlocking every bit of their flavor.
• Blooming Function: By releasing trapped carbon dioxide before brewing begins, it ensures smoother, less sour coffee.
• Convenience Built In: With a 12-cup capacity, keep-warm function, and programmable timer, this coffee maker adapts to your schedule and needs.
• Sleek Design: Available in classic black or silver, it’s a stylish addition to any kitchen.

Recognition for Excellence

Joanna Rosenberg, ZWILLING’s Chief Marketing Officer, shared her pride in the achievement:

“We are so honored to have the SCA Home Brewer Certification. It is rewarding to have our hard work, dedication, and innovative design and engineering recognized.”

This re-certification is more than just a badge—it’s a celebration of the craftsmanship and attention to detail that ZWILLING puts into every product.

What It Means for You

For those who enjoy the ritual of brewing coffee, the ZWILLING ENFINIGY is designed to elevate that experience. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or savoring a quiet morning, it ensures that every cup is as delicious as the last.

Want to know more about this award-winning coffee maker? Visit ZWILLING’s website. Curious about the SCA’s Home Brewer Certification program? Head to the SCA website.

With its thoughtful features and commitment to excellence, the ZWILLING ENFINIGY Drip Coffee Maker isn’t just brewing coffee—it’s brewing joy.

The coffee industry is on the brink of significant transformation as the International Coffee Organization (ICO) updates its market share and group weightings for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 coffee years. These changes, effective from October 1, 2024, provide valuable insights into shifting dynamics within the global coffee trade and its future trajectory.

The updated weightings reflect adjustments to production, consumption, and export trends among key coffee-producing regions and consumer markets. They underline the increasing influence of emerging economies in both production and demand, while established markets continue to adapt to evolving consumer preferences.

One notable highlight is the growing contribution of countries traditionally seen as “non-traditional” coffee markets. These regions are gaining prominence as both exporters and consumers, signaling a diversification in the global coffee ecosystem. This shift challenges traditional trade flows and necessitates innovation and collaboration among industry stakeholders.

The weightings also highlight the growing demand for specialty coffee and sustainable practices, aligning with broader industry efforts to adopt circular economy models and address climate challenges. Producers are under pressure to meet these demands while maintaining competitiveness in a volatile market environment.

For exporters and traders, these changes offer an opportunity to refine strategies. Adapting to the revised weightings can help businesses align with emerging markets, capitalize on growth areas, and mitigate risks associated with traditional markets facing saturation or economic slowdowns.

As the industry navigates these transitions, the ICO’s updated framework provides a roadmap for stakeholders to understand and anticipate the forces shaping the global coffee market. The coming coffee years are set to bring opportunities and challenges that will redefine the landscape for producers, exporters, and consumers alike.

November 2024 presented a fascinating journey for coffee prices, with daily fluctuations offering insights into the intricate dynamics of the global coffee market. The International Coffee Organization’s (ICO) daily price data highlights the volatility and underlying factors shaping the coffee trade.

Throughout the month, the ICO composite indicator price started at 241.49 US cents per pound on November 1 and steadily climbed, peaking at 310.69 US cents per pound on November 28. This near 30% increase reflects heightened global demand and potential supply constraints as the holiday season approaches. Interestingly, the month closed at 304.96 US cents per pound on November 29, showcasing the resilience of coffee prices despite minor dips.

A closer look reveals significant day-to-day changes in specific coffee categories. Colombian Milds, for instance, showed steady gains, starting the month at 270.49 US cents per pound and reaching 347.68 US cents per pound at their peak. Robustas, known for their affordability, displayed more modest but consistent growth, peaking at 260.09 US cents per pound after starting at 206.87 US cents per pound.

These price movements are indicative of broader market forces. Supply chain challenges in major coffee-producing regions, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, and shifts in consumer purchasing behavior all contributed to the dynamic pricing environment. Additionally, speculation in the commodities market, driven by concerns over climate impacts on coffee crops, may have amplified price volatility.

While the upward trend suggests strong demand, it also raises questions about the sustainability of such price levels. Small-scale producers may benefit from higher prices, but consumers and intermediaries could face increased costs, potentially reshaping the market dynamics.

As the coffee industry navigates these complexities, November’s price shifts provide a snapshot of the challenges and opportunities ahead. The data serves as a valuable reference for stakeholders looking to adapt to a rapidly changing market landscape.