Category: News

Vietnam: The Journey of Coffee Cultivation and Processing Knowledge Towards Global Recognition

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Dubai – Qahwa World

The World Coffee Museum in Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak province, Vietnam, hosted the activities of the 2025 International Scientific Conference and Forum from December 5 to 6.

The conference was held under the theme: “Global Coffee Industry Value Chain – Global, Local, and Sustainable Development,” jointly organized by the Dak Lak Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ho Chi Minh City University of Culture, UNESCO, and Yunnan University (China), and sponsored by the Trung Nguyen Group. The event attracted dozens of local and international experts, scientists, and managers.

In his opening speech, Associate Professor Dr. Lam Nhan, President of Ho Chi Minh City University of Culture, emphasized that coffee represents a strategic industrial crop and a source of pride for the people of Dak Lak and the Central Highlands. He noted its sensitivity to climate change and the necessity of transitioning from expanding cultivated areas to raising quality, increasing value, developing processing technologies, and managing the value chain.

The workshop is not limited to the scientific dimension; it represents a step toward formulating a new vision for developing Vietnamese coffee within the global value chain, through discussions on coffee heritage—from agricultural knowledge and processing to the culture of enjoyment—in addition to topics of technology, branding, environmental responsibility, and sustainable development.

The workshop also contributes to the preparation of the file on the “Knowledge of Coffee Cultivation, Processing, and Enjoyment in the Central Highlands,” to be submitted to UNESCO for inclusion in the List of Good Safeguarding Practices of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

  • Dak Lak… The Center of the Vietnamese Coffee Industry

Tran Hong Tien, Director of the Dak Lak Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated that Buon Ma Thuot is the core of the coffee industry in Vietnam, noting that Dak Lak Robusta coffee is not just an agricultural crop, but a deeply rooted cultural symbol among the ethnic communities in the Central Highlands, preserved across generations.

The province aims to enhance the value of coffee heritage by integrating sustainable agriculture, the green economy, agri-tourism and cultural tourism, and creative industries, in line with UNESCO’s philosophy of community preservation and heritage-based development.

  • Practical Steps Towards UNESCO Listing

Tran Hong Tien mentioned that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism submitted a request to the Prime Minister for permission to prepare a scientific file on the intangible cultural heritage related to the “Knowledge of Dak Lak Coffee Cultivation and Processing.” The workshop is the first step in preparing this file, supported by 67 research presentations covering economics, society, culture, anthropology, heritage, coffee technologies, value chains, and sustainable development.

  • Indigenous Knowledge… Memory, Identity, and Culture

Delegates discussed axes including: cultural exchange through coffee, localization practices during integration periods, the role of coffee heritage in socio-economic and tourism development, and solutions for preserving and enhancing local knowledge in cultivation, processing, and drinking culture.

Experts believe that the knowledge of coffee cultivation and processing in Dak Lak goes beyond inherited traditional skills; it represents a shared system of values and identity that strengthens social bonds, supports sustainability, and provides livelihoods.

  • Towards a Community-Based Heritage Model

Associate Professor Dr. Le Thi Ngoc Diep from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities assessed that the coffee heritage in Buon Ma Thuot is developing in the unique context of Dak Lak’s central position in the Vietnamese coffee industry. She considered integrating coffee with the concepts of “heritage” and “local identity” an effective strategy to enhance value in the global market. She emphasized the necessity of a community-based heritage model that ensures local residents’ participation in managing and investing in heritage while maintaining a balance between tourism and authenticity.

  • Notable Success and Broad Cultural Participation

The workshop concluded with participants commending the outcomes. Tran Hong Tien affirmed that the event constituted a first step in preparing the file for UNESCO heritage listing and contributed to presenting new visions for globally promoting the status of Dak Lak coffee as a symbol of living heritage and a sustainable green economy.

The event featured Zén coffee tasting sessions, visits to coffee farms, and an introduction to the three coffee civilizations: Ottoman, Roman, and Zén, alongside a tour of the World Coffee Museum.

  • Dak Lak on the Global Heritage and Creativity Map

This forum represents a bridge between heritage and contemporary creativity, enhancing the position of Dak Lak – “Vietnam’s Coffee Capital” – on the map of world cultural heritage and creative industries.

BBC News: ‘Best café in Liverpool’ to close after 30 years

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A popular family-run café in Liverpool city centre, Maggie May’s, is set to close its doors permanently after three decades in business. The café, located on the busy Bold Street, famously counted Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish and actor Ralph Fiennes among its patrons.

Maggie May’s, established in 1995 by Susan and John Lea, maintained a traditional approach, avoiding contemporary culinary trends. The establishment was well-known for its regional dishes, particularly its “scouse”—a traditional meat and potato stew.

After thirty years, the Lea family has confirmed the closure, citing the demanding hours and the physical toll of running the business.

Carly Lea, who helped run the café with her parents, told the BBC that while leaving would be difficult, “the time was right.”

“We’re all getting that little bit older, we’re all getting a little bit weary,” she stated, adding that the intense daily shifts, often exceeding 12 hours, had “taken its toll.”

“The café could go on but physically we feel as though we can’t go on—which is unfortunate but also it’s very, very real and that’s ultimately the main reason,” she explained.

Ms. Lea attributes the café’s enduring success to “sticking to what we know,” focusing on traditional local food rooted in her mother’s experience as a pub cook before founding the business.

  • Memorable Moments

Reflecting on the café’s history, Ms. Lea described serving Sir Kenny Dalglish on several occasions as a “personal highlight.” A standout moment was also serving BAFTA-winning actor Ralph Fiennes in 2023, who stopped for a drink while playing the lead in a local production of Macbeth.

Ms. Lea recounted the encounter, noting that she was “starstruck” by the Harry Potter star. “I think I was quite starstruck because it was like: ‘that’s Voldemort’,” she said.

For regular customers, the news has been met with disappointment. Anthony McDowell, 54, a patron since the café opened, expressed his deep sadness.

“I walk past about four other cafés to get here, it’s only one café in town for me,” Mr. McDowell told the BBC. “I’ve known the family for years and they’re a lovely family, and they’ve spent a lot of hard-working years and I can understand the reasons.”

Carly Lea admitted she was surprised by the emotional response to the announcement, saying it has been “very emotional” with people telling them they are “heartbroken.”

Maggie May’s is scheduled to serve its final customers on Christmas Eve.

Russian Cities Where Coffee Spending Is Highest

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Moscow — Qahwa World

New analysis from the fiscal data operator “Platforma OFD” shows significant differences in how much residents of Russia’s largest cities spend on coffee. Among million-plus cities, Chelyabinsk recorded the highest average coffee-shop bill in September and October, reaching 610 rubles per visit.

St. Petersburg ranked second with an average of 603 rubles, followed by Novosibirsk, where the average check reached 597 rubles.

Other major cities also demonstrated elevated spending levels:

Moscow — 564 rubles

Krasnoyarsk — 506 rubles

Krasnodar — 501 rubles

Residents of several cities spent slightly below 500 rubles per order:

Rostov-on-Don — 494 rubles

Kazan — 477 rubles

Volgograd — 470 rubles

Yekaterinburg closed the top ten with an average of 467 rubles.

More moderate spending was observed across the Volga region. Average coffee-shop bills were reported as follows:

Ufa — 465 rubles

Samara — 462 rubles

Perm — 453 rubles

Nizhny Novgorod — 437 rubles

Voronezh placed fifteenth, with an average check of 427 rubles.

According to Dmitry Batyushenkov, CEO of Platforma OFD, growth potential in the coffee market is increasingly concentrated in regional cities. He noted that residential districts continue to offer numerous suitable locations for new coffee shops, creating additional opportunities for expansion.

Brazilian Robusta Coffee Gains Ground with Focus on Quality

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Brazil – Dubai

Robusta coffee producers in Brazil are investing heavily in quality improvements, seeking to elevate the reputation of a bean long considered inferior to arabica. Specialty cafés in São Paulo now serve robusta-only espresso shots with rich crema and chocolate-like flavors, challenging old perceptions about the variety.

Baristas and coffee enthusiasts highlight robusta’s full-bodied taste and smoother mouthfeel. “It produces a creamy espresso with strong chocolate notes,” says Marco Kerkmeester, co-founder of a local coffee chain, referencing a unique robusta variety labeled “0% Arabica.”

Climate pressures on arabica crops have accelerated interest in robusta. Brazil ranks as the world’s second-largest robusta producer after Vietnam and leads globally in arabica production. Studies suggest that rising temperatures and drought could make much of Brazil’s prime arabica-growing land unsuitable by 2050.

In Espirito Santo, the main robusta-producing state, farmers are adopting advanced harvesting and drying techniques to enhance bean quality. The leading cooperative, Cooabriel, has moved from traditional fire-drying to modern dryers, which preserve flavor and aroma. Specialty certification programs and international trade shows are helping producers access premium markets.

The state government plans to scale up specialty robusta output to 1.5 million 60-kg bags annually by 2032, compared with just 10,000 today. This expansion involves wider use of best post-harvest practices and a robust nursery program expected to grow to 10 million saplings per year.

Higher-quality robusta has led to increased demand and rising prices. Specialty robusta averaged over $295 per 60-kg bag through October 2025, more than double the 2021 level. Futures for robusta have climbed over 80% since 2021, while arabica futures rose around 60%.

Industry leaders say better-quality robusta allows coffee roasters to include more robusta in blends, while highlighting its own unique flavor rather than positioning it as a cheaper substitute. Local preferences for stronger, more bitter coffee further support robusta’s growing popularity. “For those who like a fuller body and bolder taste, robusta fits perfectly,” notes barista Natalia Ramos Braga from São Paulo.

Coffee Costs in Canada Keep Climbing: What Consumers Need to Know

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Retail coffee prices have nearly doubled over the past five years

Dubai – Qahwa World

For many Canadians, the daily cup of coffee has become more than a simple pick-me-up—it’s an increasingly costly habit.

A recent report from Statistics Canada shows that in August, the average price for store-bought coffee was about 28% higher than the same time last year. Looking at a longer timeline, the cost of a 340-gram bag has risen from $5.36 in 2020 to $9.30 in 2025, almost doubling in just five years.

Experts say there is little chance prices will drop soon. Sylvain Charlebois, a food policy researcher at Dalhousie University in Halifax, points to production challenges in major coffee-growing countries such as Brazil and Vietnam. Extreme weather has affected yields, particularly for Arabica beans, which require very specific growing conditions.

“Arabica beans need a stable climate in the mountains to thrive,” Charlebois explained. “Droughts or excessive rainfall disrupt that balance, and this year conditions haven’t been ideal. These factors influence prices around the world.”

Other coffee-producing nations, including Costa Rica, Colombia, and Kenya, also contribute to the global supply. However, large-scale buyers often prioritize volume and cost, which isn’t always guaranteed.

Globally, Arabica and Robusta are the two primary types of coffee beans. Arabica, known for its bitter flavor, has grown in popularity thanks to coffee chains, while Robusta is more widely used in mass-market blends. Coffee futures recently rose above US$4 per pound, signaling that consumer prices are likely to continue rising.

Demand is increasing in Asia, where a growing middle class is turning to coffee as a symbol of lifestyle and status, adding further upward pressure on prices. Charlebois predicts that retailers may respond by offering more budget-friendly private-label brands, which are cheaper but generally of lower quality.

The rising cost of coffee is part of a broader trend affecting Canadian households. According to Dalhousie University’s Food Price Report, about 25% of families face food insecurity, and a typical family of four could spend nearly $1,000 more on groceries in the coming year. “Coffee prices aren’t likely to fall for the next six to eight months,” Charlebois said.

Bloomberg… Colombian Women Push Against Coffee’s Patriarchy

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Bloomberg published an investigation titled “From Bean to Cup, Colombian Women Push Against Coffee’s Patriarchy”, which stated:

The mist-covered hills of Colombia’s Huila region, lined with dense coffee trees, are witnessing a gradual but determined shift. Women across the country’s renowned coffee sector are stepping into roles once dominated almost entirely by men. They are running farms, forming cooperatives, and launching their own brands, yet deep-rooted gender barriers continue to limit their economic participation—despite historically high coffee prices.

Industry Boom and Leadership Barriers

Colombia’s coffee industry is experiencing one of its strongest periods in decades. Arabica prices reached record levels in October after US tariffs on Brazilian coffee coincided with weak global harvests. Even after the tariffs were reversed, prices remained high, with buyers scrambling to rebuild inventories.

In the twelve months through October, Colombia produced nearly 15 million 60-kg bags of coffee—up 14% from the previous year and the highest level for this time period since 1992, according to the National Federation of Coffee Growers.

Exports rose more than 11% to 13.4 million bags, with roughly 40% headed to the United States.

Women are slowly benefiting from this boom. For the first time in almost a century, they now lead two of the federation’s 15 regional committees. They also represent nearly one-third of Colombia’s 525,000 registered coffee farmers, a rise of more than ten percentage points since the late 1990s. Still, their visibility has not translated into equal access to leadership roles, decision-making power, or financial resources.

  • Daily Realities in the Coffee Heartland

In Huila, gender inequality often begins at home. Nery Muñoz, 47, leads a small coffee-growers association in the town of Palestina. Like thousands of women in the region, she manages household responsibilities while working long hours in the fields. “When I have to attend a training session or a meeting, I make sure breakfast, lunch and dinner are ready,” she says. “I also take care of my grandson when my son is working.”

The region also faces the long-term impact of Colombia’s internal conflict and the pressures of illicit crop economies. President Gustavo Petro has encouraged farmers to replace coca with crops such as coffee, but insecurity still affects daily life for many women trying to build sustainable livelihoods.

Cultural Barriers and Financing Challenges

In nearby Pitalito, ten women—including 34-year-old Yineth Sánchez—spent almost a year registering their cooperative, Asoproca. Their goal is to produce and sell coffee under their own brand, but limited legal and technical knowledge slowed progress.

According to adviser Andrea Cano, who works with women entrepreneurs in Huila, deep-rooted gender norms continue to block women from equal participation. “It’s not seen well for a woman to leave her household duties to attend meetings or training,” she says. Many also lack the formal education needed to write proposals or manage projects.

  • The Credit Challenge

While 51% of Colombians have access to formal credit, the figure drops to 17–20% in rural areas. The gender gap itself is small (18% of rural men versus 16% of rural women have access), but hidden biases and structural barriers make loans harder to secure.

Loan officers often perceive women as riskier borrowers, especially when they lack property titles or appear less confident, says Jaime Rincón of Asobancaria. Yet data shows women have lower delinquency rates on 90-day loans.

Women manage 26% of Colombia’s planted coffee area and produce roughly 25% of national output.

Their farms also tend to be smaller: 59% cultivate under one hectare, compared with 51.2% of male farmers.

  • A Year of High Prices—and High Costs

In San Agustín, 44-year-old Edmy Yojana Correa farms 1.5 hectares with her husband, raising 7,450 coffee trees across four varieties. While she avoided chemical fertilizers and earned Rainforest Alliance certification, enabling her to secure higher prices, rising costs for organic fertilizer and labor are squeezing profits.

Edmy sought a private bank loan this year but was rejected. She later secured a small loan from Banco Agrario—about $2,000—after an official from the coffee federation informed her about a financing program she had never heard of. The loan, backed by Finagro, is just enough to fertilize her crops and prepare for next year.

Most women-led cooperatives still struggle to sell their coffee at competitive rates, especially compared with farmers who rely on the federation’s strong logistics and marketing networks.

“Our goal is to export our coffee at a fair price that compensates for all the processing and effort we invest,” says Asmuer leader Blanca Elcy Ome. Yet barriers persist. As global demand for Colombian coffee grows, many women who sustain the industry are still waiting to see the full benefits.

“We do need more support,” Edmy says ahead of a coffee fair in Bogotá. “I know there’s a customer for my coffee. I just have to look for them.”

diary of a coffee pilgrim: Day 1 – the climb into ethiopia’s source

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COFFEE ORIGINS TRIP (COT2) by Kerchanshe Group Ethiopia

Ethiopia– Qahwa World×Buna Kurs

The road out of Addis didn’t just fall away behind us — it released us. Dawn had made its mind, and sunlight has claimed authority as our convoy of white 4x4s rolled in disciplined sequence onto the outbound expressway. The “Coffee Pilgrim’s Caravan,” someone called it, half-joking — but the scale made the term fit. Each vehicle carried buyers, agronomists, exporters, storytellers; all bound by the crop that pays no attention to titles. As we passed clusters of early runners — lean, rhythmic, seemingly carved by the altitude that trained them — the contrast was sharp: those running toward the city we were leaving, and us driving toward the mountains that shape the coffee they drink. Everyone on the road seemed in motion for a reason.

The expressway was a brief luxury. After Adama, heat rose off the Rift like a warning. But the real shift came with the turn toward Asella — the first switchback where asphalt begins to ask for patience. Climbing requires commitment.

  • Bokoji Stop: The Taste of Terroir

Halfway up, the itinerary became appetizing. We made a stop in Bokoji, the highland town that has repeatedly introduced champions to the world. Up here, lungs stretch differently; legs grow stronger not by ambition but by geography. The town is famous for producing athletes, yes — but we stopped for something quieter: its organic yoghurt. Fresh, tart, thick enough to hold the spoon upright, carrying the unmistakable signature of altitude-fed pastures. Dairy doesn’t get its character from steel tanks — it comes from the forage, the soil, the water, the chill. Much like coffee, its flavor is the sum of what the land allows. In that bowl was terroir — protein, pasture, and precipitation converted into something simple but unforgettable. I scraped it clean.

The Arsi Massif and the Water Tower

Beyond Bokoji, the ascent stiffened; mist met the windshield sideways. Donkeys shrugged past us with the indifference of longtime residents. Horsemen appeared on ridges as if summoned. Cattle moved in slow procession, not obstructing the road but governing it. You learn quickly in the highlands: right-of-way belongs to whoever has lived with the altitude longest.

We pulled over near the ridge past Dera — the first cold that made us zip jackets without suggestion. From that vantage, the Arsi massif explained itself without words. Green geometry folding into valleys, springs glinting far below — the water tower in full view. Everything downstream — including the fermentation tanks and depulpers we romanticize — depends on this cold storehouse wringing rain from cloud. Hydrology is not a concept here; it’s the quiet labor of the land.

  • Conclusion and the Enduring Lineage

The Bale chain ran along our flank for hours — less a backdrop, more a boundary. It truly looks split — as if tectonics tried to tear Ethiopia apart and changed their mind mid-act. Yet the rift remains: a scar, a story, a geographic clause that explains why heirloom Arabica has the cradle it does. Geology to climate. Climate to ecology. Ecology to coffee. The lineage remains intact, visible from a moving vehicle window.

Robe arrived late and unceremoniously — headlights dissolving fog into woolen streaks. Dinner was humble and welcomed, jackets steaming beside us. Someone raised a quiet toast beneath the hum of fluorescent light and lingering chill.

Why does the best coffee come from the hardest places?

Tonight, after a day spent climbing into the source, the answer was simpler than the question:

Because greatness rarely lives where the road is easy — for landscapes, for people, or for coffee.

Brazil Set to Harvest Third-Largest Coffee Crop in History

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Brazil is on track to record one of the largest coffee harvests in its history in 2025. According to the National Supply Company (Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento, Conab), total production is expected to reach 56.5 million 60-kg bags, up 4.3% from 2024 and marking the third-largest harvest on record, behind only 2020 and 2018.

Although 2025 is a negative biennial year for coffee trees — a cycle when plants produce fewer beans — the overall result remains strong. The growth is attributed to a combination of a slight reduction in planted area by 1.2% (to 1.85 million hectares) and an increase in average yield, reaching 30.4 bags per hectare.

Robusta (Conilon) Hits Record Production

The main driver of the growth is robusta (conilon) coffee. Production in 2025 is estimated at 20.8 million bags, a 42.1% increase over 2024, setting a new record in Conab’s historical data. Robusta yield also rose significantly to 55.9 bags per hectare (+42.3%).

Key producing states showed substantial gains:

  • Espírito Santo — 14.2 million bags (+43.8%)
  • Bahia — 3.29 million bags (+68.7%)
  • Rondônia — 2.32 million bags (+10.8%)

Stable climatic conditions in these regions contributed to high productivity and record output.

Arabica Faces Decline

Arabica coffee production is down due to the negative biennial cycle and periods of drought. Conab estimates a 2025 arabica harvest of 35.76 million bags, a 9.7% decrease compared to 2024. Average yield fell by 8.4%, to 24.1 bags per hectare, and planted area decreased by 1.5%, to 1.49 million hectares.

Regional performance for arabica:

  • Minas Gerais — 25.17 million bags (–9.2%)
  • São Paulo — ~4.7 million bags (–12.9%)
  • Bahia — 1.14 million bags, up 2.5%, with the Cerrado region increasing by 18.5%

Exports: Lower Volume, Higher Revenue

From January to October 2025, Brazil exported approximately 34.2 million 60-kg bags, a 17.8% decline compared to the same period in 2024, mainly due to limited domestic stocks after the record 50.5 million bags shipped in 2024.

Despite lower volumes, export revenue for the first ten months of 2025 reached $12.9 billion, exceeding the total for 2024 and setting a new annual record. The increase in value is largely due to higher average international coffee prices in 2025.

Global Market Context

USDA analysts predict an increase in global coffee production for the 2025/26 season. However, significant price drops are not expected due to historically low carryover stocks. Global reserves at the start of the 2025/26 season are estimated at 21.8 million 60-kg bags, the lowest in 25 years, which will continue to support prices.

JDE Peet’s Prices EUR 600 Million Senior Unsecured Notes

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Amsterdam — Qahwa World

JDE Peet’s (EURONEXT: JDEP), the world’s leading pure-play coffee company, announced today that it has priced EUR 600 million in senior unsecured notes. The Notes, to be issued on December 11, 2025, consist of a EUR 600 million floating-rate note maturing in December 2027, priced at 3M EURIBOR + 70 bps.

The Notes will be issued under JDE Peet’s EUR 5 billion Debt Issuance Programme and are expected to be listed on the Euro MTF market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

Proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including refinancing upcoming debt maturities.

Sustainable Coffee Challenge Launches New Chapter Focused on Collective Climate and Nature Solutions

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Dubai – Qahwa World

The Sustainable Coffee Challenge has announced a major new phase in its global sustainability efforts, calling on its partners to strengthen their engagement and financial support to secure the long-term resilience of the coffee sector.

For the past decade, the Challenge has worked to build a global network of partners committed to shaping the industry’s sustainability approach. This collaborative platform has laid the groundwork for coordinated action on climate, nature, and sector-wide environmental priorities.

According to the announcement, the initiative is now entering a pivotal chapter that emphasizes delivering “tangible collective solutions” to address climate and nature risks—critical issues that directly influence coffee’s future.

The organization noted that its work relies entirely on voluntary contributions from partners, stressing that sponsor support remains essential for delivering the shared tools, learning resources, and alignment mechanisms that the entire sector depends on.

  • The sponsorship program supports several core areas of work, including:
  • Capacity Building and Learning: Scaling best practices through curated sessions, technical exchanges, and learning opportunities for the coffee sector.
  • Technical Guidance and Tools: Developing scientific and practical resources that enable companies to take action on climate and nature challenges.
  • Advocacy and Alignment: Enhancing coherence across global sustainability frameworks to ensure consistent and confident action.
  • Annual Stock-Take on Climate & Nature: Offering transparent, sector-wide insights to track progress and identify sector gaps and opportunities.
  • Strategic Development: Ensuring the Challenge evolves in a responsive and inclusive way, representing the sector in global sustainability dialogues.

The Challenge invited partners to join as sponsors for 2026 and help shape the next decade of action. Interested organizations are encouraged to review the 2026 Sponsorship Overview and contact the team at [email protected]   to discuss suitable contribution levels.

Niels Haak, Director of Sustainable Coffee Partnerships at Conservation International, extended gratitude to the initiative’s 2025 sponsors and encouraged continued support for the coming years.

Brazilian Real Firming Lifts Arabica Coffee as Market Signals Remain Mixed

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March arabica coffee (KCH26) rose slightly by +0.15 (+0.04%) on Tuesday, while January ICE robusta (RMF26) slipped -15 (-0.34%), hitting a 1.5-week low. The day’s movements reflect a split market, with arabica gaining support from a stronger Brazilian real, now at a two-week high against the US dollar. The firmer currency is discouraging export sales from Brazil’s growers, helping arabica prices edge upward.

Robusta, however, is under pressure. The Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association reported that around 10% of the country’s robusta harvest is now complete and forecasted that expected drier weather will accelerate harvesting through the month. Vietnam is the world’s largest robusta producer, and signs of increased output continue to weigh on prices.

Weather conditions in Brazil are offering some support to the market. Somar Meteorologia noted that Minas Gerais—Brazil’s main arabica-producing region—received only 20.4 mm of rain in the week ending November 28, equivalent to 39% of the historical average.

Coffee inventories monitored by ICE continue to tighten. US tariffs on coffee imports from Brazil triggered a sharp drawdown in stocks. ICE-certified arabica inventories reached a 1.75-year low of 398,645 bags on November 20, while robusta inventories fell today to an 11-month low of 4,115 lots. American buyers have cancelled new Brazilian coffee contracts due to the tariffs, tightening domestic supply. US imports of Brazilian coffee from August to October fell 52% year-on-year to 983,970 bags.

On the policy side, the outlook for ample supply strengthened after the European Parliament approved a one-year delay to the European Union’s anti-deforestation law (EUDR). The postponement allows EU members to continue importing agricultural commodities—including coffee—from regions in Africa, Indonesia, and South America where deforestation remains a concern.

Several supply signals are weighing on the market. StoneX recently projected Brazil’s 2026/27 crop at 70.7 million bags, including 47.2 million bags of arabica, a 29% year-on-year increase. Vietnam’s supply outlook also remains heavy: its Jan–Oct exports rose 13.4% year-on-year to 1.31 MMT, and 2025/26 production is expected to grow by 6% to 1.76 MMT (29.4 million bags), a four-year high. Vicofa additionally suggested that Vietnam’s 2025/26 output could rise by 10% if favorable weather continues.

Some indicators continue to signal tightening global supply. The International Coffee Organization reported that global exports for the current Oct–Sep cycle slipped 0.3% year-on-year to 138.658 million bags. In Brazil, Conab cut its 2025 arabica estimate by 4.9% in September, lowering the projection to 35.2 million bags. Total Brazilian coffee output was trimmed to 55.2 million bags.

Longer-term forecasts from the USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service expect global production to rise 2.5% in 2025/26 to a record 178.68 million bags. The outlook includes a 1.7% decline in arabica output to 97.022 million bags, alongside a 7.9% increase in robusta to 81.658 million bags. Ending stocks are projected to rise 4.9% to 22.819 million bags.

European Parliament Delays EUDR Implementation for Second Time

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BRUSSELS – Qahwa World

The European Union voted on November 26, 2025, to approve a new and unprecedented delay to the implementation of the “European Union Deforestation Regulation” (EUDR), a move that reflects the scale of the logistical and political challenges facing the continent’s most prominent environmental legislation. The delay decision secured the approval of a majority of 402 votes to 250, granting trade sectors an additional year to prepare.

The Deforestation Regulation mandates that companies importing seven key commodities, including coffee, cocoa, palm oil, and rubber, must prove they are free from any link to deforestation that occurred after the end of 2020. This requires “Due Diligence” systems based on precise geographical location data.

The delay came in response to concerns raised by Member States and the trade community, particularly regarding the readiness of the EU’s central IT system (TRACES) and the burden the law imposes on smallholder farmers and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

The new decision established the official compliance deadlines as follows:

  • Large and Medium Operators: The deadline is December 30, 2026.
  • Micro and Small Enterprises: The deadline is June 30, 2027.

The Parliament also approved crucial “simplification” measures, most notably reducing the due diligence requirements for small companies, and including a clause mandating the European Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of the regulation by April 2026 to assess the administrative burdens. Another notable amendment was the exclusion of printed materials such as books and newspapers from the regulation’s scope.

This postponement has sparked mixed reactions, revealing deep polarization in the market. While small producers and farmers welcomed the extra time to invest in traceability systems, multinational companies that initiated compliance early—including major coffee firms—expressed their disappointment.

These companies warned that repeated delays “increase legal uncertainty in the market and harm pioneer companies” that committed to the requirements early. Conversely, environmental organizations voiced concern that the delay represents a green light for more deforestation-linked commodities to enter the European market for an additional year.

Next Steps

The November 26th vote is a key legislative step, but the decision is not yet final. The amended text must now enter into “Trilogue” negotiations between the Parliament, the Council, and the Commission to reach a final consensus formula before it can be ratified and published in the Official Journal to become law with the new dates.