Category: News

As the calendar turns its pages towards the new year, anticipation is building for the third edition of the World of Coffee Dubai, set to unfold from January 21-23, 2024. Returning to the Middle East, this annual event has become a focal point for the global specialty coffee community. With just one month left until the grand opening, excitement is palpable, and attendees are preparing for a showcase that promises to be 50% larger than the last edition, packed with new features, and boasting a revamped program of workshops and lectures.

Best New Product Competition & Display

One of the standout features of the World of Coffee Dubai is the Best New Product competition and display, an arena that recognizes and celebrates groundbreaking products within the specialty coffee and tea industry. Open exclusively to exhibiting companies, the competition is fierce, with participants striving to showcase the latest innovations that define the cutting edge of their craft.

The competition encompasses various categories, including Coffee Accessories, Commercial Coffee Preparation and Serving Equipment, Consumer Commercial Coffee Preparation and Serving Equipment, and an Open Class for products that defy easy categorization. The deadline for submissions is December 31, 2023, giving companies a narrow window to present their latest creations to a global audience.

Applicants are reminded of the stringent rules governing entries. Products must be new to the company, introduced to the market within the last year, and commercially available in the same continent as the show within six months. Prototypes are not allowed, emphasizing the competition’s focus on tangible, real-world innovation. The judging will take place onsite, and winners will not only gain recognition but also be presented with prestigious awards during the event.

All entries, winners or not, will be showcased on the New in Coffee platform, providing a global audience with insights into the industry’s most cutting-edge developments.

Coffee Design Awards

In the spirit of celebrating the marriage of great coffee and great design, the Coffee Design Awards are back, seeking to honor the most inspirational design elements within the industry. The competition covers a spectrum of categories, including Vessels, Spaces, Packaging, and Branding, highlighting the role of aesthetics in enhancing the overall coffee experience.

Submissions for the Coffee Design Awards are open until December 31, 2023. High-quality photos of each submission, with a minimum size of 3MB, are a prerequisite. In the case of Packaging, applicants must go a step further and ship physical samples ahead of the show to be included in the exhibit and considered for judging.

The stringent rules continue, emphasizing the need for entries to be new to the market within a year of the show start date. The judging will be meticulous, with independent judges and show management determining the winners. All entries will be showcased on design.sca.coffee, the platform dedicated to showcasing inspirational design within the coffee industry.

UAE National Barista Championship: Brewing Passion and Skill

The World of Coffee Dubai 2024 will also host the UAE National Barista Championship, an event that promises to be a thrilling display of passion and skill. Baristas from across the region will converge, each vying for the opportunity to represent Dubai at the prestigious World Barista Championship in Busan. This championship serves not only as a competition but also as a platform for showcasing the depth of talent within the region’s coffee community.

SCA Community Lounge: Caffeinate and Connect

Amidst the excitement of competitions and exhibitions, attendees are encouraged to take a moment to rejuvenate at the SCA Community Lounge. This dedicated space offers a chance to sample a selection of specialty coffees, explore various brew methods, and connect with fellow coffee enthusiasts. It serves as a reminder that, beyond the competitions and awards, the World of Coffee Dubai is a community of individuals brought together by their shared love for exceptional coffee.

With just a month left until the grand event, the global coffee community is gearing up for what promises to be a groundbreaking and immersive experience at the World of Coffee Dubai 2024. Coffee professionals, enthusiasts, and industry leaders are urged to secure their attendance by registering now. Limited tickets are still available, ensuring that participants can be a part of this unique celebration of innovation, excellence, and the artistry of specialty coffee on the global stage.

The MoUs come in line with the Saudi Coffee Company’s unwavering commitment toward transforming the local coffee industry in efforts to support the private sector and to promote the local coffee globally.

Stemming from its mission to transform Saudi Arabia’s coffee industry, Saudi Coffee Company has signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with leading institutions and organizations from the private and public sectors during the Jazan Investment Forum. The MoUs are signed in partnership with the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon), Jazan University, Ministry of Investment and Bieder & Maier, as well as the National Center for Vegetation Cover & Combatting Desertification (NCVC).

Saudi Coffee Company, which is a fully-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, has inaugurated these collaborations as part of its unwavering commitment toward diversifying and growing the Saudi economy, by joining forces with the private sector. The purpose of these agreements is to boost the Saudi coffee production, create job opportunities across the entire value chain, and elevate the positioning of the Saudi coffee production globally.

Commenting on the signing, Khalid Abu Theeb, Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Coffee Company, said “Our aim is not just to boost the growth of the local coffee industry but also to cultivate opportunities for local, regional, and global public-private partnerships. It is an absolute honor for us to participate in Jazan Investment Forum as it’s an opportunity to bring together the different stakeholders involved in the coffee industry, both locally and globally, to forge a collaborative framework targeted at elevating the coffee production in the Kingdom.”

He added, “We believe in the alchemy of growth through embracing sustainable practices; thus, we are ensuring the adoption of environmentally friendly processes and proceeding with our afforestation efforts in line with the Saudi Green Initiative.”

Collaborating with the Public Sector: MoU between SCC and Modon

Joining forces with The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon), Saudi Coffee Company aims to catalyze the development of the infrastructure needed for efficient, sustainable, and high-quality Saudi coffee production. The partnership entails the identification of the development opportunities in the industrial sector, knowledge and expertise exchange on the best practices for the Farmer Support Scheme Program, as well as expanding industrial projects for Saudi Coffee Company’s factories. The partnership pins down the dedication and development of a 20,000 sqm coffee processing factory to elevate the local coffee production and enhance its quality.

Collaborating with Academic Institutions: MoU between SCC and Jazan University

The first MoU is in partnership with Jazan University. Saudi Coffee Company aims to utilize the university’s cutting-edge science, research, and academia in elevating the practical cultivation of coffee beans in the area. This partnership entails exchanging experiences and seeking academic consultation on the cultivation of coffee trees, fertilization, seedling production, and propagation using tissue culture. Saudi Coffee Company will also work on empowering the students through workshops and training, paving their way into the labor market. Furthermore, Saudi Coffee Company and Jazan University will engage in social responsibility initiatives that target various segments of society, through volunteer work programs.

Engaging with the Private Sector: MoU between SCC, MISA, and Bieder & Maier

As part of its role in supporting the entire value chain of the national coffee industry, Saudi Coffee Company joins forces with Bieder & Maier, crafting a robust blend of innovation and excellence. Saudi Coffee Company will provide Bieder & Maier with local, Saudi Arabica Beans from the Jazan Region for when the Vienna-based coffee house starts its operation in the Kingdom. Furthermore, Bieder & Maier will blend and roast the Saudi beans in mix with international beans to develop a new flavor named” Bieder & Maier Premium Saudi Blend”. This new product will be available in medium and light roasts for both the Saudi and Austrian markets.

This partnership is facilitated by the Ministry of Investment (MISA) that worked on connecting the foreign investor locally,  to ease the knowledge-exchange needed to develop the local-based roasting, and the nationwide expansion of the Austrian coffee house across the Kingdom.

Preserving Natural Resources: MoU between SCC and NCVC

Taking measures to sustain the environment is an investment in the well-being of the future generations. Partnering with the National Center for Vegetation Cover & Combatting Desertification (NCVC), Saudi Coffee Company is dedicated to preserve the Kingdom’s natural resources via embracing sustainable cultivation and farming practices. The partnership entails exchanging knowledge and expertise in efforts to increase afforestation rates, as well as encouraging Saudi coffee Company employees to participate in the NCVC campaigns.

 

From March 6 to 8, the Thai capital, Bangkok, will host the 2024 Asian Barista Team Championship, the Asian Coffee Federation announced, confirming that the long-awaited championship will be held at Impact, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok.

Coffee lovers and baristas across the ASEAN region are gearing up for an exceptional event that promises to be a celebration of skill, passion and the aromatic essence of exceptional coffee.

The selection of Bangkok as the venue for the tournament adds an exciting dimension, as the vibrant city is known for its rich cultural fabric and thriving coffee culture.

Impact Centre, a world-class exhibition and conference centre, is set to become a caffeine haven where baristas will showcase their mastery of the art and science of brewing coffee.

The 2024 Asian Barista Team Championship aims to bring together the best baristas from the ASEAN region, and create a platform for them to showcase their skills, exchange ideas, and raise the standards of the coffee industry across borders. Coffee lovers can expect to see a dazzling array of brewing techniques, artistic demonstrations and sensory experiences that highlight the diversity and creativity of the baristas participating.

According to the ASEAN Coffee Federation, the journey towards the championship is open to coffee masters aged 18 years and above. To secure their participation, competitors must complete the registration process, which includes submitting verified payments. The terms and conditions, set by the tournament organizing committee, ensure a fair and competitive environment for all participants.

As part of the terms, competitors are responsible for covering their own expenses related to on-site training sessions and briefings. The emphasis on individual responsibility extends to the decisions taken by the organizing committee, with the emphasis that its rulings are final and not subject to objection.

In addition to the excitement of competition, the Asian Barista Team Championship 2024 promises networking opportunities for the winners, as they will have the opportunity to participate in up to three events or activities organized by the ACF and sponsors, fostering collaboration and camaraderie within the ASEAN coffee community. ASEAN.

Tournament sponsors reserve the right to use competitor names, team names, photographs and other information for future advertising and marketing purposes. This acknowledgment is part of the competitor’s endorsement, showcasing their achievements on a wider stage and contributing to the growth of the coffee industry in ASEAN.

The contact point for sponsorship inquiries works to ensure businesses have the opportunity to align themselves with this prestigious event. For sponsorship opportunities, interested parties are encouraged to contact her via email at [email protected].

Furthermore, the ACF is grateful for each competitor’s dedication and resources dedicated to promoting the coffee industry in ASEAN. Competitors are encouraged to cooperate with the Association and are expected to act ethically and fairly, and to demonstrate respect for all individuals and parties involved in events, activities and competitions.

Registration details:

The Asian Barista Team Championship 2024 operates on a team basis, with each team consisting of four baristas. Registration fee is $100 per team.
The distribution of the difference is as follows:

Host country (Thailand): 3 teams.

ACF member country (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Brunei): two teams.

Non-ACF/ASEAN+ country (Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, etc.): 1 team.

Prospective participants are advised to follow the “Registration Process” outlined on page 6 of the Tournament Rules book before submitting their registration. The rule book can be found in the official tournament form.

The announcement of the official venue has paved the way for a huge gathering of coffee lovers, where the air will be filled with the exciting aroma of excellence in coffee preparation.

Coffee lovers are invited to stay tuned for more updates on the 2024 Asian Barista Team Championship, as the countdown to an unforgettable coffee scene in the heart of Bangkok begins. Get ready to taste the flavor of victory and aromatic richness of the finest coffee in ASEAN!

In a historic move to fortify the resilience and prosperity of coffee farmers in Latin America, the Global Coffee Platform (GCP) and the Regional International Organization for Agricultural Health (OIRSA) have formalized a partnership through a letter of understanding. The agreement sets the stage for a robust technical and administrative collaboration within the member countries of OIRSA, paving the way for joint initiatives and programs aimed at fostering sustainable coffee cultivation.

The virtual signing ceremony, held on November 29, brought together key representatives from the GCP Secretariat, GCP Honduras, and OIRSA. The partnership’s primary objective is to catalyze the widespread adoption of integrated management practices in coffee cultivation across the nine OIRSA member countries: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic.

To tackle systemic challenges plaguing coffee farms, communities, and ecosystems, the collaborative efforts will concentrate on facilitating access to educational resources, technology, and incentives for producers. The partners also intend to implement comprehensive monitoring mechanisms throughout the coffee supply chain, fostering the adoption of sustainable practices, with a particular emphasis on the responsible use of agrochemicals.

Annette Pensel, the Executive Director of GCP, expressed her optimism about the collaboration, stating, “GCP considers the formalization of this collaboration to be an excellent opportunity.” She highlighted the importance of addressing challenges related to the responsible use of agrochemicals and integrated pest management to enhance agronomic productivity in coffee growing.

OIRSA, an international organization dedicated to supporting healthy agricultural production, quarantine system strengthening, food safety, and sustainable development, has actively managed pests such as the Coffee Berry Borer. This pest has forced excessive pesticide use in many instances to sustain coffee productivity.

Pensel underscored the significance of OIRSA’s expertise in tackling these challenges, stating, “We see OIRSA’s expertise in these topics as essential to contribute to practical and measurable solutions towards reaching our 2030 goal and beyond.”

Raúl Rodas, Executive Director of OIRSA, expressed the organization’s unwavering commitment to the partnership, emphasizing the strategic and fundamental role of the coffee sector in the socioeconomic development of many communities. “The coffee sector needs and deserves it because the socioeconomic impact coffee has in our regions is strategic and fundamental for many communities,” Rodas affirmed.

The initial phase of cooperation will unfold in Honduras, where OIRSA will play a pivotal role as a key partner for GCP. Collaborating with the Plataforma de Café Sostenible de Honduras (PCSH), the Honduras Sustainable Coffee Platform, and implementing the GCP Country Plan for Farmer Prosperity, the partnership aims to address critical issues such as the responsible use of agrochemicals.

Guillermo Alvarado, GCP Program Manager Honduras, expressed enthusiasm about OIRSA’s participation, stating, “We are delighted and envision a very fruitful alliance.” Alvarado emphasized the indispensable role of such collaborations in shaping the future of regions heavily reliant on coffee cultivation.

Rodas concluded, “Without coffee, there is no tomorrow, and this is true for the future of many communities, of huge regions of Honduras and Central America, who literally make their living off coffee.” The sentiment underscores the urgency and gravity of the partnership’s mission to propel the coffee sector toward a sustainable and prosperous future, ensuring the livelihoods of countless communities across Latin America.

In the realm of global agriculture, the cherished coffee bean faces an unprecedented threat as climate change ushers in unfavorable conditions for its cultivation. A recent study conducted by the Australian research organization CSIRO paints a grim picture of diminishing lands suitable for growing coffee, a predicament that could lead to a substantial increase in the cost of this beloved beverage.

Over the past decades, climatic conditions have taken a toll on coffee yields, with projections suggesting that by the year 2050, the available land for coffee cultivation could be slashed by more than half. The repercussions of this ominous forecast are particularly severe for leading coffee-producing nations like Brazil and Vietnam, whose economies and livelihoods are deeply intertwined with the coffee industry.

Friedel Hütz-Adams, an expert in the field, emphasizes the looming transformations in the future of coffee-exporting countries. He notes the uncertainty faced by coffee farmers in regions like Tanzania, where the prospect of ascending higher into the mountains for coffee cultivation becomes uncertain, as competing farmers might occupy those territories for alternative crops such as tea.

• High Temperature

Theoretically, researchers posit that the warming climate could open up new, previously unsuitable areas for coffee cultivation. However, this comes with ethical and environmental quandaries, as potential new coffee lands often coincide with forested regions. Hütz-Adams warns against deforestation, as it exacerbates climate change by increasing CO2 emissions. Moreover, the European Union, a pivotal coffee importer, prohibits the importation of products from deforested areas since the end of 2020.

The coffee industry, despite its global significance, remains relatively unexplored, with only two dominant species—Arabica and Robusta—capturing the market. Sophie von Loeben points out the existence of around 130 wild coffee species, some of which may possess resistance to heat or specific pests. However, the transition to planting these alternative varieties is fraught with challenges. The development of new coffee varieties is a time-consuming process, and the subsequent delivery of billions of seedlings to farms, with their first harvest years away, poses significant hurdles.

An additional obstacle to implementing change is the poverty prevalent among coffee farmers. Hütz-Adams identifies a critical phase termed the ‘valley of death,’ during which farmers, already struggling to make ends meet, face a prolonged period without income. The exploitation of more than twelve million small coffee farmers by large corporations exacerbates this issue. Despite the coffee industry boasting a staggering annual turnover of around $200 billion, these farmers receive less than ten percent of the total revenue.

The pricing dynamics further illustrate the disparity, with green coffee prices increasing by approximately 60 percent over the past 30 years, while prices for coffee products have soared by a staggering 600 percent. This discrepancy underscores the challenges faced by coffee farmers and the need for a more equitable distribution of profits throughout the supply chain.

Efforts to address the impacts of climate change on coffee production have been underway for over a decade, with numerous pilot projects initiated. However, as Hütz-Adams points out, the financial constraints of coffee farmers hinder the success of these projects. Investing in climate adaptation while burdened by debt and uncertain returns on future harvests discourages these farmers from participating in such initiatives.

To navigate these challenges successfully, alternative market structures, long-term contracts, support measures, and guaranteed procurement prices must be established. Only through a comprehensive and sustainable approach can the global community hope to secure the future of coffee production in the face of climate change. The impending threat to this cherished commodity requires urgent attention and collaborative efforts to ensure a thriving and resilient coffee industry for generations to come.

 

 

 

In an exciting opportunity for coffee enthusiasts and professionals alike, the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) invites individuals to step into leadership roles as lead volunteers for the World Coffee Championships (WCC) in Chicago (April 2024) and Busan (May 2024).

The SCA is seeking passionate individuals who are willing to invest their time and skills to play pivotal roles in the orchestration of these prestigious events. Lead volunteer positions, which include stage/backstage assistants & managers, scorekeepers, bar managers, and head runners, provide a unique chance for specialty coffee professionals to take on leadership responsibilities and actively contribute to the success of the championships.

Lead volunteers enjoy various benefits corresponding to their time commitment and skill sets. Interested individuals can explore detailed job descriptions and benefits for both Chicago and Busan on the World Coffee Championships website. The positions demand a higher level of commitment but offer a rewarding experience for those eager to be deeply involved in the behind-the-scenes support of the competitions.

Key Event Dates:

World Coffee Championships Chicago: April 11th – 13th, 2024
World Coffee Championships Busan: May 1st – 4th, 2024

Prospective lead volunteers are reminded that they may be required on-site 2-3 days before the competition begins. It’s important to note that applicants with pre-existing flight and/or accommodation arrangements will not be eligible for reimbursement.

To apply for a lead volunteer position, interested candidates can complete the application form available on the WCC website by January 31, 2024. The SCA encourages individuals to thoroughly review the job descriptions and benefits before submitting their applications.

For inquiries and further information, please reach out to [email protected]. Don’t miss this chance to be an integral part of the WCC team and immerse yourself in the global coffee community. Registration closes on January 31st, 2024.

DMCC Coffee Centre Elevates Coffee Industry in Dubai through CQI In Country Partnership

Dubai, [Current Date]

In a significant stride towards establishing Dubai as the new global hub for coffee, the DMCC Coffee Centre, a state-of-the-art facility located in the Jebel Ali Free Zone Area (JAFZA), has recently cemented its partnership with Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) as an In Country Partner (ICP). The collaboration aims to enhance the coffee industry in the region by focusing on quality improvement and fostering sustainable partnerships throughout the entire coffee value chain.

Established in 2019, the DMCC Coffee Centre has emerged as a crucial meeting point for global coffee producers and buyers, handling and processing over 11,500 metric tonnes (MT) of coffee to date. The facility is strategically positioned to connect the growing consumer markets in the Middle East and Europe with major coffee-producing nations like Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Uganda, and Vietnam.

As a non-profit and Dubai Government entity, DMCC Coffee Centre operates with the core objective of elevating coffee quality in the trade and establishing Dubai as a central trade hub for coffee commodities. The recent collaboration with CQI as an ICP further solidifies their commitment to these goals.

Key Achievements of DMCC Coffee Centre:

Warehouse and Storage:

• Over 11,500 MT of green coffee handled and processed.
• Storage capacity of 13,716 MT of green coffee, equivalent to 704 20ft containers.

Green Coffee Processing:

• Cleaning and de-stoning at a rate of 6 MT per hour.
• Maximum of nine varieties blended in green and roasted silos.
• Re-bagging into jute bags with GrainPro and jumbo bags.
• Vacuum packing.
• Silo storage with a capacity of 88.5 MT.

Coffee Roasting, Grinding, Blending, and Packing:

• 272 MT of coffee roasted to date.
• Post-roast blending of up to nine varieties.
• Roasted coffee silo storage capacity of 4.8 tonnes for ground coffee and 13.5 tonnes for whole beans.

Training and Events:

• Over 2,000 professionals have utilized DMCC Coffee Centre’s training and event facilities.

CQI In Country Partnership and Project Work:

• Certified premium campus with a focus on quality improvement.
• Coordinated project work including SCA Modules, Q Arabica Grader, Q Processing Level 1, and the Laos CQI Cupping Championship.

Opportunities and Benefits of CQI’s Q Coffees Program:

• The independent nature of the Q Coffee Program allows evaluation solely based on quality, free from the influence of factors like price and farm.
• Enhances the transparency of the supply chain by providing an objective evaluation of coffee.

Benefits of Being a CQI ICP:

• As a government entity, DMCC Coffee Centre is dedicated to establishing Dubai as the global gateway to the Middle East for coffee trade.
• Provides members with opportunities for value addition by facilitating proper evaluation of their coffee using the Q Coffee System.

The DMCC Coffee Centre’s commitment to quality and sustainability, coupled with its strategic partnership with CQI, positions it as a key player in transforming Dubai into a prominent global coffee hub.

In a bid to advance its mission of fostering innovation in coffee agriculture, World Coffee Research (WCR) has announced a compelling opportunity for a qualified individual to join its esteemed research team. The organization is seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to fill the position of Research Scientist – Coffee Quality Evaluation.

About the Position: The Research Scientist will play a pivotal role in providing scientific expertise and technical leadership specifically focused on coffee quality evaluation within WCR’s varieties-focused Research and Development (R&D) programs. This critical position will oversee and facilitate the integration of coffee quality considerations into program design and variety evaluation processes on a global scale.

Key Responsibilities: The successful candidate will contribute to the following key areas:

Scientific Oversight of Coffee Quality Research (70%)

• Understand the impact of green bean biochemistry and plant genetics on cup quality and flavor profiles in Arabica and Robusta coffee.
• Translate desired coffee quality attributes into measurable traits for selection decisions in collaboration with the breeding team.
• Oversee the implementation of quality evaluation aspects in WCR projects, ensuring data integrity and providing technical advice.
• Design and lead collaborative projects, develop proposals, budgets, and work plans to support WCR’s goals.

Representation/Industry Liaison (30%)

• Build and maintain strong relationships with member companies and other stakeholders in the coffee industry.
• Provide technical advice to research collaborators and enhance their focus on quality.
• Prepare reports, papers, and presentations to communicate research results internally and externally.
• Represent WCR at industry meetings and conferences.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Food Science (or related discipline); or MSc plus equivalent professional experience.
• Coursework or training in analytical food chemistry and/or the use of instrumentation for product quality assessment.
• Experience in the analysis, evaluation, and/or development of food/beverage products in a research or industry setting.
• Proficiency in project management across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis, experimental design, and data processing.
• Prior experience with coffee is preferred; knowledge of consumer or sensory sciences is an asset.

How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit a copy of their resume and cover letter to HR Director Siaska Vieria de Castro via email at [email protected]. Please include “Research Scientist, Coffee Quality Evaluation” in the subject line.

Additional Considerations: WCR is a global, virtual organization with staff in multiple countries, and alternative employment/partnership models may be considered for candidates with access to existing laboratory facilities.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the future of coffee and work with a diverse and dynamic global team. Join WCR in its mission to grow, protect, and enhance the supply of quality coffee while improving the livelihoods of coffee-producing families worldwide.

In a historic move for the global coffee sector, the International Coffee Organization (ICO) and the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) have officially solidified their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the ICO Headquarters in London. This groundbreaking agreement symbolizes a mutual commitment to advancing cooperation within the industry, with a focus on enhancing sustainability and education in specialty coffee.

Having fostered collaboration on various initiatives over the years, the ICO and SCA, bound by the MoU, are poised to leverage their combined outreach and expertise. This dynamic partnership aims to design and implement interventions that will benefit coffee stakeholders worldwide through knowledge-sharing, education, and capacity building. Training programs will be developed across diverse segments of the coffee value chain, encompassing production, trade, roasting, brewing, and preparation methods.

The MoU outlines a shared dedication to expanding market promotion and encouraging the consumption of high-quality coffee. Both organizations are committed to fostering constructive dialogue among ICO Members, industry experts, and coffee professionals. The collaboration will actively promote sustainable practices and increase visibility in specialty markets, emphasizing attributes, consuming markets, communication, and skill building.

A key aspect of the program is the empowerment of producer organizations to access specialty coffee and embrace higher-value trading models, facilitated by the use of the SCA Coffee Value Assessment and its tools.

Vanúsia Nogueira, Executive Director of the ICO, emphasized the importance of comprehensive training, stating, “Education and skills development are the keys to unlocking the full potential of our industry, ensuring a robust foundation for sustainable growth, fostering innovation, and empowering every actor in the value chain, from bean to cup.”

Yannis Apostolopoulos, Chief Executive Officer of the SCA, sees this partnership as a significant stride towards sustainability, creating new opportunities for knowledge transfer across the coffee sector. He expressed the SCA’s commitment to collaborative and diverse approaches, stating, “Collaborative efforts, like this partnership with the ICO, will play a crucial role in making the rewards of the specialty coffee segment accessible worldwide.”

The partnership between ICO and SCA is anticipated to bring about positive changes in the global coffee industry, promoting sustainability, equity, and excellence from bean to cup.