Category: News

The Lamastus family, a powerhouse in the specialty coffee industry, has once again proven their unmatched excellence, setting new records in 2024 and winning the highly coveted Best of Panama (BoP) title in the Geisha Natural category. Their long-standing legacy of producing some of the world’s most sought-after coffees continues to flourish as they break auction records and solidify their place as leaders in the coffee world.

A Legacy of Success and Excellence

The Lamastus family’s deep roots in coffee date back to the early 1900s when the family’s patriarch, Robert Lamastus, planted coffee in Panama’s Boquete region. Over the decades, the family has become synonymous with quality coffee production, particularly excelling with the Geisha variety—a coffee known for its complex and refined flavors.

With their win in 2024, the Lamastus family has secured their seventh Best of Panama title, the second-highest number of wins in the competition’s history. This latest victory comes in the Geisha Natural category, reaffirming their expertise in producing exceptional Geisha coffee. Their success doesn’t stop there; they have also won the prestigious Panama Cup, awarded to the overall best coffee producer, four times—the most any producer has achieved.

Record-Breaking Auction Achievements

In addition to their competition victories, the Lamastus family shattered two major auction records in 2024. They set a new Best of Panama auction record with a staggering $10,013 per kilogram paid for their coffee lot, demonstrating the growing demand and appreciation for their exceptional beans. But that wasn’t all—this same lot also broke the world record for the most paid for a single lot of coffee in the family’s own private auction.

The Lamastus Family Estates Private Auction, now in its fourth edition, has become a highly anticipated event in the specialty coffee world. Buyers from across the globe compete for the chance to acquire some of the rarest and finest coffees produced on their estates. Their innovative approach to direct auctions has helped establish new benchmarks for coffee pricing and brought global attention to Panama’s specialty coffee scene.

This year’s auction will feature another exclusive lot from their famous Elida Geisha Aguacatillo Honey, grown in the Aguacatillo area of Elida Estate, which sits at over 2,000 meters above sea level. This particular lot, processed using the honey method, offers a unique and complex flavor profile that reflects the terroir of the high-altitude region. In 2022, the same lot set the highest price ever paid for coffee, fetching an astonishing $13,286 per kilogram ($6,034 per pound).

Coffee Pioneers in Panama’s High-Altitude Farms

The Lamastus Family Estates consists of three highly regarded coffee farms in Boquete, Panama: El Burro Estate, Luito Geisha Estates, and Elida Estate. These farms, nestled on the slopes of Volcan Baru, one of Central America’s highest volcanoes, benefit from a unique microclimate, volcanic soil, and high elevations, which all contribute to the distinctive qualities of their coffees.

The family’s farms are located at altitudes ranging from 1,700 to 2,000 meters above sea level, making them some of the highest coffee farms in Panama. This altitude allows for slow coffee cherry maturation, which produces beans with intense and complex flavors. The Geisha variety, in particular, thrives in these conditions, producing floral and fruity notes that are revered by coffee aficionados around the world.

Innovation and Global Recognition

Beyond their mastery of coffee cultivation, the Lamastus family has embraced innovative approaches to coffee processing and marketing. Their private auctions, which allow buyers to bid directly on exclusive lots, have transformed the way high-end coffee is sold, setting new standards for transparency and premium pricing. Their influence extends beyond Panama, with their coffees being sought after by top roasters, baristas, and specialty coffee shops across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and beyond.

The Lamastus family’s dedication to sustainability also plays a key role in their success. They practice environmentally friendly farming methods, including organic farming, water conservation, and reforestation efforts, ensuring that their coffee production remains both sustainable and socially responsible. They are committed to the well-being of their workers and local communities, supporting education, healthcare, and fair wages for farmworkers.

Looking Forward to 2024’s Auction

As the 2024 Lamastus Family Estates Private Auction approaches, anticipation is high for the results. With their record-breaking prices and global recognition, the family is expected to achieve even greater heights this year.

Reflecting on their recent success, the family shared, “It has been a great few years for us, achieving the highest price ever paid for coffee and recently setting the BoP record price. We are eager and excited for the results of the 2024 Lamastus Family Estates Auction.”

The Lamastus family’s achievements are a testament to their enduring passion, commitment to excellence, and innovative spirit. As they continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the coffee industry, they inspire coffee producers and enthusiasts worldwide. Their story is not just about winning awards or setting records, but about a deep love for coffee and a desire to share its finest expressions with the world.

The Future of Lamastus Family Estates

As leaders in the specialty coffee industry, the Lamastus family’s influence will undoubtedly continue to grow. With each new generation, they bring fresh ideas, greater innovation, and a deeper understanding of the land they cultivate. Their success in 2024 is a clear indicator that the Lamastus Family Estates will remain at the forefront of the global coffee scene for years to come.

From their record-breaking auction prices to their unmatched quality in Geisha coffee, the Lamastus family has set the standard for excellence. As they look ahead to the results of this year’s private auction, one thing is certain: the world will be watching.

The Coffee Club is proud to announce its 10th Anniversary in the UAE with a month-long celebration throughout October, filled with exciting offers, prizes, and community events. For the past decade, The Coffee Club has become more than just a dining destination; it has evolved into a community hub where cherished moments are shared over every cup of coffee.

From October 1st to 31st, The Coffee Club invites customers to join in celebrating “10 ‘Bean’ Years” in the UAE. This special campaign is dedicated to thanking the community that has grown with The Coffee Club over the years.

One of the highlights of the celebration is the interactive “Spin the Bean” in-app game, where customers who spend a minimum of 150 AED in-store will have the chance to win exciting prizes. Every spin gives participants the opportunity to win instant gifts, while also entering them into a grand raffle to win a luxurious 10-day trip to Bali, including flights and accommodation at the Anantara Vacation Club Legian resort. The lucky winners will be announced on October 31, 2024.

In addition to prizes, The Coffee Club will be hosting unique in-store workshops throughout October at select locations, including the Succulent Plant Station and the Coffee Scrub Making Station. These hands-on activities are designed to foster a sense of growth and appreciation. Adding to the excitement, the beloved coffee cup character, Cuppa, will make appearances in stores across the UAE, inviting customers to take part in the “Find Cuppa Challenge” on social media.

To further engage the community, The Coffee Club is launching a Social Media Competition under the hashtag #10BeanYears. Customers can share their experiences in-store and tag @thecoffeeclubme for a chance to win weekly flights to exciting destinations.

In celebration of its deep-rooted presence in the UAE, The Coffee Club is also launching the exclusive “Bean Here” Collection. This special anniversary collection includes beautifully crafted ceramic mugs and tote bags designed by Emirati artist Khaled Al Jaberi. Each item is a tribute to the local culture, blending artistic craftsmanship with an appreciation for coffee.

In a meaningful addition to the celebrations, The Coffee Club is also marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month by launching a limited-edition Pink Beet Latte, with 10 AED from every sale donated to the Al Jalila Foundation. This initiative reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility and its dedication to supporting community wellbeing.

“The past 10 years have been an incredible journey, and we owe it all to our loyal customers and passionate team,” said Charl Badenhorst, CEO of Liwa Minor Food & Beverages LLC. “This month-long celebration is our way of expressing gratitude for the love and support that has made The Coffee Club a success in the UAE. We’re excited to celebrate this milestone with everyone who has been part of our journey.”

Yemeni entrepreneur and coffee industry specialist Abdul Latif Al-Jaradi has opened a new specialty coffee roastery and tasting room in the capital city of Sana’a. This new venture, named “Qahwa Lab,” aims to strengthen the presence of Yemeni coffee in both local and global markets.

The project focuses on producing innovative blends and unique processing techniques for Yemeni coffee, all while adhering to scientific standards during the processing phase. Al-Jaradi explained that the roastery measures sugar content and pH levels for each processing method to achieve optimal quality and cost efficiency.

The project is set to pioneer new experiments in processing non-dried Yemeni coffee and features the creation of special blends for espresso and drip coffee using advanced processing techniques, including natural drying and the innovative “Mocha Story” method. This initiative is part of Al-Jaradi’s broader effort to introduce innovation in the Yemeni specialty coffee sector by offering high-quality products that reflect Yemen’s long-standing reputation as one of the oldest and most important coffee-producing countries in the world.

One of the standout features of “Qahwa Lab” is the direct partnership with Yemeni farmers. They are not only suppliers but are also integrated as true partners in the production process, sharing profits with the business. This model strengthens the relationship between producers and entrepreneurs and lays the foundation for a sustainable business that supports farmers and enhances the quality of Yemeni coffee.

Yemeni coffee boasts a rich history that dates back to the 15th century when Yemen was one of the first countries to export coffee to the world through the port of Mocha. This rich legacy made Yemeni coffee, particularly “Mocha,” famous globally for its high quality and unique flavors. Despite Yemen’s current economic and political challenges, Yemeni coffee maintains its status in global markets thanks to the hard work of local farmers who use traditional farming techniques to ensure high-quality beans, as well as entrepreneurial initiatives like Al-Jaradi’s that aim to modernize the sector.

Al-Jaradi emphasized that his primary goal is to market Yemeni roasted coffee, ready for use, starting in Gulf countries and eventually expanding to global markets. The “Qahwa Lab” project is just the beginning of this ambitious vision, with the ultimate aim of making Yemeni coffee a well-recognized brand worldwide.

This project enhances Yemen’s position as a major player in the specialty coffee industry, highlighting ongoing efforts to support farmers and improve the coffee sector in the country. “Qahwa Lab” represents a key step toward a larger vision of making Yemeni coffee a strong competitor in the global specialty coffee market—a vision fueled by sustainable practices and direct collaboration with local farmers.

With this endeavor, Yemen continues to write new chapters in the history of global coffee, supported by its rich heritage and a forward-looking vision that strives for global excellence.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Library celebrated International Coffee Day in a unique atmosphere filled with the delightful aroma of coffee. Colors blended with melodies to offer attendees an extraordinary experience that embodied the magic of this authentic beverage.

The event began with an exhibition of coffee tools, organized in collaboration with the Coffee Museum, where visitors had the opportunity to explore the diversity of coffee cultures from around the world. Guests could taste Arabic, Saudi, and Ethiopian coffee while also browsing a collection of books, newspapers, and magazines that explored the culture of coffee cultivation, preparation, and consumption, highlighting the rich heritage associated with this beverage.

The event also featured a workshop titled “How to Become a Barista,” where participants learned how to prepare Rwandan and Colombian coffee, immersing themselves in new worlds of flavors and techniques. The joy was not limited to the taste; the artistic horizons expanded to include a coffee painting session led by artist Majda Nasr El-Din, who lit up the venue with her creativity. This was followed by a special coffee bean painting workshop by artist George Sobhi, completing the artistic scene with exceptional touches.

Additionally, an art exhibition featuring more than fifty artworks was inaugurated, where artists created pieces using coffee materials. These works were dedicated to celebrating International Coffee Day at the Mohammed bin Rashid Library. The piano performance by Fadi Fawzi and flutist Jessica Diaz added a magical ambiance, allowing the audience to enjoy delightful moments combining art and joy.

As part of the “A World Reads” initiative, the library offered visitors the opportunity to receive a free copy of their favorite book, adding another cultural dimension to the event. At the conclusion of the event, certificates of appreciation were presented to the artists and participating entities.

This celebration highlighted the importance of coffee not only as a beverage but as a fundamental part of societal culture. It also emphasized the role of the Mohammed bin Rashid Library in promoting knowledge and art, making this day an unforgettable moment in the visitors’ memory.

Every year on October 1st, the world celebrates International Coffee Day. This occasion is not just an opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee, but a global event that brings together different cultures and generations. It highlights coffee’s role as a unifying element and celebrates its long journey from its mysterious origins to becoming a beloved drink enjoyed by millions worldwide.

The Origins of Coffee – A Debate and a New Perspective

There is much debate about the origins of the coffee tree, but experts agree that this tree has coexisted with humans on Earth for millennia. It is difficult to pinpoint whether the oldest coffee tree was in Ethiopia or Yemen. The beginnings of coffee trace back to ages long before it was first discovered in Yemen by the Yemeni mystic and alchemist Jamal al-Din al-Shadhili. Coffee wasn’t cultivated by humans in its early days, but it grew naturally by divine creation.

Yemen is regarded as the birthplace of coffee, where its global recognition began. The country still nurtures some of the oldest coffee trees in the world, which continue to produce beans of historical value, shaped by the passage of time. The port of Mocha in Yemen played a key role in the global spread of coffee. Thanks to the high quality and unique flavors of Yemeni coffee, it became a sought-after commodity worldwide, especially the famous “Mocha” variety.

International Coffee Day – Honoring the Coffee Industry and its Farmers

International Coffee Day was officially established by the International Coffee Organization (ICO) in 2015 during the Milan Expo. This event highlights the challenges facing coffee farmers, including economic and environmental difficulties, and calls for the promotion of fair trade practices to ensure farmers receive fair compensation for their efforts.

Coffee is not just a beverage; it is a livelihood for millions of people around the world, from farmers in the fields to baristas in coffee shops. This day reflects recognition of the significant contributions made by these individuals to make coffee an essential part of our daily lives.

Between Tradition and Modernity 

In the UAE and the Gulf countries, coffee symbolizes hospitality and tradition. Arabic coffee is an integral part of daily life and social gatherings, carefully prepared and often infused with spices such as cardamom and saffron. In recent years, the UAE, particularly Dubai, has become a hub for modern coffee culture through workshops, tasting sessions, and celebrations that blend tradition with innovation.

In Saudi Arabia, coffee holds a special place in the national identity. It is an essential part of Saudi hospitality, and the country has recently launched efforts to enhance local coffee farming, particularly in regions like Jazan, further promoting the global presence of Arabic coffee.

Yemen: The True Homeland of Coffee

Although there is debate about the origin of the coffee tree, Yemen is the land where coffee was first introduced to the world. In the 17th century, the export of coffee began from the port of Mocha, spreading across the globe and becoming part of global culture. Yemeni coffee is celebrated for its unique quality and flavor, and despite the economic and political challenges facing the country, coffee remains a symbol of authenticity and resilience.

Coffee Around the World  

International Coffee Day is celebrated differently across countries. In Brazil, local festivals honor coffee farmers and their contributions to the industry, while in Europe, coffee shops host tasting events and workshops. In the Netherlands, known for having the highest coffee consumption per capita, coffee enthusiasts gather for tasting events, while in Indonesia and Vietnam, where coffee plays a key economic role, events focus on supporting farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture.

In the United States, International Coffee Day is often linked to supporting fair trade initiatives to ensure farmers are paid fairly. Coffee shops draw consumers’ attention to the importance of sustainability and ethical production, linking the love of coffee to responsible consumption.

Challenges and the Future  

While the world celebrates coffee, the industry faces significant challenges such as climate change, which is expected to reduce the land suitable for coffee cultivation by mid-century. This pushes the industry to develop new practices to maintain quality production under changing environmental conditions.

In addition to climate change, the coffee industry suffers from economic fluctuations that directly impact farmers’ income, especially in developing countries. International Coffee Day emphasizes the importance of promoting fair trade practices and supporting small farmers to ensure the sustainability of coffee in a competitive global market.

 A Beverage That Unites the World

As the world celebrates International Coffee Day, it becomes clear that coffee is more than just a drink—it is a cultural bridge, an economic driver, and a symbol of global unity. Whether you’re enjoying a traditional Arabic coffee in a majlis or sipping a cold brew in a trendy café, coffee remains a beverage that brings together people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

On this special day, we celebrate coffee not only for its rich flavors and rituals but also for the people and stories behind every cup. From the farmers who grow the beans to the baristas who serve our favorite drinks, coffee is the result of collaboration, passion, and hard work. As we raise our cups in celebration, we must also commit to ensuring the sustainability of the coffee industry so that future generations can continue to enjoy this beloved beverage for many years to come.