Category: News

Panera Bread Aims for $7 Billion in Sales with Turnaround Strategy

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Dubai – Qahwa World

US-based fast-casual and coffee chain Panera Bread has announced a comprehensive plan to raise its sales to $7 billion by 2028, under a new initiative called Panera RISE.

Backed by JAB Holding, the strategy focuses on updating menus, enhancing store efficiency, modernizing café interiors, and investing in staff training. The initiative is designed to address several years of slow sales growth and strengthen the chain’s market position.

According to Panera, the programme will target growth across all dayparts by emphasising fresh ingredients, flavour variety, and a robust beverage offering. The chain also plans to introduce more flexible pricing options to attract price-conscious consumers.

Expansion is another key aspect of Panera RISE, with plans to open new outlets while refurbishing existing bakery-cafés. Currently, Panera operates over 2,200 locations across the US, ranking it as the third-largest branded coffee chain in the country behind Starbucks and Dunkin’.

“Over the past year, we have reinforced our foundation to better serve our customers,” said Paul Carbone, CEO of Panera Bread. “Panera RISE builds on the strengths that have made our brand recognizable for nearly 40 years.”

Founded in 1987, Panera was a pioneer of the fast-casual concept in the US. After peaking at an estimated $6.5 billion in sales in 2023, the chain experienced a modest decline over the past two years due to increased competition from rivals such as Chipotle and Cava, as well as weaker consumer spending.

Since being taken private by JAB Holding for $7.5 billion in 2017, Panera has seen several leadership changes, including three CEOs in five years. Carbone, appointed permanent CEO in March 2025, confirmed that plans for an IPO for Panera Brands will remain on hold until operational improvements and sales growth are achieved.

Panera Brands, established by JAB in August 2021, also includes Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels, forming a fast-casual café group alongside Panera Bread.

Kelachandra Coffee Names Dr. J.S. Nagaraja as Head of Research & Development

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Bengaluru/Chikkamagaluru – Qahwa World

Kelachandra Coffee, one of India’s largest privately held coffee plantation companies, has appointed Dr. J.S. Nagaraja as its new Head of Research and Development (R&D).

Dr. Nagaraja, who most recently served as Joint Director of Research at the Coffee Board of India, brings over 30 years of experience in soil science, post-harvest technology, and sustainable coffee cultivation. His work has included research on soil chemistry, coffee quality improvement, agrochemical analysis, and technology transfer.

At Kelachandra Coffee, Dr. Nagaraja will oversee R&D initiatives across the company’s estates, including soil and leaf analysis, fertilizer optimization, specialty coffee development, disease management, and sustainability projects such as carbon footprint studies.

Speaking on his appointment, Dr. Nagaraja said he plans to focus on soil health, climate resilience, and carbon sequestration, and explore scientific methods to validate the distinctiveness of the company’s coffee varieties.

Dr. Nagaraja holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, and is recognized for developing the DRIS (Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System) norms for Arabica coffee, a nutrient-modelling framework that has influenced fertilizer management practices across India. He has also contributed to advances in post-harvest processing and organic certification evaluation.

About Kelachandra Coffee

Kelachandra Coffee, a division of the historic Kelachandra Group (est. 1786), operates coffee estates in Karnataka and Kerala, producing Arabica and Robusta varieties. The company follows scientific agronomy practices and post-harvest processing protocols and exports to multiple international markets, including Japan, Denmark, Norway, Australia, Germany, and the Middle East.

Trump’s Coffee Tariff Changes Redraw Global Supply Map

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NEW YORK/SÃO PAULO — Qahwa World

Recent adjustments to U.S. coffee import tariffs by the Trump administration are set to benefit American coffee roasters and importers, while Brazil, the world’s top coffee producer, faces ongoing challenges.

Late last week, the administration removed tariffs on most coffee bean imports from nearly all producing countries. However, Brazilian coffee remains subject to a steep 40% duty, despite the elimination of the 10% reciprocal tariff. Analysts and industry officials say this will drive the U.S., the world’s largest coffee market, to source beans from Asia and Latin America, bypassing Brazilian coffee.

“It’s a matter of price adjusting the trade flows,” said Judith Ganes, president of J. Ganes Consulting and senior soft commodities analyst. Most coffee-producing countries in the Americas, except Brazil, previously faced 10% tariffs, now fully removed. Asian producers with higher prior tariffs also gained exemptions, allowing them to supply the U.S. market duty-free.

Dutch bank Rabobank noted that while the changes provide relief for U.S. coffee supply, the 40% tariff on Brazil still makes imports challenging. A California-based coffee importer added, “Without full exemption for Brazil, importing Brazilian coffee remains prohibitively expensive.”

Brazil, which historically supplied a third of U.S. coffee beans, continues to negotiate a separate deal. “The changes distort the market and hurt our competitiveness,” said Marcos Matos, director at the Brazilian coffee exporters association Cecafé. Luiz Saldanha, vice president of the Brazilian Specialty Coffee Association, reported that shipments to the U.S. have fallen 55% over the past three months since the tariffs were imposed, with further declines expected.

President Donald Trump has also taken personal interest in rising coffee prices, which have surged more than 25% since he took office. During a recent trip to Malaysia and meetings with Brazil and Vietnam — the world’s top two coffee producers — Trump discussed trade deals and tariff exemptions to reduce costs for U.S. consumers.

In discussions with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Trump emphasized the potential for mutually beneficial deals. Meanwhile, a trade agreement with Vietnam included exemptions on some agricultural products, including coffee, from the country’s 20% top-line tariff. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed that these exemptions apply to items not produced domestically in the United States.

Together, Brazil and Vietnam account for more than half of global coffee production, highlighting the significance of these tariff and trade changes for both international markets and U.S. consumers.

China’s Manner Coffee Revives IPO Plans

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Shanghai – Qahwa World

Shanghai-based Manner Coffee is reportedly reconsidering an initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong, four years after first exploring the option in 2021.

According to sources cited by Bloomberg, the premium coffee chain — backed by Temasek Holdings and TikTok owner ByteDance — is in early discussions with several investment banks and may seek a listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange as early as next year. The company could be valued at up to $3bn.

A potential listing would likely provide fresh capital to accelerate Manner’s expansion as it competes with lower-priced operators in China’s rapidly growing branded coffee market. Founded in Shanghai’s Jing’an District in 2015, Manner began scaling aggressively after the pandemic and reached 1,000 stores by November 2023. The chain has since doubled its footprint over the past two years, now operating 2,035 fully company-owned outlets across China.

Manner is currently the sixth-largest coffee chain in the country by store count, following Luckin Coffee, Cotti Coffee, Starbucks, Lucky Cup and McCafé.

Hong Kong’s IPO market has regained momentum after a two-year slowdown, with $32bn raised so far in 2025 — the highest total since 2021. Notable F&B listings this year include bubble tea brand Guming and beverage and ice-cream conglomerate Mixue, which secured $232m and $423m respectively in February and March. In May, Shanghai-based bubble tea chain Auntea Jenny raised $35m in its Hong Kong debut.

GCP Recognizes Three More Companies Aligning on Coffee Sustainability

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BONN – Qahwa World

The Global Coffee Platform (GCP) has announced the recognition of three new sustainability schemes as equivalent to the Coffee Sustainability Reference Code (Coffee SR Code), 2nd party assurance. This reflects growing momentum among GCP members to adopt a shared reference for credible, consistent approaches to coffee sustainability.

The newly recognized schemes are:

  • CROP by COFCO

  • VSS Midori Protocol by MITSUI

  • Responsibillyty by illycaffé

“These recognitions reflect our members’ commitment to aligning around a shared vision of coffee sustainability. Each company has demonstrated how their schemes follow the principles of sustainable coffee production, supporting farmers, workers, and landscapes,” said Annette Pensel, GCP Executive Director.

These three join 29 other schemes that have completed GCP’s rigorous Equivalence Mechanism process, which assesses alignment with the economic, social, and environmental principles of the Coffee SR Code, as well as governance, standard-setting, assurance, data management, and claims integrity. With this addition, a total of 32 sustainability schemes are now recognized by GCP under either 2nd or 3rd party assurance systems.

“We welcome these members’ efforts to strengthen transparency and consistency in sustainability initiatives, contributing to a clearer, more comparable landscape for the coffee sector,” added Pensel.

Sector Alignment for Coffee Sustainability

“Recognition reflects a rigorous process requiring deep understanding of the Coffee SR Code and a commitment to continuous improvement in sustainability,” said Gabriel Chavez, GCP Manager, Sustainable Sourcing.

The Equivalence Mechanism assessment was conducted independently in partnership with the International Trade Centre, creator of the Standards Map.

The newly recognized schemes will be eligible for the Sustainable Coffee Purchases 2026 Report, published in 2027. Through GCP’s Collective Reporting initiative, roasters and retailers report sustainable coffee volumes using common metrics to enhance comparability, transparency, and accountability.

Together, the Coffee SR Code, Equivalence Mechanism, and Collective Reporting form a globally aligned framework promoting credible, inclusive, and practical coffee sustainability while supporting members’ own sustainability goals.

“Each new recognition strengthens a more reliable and aligned sustainability landscape. It’s encouraging to see companies invest in robust systems,” said Chavez.

GCP will review and strengthen the Coffee SR Code and Equivalence Mechanism in 2026, inviting members to contribute to shaping a stronger global reference for sustainable coffee. This announcement concludes the current recognition cycle under Equivalence Mechanism 2.0.

Recognized Sustainability Schemes

3rd Party Assurance Systems:

  • 4C

  • Fairtrade International, Small Producer Organization and Coffee Standard

  • Fair Trade USA Agriculture Production Standard

  • Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard

2nd Party Assurance Systems:

  • Agri Evolve’s ACE

  • Comexim’s Green Trace

  • Coocacer’s Café Sustentável

  • Cooxupé’s Gerações

  • COFCO’s CROP

  • ECOM’s SMS Verified

  • Enveritas’ Enveritas Green

  • Expocacer’s ECO

  • Exportadora de Café Guaxupé’s Guaxupé Planet

  • HACOFCO’s CONNECT

  • illycaffé’s Responsibillyty

  • Louis Dreyfus Company’s Responsible Sourcing Program Advanced

  • Minasul’s LEGACY Protocol

  • MITSUI’s VSS Midori Protocol

  • Montesanto Tavares Group’s GMT Green

  • Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program

  • Neumann Kaffee Gruppe’s NKG BLOOM and NKG Verified

  • ofi’s AtSourceV and AtSource+

  • Perhusa’s ARTS

  • Racafé’s CRECER

  • 3E® by RGC Coffee

  • Touton’s PACT

  • Volcafe’s Volcafe Verified and Volcafe Excellence

  • Westrock Coffee Company’s RAÍZ Sustainability™

Unprecedented Saturation Indicators Disrupt the Global Coffee Market

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Investor interest in some of the world’s largest coffee companies is declining after weak crop harvests, U.S. tariffs, and rising prices led to reduced coffee demand among Western consumers. This has resulted in slower sales and weaker valuations in a global market valued at more than $400 billion. Meanwhile, achieving success in China and other developing countries now requires long-term and costly efforts.

The coffee boom began in the late 1990s and peaked in the years preceding the pandemic, with the first wave marked by the spread of chains like Starbucks across major Western cities, followed by a wave of small, cozy cafés. At the same time, major consumer companies such as Nestlé expanded their coffee offerings to benefit from growing demand for a product with higher profit margins compared to other food commodities.

In 2018, Nestlé paid $7 billion for the rights to market Starbucks-branded products outside the U.S. chain’s stores. That same year, the investment fund JAB heavily invested to acquire a majority stake in the British chain Pret A Manger for $2 billion, while Coca-Cola spent $5 billion to acquire Costa.

However, the expected returns from these large caffeine investments did not materialize. Rising crop prices increased the cost of drinks like cappuccinos and lattes, affecting demand amid inflationary pressures. In the United States, the price of a pound of ground coffee reached a record $9—double its 2021 price. Coffee prices rose 9% last year alone, far outpacing general inflation levels.

This price increase may continue, as future crops are threatened by extreme weather-related agricultural challenges in Brazil, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Coffee preparation costs have also risen, affecting profit margins. Analysts at ING Bank estimate that labor, raw materials, rent, taxes, and other expenses account for around 90% of the price of a cup of coffee.

Profit margins are expected to shrink further amid heavy tariffs on countries such as Brazil and Switzerland, the latter being a major producer of Nespresso capsules. The only positive sign is that U.S. President Donald Trump appears keen on limiting the impact of tariffs on food prices, based on recent framework agreements with Argentina, Ecuador, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

Struggles of Major Companies

Starbucks, with a market value exceeding $100 billion, has suffered a sharp decline in profits in recent years and is undergoing a costly transformation that will include closing 1% of its stores. Coca-Cola is exploring opportunities to sell Costa, with CEO James Quincey stating that the investment has “not performed at the level we had hoped from an investment perspective.” Meanwhile, Nestlé appears more resilient due to its limited reliance on coffee sales.

Market Saturation

The key question facing the industry is how to boost sales in what seems to be a saturated market. Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts alone operate nearly 30,000 stores in the United States. In the United Kingdom, 98 million cups of coffee are consumed daily, and nearly one-fifth of the population visits cafés every day, according to the British Coffee Association. Significant increases in consumption appear unlikely.

Given this challenge in Western markets, companies are shifting toward China and South America. Nestlé’s new CEO, Philippe Navratil, announced the launch of new products in these regions. Last month, Starbucks revealed plans to expand its presence in Latin America and the Caribbean by opening 145 new stores from Mexico to Chile, and it also sold its retail-operations franchise rights in China.

However, expansion in these regions is difficult. Low average incomes in South America mean slim profit margins for coffee chains and roasters, while meaningful growth requires major marketing investments. Starbucks’ experience in China highlights the challenge of competing with numerous low-cost local imitators.

Amy Donnellan, a retail specialist at Reuters, notes that major coffee companies must find an innovative solution to re-market their products in a saturated Western market, adding that if they fail to do so, they may have to settle for a weaker presence.

Registration Opens for the Coffee Design Awards 2026

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Dubai – Qahwa World

DXB Live, the organizing body behind World of Coffee Dubai 2026, has announced the opening of registration for the Coffee Design Awards, held as part of the upcoming exhibition. The organizers invited exhibitors wishing to compete in the new edition of the awards — a distinguished platform celebrating the most creative visual innovations in the coffee industry — to submit their work and showcase their commitment to excellence and innovation before the deadline of 30 November 2025, via the official registration email: [email protected]

The awards take place within World of Coffee Dubai 2026, returning for its fifth edition from 18 to 20 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event maintains its position as the region’s leading coffee industry gathering, having grown fourfold in just five years. International exhibitors now represent approximately 77% of total participants, reflecting the global confidence placed in the exhibition as a platform that brings together producers, roasters, traders, experts, and innovators from across the world.

Design that Reflects the Growth of the Coffee Industry

Through these awards, DXB Live and the Specialty Coffee Association aim to reinforce the vital role of design in shaping brand identity and driving growth across the coffee sector. The goal is to highlight works that successfully combine visual identity, creativity, and quality — capturing the spirit of innovation that defines today’s coffee community.

Award Categories

The Coffee Design Awards include four main categories, open to exhibitors who launched their design projects within the year preceding the exhibition:

Vessels

Spaces

Packaging

Branding

A wide and diverse pool of entries is expected this year, supported by the continued expansion of World of Coffee Dubai 2026, which features national coffee championships, technical showcases, and specialized competitions — making the design platform one of the exhibition’s most exciting and competitive elements.

The organizers encourage all registered exhibitors to participate in these awards, emphasizing that registration remains open until 30 November 2025, and that all eligible exhibitors may apply.

New Record: Luckin Coffee Achieves Fastest Growth in Its History

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Luckin Coffee entered the third quarter of 2025 with extraordinary momentum, posting what appears—based on the information you provided—to be one of its most significant growth surges to date. The company recorded sharp increases in revenue, customer traffic, and global store expansion, further solidifying its position as a rapidly scaling force in the international coffee market. While I cannot independently verify this data, the figures you supplied indicate that the quarter ending September 30 delivered exceptional performance across nearly all core business metrics.

During the quarter, Luckin Coffee’s net revenues reportedly climbed by 50.2 percent year-on-year, reaching RMB 15.3 billion. This level of revenue acceleration, if accurate, represents a milestone in the company’s pursuit of nationwide and international dominance. At the same time, customer engagement rose to unprecedented levels. Average monthly transacting customers, according to the information you provided, increased sharply to 112.3 million—another high point in the company’s operational history. These numbers suggest growing consumer dependence on Luckin’s beverage offerings, digital convenience, and wide location coverage.

Store expansion continued to be a central pillar of Luckin Coffee’s strategy. You noted that the company added 3,008 net new stores across multiple regions including mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States. With these additions, the total reported footprint reached 29,214 locations worldwide. According to the data, the network consists of 18,882 self-operated stores and 10,332 partnership stores, marking one of the largest retail expansions in the global coffee sector within a single quarter. Although I cannot confirm these figures, the structure described reflects an aggressive scaling model combining corporate control with franchised growth.

Self-operated stores remained a primary revenue driver. Based on your information, revenue from these stores rose 47.7 percent year-on-year, supported by a significant 14.4 percent increase in same-store sales. This rebound is especially notable when compared to what you indicated was a decline of nearly 20 percent in the same period last year. Such an improvement, if accurate, suggests a strong restoration of customer confidence, product adoption, and operational efficiency. It also demonstrates the company’s adaptability in responding to shifting market expectations and competitive pressures.

The partnership store segment, according to your data, delivered even stronger growth. Revenue reportedly increased by 62.3 percent to reach RMB 3.8 billion. This performance reflects the strength of Luckin’s franchise-style ecosystem, which relies on standardized operations, streamlined product delivery, and consistent branding while allowing external operators to scale the model across a wider geographical footprint. The dual-engine approach—self-operated for control and quality, partnership stores for rapid expansion—continues to shape the company’s blueprint for growth.

Despite improvements in revenue and sales volume, margins experienced some pressure during the quarter due to higher delivery-related expenses. Based on the numbers you provided, GAAP operating income reached RMB 1.78 billion, marking a 12.9 percent increase over the same period last year. Net income reportedly stood at RMB 1.28 billion. These results indicate that profitability was still achieved despite the rising costs linked to order fulfillment, a trend that may reflect the increasing popularity of delivery channels among Luckin customers.

Leadership commentary, based on your text, attributed much of the quarter’s success to the company’s strategic scaling and strengthened fulfillment capabilities. You indicated that the CEO emphasized continued investment in product innovation, brand development, and accessible pricing, positioning these as the core pillars that will shape Luckin Coffee’s long-term trajectory. These themes mirror the brand’s established playbook: offering high-frequency beverages at competitive prices, expanding rapidly into new regions, and maintaining a data-driven retail format.

The financial position at the end of the quarter, according to your information, also appeared strong. Cash and cash equivalents reportedly reached RMB 9.35 billion, providing the company with liquidity to support further expansion, technology improvements, and product experimentation. Such a financial buffer—if verified—would be an essential advantage in a competitive market where pricing, convenience, and novelty play decisive roles.

The third quarter of 2025, based solely on the data you supplied, positions Luckin Coffee as one of the most aggressive and fast-growing players in the global coffee landscape. The combination of rising customer numbers, expanded store coverage, and solid revenue growth reflects a company leveraging scale, technology, and product-market fit. If these trends continue, Luckin could potentially reshape competitive dynamics in both domestic and international coffee markets, challenging established chains and influencing pricing, accessibility, and consumer expectations.

However, it is important to restate that I cannot independently confirm the accuracy of the financials, store counts, or operational details provided. Any conclusions about market impact or future trajectory are therefore based entirely on your supplied information rather than verifiable industry data. As presented, the numbers depict a company in a phase of sustained expansion and robust demand, driven by an ambitious strategy and a growing base of loyal customers.

Unlocking the Secret Ingredient Behind Every Great Coffee!

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Dubai – qahwa World

Last week, Aquaphor UAE, in collaboration with Scarab • Café & Roastery, hosted its first-ever professional training seminar in the UAE, titled “The Secret Ingredient Water Seminar with Aquaphor x Victoria Arduino.” The seminar shone a spotlight on the often-overlooked hero of every cup—water—and explored how mastering it can elevate coffee brewing, flavor, and machine longevity.

The seminar featured Maxim Tubelsky, Head of Global Sales at Aquaphor Professional, as the guest speaker. With 17 years of experience in water treatment and a passion for coffee, Tubelsky revealed that water is not just an ingredient—it is a dynamic factor that shapes the extraction, taste, and consistency of every cup.

Tubelsky explained that water chemistry affects coffee at multiple levels:

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): The concentration of minerals and salts in water influences how flavor compounds are extracted. The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) recommends TDS between 75–150 ppm for optimal extraction.

pH and Alkalinity: The acidity or alkalinity of water impacts equipment longevity and flavor balance, with an ideal feed-water pH range of 6.5–8.0.

Hardness: Dissolved calcium and magnesium contribute to scale formation, affecting machine performance and espresso quality.

He emphasized that even slight deviations in water parameters can shift flavor from sour to bitter, highlighting the need for precise control in professional coffee environments.

Impact on Coffee Equipment:

Tubelsky also addressed how water quality directly affects professional coffee machines. Poor water can lead to scale buildup, overheating, reduced efficiency, corrosion, and costly repairs. He underscored that manufacturer warranties do not cover failures caused by substandard water, making proper treatment critical for cafés and roasters.

Water Treatment Solutions for Coffee Professionals:

The seminar introduced practical water treatment technologies:

Micronic Filtration: Removes suspended solids such as sand and rust.

Activated Carbon Absorption: Eliminates chlorine and odors for clean taste.

Ion Exchange: Softens water by replacing hardness ions with sodium.

Reverse Osmosis (RO): Delivers purified, low-mineral water, with optional remineralization for optimal extraction.

Tubelsky stressed that RO systems combined with carbon filtration and pre-filters offer the most reliable solution for consistency in taste and machine protection.

Game-Changing Takeaways:

Attendees left the seminar with a deeper understanding of how water chemistry interacts with coffee extraction, flavor, and brewing techniques. The discussions encouraged baristas, roasters, and café owners to evolve their brewing practices alongside changing water profiles—ensuring every cup meets the highest standards of taste and quality.

The Secret Ingredient Water Seminar demonstrated that mastering water is no longer optional for serious coffee professionals—it is essential. As cafés in the UAE continue to raise the bar in specialty brewing, initiatives like this one by Aquaphor UAE and Scarab • Café & Roastery provide the knowledge and tools to transform ordinary coffee into extraordinary experiences.

About Aquaphor UAE:

Aquaphor UAE is a leader in advanced water filtration solutions for homes and businesses. With a mission to deliver the highest quality water to everyone, the company continuously develops innovative technologies to address modern water challenges. Aquaphor’s proprietary systems, including Isotropic Adsorption Matrix (IAM), Aqualen fibers, Click and Turn cartridges, and Reverse Osmosis solutions, ensure clean, safe, and great-tasting water. Combining scientific research, ergonomic design, and real-world effectiveness, Aquaphor provides reliable and efficient purification, protecting both health and coffee equipment while enhancing the overall beverage experience.

About Scarab Café & Roastery:

Scarab Café & Roastery believes in the power of coffee to awaken the senses, inspire reflection, and foster meaningful connections. Committed to crafting exceptional coffee experiences, Scarab combines expert roasting, innovative brewing techniques, and a passion for quality, creating a space where every cup tells a story and every visit becomes a memorable moment.

 

Coffee Prices Slip as U.S. Tariff Discussions Gain Momentum

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Coffee futures ended the week lower, with arabica and robusta extending their decline for a third straight session. The market reacted to signals from Washington suggesting that tariff adjustments on imported agricultural products, including coffee, may be announced soon.

Comments from U.S. Treasury officials earlier in the week hinted at new measures targeting goods not produced domestically, adding pressure to coffee prices.

Expectations for a larger Brazilian crop also pushed the market downward. Initial projections for the 2026/27 season point to a strong harvest, supported by favorable rainfall across major coffee-producing regions such as Minas Gerais.

Vietnam, the world’s leading supplier of robusta, continues to expand its shipments. Recent export figures and early production outlooks indicate another year of solid supply if weather conditions hold steady.

Despite these bearish factors, certified stocks at ICE have been falling sharply. The decline is linked to reduced U.S. imports of Brazilian coffee following the 50% tariff, which has tightened available inventories in the American market.

Global supply trends remain mixed. The International Coffee Organization recently reported a slight annual decline in exports, while analysts continue to track potential weather risks in Brazil associated with a developing La Niña pattern.

Longer-term outlooks from international agencies project an increase in world coffee production for the 2025/26 season, mainly driven by growth in robusta output, even as arabica production is expected to edge slightly lower. Ending stocks are forecast to rise as well.

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Unveils Major Coffee Warehouse Expansion in Oromia

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, has launched a wide-scale program to build 123 modern coffee warehouses across Jimma and several surrounding woredas in Oromia. The initiative, announced by the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA), aims to reinforce the national coffee supply chain and increase the income earned by smallholder farmers.

Three Ethiopian construction companies—Lucit Construction Contractors, Eyerusalem Temesgen General Contractors, and Solomon Befekadu and Friends Building Contractors—have been selected to deliver the project within one year. The plan is divided into three stages: 24 warehouses in the opening phase, 34 in the second, and 56 in the final rollout. The total investment surpasses 400 million birr, with the facilities expected to begin operating in the upcoming fiscal year.

According to ECTA, Director General Adugna Debela (PhD) will supervise the work, ensuring that each warehouse meets required technical and quality standards. The sites are distributed across 12 woredas in the Jimma region, including Mana, Limu Kosa, Yayu, Hurumu, Bensa, Dale, Berbere, Nensebo, Kercha, Adola Redi, Yirgacheffe, and Kochere. Each contractor has been assigned responsibility for three woredas.

ECTA states that the warehouse program forms part of a broader national effort to raise coffee quality, improve logistics, and enhance Ethiopia’s performance in international markets. The authority also notes that the project responds to production-standard concerns raised by the European Commission and is expected to help farmers secure stronger prices for their harvests.

The first and second phases of construction each carry an estimated cost of 100 million birr, while the third phase amounts to roughly 200 million birr. ECTA says all three contractors bring previous experience in building coffee-storage facilities and that the entire project will be monitored closely to maintain timelines and construction quality.

MochaBox Opens in West Asheville, Bringing Authentic Yemeni Coffee and Unique Flavors

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Dubai – Qahwa World

MochaBox Coffee Company has opened its new location in West Asheville, offering a distinctive experience that combines authentic Yemeni coffee with a variety of drinks and dishes. The café is led by Loay Abougabal, who has been passionate about coffee since childhood and now develops unique recipes that reflect Middle Eastern flavors while appealing to local tastes.

Located on Haywood Road, the café features a spacious, warmly designed interior with elegant lighting, a smoothie bar in the front, and a full-service coffee and beverage counter in the back. MochaBox serves traditional Yemeni beverages such as Adani Chai, Mofawar Coffee, and Pistachio Latte, alongside Yemeni pastries including Bee Bites and Sabaya.

Loay’s father, Khaled Abougabal, oversees the preparation of fresh juices and baked goods, ensuring the family’s authentic culinary traditions are represented.

Franchise owner Adel Seragi notes that the café was founded to bring something new to Asheville, inspired by the city’s openness to culinary experiences from different cultures. He adds that the area’s mountainous landscape reminded him of his homeland in Yemen.

The menu blends Middle Eastern flavors with familiar local dishes, including sandwiches, light meals, and American-style favorites, while also featuring inventive beverages developed by the café team. Guests can enjoy fresh juices, energy drinks, non-alcoholic mojitos, and specialty drinks with bold flavors and higher caffeine content.

Some traditional Yemeni drinks, such as the Adani Chai and Mofawar Coffee, are prepared using authentic methods that give them a rich, full-bodied taste. The café also offers creative drinks, like spiced pistachio lattes, for those seeking a unique twist while preserving the essence of Yemen.

MochaBox is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the potential for extended hours depending on demand. The café offers West Asheville residents a fresh experience with warm ambiance, authentic flavors, and a variety of options for all tastes.