Category: News

Cocoa Prices Surge Amid Tightening Global Supply Outlook

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa Worlf

Cocoa futures rose sharply on Wednesday, reaching their highest levels in a month. March ICE New York cocoa (CCH26) closed up +339 points (+5.76%), while March ICE London cocoa #7 (CAH26) ended the session up +239 points (+5.62%).

The rally comes as the global cocoa supply outlook tightens. On November 28, the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) revised its 2024/25 surplus forecast downward to 49,000 MT from an earlier 142,000 MT, and reduced its production estimate to 4.69 MMT from 4.84 MMT. Similarly, Rabobank lowered its 2025/26 global cocoa surplus projection to 250,000 MT from 328,000 MT.

Declining cocoa inventories also support prices. ICE-monitored stocks in U.S. ports fell to 1,664,563 bags on Wednesday, an 8.75-month low.

Port arrivals in Ivory Coast, the world’s largest cocoa producer, remain below last year’s pace. Government figures show that from October 1 to December 7, 804,288 MT of cocoa reached ports, down 1.8% from 819,425 MT a year earlier.

Cocoa futures could receive additional support as NY cocoa will be included in the Bloomberg Commodity Index (BCOM) in January, potentially attracting up to $2 billion of passive fund purchases, according to Citigroup.

Weather conditions in West Africa remain generally favorable. In Ivory Coast, a combination of rain and sun is aiding tree bloom, while in Ghana, consistent rainfall is supporting pod growth ahead of the harmattan season, which could boost supply and weigh on prices.

Earlier, abundant supply expectations had pressured prices. On November 19, cocoa fell to 1.75-year lows amid expectations of a strong West African crop. Reports indicate that trees in Ivory Coast and Ghana are developing well, with favorable weather improving pod maturation.

Mondelez noted that the latest pod count in West Africa is 7% above the five-year average, significantly exceeding last year’s crop. The main crop harvest in Ivory Coast has begun, with farmers optimistic about its quality.

Political and trade developments have also influenced prices. On November 26, the European Parliament approved a 1-year delay for the EU’s deforestation regulation (EUDR), allowing continued imports of cocoa from regions with deforestation risks. Earlier, on November 14, the U.S. administration removed reciprocal tariffs on commodities including cocoa and lifted a 40% tariff on Brazilian food imports.

Weak demand remains a factor. Hershey reported disappointing chocolate sales during Halloween, which accounts for nearly 18% of annual U.S. candy sales. The Cocoa Association of Asia reported Q3 cocoa grindings fell 17% y/y to 183,413 MT, the lowest in nine years. European grindings fell 4.8% y/y to 337,353 MT, the lowest third-quarter figure in a decade. North American Q3 grindings rose 3.2% y/y to 112,784 MT, but new reporting companies may have skewed the data. Chocolate candy sales in North America declined more than 21% over 13 weeks ending September 7, per Circana.

Lower production in Nigeria is also supporting prices. The Nigerian Cocoa Association expects 2025/26 output to drop 11% y/y to 305,000 MT from 344,000 MT. September cocoa exports were unchanged y/y at 14,511 MT.

Historically, ICCO reported a record global cocoa deficit in 2023/24 of -494,000 MT, the largest in over 60 years, with production down 12.9% y/y to 4.368 MMT and stocks-to-grindings ratio at a 46-year low of 27.0%. For 2024/25, ICCO forecasts a modest surplus of 49,000 MT and a 7.4% y/y rise in global production to 4.69 MMT.

Pros and Cons of the Latest EUDR Postponement

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Fresh delays to the European Union’s deforestation rules have sparked mixed reactions across the global coffee sector. The updated timeline pushes the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to the end of December 2026, following a second vote in the European Parliament earlier this year, where 402 members supported the extension and 250 opposed it.

The measure was originally set to take effect at the end of 2024, then shifted to 2025, and is now delayed once more. The regulation is expected to reshape the way EU-based companies source agricultural products — including coffee — by requiring full documentation of their origins and proof that production is not linked to deforestation.

  • Industry Split on the Delay

Major industry figures remain divided. Some companies had previously urged the EU to slow the rollout, arguing that the sector lacked the technical systems needed for compliance. Others, including large multinational brands, had pressed the EU not to postpone again, warning that additional delays risk weakening global efforts against forest loss.

Although the regulation focuses on European businesses, its effects will extend across the entire coffee supply chain, influencing farmers, cooperatives, exporters, and traders in producing countries.

  • Tracing Coffee Origins: A Race Against Time

The United Kingdom–based speciality roaster Pact Coffee has been one of the sector’s early adopters of detailed traceability. According to Will Corby, the company’s Director of Coffee and Social Impact, many businesses have made progress over the past year, yet readiness still varies widely.

He notes that the earlier delay occurred because infrastructure across agricultural supply chains — not just coffee — was far from complete. This year, he says, funding and preparation have improved, but pockets of the industry remain far behind.

  • Challenges for Smallholder Producers

Producers in origin countries face their own hurdles. A significant portion of smallholder farmers still lack the tools, connectivity, or financial means to carry out geomapping — a core requirement for EUDR compliance.

In Kenya, authorities launched a nationwide effort in July 2025 to map all coffee farmland. At that time, the Agriculture and Food Authority reported that only 30% of the country’s coffee-growing area — 32,688 hectares across 16 out of 33 counties — had been mapped.

Corby cautions that farmers who cannot geomap independently may become dependent on exporters who map land on their behalf. This could tie farmers to a single buyer, limiting their ability to negotiate better prices.

He stresses that farmers don’t need deep technical knowledge, but they do need access to a fair system where mapping data is transferable. That would allow them to sell to whichever exporter or roaster offers the best terms.

  • Why the Delay Matters

With the new extension, supply-chain actors gain another year to build tools, test systems, and reduce the risk of non-compliance. Corby notes that errors under the regulation could carry severe penalties, making preparation essential.

The extra time, he says, could ultimately support more ethical and responsible sourcing, provided the industry uses the period to strengthen relationships and transparency with growers.

  • Possible Early Impact Despite the Postponement

Although enforcement has been deferred, many European coffee companies were already close to meeting the original 2025 deadline. According to Corby, this means parts of the industry may still begin operating as if the rules were already active, leading to real changes on the ground in 2026.

Large roasters and exporters are investing significant resources into identifying and documenting the farms from which they source. This could accelerate traceability for tens of thousands of growers, even before EUDR officially takes effect.

Pact Coffee, which has worked exclusively with fully traceable coffees for 13 years, argues that transparency is the most effective way to ensure farmers receive fair compensation and long-term support.

East Asia’s Coffee Shop Landscape Surges as China Alone Adds 20,000 Stores in One Year

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

A new edition of Project Café East Asia 2026 by World Coffee Portal reveals an exceptional year for the branded coffee chain sector across East Asia, with the region’s total number of outlets jumping 18.4% to reach 180,268 stores. The strongest momentum came from China, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, all of which posted double-digit expansion in store counts.

  • China Leads the Region with Record-Breaking Growth

China registered the fastest acceleration, expanding its branded coffee shop network by 31.5% over the past year to reach 87,505 outlets—nearly half of all branded cafés in East Asia and almost double the size of the U.S. market. It also became the first national market ever to add more than 20,000 net new stores within a single calendar year.

The main force behind this surge came from domestic champions Luckin Coffee and Cotti Coffee, which together contributed over 12,000 new locations, representing half of the country’s entire branded segment.

China’s competitive landscape is being shaped heavily by pricing battles, most notably the RMB 9.9 (US$1.40) rivalry between Luckin and Cotti. This emphasis on affordability has also propelled the rise of budget-forward chains such as Lucky Cup, operated by Mixue, and KCOFFEE under Yum China.

As local operators increasingly dominate, several international brands have been pushed to reconsider their strategies. A striking example is Starbucks’ agreement to sell a majority stake in its 8,000-store Chinese business to Hong Kong–based Boyu Capital in a deal valued at $4 billion.

  • China Emerges as a Global Lab for Beverage Innovation

While 80% of surveyed Chinese consumers drink hot coffee at least once a week and a quarter consume it daily, operators are aggressively expanding their cold, flavored, and fruit-infused offerings—turning China into a leading testing ground for new flavors.

Matcha, palm sugar, and coconut were rated among the most appealing additions by consumers. Luckin Coffee’s Coconut Latte, introduced in 2017, continues to dominate its sales charts. The brand is known for launching experimental drinks weekly, resulting in items like jelly lattes and cheese lattes.

KCOFFEE has taken novelty even further, releasing products such as Egg Tart Dirty Coffee, a fried-chicken-inspired latte, and even a sparkling black vinegar Americano.

  • Homegrown Chains Strengthen Positions Across East Asia

East Asia’s coffee chain ecosystem is increasingly being shaped by domestic players that emphasize local traditions, accessible pricing, and menus tailored to national tastes. According to World Coffee Portal’s consumer survey, 57% of Chinese respondents prefer homegrown chains over international brands—a trend replicated across the region.

Key examples include:

Jinji Jawa in Indonesia,

ZUS Coffee in Malaysia,

Pickup Coffee in the Philippines, and

Milano Coffee in Vietnam—

each of which added hundreds of new stores in the last year. Their rapid expansion outpaced Western competitors like Starbucks, Costa Coffee, and Dunkin’.

Thailand showed similar dynamics: Café Amazon and PunThai Coffee accounted for 80% of all new cafés opened in the country this year, highlighting the region’s increasing focus on localization, digital engagement, and culturally relevant branding.

  • Industry Leaders Expect Continued Growth

The majority of operators surveyed remain optimistic about the sector’s direction:

71% reported higher sales over the past year.

68% expect trading conditions to further improve in the next 12 months.

World Coffee Portal forecasts that East Asia will become the first region to surpass 200,000 branded coffee shops by the end of 2026. By November 2030, the regional market is projected to exceed 263,000 outlets, reflecting a five-year compound annual growth rate of 7.9%.

  • China is expected to maintain strong momentum with:

20% outlet growth in 2026, and

10.3% average annual growth over the following five years,
bringing its store count to over 142,500 outlets by 2030.

Other markets—including Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam—are also predicted to achieve double-digit outlet expansion over the next year.

  • Expert Insight

Commenting on the findings, Jeffrey Young, Founder and CEO of Allegra Group, highlighted East Asia’s rising global influence. He described China’s addition of more than 20,000 stores in a single year as “astonishing” and emphasized that the region is poised to drive the majority of global coffee market growth in the coming decades. Young added that the entry of East Asian chains into Western markets—along with their distinctive approaches to technology and product innovation—could reshape international trends.

Russian Investors Lose More Than 1.5 Billion Rubles in Coffee Project

Posted on by Qahwa World

Moscow — Qahwa World

A large number of investors across different regions of Russia reported that the funds they injected — exceeding 1.5 billion rubles — into a coffee-related commercial project may have ended up in a non-transparent financial scheme.

According to the outlet Vesti, the affected investors said that the company that received these investments is now preparing to declare bankruptcy, while the project owner has been unreachable for more than a year.

The investors stated that they placed their money into the company Retail Group with the expectation of returns reaching up to 30%. Initially, payments were made on time, but by mid-last year delays began, and eventually all payouts stopped.

One investor said he personally visited the sales outlets and met with the project owner, which gave him the impression that the business was operating normally.

Retail Group, which began operating in 2019, traded coffee and tea and supplied related equipment. The project gained wide attention after being promoted by intermediaries and bloggers. Some of those affected said they learned about the company through online influencers.

A reporter managed to reach the company’s owner, Stanislav Bokov, by phone. Bokov said he is not hiding and did not intend to mislead investors, explaining that the business faced significant losses that led to legal proceedings and that the company is moving toward bankruptcy.

He added that communication with investors is still ongoing and that he does not intend to evade responsibility.

Indonesia Rises to Third Place Among Russia’s Largest Coffee Suppliers

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Indonesia has climbed into the top three suppliers of coffee to Russia during the first nine months of the year, driven by a 1.6-fold increase in export value to 64.5 million dollars, according to data from the UN Comtrade platform and national customs authorities.

Vietnam remains Russia’s leading coffee supplier, expanding its shipments by 50% to 351.5 million dollars. Brazil holds second place, nearly doubling its exports to 288 million dollars.

The Netherlands, which previously occupied third place, moved down to fourth after showing only a modest 3% increase, reaching 45.7 million dollars. Germany stayed in fifth place with a 12% rise to 43.5 million dollars.

Italy ranked sixth with shipments totaling 25.9 million dollars, a 6% increase. Armenia doubled its exports to 18.7 million dollars, taking seventh place. Estonia and India followed, becoming the only countries in the top ten to record declines. Estonia’s exports fell by 16% to 15.7 million dollars, while India’s dropped by 13% to 13.6 million dollars.

Portugal closed the top ten after nearly doubling its shipments to 12 million dollars.

Overall, Russia’s coffee imports grew by 45.5% year-on-year, reaching 924.7 million dollars.

Drinkit CEO Announces Sub-40 Month Payback Period for Dubai Coffee Shops

Posted on by Qahwa World

DUBAI – Qahwa World

Drinkit, the rapidly growing coffee shop chain, has achieved a significant milestone in one of the world’s most competitive F&B environments, announcing an impressive average payback period for its retail network in Dubai.

In a statement released by CEO Katerina Borodich, the company confirmed that five out of six established Drinkit locations in the emirate have demonstrated an average payback period of just 31.6 months (approximately 2.6 years). Including the strategic, high-investment Mirdif flagship—opened intentionally as an image-focused brand strengthener—the overall portfolio average stands at 39 months (3.25 years).

Note: the payback period is calculated based on Store Level EBITDA.

The CEO underscored the achievement’s importance, noting that the results are “not a theoretical benchmark, but backed by real numbers from our own stores.”

The announcement positions Drinkit’s model as resilient and confident within the fiercely contested Dubai market, which hosts nearly every major global coffee chain.

Significant Upside Projected

Despite the strong performance, Borodich emphasized that the company is only beginning to unlock its full commercial potential. Drinkit has recently initiated several major growth levers that are expected to further compress the payback timeline and increase profitability:

  • Menu and Pricing Optimization: Refining product offerings and adjusting pricing strategies across the network.
  • City-wide Marketing Activation: Scaling marketing efforts across Dubai to drive brand awareness and foot traffic.
  • Delivery Scaling: Launching and scaling partnerships with all major aggregators to capture the growing off-premise market share.

“In one of the most competitive F&B markets in the world… Drinkit demonstrates a confident, resilient business model,” Borodich stated. “The upside is significant, and we’re only beginning to execute our full optimization strategy.”

The CEO concluded the announcement by congratulating the Drinkit team and franchise partners, recognizing their role in achieving these results, and extending an invitation to prospective partners for international expansion.

Coffee Prices Drop as Supply Outlook Strengthens

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Coffee prices experienced a sharp decline on Monday, with arabica falling to a two-week low and robusta reaching a 2.25-month low. The downturn comes amid expectations of abundant global coffee supplies.

Brazil’s crop agency, Conab, recently raised its 2025 production forecast to 56.54 million bags, up from 55.20 million bags projected in September. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s National Statistics Office reported a 39% year-on-year increase in November coffee exports, reaching 88,000 metric tons, while January–November exports grew nearly 15% to 1.398 million metric tons.

Analysts at StoneX forecast that Brazil could produce 70.7 million bags in the 2026/27 marketing year, including 47.2 million bags of arabica—a 29% increase compared to the previous year.

The European Union’s recent one-year delay of its deforestation regulation (EUDR) is also influencing market sentiment. The measure, designed to curb deforestation in countries exporting key commodities to the EU, now allows continued imports of coffee, soybeans, and cocoa from regions experiencing deforestation, contributing to expectations of steady supply.

Weather conditions in Brazil are playing a mixed role. In the country’s largest arabica-producing region, Minas Gerais, rainfall was reported at just 11 mm for the week ending December 5, only 17% of the historical average—offering some support for prices.

U.S. coffee inventories monitored by ICE have tightened due to tariffs on Brazilian coffee imports. Arabica stocks fell to a 1.75-year low of 398,645 bags in late November, though they recently rebounded to over 426,000 bags. Robusta stocks dropped to an 11.5-month low on Monday. U.S. purchases of Brazilian coffee from August to October declined 52% year-on-year following the tariff implementation, reducing domestic supply.

On the other hand, increased production from Vietnam exerts downward pressure on prices. The country is expected to produce 1.76 million metric tons (29.4 million bags) in 2025/26, a four-year high, with the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association projecting a 10% increase over the previous crop if favorable weather continues. Vietnam remains the world’s largest robusta producer.

Globally, signs of tighter supplies provide some price support. The International Coffee Organization reported a slight 0.3% year-on-year decline in global coffee exports for the current marketing year, totaling 138.658 million bags.

The USDA projects world coffee production in 2025/26 to reach a record 178.68 million bags, with arabica slightly down 1.7% to 97.022 million bags and robusta rising 7.9% to 81.658 million bags. Brazil’s output is expected to increase modestly to 65 million bags, while Vietnam’s crop could rise to a four-year high of 31 million bags. Global ending stocks are forecast to grow nearly 5% to 22.819 million bags.

Kelachandra Coffee Elevates Sustainability with Deepflow Climate Intelligence

Posted on by Qahwa World
  • Kelachandra Coffee Partners with Deepflow Technologies to Deploy Hyperlocal Climate Intelligence in Chikmagalur
  • Data-driven climate intelligence to enhance resilience, productivity, and sustainable coffee cultivation

Bengaluru  – Qahwa World

Kelachandra Coffee, one of India’s largest privately held coffee plantation companies, has announced a strategic partnership with Deepflow Technologies, an agri-tech startup incubated at NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore. The collaboration involves the deployment of Augmented Weather Stations (A-WS) and the IndraWeather platform (powered by mistEO) across Kelachandra’s 15 estates in the Western Ghats of Chikkamagaluru and Wayanad. This initiative aims to establish a data-driven, climate-resilient coffee cultivation ecosystem.

The project, which began with a successful pilot at the Chandrapore Estate, is now moving into a long-term deployment phase across the entire Kumergode Cluster. The expansion targets transforming traditional coffee cultivation into a system that can mitigate microclimate risks and enhance productivity across the company’s 6,500-acre network of estates.

  • Focus on Proactive Climate Adaptation

Ms. Rishina Kuruvilla, Head of CSR & Sustainability at Kelachandra Coffee, emphasized the necessity of the partnership: “Climate volatility is no longer a distant threat; it is a daily reality for coffee growers. By integrating Deepflow’s hyperlocal intelligence, we are shifting our strategy from crisis response… to proactive climate adaptation. This technology enables us to make informed decisions on varietal selection and agroforestry, ensuring our estates remain productive and sustainable for decades to come.”

The collaboration leverages Deepflow’s Augmented Weather Stations to capture real-time environmental data with approximately 95% accuracy. This data is then processed by IndraWeather to provide hyperlocal forecasts essential for optimizing crucial farm operations.

  • Enhancing Quality and Operational Precision

Ms. Neleema Rana George, Head of Coffee Works & Technology at Kelachandra Coffee, detailed the operational benefits: “Precision is key to maintaining the specialty standards Kelachandra is known for. With real-time insights into rainfall, temperature, and humidity, we can now scientifically schedule irrigation and fertilization, rather than relying on historical averages. The system’s ability to predict weather windows helps us optimize harvesting and fermentation, directly enhancing our cup quality while stabilizing yields against climatic stress.”

During the pilot, the technology demonstrated strong predictive accuracy, with real-time weather data accuracy around 95% and forecast accuracy ranging from 80–88%. Rainfall tracking reached up to 92% during peak events. This high level of precision supports smarter labour scheduling, lower-chemical pest interventions, and an overall reduction in operational costs.

Atthri Anand, Managing Director, Deepflow Technologies, noted the significance of the partnership: “Partnering with a legacy grower like Kelachandra Coffee validates the critical role of deep-tech in modern agriculture. Our goal… is to provide granular, estate-level data that empowers growers to navigate microclimate variability. Seeing our forecast models achieve such high accuracy in the complex terrain of the Western Ghats proves that data-driven resilience is scalable and effective for the Indian coffee industry.”

The partnership also provides a foundation for financial resilience, as the collected data can be used to potentially trigger parametric risk insurance coverage, further securing the plantation against extreme weather events.

  • About the Partners

Deepflow Technologies: An agri-tech startup incubated at NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore, specializing in AI-powered weather intelligence and IoT solutions to enable climate-smart farming.

Kelachandra Coffee: A division of the historic Kelachandra Group (est. 1786), cultivating premium shade-grown Arabica and Robusta with globally recognized certifications, and exporting to key international markets including Japan, Germany, and the Middle East.

Némo Pop Wins World Aeropress Championship in Seoul

Posted on by Qahwa World

Seoul –  Qahwa World

Australia’s representative, Némo Pop, claimed the World Aeropress Championship title in Seoul, only weeks after securing the national championship in Melbourne.

This year’s Aeropress season concluded with 230 regional and national events held across 70 countries, bringing together more than 6,500 competitors.

In the final round, Némo competed against Switzerland’s Jan Ahrend, while India’s Dharun Vyas secured third place. The judging panel consisted of Jeon Jooyeon, Dylan Siemens, and Megan Wyper, who oversaw the decisive final brews.

The final was marked by intense anticipation as both competitors worked within a five-minute brewing window using the official championship coffee and Aeropress equipment provided by event partners.

Once the judges made their selection, Némo Pop was crowned the new world champion, continuing Australia’s strong track record in this competition.

The 2025 edition brought together 66 national champions, concluding a full year of planning, qualifiers, and coordination by organizers, volunteers, partners, and supporters.

Coffee Consumption Significantly Lowers Risk of Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a severe and currently incurable autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, may have a new mitigating factor: coffee.

A rigorous systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple prior studies—combining data from over 4,500 participants—has found that individuals who regularly consume coffee are 22% less likely to develop MS compared to non-drinkers. This finding, published recently in the journal Neurodegenerative Disease Management, suggests a significant association between this common beverage and reduced risk for the debilitating condition.

  • Understanding the Disease

MS is defined by the immune system mistakenly attacking the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This damage disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to a host of symptoms including chronic fatigue, vision problems, numbness, and severe mobility issues.

While the precise cause of MS remains unknown, researchers believe it involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition and environmental/lifestyle factors, such as smoking, diet, and Vitamin D deficiency. This new research suggests that simple dietary choices may play a crucial role in prevention.

  • The Strength of the Evidence

The meta-analysis, which combined the results of numerous papers, included a cohort of 2,193 individuals with MS and 2,344 people in the control group. Of the participants diagnosed with MS, 1,072 were identified as regular coffee drinkers.

Researchers suggest the neuroprotective effects of coffee—particularly the compounds found within—could be the mechanism behind the correlation. These compounds have been demonstrated to:

  1. Reduce systemic inflammation, a key driver of autoimmune attacks.
  2. Limit oxidative stress, protecting neural tissues from cellular damage.
  3. Decrease the activation of immune cells within the brain, potentially slowing the autoimmune response.
  • Important Caveats for Readers

Despite the compelling 22% reduction figure, the authors of the study urge caution in interpretation. They noted that the individual studies included in their review had heterogeneous results—some showing benefits, others showing no effect, and a few suggesting negative associations.

Therefore, while the pooled data suggests a strong protective link, it is impossible to draw generalized, causal conclusions at this time. The researchers stressed that more targeted, prospective research is essential to establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship or to determine the optimal consumption levels for risk mitigation.

Nonetheless, these results align with a growing body of evidence linking the consumption of coffee to positive health outcomes in conditions where chronic inflammation is a major contributing factor.

 

The New Frontier of Flavor: Co-Fermentation and the Ethics of “Infused” Coffee

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

The specialty coffee sector is undergoing a radical transformation in post-harvest processing. The emergence of co-fermentation—the practice of introducing non-coffee organic substrates during fermentation—has created a new category of flavor profiles. This article explores the mechanics of this method, the regulatory challenges regarding allergens and labeling, and the philosophical debate defining the future of coffee authenticity.

  • 1. Defining the Terms: From Inoculation to Co-Fermentation

To understand the controversy, industry professionals must first distinguish between the varying levels of fermentation intervention. The terminology is often used interchangeably, which leads to market confusion.

Standard Fermentation: The natural microbial breakdown of mucilage by native yeast and bacteria found in the environment.

Controlled Inoculation: The introduction of specific, lab-grown strains of yeast (e.g., Saccharomyces or Lactobacillus) to guide the flavor profile towards consistency. This is widely accepted as an agronomic best practice.

Co-Fermentation (Additive Fermentation): The addition of foreign organic material—such as fruits, spices, hops, or essential oils—into the fermentation tank. The goal is to provide specific nutrients (substrates) for the microbes to metabolize, creating esters and aldehydes that bond with the coffee seed’s cellular structure.

  • 2. The Science of Substrates and “Mossto”

The mechanism behind co-fermentation is not merely “flavoring” in the traditional sense; it is metabolic engineering.

When a producer introduces a substrate like passion fruit or cinnamon, they are introducing simple sugars and specific acids. The microbial culture consumes these sugars and produces byproducts (flavor compounds). Because the coffee bean is porous and undergoing osmotic changes during fermentation, these compounds penetrate the green bean.

  • The Role of “Mossto”

A critical technique in this field, utilized by innovators like Edwin Noreña of Finca Campo Hermoso in Colombia, is the use of Mossto.

Definition: Mossto is the “must” or juice collected from a previous fermentation batch, rich in active enzymes and acclimatized microbes.

Application: Producers cultivate this starter culture and then add secondary ingredients (e.g., galaxy hops or dehydrated fruits). Noreña argues that this does not “mask” the coffee but amplifies existing precursors. For example, using a citric-heavy Mossto to enhance a varietal that already possesses citric notes.

  • 3. The Regulatory Vacuum: Allergens and Labeling

The most significant friction point in co-fermentation is not flavor, but safety and legality. Currently, the regulatory framework lags behind innovation.

  • The FDA and the “Kill Step”

In the United States, green coffee is a raw agricultural product. The FDA generally views the roasting process (which exceeds 400°F/200°C) as a validated “kill step” for pathogens like Salmonella. However, roasting does not reliably denature all allergenic proteins.

The Risk: If a producer co-ferments coffee with lactose, soy, or nuts to create a creamy mouthfeel, and fails to disclose this on the export documents, a consumer with a severe allergy is at risk.

The Labeling Gap: Current regulations do not strictly require “green coffee” bags to list ingredients other than coffee. This breaks the chain of custody, often leaving importers and roasters unaware of the additives used at the farm level.

  • 4. The Debate: Authenticity vs. Evolution

The industry is currently split into two philosophical camps regarding how these coffees should be categorized.

The Purist Argument: Critics argue that co-fermentation risks homogenizing coffee. If a producer can make a mediocre Castillo varietal taste like a top-tier Geisha by adding floral extracts during fermentation, it distorts the value of the genetic material and terroir. They demand these coffees be labeled as “Infused” or “Processed with Adjuvants” rather than “Specialty Coffee.”

The Innovator Argument: Proponents argue that coffee processing borrows from wine and beer (cider) traditions, where adjuncts are common. They view the fermentation tank as a canvas and argue that as long as the base material is coffee, the processing method is simply a tool for creativity and differentiation in a saturated market.

  • 5. Conclusion: The Path Forward

Co-fermentation is unlikely to disappear; the market demand for exotic, high-intensity fruit profiles is too strong. However, for the industry to mature, it must embrace Radical Transparency.

  • The future of high-end coffee likely involves a bifurcation:

Traditional Specialty: Focused on terroir, genetics, and low-intervention processing.

Engineered Specialty: Focused on co-fermentation, sensory design, and creative processing.

Both have a place on the shelf, provided the consumer knows exactly what is in the cup.

Three Types of Vietnamese Coffee Among the Top 10 Beverages in Southeast Asia

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Three Vietnamese coffee drinks have been ranked among the top 10 beverages in Southeast Asia, according to a culinary ranking published by a specialized food platform. This recognition reflects Vietnam’s continued strong presence on the regional beverage map.

Iced milk coffee ranked third, described as a balanced blend combining strong coffee, condensed milk, and ice, creating a rich and appealing flavor. Traditionally, it is prepared using medium or coarse roasted coffee brewed through a drip filter, then mixed with condensed milk and served over ice. A modern version uses concentrated coffee with condensed milk.

Vietnamese black coffee took sixth place. Although black coffee is popular worldwide, the Vietnamese version stands out due to its unique coffee varieties and traditional roasting styles. Coffee was introduced to Vietnam in the nineteenth century, and the country later became one of the world’s leading producers of robusta beans. Robusta is known for its strong flavor and low acidity, and in some regions it is roasted with butter, sugar, or vanilla to enhance its taste.

Egg coffee from Hanoi also made it into the top 10. This drink is known for its rich and sweet taste, prepared with strong coffee topped with a creamy layer made from whisked egg yolk mixed with condensed milk until smooth and frothy. The recipe dates back to the 1950s.

Several other Vietnamese beverages appeared in the upper ranks, including lotus tea (ranked 12), frozen yogurt (23), apple wine (26), fermented rice wine (29), and sticky black rice wine (31). Innovative coffee creations such as salted coffee and coconut coffee were also included.

Thai red milk tea topped the list of the best 62 beverages in the region, while Malaysian white coffee ranked second.

In recent years, Vietnamese coffee has received significant international recognition in global newspapers and magazines, appearing in lists of the world’s best coffees and in cultural reports highlighting its unique flavors and preparation methods.

Coffee was introduced to Vietnam in 1857 and flourished in the central highlands, particularly robusta due to the favorable climate and soil. Today, coffee is a key industrial crop in Vietnam, grown on an area of about 680 thousand hectares.

Vietnam’s coffee exports saw remarkable growth in 2025. By November 15, total exports reached approximately 1.35 million tons, valued at 7.64 billion dollars, representing an increase of 14.6% in volume and 62.3% in value compared to the same period in 2024.