Category: News

Coffee Prices Settle Lower Despite Inventory Tightness

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Coffee futures closed lower on Wednesday, primarily due to an improved global supply outlook after a key European regulation was delayed. March arabica coffee (KCH26) settled down -3.60 (-0.94%), and January ICE robusta coffee (RMF26) closed down -46 (-1.01%).

The principal downward pressure on coffee prices stemmed from the European Parliament’s approval of a one-year delay to the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This regulation, which aims to combat deforestation in countries exporting key commodities like coffee to the EU, will now allow EU countries to continue importing agricultural products from regions in Africa, Indonesia, and South America where deforestation may be occurring. This delay ensures a more ample and continuous flow of global coffee supplies into the European market.

Further reinforcing the bearish outlook are strong production forecasts. StoneX predicted last Wednesday that Brazil’s coffee production for the new 2026/27 marketing year will hit 70.7 million bags, representing a significant year-over-year increase of +29%. Arabica production is specifically forecasted at 47.2 million bags. Signs of increasing robusta supplies are also evident in Vietnam. The country’s Jan-Oct 2025 coffee exports rose +13.4% year-over-year to 1.31 MMT. Furthermore, the 2025/26 coffee production is projected to climb +6% y/y to a four-year high of 29.4 million bags (1.76 MMT), a forecast supported by the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association (Vicofa).

Despite the overall downward movement, losses were limited by several supportive factors, including adverse weather and tightening inventories. Arabica prices found support due to dryness in Brazil’s largest arabica-growing region, Minas Gerais, which received only 49% of its historical average rainfall in the week ended November 21. Robusta prices were also supported by forecasts of heavy showers in Vietnam’s Dak Lak province, which is expected to further delay the harvest in the world’s largest robusta producer.

Shrinking ICE coffee inventories have also been supportive of prices. ICE-monitored arabica inventories fell to a 1.75-year low of 398,645 bags last Thursday, and robusta inventories hit a 6.25-month low on Wednesday. This drawdown has been largely attributed to the previous US tariffs imposed on coffee imports from Brazil, which caused US buyers to void new contracts and tightened US supplies. However, arabica coffee experienced a sharp tumble last Friday after President Trump signed an executive order late Thursday that exempted Brazilian food products, including coffee, from those tariffs, potentially easing supply concerns moving forward.

Finally, there are mixed signals from global supply data. The International Coffee Organization (ICO) reported on November 7 that global coffee exports for the current marketing year (Oct-Sep) fell slightly by 0.3% y/y to 138.658 million bags, suggesting tighter global supplies recently. The USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) projects world coffee production in 2025/26 to increase by +2.5% y/y to a record 178.68 million bags, but forecasts a -1.7% decrease in arabica production, offering mixed signals.

In summary, the near-term supply outlook, bolstered by the EU regulation delay and massive Brazilian crop forecasts, outweighed the temporary support from weather issues and shrinking inventories, pushing coffee prices lower for the day.

The European Coffee & Hospitality Awards 2025: Full Winners List

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Dubai – Qahwa WORLD

Celebrating excellence from across Europe’s coffee and hospitality industries, senior executives gathered in Berlin for the European Coffee & Hospitality Awards and Gala Dinner on 25 November 2025. In partnership with Coffee Ventures Europe and 5THWAVE, World Coffee Portal proudly reveals this year’s winners.

Following nominations and votes from over 10,000 industry peers, World Coffee Portal is pleased to announce the winners of the European Coffee & Hospitality Awards 2025.

From global powerhouses to pioneering independents, the winners represent the cream of the crop across 15 categories – from Best European Coffee Chain and Best European Specialty Coffee Roaster to Most Sustainable Brand and Matcha Brand of the Year.

“When 10,000 industry professionals cast their votes, they weren’t just participating – they were declaring what excellence means. We are proud to champion the 150 brands they recognised for refusing to be ordinary, and humbled to celebrate the 15 winners who represent the pinnacle of our industry,” said Jeffrey Young, Allegra Group CEO and Founder.

The winners were announced at a Gala Dinner at the JW Marriott Berlin on 25 November 2025, as part of an evening to recognise and celebrate the people, products and businesses pushing the European coffee and hospitality industry to new heights.

Photo credit: Coffee Ventures Europe

European Coffee & Hospitality Awards 2025 – Winners by category

Best European Coffee Chain

  • Winner: WatchHouse

  • Highly commended: % Arabica, Caffè Nero

Best European Food & Bakery Chain

  • Winner: Gail’s

  • Highly commended: Ole & Steen, Zeit für Brot

Best European Hotel Coffee Experience

  • Winner: Soho House

  • Highly commended: The Hoxton Boutique Hotels, The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Best Independent Coffee Shop – Europe

  • Winner: Bonanza Coffee Roastery

  • Highly commended: Friedhats FUKU Cafe, Special Guests

Best European Commercial Coffee Roaster

  • Winner: Lavazza

  • Highly commended: Illy, Löfbergs

Europe’s Best Specialty Coffee Roaster

  • Winner: Caravan Coffee Roasters

  • Highly commended: Manhattan Coffee Roasters, Origin Coffee Roasters

Best European Traditional Coffee Equipment Brand

  • Winner: La Marzocco

  • Highly commended: Slayer, Victoria Arduino

Best European Automatic Coffee Equipment Brand

  • Winner: Eversys

  • Highly commended: La Cimbali, WMF

Best European Food/Beverage Supplier

  • Winner: Monin

  • Highly commended: Beyond The Bean, Nestlé

Most Sustainable Brand – Europe

  • Winner: Origin Coffee Roasters

  • Highly commended: BRITA, Lavazza

Matcha Brand of the Year

  • Winner: Jenki

  • Highly commended: Good & Proper Tea, PerfectTed

Plant-based Supplier of the Year

  • Winner: Oatly

  • Highly commended: Alpro, Minor Figures

Bakery Supplier of the Year

  • Winner: Danish Bakery (Easyfood)

  • Highly commended: Delifrance, La Lorraine

Packaging Supplier of the Year

  • Winner: Tetrapak

  • Highly commended: Duni, SEDA

Home Coffee Equipment Brand of the Year

  • Winner: De’Longhi

  • Highly commended: La Marzocco Home, Sage

The European Coffee & Hospitality Awards, organised by World Coffee Portal, 5THWAVE and Coffee Ventures Europe, are part of the European Coffee Symposium and COHO Expo.

Ethiopia launches Specialty Coffee Association (SCAE) to elevate global profile

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Addis Ababa – Qahwa World×Buna Kurs Media

Ethiopia has officially inaugurated the Specialty Coffee Association of Ethiopia (SCAE), a national platform aimed at strengthening the global presence and competitiveness of its specialty coffee sector. The launch took place on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, attended by prominent coffee industry stakeholders, including H.E. Dr. Efa Muleta, State Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, H.E. Dr. Adugna Debela, Director of the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority, and leading specialty coffee exporters.

Leadership and Mission

SCAE is led by President Ashenafi Argaw and a board of industry experts. The association’s mission is to promote Ethiopian specialty coffee internationally, uphold high quality standards, support sustainability, and create opportunities for producers, exporters, and cooperatives. The launch event also recognized the legends who have shaped Ethiopia’s specialty coffee journey and highlighted the strategic pillars that will guide the sector’s future.

Key Initiatives

A central program under SCAE is the “Best of Ethiopia” national specialty coffee auction, designed to showcase the country’s top coffees to international buyers. Inspired by successful auctions in Panama and Colombia, this initiative aims to strengthen Ethiopia’s visibility in the premium coffee segment while ensuring quality, traceability, and direct market access for producers.

SCAE will also serve as a hub for training, research, professional development, and market expansion, offering resources to strengthen Ethiopia’s coffee sector while protecting its unique varietals and biodiversity.

Global Significance

Specialty coffee associations worldwide play a vital role in connecting producers to high-value markets, professionalizing the sector, and sharing knowledge. With SCAE, Ethiopia now has a dedicated platform to ensure its story of origin, quality, and sustainability reaches the international specialty coffee community.

 

 

Arada Launches Flagship Branch of The Reformatory Lab in Jumeirah, Dubai

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90-Seat Café Opens Near Jumeirah Beach, Offering the Finest Coffee and Freshly Baked Goods Daily

Dubai – Qahwa World

Arada has officially announced the opening of the first flagship branch of the leading Australian coffee brand, “The Reformatory Lab,” in the Jumeirah area, one of Dubai’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. The café will offer the highest quality coffee and freshly prepared baked goods daily.

The new café, with a capacity of 90 seats distributed across indoor and outdoor areas, is located on Umm Al Sheif Street, just a few minutes from Jumeirah Beach. It will offer the Australian brand’s full menu of premium coffee and signature blends, in addition to a range of delicious new and fresh pastries for customers.

The café will welcome visitors starting Wednesday, November 26. It will be open to everyone from 7 AM to 11 PM, Monday to Thursday, and from 8 AM to midnight on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Commenting on the new opening, Simon Jaramillo, General Manager of The Reformatory Lab, said: “The new branch will provide a space to enjoy everything we love about the world of coffee – the science, the story, the soul – which we will present to its enthusiasts in an environment that suits our personality: in a bold, creative, and heartfelt space, in complete harmony and alignment with the energy and vitality of the Jumeirah area.”

The Reformatory Lab was founded in Sydney and launched in the UAE by Arada in early 2025, under the supervision of fourth-generation Colombian coffee farmer, Simon Jaramillo. The brand is known for combining high-quality coffee beans, innovative brewing methods, and a visual identity inspired by comic book culture.

The opening of the Jumeirah branch follows the great success of its first sales outlet in the UAE at Arada’s W Residences Dubai Harbour sales centre.

Arada plans to open 10 branches of “The Reformatory Lab” across the UAE by the end of 2027, in addition to a central roastery.

Launched in 2017 and headquartered in the UAE, Arada aims to construct urban spaces where people connect and enjoy a healthier, happier life.

The company’s operations cover several areas, including real estate development, retail, education, health, fitness, wellness, and hospitality sectors.

The innovative real estate developer has launched ten integrated communities in the UAE so far and has expanded its international activity into the British and Australian markets.

Arada also manages a portfolio of complementary brands and experiences, including major fitness clubs, a number of retail and food and beverage assets, social initiatives, and visitor destinations.

Global Coffee Prices Jump Amid Supply Concerns

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Prices for coffee futures saw a sharp increase today, driven by worries over how weather conditions might impact harvests in major producing nations, alongside notable drops in monitored exchange inventories.

Prices for both arabica and robusta coffee are significantly higher as adverse weather bolsters concerns over global coffee crops. Arabica coffee has found support due to dryness concerns in Brazil. Specifically, meteorology reports indicated that Brazil’s largest arabica coffee-growing area, Minas Gerais, received 49% of its historical average rainfall during the week ended November 21st, fueling concerns about the current crop. Robusta coffee is climbing today on forecasts of heavy showers in Vietnam’s Dak Lak province, the country’s biggest coffee-growing region. These heavy rains are expected to further delay the harvest, tightening short-term supply expectations.

Shrinking inventories monitored by the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) are also supportive of prices. US trade actions concerning Brazilian coffee imports have reportedly caused a substantial reduction in US exchange stockpiles. ICE-monitored arabica stocks fell to a 1.75-year low last week, and ICE robusta inventories hit a 4.5-month low today. American buyers avoided new contracts for Brazilian coffee purchases due to the tariffs, thereby tightening US supplies, as about a third of America’s unroasted coffee comes from Brazil. US purchases of Brazilian coffee during the period when tariffs were effective dropped by 52% from the same period last year.

Last Friday, arabica coffee had briefly tumbled to a seven-week low after an executive order was signed late last week, exempting Brazilian food products, including coffee, from the 40% tariff. In a potentially bearish factor, one major commodity consultancy forecast that Brazil will produce 70.7 million bags of coffee in the new 2026/27 marketing year, including 47.2 million bags of arabica, a significant year-over-year increase. Increased Vietnamese coffee supplies are also bearish for prices. Recent statistics show Vietnam’s coffee exports rose by 13.4% year-over-year in the January-October period. Additionally, Vietnam’s 2025/26 coffee production is projected to climb 6% year-over-year to a four-year high of 29.4 million bags, with the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association suggesting a 10% increase if weather remains favorable. Vietnam is the world’s largest producer of robusta coffee.

Signs of tighter global coffee supplies are generally supportive of prices. The International Coffee Organization (ICO) reported that global coffee exports for the current marketing year (October-September) fell 0.3% year-over-year. Coffee prices also found support after Conab, Brazil’s crop forecasting agency, cut its Brazil 2025 arabica coffee crop estimate by 4.9% in September, and slightly reduced its total Brazil 2025 coffee production estimate. The USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) previously projected that world coffee production in 2025/26 will increase by 2.5% to a record high, driven by a 7.9% increase in robusta production, offsetting a slight decrease in arabica output. FAS forecasted modest production increases for both Brazil and Vietnam in 2025/26, along with a climb in global ending stocks.

Mondik Alpas Crowned Champion of the LATTE ART THROWDOWN at Julith’s High-Stakes Launch Event

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DUBAI – (Qahwa World)

In a dazzling display combining skill and artistic precision, the outstanding barista, Mondik Alpas, secured the championship title at the high-profile LATTE ART THROWDOWN. The event was held to celebrate the launch of the new Victoria Arduino Maverick Core espresso machine and the official debut of the Julith Wholesale Launch service.

The internationally renowned Julith Café served as the stage for this competition, hosting an elite group of coffee experts who competed face-to-face. The café recently captured global attention after acquiring and serving the world’s most expensive coffee, with a single cup valued at nearly one thousand dollars. The stakes were immensely high, with the grand prize being Victoria Arduino’s prestigious Eagle One Prima espresso machine.

Maverick Core Proves Its Mettle

Victoria Arduino chose this electrifying event to introduce the Maverick Core, a new machine designed to enhance the control and creative capabilities of coffee experts.

Speaking to Qahwa World, Antonio Oria of Victoria Arduino described the event as the ideal platform to showcase the machine’s capabilities. Oria stated: “We are here in Julith for a latte art competition by introducing our new machine, the Maverick Core… Baristas will compete back to back, and the winner will take home an Eagle One Prima.”

Oria also highlighted the importance of the host venue: “Today, we are also testing the new B2B (business-to-business) offer from Julith Coffee, which is being brewed in the batch brew with the 3TAMP device and is available for everyone to try. Amazing coffee, amazing competitors, amazing machine, and amazing people.”

Competitive Intensity and Supportive Crowd

The competitive atmosphere was charged with sharp focus and high tension. Judge Elena Hess praised the participants’ courage, saying: “I really enjoy the competition, the atmosphere, all participants. They are really brave, all of them, to participate, because it’s actually really stressful… Competing here is much harder than working behind the counter, due to the emotional tension.” She commended the positive spirit, adding: “They are all truly fun, and I am proud of them. The audience here is also very supportive. It’s a truly good and enjoyable event.”

For her part, Judge Estella Zuleta shared the same sentiment, commenting on the exceptional talent and collective spirit of the competitors: “I see very good and talented coffee experts showcasing their skills in the competition, and a good spirit among all attendees with positive energy.”

Mondik Alpas Secures the Title

Ultimately, it was Mondik Alpas who secured the title, thanks to his finesse and precision using the new Maverick Core machine, adding a major victory to his record. This win underscores the powerful synergy between the talent of coffee experts, innovative equipment, and the supportive coffee culture celebrated at Julith Café.

Champion’s Quote

In a brief statement given to Qahwa World after his coronation, Champion Mondik Alpas emphasized the fierce level of competition, noting the quality of his opponents: “The competition was very tough; because everyone gave it their all, with more effort and more focused training.” He stressed that the win was not easy, but extremely difficult, because the other competitors were also very good.

Mondik Alpas Wins Latte Art Throwdown: Victoria Arduino Maverick Core Launch at Julith Café

A Community Celebration and Presentation

The event concluded with the presence of Serkan Sagsoz, Co-founder of Julith Café. Federico Ortelli, General Manager of the Simonelli Group in the Middle East, presented the valuable prize, the “Eagle One Prima” machine, to the champion. Ortelli wished him success in his career path, praised the spirit that dominated the competition, and the distinguished participation of everyone, reaffirming Victoria Arduino’s commitment to supporting the region’s coffee community with all its expertise and capabilities.

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Ethiopia Registers Historic Coffee Sector Gains as National Reform Efforts Take Hold

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Addis Ababa — Qahwa World

Ethiopia’s coffee sector is experiencing one of its strongest periods in recent history, with national productivity, export volumes, and foreign-exchange earnings showing significant improvement, according to data and statements released during the National Coffee Exhibition and Recognition Program held at the Science Museum in Addis Ababa.

Senior federal officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh and Minister of Trade and Regional Cooperation Kassahun Gofe (PhD), highlighted the progress achieved through large-scale reforms, improved farm management, and expanded supply-chain modernization.

Record Export Performance

For the first time, Ethiopia exported 470,000 tons of coffee, generating more than USD 2.6 billion in the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year. Officials noted that the country is now targeting 600,000 tons of exports and revenues exceeding USD 3 billion in the current fiscal year.

Over the past seven years, more than 9 billion new seedlings have been planted nationwide, while 700,000 hectares of old coffee plantations have undergone renovation—efforts credited with lifting productivity and stabilizing output.

Productivity Rising Across the Country

National yields have increased from a long-standing average of 6–7 quintals per hectare to 9 quintals, with model farmers in several regions consistently achieving 15–20 quintals per hectare.
In some modernized farms, yields have climbed as high as 60 quintals per hectare, reflecting the impact of new technologies and improved practices.

Officials emphasized that such gains demonstrate Ethiopia’s potential to strengthen its position among the world’s leading coffee-producing nations.

Economic Reforms and Market Competitiveness

Minister Kassahun Gofe stated that Ethiopia’s domestic economic reforms are reshaping the performance of key export sectors, including coffee. He noted that ongoing work to streamline production, expand market access, and introduce value-added processing is central to sustaining momentum.

He encouraged producers and exporters to prepare for higher standards and global integration, as Ethiopia advances its participation in multiple international trade frameworks.

Sector Transformation and Future Priorities

Dr. Adugna Debela, Director General of the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority, said that reforms implemented in recent years have brought meaningful improvements to quality, consistency, and global demand. Coffee has remained the backbone of Ethiopia’s export economy, while tea and spices have also begun to show promising growth opportunities.

Looking ahead, federal leaders underscored the importance of:

* Scaling technology-driven production systems
* Expanding value-added coffee exports
* Strengthening market promotion and supply-chain coordination
* Replicating gains in the tea and spice sectors
* Advancing Ethiopia’s long-term green growth strategy

Buna Kurs will continue monitoring developments in the sector and providing coverage of major industry milestones, stakeholder perspectives, and the evolving national reform agenda shaping Ethiopia’s coffee economy.

Global Coffee Market Value to Hit $186.5 Billion by 2033

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The Fourth Wave Defines Trends and Shapes the Global Coffee Market Landscape

Dublin — Qahwa World

The global coffee industry is no longer just about waking up; it is about waking up to a new economic reality. According to a landmark report released yesterday by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global coffee market is projected to surge from US$ 121.69 billion in 2024 to US$ 186.55 billion by 2033, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.86%.

While the headline figures suggest steady growth, the underlying currents reveal a volatile, transformative landscape. As we approach the end of 2025, the industry is navigating a “perfect storm” of climate-induced price shocks, a regulatory overhaul in Europe, and a massive consumption pivot toward the Asia-Pacific region.

The Asian Renaissance: Beyond the Tea Leaf

The report identifies the Asia Pacific (APAC) region as the primary engine of future growth, a trend confirmed by on-the-ground developments in late 2024 and 2025.

While Europe remains the revenue leader, Asia is where the volume is shifting. The “Third Wave” of coffee—characterized by artisanal appreciation and traceability—has made landfall in traditionally tea-drinking nations.

India’s Awakening: The data aligns with India’s aggressive rise as both a consumer and exporter. Just this week, Starbucks reaffirmed its commitment to the subcontinent, celebrating its 500th store opening in Delhi NCR. Under the leadership of new global CEO Brian Niccol, the Seattle giant is doubling down on India, announcing a Farmer Support Partnership aiming to train 10,000 local farmers by 2030. This is a strategic hedge; as growth in China faces stiff competition from local price-warriors like Luckin Coffee, India represents the next great frontier for premiumization.

The Robusta Revival: Vietnam and Indonesia are capitalizing on the global shortage of Arabica beans. With climate change shrinking Arabica’s arable land, high-quality Asian Robusta (often called “Fine Robusta”) is entering the mainstream blends of major roasters to keep price points stable.

The Price of Sustainability: The EUDR Factor

The report highlights “sustainability benchmarking” as a key competitive differentiator, but in late 2025, sustainability is less about marketing and more about regulatory survival.

The industry is currently breathing a collective—albeit temporary—sigh of relief following the European Union’s decision to delay the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) implementation to December 2026. This regulation, which bans the import of commodities linked to deforestation, threatened to disrupt supply chains for major players like Lavazza, JDE Peet’s, and Nestlé.

However, the delay is not a cancellation. Companies like Lavazza are aggressively pushing their “Roadmap to Zero,” aiming for carbon neutrality in Scope 1 and 2 emissions. The report notes that eco-friendly packaging and circular economy initiatives are no longer optional “nice-to-haves” but essential for maintaining market access in the premium European bloc.

Corporate Battlegrounds: The Fight for the Morning (and Afternoon)

The competitive landscape section of the report details a bifurcation in strategy among key players:

1. The Experience Economy: Starbucks vs. The World

Starbucks is currently executing its “Back to Starbucks” strategy. After a rocky 2024, the focus has returned to operational speed and the “human connection.” However, they face a new breed of competitor.

2. The Speed Demons: Dutch Bros

The report lists Dutch Bros as a key disruptor, and for good reason. The drive-thru chain has been on a tear in 2025, aggressively expanding its footprint with approximately 160 new shops opening this year alone. Their model—high-sugar, high-caffeine, cold beverages tailored for Gen Z—is stealing the afternoon “treat” occasion from traditional coffee houses. Their target of 4,000 locations long-term suggests they are moving from a regional cult favorite to a national heavyweight.

3. The At-Home Revolution: Nestlé

Nestlé continues to dominate the at-home segment. With inflation keeping some consumers out of cafes, the “coffee shop at home” trend remains sticky. Nestlé’s 2025 innovation pipeline has heavily favored cold brew solutions and functional coffees (blends with added vitamins or adaptogens), catering to health-conscious millennials who want cafe quality at kitchen table prices.

Outlook: The Tech-Infused Bean

Looking toward 2033, the report suggests that technology will play a pivotal role. From AI-driven agronomy helping farmers navigate erratic weather patterns in Brazil to precision brewing systems in cafes, the “Fourth Wave” of coffee will be defined by data.

As the market marches toward that $186.55 billion valuation, the winners will be those who can balance the rising cost of green coffee (up 30-40% in mid-2025) with the consumer’s demand for ethics, quality, and convenience.

Russian Coffee Shop Purchases Down 7.3% in 2025

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Moscow, Russia — Qahwa World

The number of purchases at traditional coffee shops across Russia fell by 7.3% year-on-year in the January-October 2025 period. This data, compiled from a joint study by fiscal data operator Platform OFD and the self-service coffee chain Tochka Chernogo, highlights ongoing traffic challenges in the food service sector.

Revenue Rises Despite Fewer Transactions

Despite the drop in customer visits, the overall turnover (revenue) for coffee shops actually increased by 10%. This seemingly contradictory growth is attributed to a significant jump in the average check, which grew by 14.4% to 412 rubles.

Key Reasons for the Traffic Decline:

Declining Purchasing Power: Experts believe the primary cause of the falling traffic, which has been observed for a second consecutive year across the catering industry, is the decrease in the population’s purchasing power.

Shift to Cheaper Options: A segment of consumers is shifting towards more economical alternatives, including:

Fast Food: The fast-food segment saw a traffic increase of 3% in Moscow, according to Focus Technologies.

Retail Coffee Points: Retailers are posing serious competition by actively developing self-service coffee points within stores and opening their own cafe formats.

Nataliya Savostina, Marketing Director for Shokoladnitsa Group, noted that consumers who are always looking to save money are the most affected and are particularly sensitive to price changes.

The Rise of Self-Service Coffee

In contrast to traditional cafes, the self-service coffee point category demonstrated notable growth:

Transaction Growth: The number of checks at self-service coffee points rose by 9%.

Slower Check Growth: Turnover only increased by 7% due to a more modest rise in the average check of 4.9% (to 107 rubles).

Sergey Kaletin, COO of Uvenco Group, stated that demand for self-service points has been rising over the past five years. However, while affordable, the self-service model cannot yet offer the ambiance and unique experiences of a full-service café. For instance, at Vkusvill, purchases of coffee drinks in their “café” format grew by 38.5%, compared to just 0.3% in their self-service points.

Industry Strategy and Outlook

Coffee shops are forced to adjust prices to compensate for the outflow of visitors and rising costs. This includes optimizing cost structures and growing the average check not only through price increases but also by adjusting the product assortment. For example, Shokoladnitsa Group is maintaining prices for coffee subscriptions to sustain demand.

Experts predict that future development in the segment will be determined by economic factors and consumer purchasing power, which will continue to drive the choice between a traditional café and a more cost-effective self-service option.

Keurig Dr Pepper Debuts ‘Keurig Coffee Collective,’ Elevating At-Home Brewing

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Dubai Qahwa World

Keurig, a brand of Keurig Dr Pepper, today announced a major expansion into the premium coffee category with the launch of its first-ever proprietary line of coffee, the Keurig Coffee Collective.

The new branded line, crafted entirely by five in-house coffee experts, is designed to provide consumers with a more elevated and high-quality single-serve experience from the brand they already trust. The Collective initially launched exclusively on Keurig.com and is slated for expansion to national retail outlets in early 2026.

Innovation: Refined Grind Technique

To distinguish its new offering in the rapidly growing premium segment, Keurig is introducing the Refined Grind™ manufacturing technique. This process grinds beans to a high density, allowing the company to pack 30% more coffee grounds into every K-Cup pod. This, combined with carefully curated beans selected by Keurig’s internal experts, ensures superior flavor authenticity and quality.

“Today is a big step in Keurig’s brand history as we debut our first-ever line of coffee made by our own in-house experts,” said Becky Opdyke, Senior Vice President, Coffee Marketing at Keurig Dr Pepper. “Millions of loyal Keurig fans already know and love us, so introducing a Keurig-branded coffee line is a natural evolution that our fans can expect us to deliver with excellence.”

Opdyke added that the new line is specifically aimed at meeting consumer demand for delicious, premium quality coffee while reinforcing the company’s leadership in the single-serve space.

The Five Signature Blends

The Keurig Coffee Collective launches with five signature roasts, each developed by a distinct in-house expert:

Blend Name Expert Profile & Notes
Bold Beats Medium-Dark Roast Master Roaster Eric Taylor A rich medley of flavors featuring notes of dried fruit and caramel.
Whole Hearted Dark Roast Sustainability Warrior Whitney Kakos An artfully ground, complex blend including beans sourced from a Colombian farming community, offering a smooth, roasty flavor with notes of dark chocolate.
Global Trek Medium Roast Sourcing King Cyrille Jannet A globally-inspired tribute featuring flavor notes from three regions: Colombian caramel, Ethiopian fruit, and lingering Sumatran chocolate.
Bright Idea Light Roast Coffee Chemist Alberto Azeredo A truly unique flavor profile combining a burst of bright, fruity notes paired with smooth, nutty undertones from two specific Brazilian beans.
Warm Hug Caramel Spice Sensory Scientist Moira Kelley A smooth flavored coffee blend sourced from Central and South American origins with distinctive caramel and sweet spice notes.

The Keurig Coffee Collective is available now on Keurig.com.

Caffè Nero Completes Major Refurbishment of First UAE Store at Dubai Mall

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DUBAI – Qahwa World

Premium coffee house chain Caffè Nero has finalized a substantial renovation of its establishment within The Dubai Mall. The store, which was the brand’s first location in the United Arab Emirates when it opened 15 years ago, has been completely refurbished to mark the anniversary and update its presence in the high-traffic retail center.

The store, situated adjacent to the Dubai Ice Rink, now features a bespoke design concept tailored for the location. The new interior incorporates natural wood finishes, soft lighting elements, and an earthy color palette, creating a distinct ambiance. Seating arrangements have been redesigned to provide a variety of options, including both secluded areas and open communal tables, serving the needs of shoppers and visitors seeking a break.

The store’s coffee offerings, which are prepared by the in-house baristas, remain a central focus of the operation.

Gareth Hopley, Head of Communications at Caffè Nero, commented on the reopening, noting the importance of the refresh for the long-standing location. “We have worked to update the look and feel while ensuring the store retains its established character. We anticipate customers will appreciate the new atmosphere and design elements of this particular location,” Hopley stated.

Caffè Nero operates as an independent, family-owned specialty coffee house brand. Globally, the group runs over 1,150 stores across 11 countries, with the UAE operation currently comprising more than 20 stores. The brand’s retail presence in the UAE is managed by Al Tayer Insignia, a retail division of the Al Tayer Group.

Arabica Rebounds: Brazil Drought Fears Drive Price Surge Despite Tariff Removal Pressure

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Arabica coffee futures experienced a strong rally today, Monday, fueled by renewed concerns over Brazil’s current crop conditions. This upward movement reflects the market’s conflicting forces, which are still reacting to the executive order on tariff removal issued late last week.

March Arabica coffee futures (KCH26) surged by $7.40 (+2.00%) today, following a report highlighting alarming dry conditions in Brazil. Somar Meteorologia reported that Minas Gerais, the country’s largest Arabica-growing state, received only 26.4 mm of rain in the week ended November 21, amounting to just 49% of the historical average. This significant rainfall deficit raises concerns about the health and development of the current crop, providing strong support for the market price.

Further bolstering the price are shrinking stockpiles. ICE-monitored Arabica inventories have fallen to a 1.75-year low of 398,645 bags. This inventory drawdown is a direct consequence of previously imposed US tariffs on Brazilian coffee imports, which led American buyers to void new contracts, severely tightening US supplies, as Brazil typically supplies about a third of America’s unroasted coffee.

Despite today’s rally, prices remain near the 7-week low recorded in the previous session. That sharp decline was triggered by the US President signing an executive order late last Thursday, exempting Brazilian agricultural products, including green coffee, from the existing 40% tariffs. This tariff removal, which does not cover instant coffee, created immediate downward pressure as traders anticipated a greater influx of Brazilian supply into the US market.

Longer-term expectations for Brazil’s next crop continue to act as a bearish factor. StoneX analysts last week forecast that Brazil will produce 70.7 million bags of coffee in the 2026/27 season, including 47.2 million bags of Arabica, representing a projected 29% year-on-year increase. Furthermore, Climatempo forecasts suggest heavy rainfall will continue in growing regions this week, providing favorable growth conditions for the subsequent crop.

In the Robusta market, January futures (RMF26) edged lower by 12 points (-0.27%), pressured by forecasts for drier weather in Vietnam. Improved dry conditions are expected to allow the resumption of the Robusta harvest in key provinces like Dak Lak, easing supply delay concerns in Vietnam, the world’s largest Robusta producer. Official data previously showed that Vietnam’s coffee exports for January through October 2025 rose 13.4% year-on-year.