Category: News

Krylon Names “Matte Coffee Bean” the 2026 Color of the Year — A Return to Warmth and Nature

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Dubai – Qahwa Wolrd

American paint manufacturer Krylon, one of the leading global brands in decorative and industrial coatings and a subsidiary of Sherwin-Williams, has announced “Matte Coffee Bean” as its 2026 Color of the Year.

The deep, earthy brown hue draws inspiration from the natural tones of roasted coffee beans — symbolizing warmth, balance, and a grounded connection to nature. The choice reflects a broader global movement toward organic minimalism and the desire for tranquil, restorative living spaces.

According to Lisbeth Parada, Color and Design Lead at Krylon, “Matte Coffee Bean represents more than a color trend — it’s an expression of comfort and calm. It complements wood, stone, and marble beautifully, creating harmony without overwhelming the space.”

The color also carries a poetic symbolism tied to coffee itself — representing transformation, craftsmanship, and authenticity, much like the coffee bean’s journey from farm to roast. In design terms, it embodies the shift from industrial strength to natural warmth, following Krylon’s 2025 pick, Hammered Black, marking a gentle evolution toward human-centered, nature-inspired aesthetics.

Krylon’s creative team identified three leading trends shaping its 2026 palette:

Restorative Refuge – Homes as spaces for comfort and mental rejuvenation.

Less is More – A minimalist mindset emphasizing longevity, reuse, and timeless finishes.

Grit and Grind – A celebration of handmade artistry and the beauty of effort.

To accompany the Color of the Year, Krylon introduced a complementary palette featuring Satin Khaki, Metallic Gold, and Hammered Black, blending elegance with simplicity.

With decades of expertise, Krylon continues to influence color design trends worldwide. Founded in 1947, it pioneered the first aerosol paint and remains a trusted name for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Its products are known for innovation, durability, and accessibility, available in major U.S. retailers including Lowe’s, Walmart, and Hobby Lobby.

Through “Matte Coffee Bean,” Krylon reaffirms that true luxury in modern design lies in calm, connection, and natural harmony — much like coffee itself, which offers warmth and serenity amid the pace of everyday life.

A Pinch of Salt: The Viral Trick Changing How Coffee Lovers Balance Flavor

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Dubai – Qahwa Wolrd

A growing online trend is convincing coffee drinkers to rethink their morning ritual — not with new beans or gadgets, but with a grain of salt.

Social media users claim that adding a small pinch of salt to coffee softens its bitterness and enhances its natural sweetness, making it smoother without sugar or cream. The method varies: some mix salt directly into the brewed cup, others stir it into the water or sprinkle it over the grounds before brewing.

According to food specialists, the science behind this hack is straightforward. Sodium ions interact with taste receptors on the tongue, reducing the perception of bitterness without covering up flavor. Research has shown that small quantities of salt can balance the taste of bitter compounds and highlight sweet notes, especially in dark-roasted coffees.

Food scientist Ed McCormick explains that salt affects the way our taste buds respond to bitter molecules: “A touch of sodium suppresses bitter flavors and brings forward hidden sweetness — all without added sugar.”

Professional baristas agree that moderation is essential. Two-time U.S. champion Heather Perry notes that while salt can mellow harsh notes, too much will distort the intended flavor. “High-quality beans already offer balance,” she says. “Salt can help with low-grade or over-roasted coffee, but it can also mask what makes specialty beans unique.”

Some users claim that salted coffee aids hydration, but nutrition experts dismiss the idea. Registered dietitian Janelle Bober explains that the effect of a single pinch of salt is negligible and does not offset coffee’s mild diuretic nature. She adds that those with kidney or blood-pressure issues should avoid excess sodium, though the small amounts used in this trend are typically harmless.

For anyone trying to reduce sugar or calories, salt provides flavor without adding fat or sweetness.

While new to many Western drinkers, the idea of salting coffee has deep cultural roots. In Turkey, it holds symbolic meaning in traditional engagement rituals. Vietnam’s beloved ca phe muoi (salted coffee) combines espresso, sweetened condensed milk, and salted cream. Taiwan’s cafés popularized “sea-salt coffee,” and in Nordic regions, salt has long been added to balance mineral-rich water.

Even contemporary cafés are experimenting with it. Some craft beverage makers incorporate salt into syrups and signature drinks to intensify flavor complexity. Beverage developer Caitlin Burke says, “Like in cooking, a bit of salt amplifies what’s already there — it deepens and rounds the flavor.”

Though the internet has repackaged it as a viral “hack,” the practice is centuries old — a simple act of culinary chemistry rediscovered. For coffee enthusiasts seeking a smoother, more balanced cup, the answer may truly lie in a pinch of salt.

Finnish Company Paulig Files Applications to Register Five New Trademarks in Russia

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Dubi – Qahwa World

Finnish coffee producer Paulig has filed applications to register five new trademarks in Russia, according to data available in the Rospatent electronic database.

The applications were submitted on October 15 by OY Gustav Paulig Ab, listed as the official applicant. The company reportedly plans to market ground, instant, and roasted coffee, as well as coffee in bags and capsules, under the new trademarks.

Paulig had previously announced its withdrawal from the Russian market in March 2022, following the beginning of the special military operation in Ukraine. By May 2022, the company had completed the sale of its Russian business to Vikas Soin, a private investor from India who acquired Paulig Rus LLC.

Earlier, in November 2021, Paulig had also halted the supply of its popular Santa Maria spices and sauces to Russia, which were part of the company’s broader product portfolio.

Meanwhile, other international brands have taken similar steps. The Spanish group Inditex, which owns Zara and Bershka, has also re-registered its trademarks in Russia, valid until 2035, even though it ceased operations in the country in 2022.

U.S.-Made Coffee Remains More Expensive Than Imports Despite Tariffs

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Throughout 2025, U.S. consumers have witnessed a steady rise in prices across nearly all goods following the administration’s decision to impose tariffs on imported products from global trade partners. Coffee has been no exception, even though the United States relies almost entirely on imported beans to satisfy domestic demand.

Data shows that coffee prices rose by 14.5% between July 2024 and July 2025, while roasted and packaged coffee in supermarkets increased by 21.7% between August 2024 and August 2025. These price hikes are largely attributed to tariffs affecting major coffee-producing nations such as Brazil, which supplies around 40% of the world’s coffee, and Vietnam, the second-largest global exporter.

Despite rising international prices, coffee produced within the United States remains significantly more expensive — a trend unlikely to change. Coffee cultivation requires specific geographical and climatic conditions found only in limited areas of the country, most notably Hawaii, where the right soil and altitude allow for small-scale production of high-quality beans. Even so, the total domestic yield accounts for barely 1% of what Americans consume annually.

Experts in both agriculture and finance agree that the United States lacks the natural and environmental capacity to achieve self-sufficiency in coffee production, even if domestic and imported prices were equal. Consumption far exceeds what local producers can supply, and expanding cultivation faces both economic and ecological constraints. The country’s main coffee-growing regions — Hawaii and Puerto Rico — can only cover a fraction of nationwide demand.

While tariff policies are intended to strengthen local industries and reduce reliance on imports, coffee remains a clear exception. Natural limitations make large-scale domestic production unfeasible, and imported coffee continues to be more affordable and abundant despite higher tariffs. Analysts conclude that the American coffee market will remain deeply tied to global supply chains — particularly to producers in Brazil, Vietnam, and Ethiopia — regardless of future policy changes or tariff increases.

Registration Opens for Emirati Baristas Brewing Competition 2025 at Sheikh Zayed Festival

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Abu Dhabi – Qahwa World 

The aroma of competition is brewing once again as registration officially opens for the Emirati Baristas Brewing Competition 2025, one of the most anticipated national coffee events of the year. The competition will take place on November 21, 2025, at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi — offering a platform for Emirati baristas to showcase their skills, creativity, and deep passion for coffee.

Organized by Caffeinection, Your Ultimate Coffee Hub (One-Stop-Shop) for beans, tools, equipment, services, coffee consulting, and event management, the competition aims to spotlight local talent and advance the UAE’s thriving specialty coffee community. Caffeinection, the official distributor of MHW-3Bomber, brings together innovation and craftsmanship to elevate the coffee experience in the Emirates.

The event is being held in collaboration with Grateful Café & Roastery, the Abu Dhabi-based specialty coffee destination known for its fresh roasts and its motto, “Serving gratitude in every cup.” Together, the organizers promise an event filled with flavor, creativity, and community spirit.

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Festival, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Date: November 21, 2025

Registration Fee: AED 200

Note: Limited slots available

Taking place within the Sheikh Zayed Festival, one of the UAE’s largest cultural celebrations, the competition will blend the world of coffee with art, culture, and entertainment. Families and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy spectacular shows, international cuisines, exhibitions, fireworks, and attractions — all while witnessing the artistry of Emirati brewers at work.

Registration is now open through Caffeinection’s official website

With this event, Caffeinection and Grateful Café & Roastery reaffirm their commitment to nurturing the Emirati coffee community — a movement that continues to place the UAE among the most dynamic centers of specialty coffee culture in the region.

Arabica Leads the Recovery: Coffee Outperforms Sugar, Cotton, and Cocoa in Q3 2025

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Dubai – Qahwa World

The agricultural commodities sector gained 1.89% in Q3 2025, driven by strong advances in Arabica coffee and frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) futures. Despite the quarterly rise, the sector remained 19.25% below its 2024 closing level, with four of five major agricultural commodities ending lower and two down more than 40%.

Arabica coffee was the best-performing agricultural commodity in Q3, climbing 22.2% amid concerns over Brazil’s crop outlook and posting a 17.23% year-to-date increase. Futures closed at $3.7485 per pound at the end of September and climbed further to $4.0875 by mid-October, marking coffee as the standout performer of 2025 so far.
The monthly chart shows sustained bullish momentum that began in late 2024.

Cocoa, however, led the downside after reaching an all-time high of $12,931 per ton in late 2024. Prices plunged 27.86% in Q3 and 42.19% since the start of 2025, closing at $6,749 per ton in September and falling below $5,900 in mid-October. Analysts point to commodity cyclicality — high prices trigger oversupply, larger inventories, and weaker demand.

World sugar futures (#11) rose 4% in Q3 but are still 16.41% lower year-to-date. Prices settled at 16.10 cents per pound at the end of September, well below the November 2023 peak of 28.14 cents. By mid-October, March 2026 contracts were trading near 15.60 cents, extending the bearish trend.

Cotton prices slipped 0.77% in Q3 and 3.85% year-to-date. Futures closed September at 65.77 cents per pound and hovered slightly lower at around 65 cents in mid-October. Cotton has trended downward since the May 2022 high of $1.5595 per pound, though current levels may offer a foundation for recovery if production contracts due to low prices.

While FCOJ gained 11.90% in Q3, it remained the worst-performing agricultural commodity year-to-date, down 51.04%. Prices fell from a December 2024 record of $5.4315 per pound to $2.4355 by the end of September and slipped below $2 in mid-October.
Analysts note that FCOJ’s limited liquidity amplifies volatility, with low open interest and trading volumes causing sharper price swings.

As Q4 begins, coffee prices remain elevated while cocoa, sugar, cotton, and FCOJ continue to slide. However, sugar and cotton may find cyclical support, as low prices typically drive production cuts, inventory drawdowns, and stronger demand — setting the stage for a rebound.

Weather conditions, crop health, trade policies, and geopolitics will continue to shape volatility across agricultural commodities. While coffee may face corrective pressure after its rally, sugar and cotton appear the most likely candidates for recovery — particularly cotton, which tends to peak in Q1–Q2 amid planting uncertainty. With prices below 66 cents per pound, cotton could emerge as the strongest recovery play for 2026.

“Agricultural commodities led the asset class in 2023 and 2024 but have fallen behind in 2025. Yet, cyclicality remains the driving force — where lows are found, the next rallies begin.”

Carlyle and Boyu emerge as likely buyers for Starbucks’ China operations, sources say

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Private equity firms Carlyle Group and Boyu Capital have reportedly taken the lead in efforts to acquire a controlling stake in Starbucks’ China business.

Seattle-based Starbucks initiated a formal sales process in May 2025, seeking to bring in strategic partners amid slowing growth and stiff competition from local chains such as Luckin Coffee and Cotti Coffee.

According to sources, up to five firms made the final shortlist by September 2025, with Carlyle and Boyu now viewed as frontrunners for the deal. The transaction is expected to value the China operations at around USD 4 billion, and Starbucks may retain up to a 49 percent interest.

Carlyle already has experience in the coffee and restaurant sector: it acquired South Korea’s A Twosome Place chain and previously held a 28 percent stake in McDonald’s China, which it sold in 2023.

Meanwhile, Boyu has backed major food and beverage enterprises, including a role in investing in Mixue Group, and has co-ownership in the Honeymoon Dessert brand in China and Singapore.

Starbucks currently operates roughly 7,800 stores in China, making it its second-largest market by store count—and roughly 20 percent of its global total—though it contributes only about 8 percent of revenue.
MarketScreener

Unlike most markets where Starbucks licenses some stores, its entire China operation is wholly company-run.

While Starbucks endured three straight quarters of revenue decline in China in 2024, more recently the business has rebounded: it posted three consecutive quarters of year-over-year growth in 2025, including its first six-month stretch of positive same-store sales during the second quarter.
Comunicaffe International

Nestlé to Reduce Workforce as Part of Cost-Saving Drive

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Nestlé, the Swiss multinational food and beverage corporation, has revealed plans to cut roughly 6% of its global workforce over the next two years as part of a broad efficiency initiative.

Under new CEO Philipp Navratil, the company aims to eliminate about 16,000 positions. Of these, around 12,000 will be in corporate and administrative roles, while the remaining 4,000 will affect manufacturing, logistics, and supply-chain operations.

The job cuts respond to persistent cost pressures and two consecutive quarters of revenue decline. In the first nine months of 2025, Nestlé’s sales fell by 1.9% year-on-year to CHF 65.9 billion ($76.8 billion). Nonetheless, the company credited its coffee and confectionery divisions—underpinned by price increases—for delivering solid growth.

Navratil is pushing to expand Nestlé’s cost-savings target from CHF 2.5 billion to CHF 3 billion by the end of 2027. He described the cuts as “hard but necessary,” noting that while Nestlé’s size offers advantages, it also brings complexity and inefficiencies that must be addressed.

According to the company, the planned reductions in corporate staffing are expected to yield approximately CHF 1 billion in annual savings. Efficiency drives in the production and supply chain segments are intended to support further cost mitigation through automation and operational consolidation.

While Nestlé’s nutrition segment and operations in China were among the weaker performers, the coffee segment showed resilience—even as commodity prices remained elevated and consumer spending softened in many markets.

In particular, the company implemented an average price increase of 7.4% across key coffee and confectionery brands such as Nescafé and Nespresso—moves that helped support growth across all regions. Nestlé also reported strong momentum in its ready-to-drink and coffee concentrate lines, especially in Asian and Oceanic markets.

The decision to downsize globally underscores the intense cost pressures faced by one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies. Even strong-performing sectors like coffee could not completely offset rising production and raw-material expenses, particularly for green coffee and cocoa.

In the coffee commodities market, both Arabica and Robusta prices remain at historically high levels. In September 2025, Arabica futures exceeded $4 per pound for the first time since April, while Robusta prices hovered near $5,694 per tonne—strained by adverse weather, reduced yields in Brazil and Vietnam, and continued supply chain disruptions.

Victoria Arduino Unveils L’Atelier — A New Creative Space at HOST Milano 2025

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Milan— Qahwa World

At this year’s HOST Milano, Victoria Arduino is introducing L’Atelier by Victoria Arduino, a new creative concept that merges craftsmanship, design, and innovation into a single narrative space.

Drawing inspiration from the world of luxury ateliers, L’Atelier reimagines the traditional perception of coffee machines — presenting them not just as professional tools but as unique works of art. The new project reflects Victoria Arduino’s longstanding values of Italian excellence, artisanal partnerships, and an unwavering dedication to detail.

L’Atelier is conceived as both a showcase and an experiential journey through the essence of creativity and customization. It highlights the deep connection between coffee culture and high-end design, positioning Victoria Arduino as a key player in bridging the worlds of specialty coffee and luxury craftsmanship.

For its debut edition, Victoria Arduino has partnered with three distinguished Italian artisans and design houses:

BTB Progetto Pelle – Renowned leather artisans known for their bespoke panels and luxury finishes inspired by interior and fashion design.

Intreccio Vivo – A new generation of weavers preserving the art of midollino and raffia weaving, creating biodegradable decorative surfaces.

Vesta – Experts in sustainable, high-end composite materials used by leading international fashion brands.

Through these collaborations, L’Atelier embodies the harmony between sustainability, design, and artisanal mastery. It stands as a symbol of how traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation can coexist within the evolving world of coffee.

Visitors can experience this new chapter of Victoria Arduino’s creative vision at HOST Milano 2025, Hall 16 — Stand A11 – A19 – C12 – C20.

CQI Workshop in Dubai Explores the Science of Post-Harvest Coffee Processing

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Tomorrow, coffee professionals and enthusiasts in the UAE will gather at the Victoria Arduino Experience Lab in Dubai for a six-hour workshop titled “CQI – Introduction to Post-Harvest Processing.” Organized by Mystic Cup Stories in collaboration with Victoria Arduino, the class promises an in-depth and hands-on introduction to one of the most crucial stages in coffee production.

Accredited by the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), the session will guide participants through major processing methods — Natural, Honey, Mechanically Demucilaged, Fully Washed, and Wet Hulled — explaining how each technique shapes the final flavor profile of coffee.

The workshop will be led by Kristina Bakhtoiarova, an experienced educator, roaster, and consultant with over 15 years in specialty coffee. As a Q Processing Lecturer, Bakhtoiarova has trained professionals around the world and will share her deep understanding of post-harvest systems, from cherry selection and fermentation to drying and pre-cleaning.

Participants can also look forward to a guided coffee cupping featuring coffees from Mystic Cup Stories, offering a sensory exploration of how processing methods affect taste and aroma.

The program is open to baristas, roasters, café owners, coffee lovers, and future green buyers who want to decode common processing terms such as “Washed,” “Honey,” and “Natural.”

By hosting this CQI workshop, Victoria Arduino continues to strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a leading center for specialty coffee education and innovation in the Middle East.

Arabica Coffee Prices Dip as Brazil Rains and Tariff Talks Pressure Market

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Arabica coffee prices fell on Wednesday as forecasts of rainfall in Brazil’s coffee belt and renewed trade discussions between Brazil and the United States triggered selling in the futures market.

On the ICE exchange, December Arabica (KCZ25) dropped by –4.75 points (–1.19%), while November Robusta (RMX25) rose by +55 points (+1.23%). The session began with an upward trend but later reversed, with traders reacting to changing weather expectations and tariff concerns.

Traders who had bet on prolonged dry conditions liquidated positions after new forecasts showed that Brazil’s main coffee-growing regions would receive rain later this week. The shift came just after reports of drought-related stress in Minas Gerais, where rainfall during the week ending October 11 reached only 48% of the historical average, raising concerns for the crucial flowering phase of the 2026/27 crop.

Market sentiment also shifted after Bloomberg reported that Brazilian Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira is set to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday to discuss tariffs. The talks come amid ongoing U.S. import tariffs of 50% on Brazilian coffee, which have already reduced shipments and tightened U.S. supplies.

ICE-monitored arabica inventories fell to a 1.5-year low of 494,558 bags, while robusta inventories slipped to 6,200 lots, their lowest in nearly three months. Meanwhile, the NOAA recently raised the likelihood of a La Niña event to 71% for October–December, potentially bringing drier conditions to Brazil and heightening risks for the next harvest.

In contrast, Vietnam’s Central Highlands, the country’s main coffee zone, is forecast to receive above-average rainfall through October 20 — with Dak Lak province expecting 70 mm, compared with a historical average of 61 mm. The favorable weather supports a strong 2025/26 robusta crop, with production projected to rise by 6% year-on-year to 1.76 million tons (29.4 million bags) — a four-year high.

According to the Vietnam National Statistics Office, coffee exports in the first nine months of 2025 climbed 10.9% year-on-year to 1.23 million tons, adding to global supply pressures.

The U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) projects 2025/26 global coffee production at a record 178.68 million bags, up 2.5% from the previous year. Arabica output is expected to decline 1.7%, while robusta rises 7.9%.

Brazil’s total coffee production is forecast at 65 million bags, up 0.5%, while Vietnam’s is seen reaching 31 million bags, up 6.9%.

However, global trading firm Volcafe anticipates an arabica deficit of 8.5 million bags for 2025/26 — the fifth consecutive annual shortfall.

RAW Coffee Brings Its Signature Brews to Dubai Creek

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Specialty coffee pioneer RAW Coffee Company has officially arrived at Dubai Creek, partnering with Boulevard Gourmet at the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek for a six-month café takeover that promises to blend Old Dubai’s charm with contemporary coffee craftsmanship.

The pop-up marks a new chapter for RAW, giving visitors a chance to enjoy its signature espresso blends and explore unique single origins such as Ethiopian Guji and Mexican Mazateca. For adventurous palates, the highlight of the menu is the Noir Elixir — a bold cold brew creation with layers of blackcurrant, golden honey, and tonic, crafted to balance sweetness, acidity, and a dark fruit-forward profile.

Paired with Boulevard Gourmet’s selection of handmade pastries, sandwiches, and cakes, the collaboration offers a multisensory experience that celebrates both artisanal coffee and artisanal baking.

The café’s Creekside setting provides a vibrant, sunlit backdrop where guests can sip, unwind, and rediscover RAW’s signature coffee philosophy — bringing exceptional taste to one of Dubai’s most historic districts.