Category: News

Breville Eyes China’s Coffee Market as U.S. Tariffs Pressure Sales

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Dubai, 21 August 2025 (Qahwa World) – Breville is looking to China and the Middle East as promising new growth markets for its coffee appliances, aiming to balance the impact of U.S. tariffs on its business. Chief executive Jim Clayton said rising demand for premium coffee machines in these regions provides long-term opportunity, even as higher import duties in the United States pose near-term challenges.

The company, which generates about 40 percent of its revenue from the U.S., has shifted part of its production from China to facilities in Indonesia and Mexico. Clayton confirmed that this diversification strategy will continue through the year to reduce exposure to higher costs.

For the year ending June 30, Breville posted revenue of $1.7 billion, an increase of nearly 11 percent, while operating profit rose just over 10 percent to $204.5 million. Despite the strong performance, investor concerns about tariffs weighed on the share price. Clayton acknowledged that higher input costs remain an issue for the U.S. market but said the company would manage these pressures through supplier negotiations, selective price increases, and new product launches.

Recent highlights include the launch of the Oracle Dual Boiler coffee machine in Australia, with a new grinder and a compact smart oven scheduled for release this month. Coffee appliances remain the company’s leading category, helping Breville deliver double-digit growth across all three of its regional markets in 2025. The business has increased revenue and profit every year since 2015, even during challenging conditions.

Analyst opinions are mixed. Some warn that U.S. tariffs could affect earnings through FY27, raising questions about consensus forecasts of flat growth this year and a return to double-digit gains next year. Others view the current slowdown as temporary, pointing to Breville’s consistent record of expansion and opportunities in international markets. UBS projects that the $5 billion company could more than double sales over the next decade, driven by coffee market growth globally and particularly in China.

Founded over 90 years ago, Breville has grown into a global brand with a presence in more than 70 countries. Known under the Breville and Sage names, the company has built a reputation for innovation in small appliances and premium coffee equipment. Its teams of engineers, designers, and food technologists have helped place Breville at the forefront of its category. The company also emphasizes sustainability and ethical practices across its operations, with a focus on reducing environmental impact and contributing positively to society.

Clayton said that early results in China and the Middle East are encouraging, though still in the early stages, and that both regions represent significant long-term potential. To close out the financial year, Breville declared a final dividend of 19 cents per share, bringing the full-year payout to 37 cents, payable on October 2.

Paris Baguette Marks 250th Café with New Opening in Frederick, Maryland

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Moonachie, N.J., August 21, 2025 (Qahwa World) – Paris Baguette has reached an important milestone in its expansion, celebrating the opening of its 250th bakery café in North America. The brand, which continues to grow across the United States and Canada, views this moment as part of its mission to revive the neighborhood café experience by offering expertly crafted pastries, quality coffee, and warm, welcoming spaces for communities.

Chief Executive Officer Darren Tipton said the achievement reflects the dedication of franchise owners, café teams, and loyal guests. He noted that each new opening represents more than growth for the company, highlighting its goal of creating places that foster joy and connection.

The new café in Frederick, Maryland, located at 520 Snowshill Street, is operated by Waseem Mohamad, who previously served as a general contractor building nearly 20 Paris Baguette locations. Together with his partners Prant Kumar and Prince Kumar, Mohamad is now taking on his first ownership role. Their family ties to the area and familiarity with the brand provide them with strong insight into the local community, and they intend to open additional cafés in the region in the future.

For Mohamad, the occasion carries personal significance. Having witnessed other milestone openings for the company, including the 150th and 200th cafés, he now celebrates the 250th as his own. He explained that his long-time love of the brand’s products, shared by his family, makes this step especially rewarding as he introduces the café to his community.

The company’s growth is supported by strong customer loyalty and consistent performance. Paris Baguette recently surpassed one million members in its PB Rewards program and reported eighteen consecutive quarters of positive same-store sales growth, along with seventeen quarters of rising guest traffic. In 2025 alone, forty-six cafés have opened, with over 170 new franchise agreements signed and fifty more cafés set to launch by the end of the year. Nearly 450 additional locations are in development, positioning the company to double its North American presence within two years and reach 1,000 cafés by 2030.

Future expansion is planned in several U.S. states, including Massachusetts, Florida, Illinois, and Ohio, as well as Canadian markets such as Quebec, Vancouver, and Toronto. With each opening, Paris Baguette underscores its commitment to hospitality, craftsmanship, and community connection, aiming to reestablish the bakery café as a central part of neighborhood life across North America.

Born from a love of bread and a passion for quality, Paris Baguette was founded in 1988 as a fast-casual bakery-café specializing in French and Asian-inspired goods. In addition to cakes, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and signature coffee and tea, the company delivers a unique bakery and café experience to thousands of customers daily. Today, with over 4,000 locations worldwide, Paris Baguette continues to satisfy the tastes of people across all ages and backgrounds. The brand invites those with a passion for food, service, and community to become part of its story, offering opportunities to join a diverse and talented team driven by fun, collaboration, and success.

Coffee Boom: Saudis Consume 36 Million Cups Daily

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Dubai, August 21, 2025 (Qahwa World) – Saudi Arabia’s coffee market is witnessing unprecedented growth, positioning the Kingdom among the world’s top consumers of caffeine. According to the Saudi Restaurants and Cafés Association, Saudis consume around 36 million cups of coffee every day, roughly equivalent to one cup per person. The local market is valued at between $1.3 and $1.9 billion annually, reflecting strong demand and a broad consumer base. Projections also suggest that the coffee market across the Middle East and North Africa could reach $11.7 billion by 2027, with Saudi Arabia making a major contribution thanks to the rising popularity of specialty coffee.

The Ministry of Commerce has issued more than 61,000 café licenses across the country, including 27,000 licenses for traditional neighborhood cafés that serve Arabic coffee and heritage products. This surge underscores how cafés have evolved into vibrant social and economic hubs that now compete with restaurants in both customer traffic and revenue. International chains such as Starbucks and Tim Hortons sit alongside fast-rising Saudi brands like Eksiir Al Bun (Elixir Bunn), Khutwat Jaml (Camel Step), and Barn’s, offering innovative experiences inspired by local culture. Technology has also played a vital role in transforming the café landscape, with online ordering apps, digital payment systems, and even the use of robot baristas in advanced outlets.

According to Ahmed Al-Qashqari, CEO of the Saudi Restaurants and Cafés Association, cafés now account for 16% of the Kingdom’s food service sector, compared to a time when restaurants dominated. He noted that the sector is expanding at an annual growth rate of more than 5%, driving job creation and diversifying income streams in line with Vision 2030, which seeks to establish a sustainable, diversified economy. Beyond their economic role, cafés have also become important community spaces, providing ideal environments for networking, creativity, and entrepreneurship, particularly among young Saudis who make up the majority of the population and lead many successful ventures in this sector.

Saudi Arabia has also invested around $320 million to boost domestic coffee cultivation, particularly in the regions of Jazan, Al-Baha, and Asir, which produce the premium Khoulani Arabica beans renowned for their global quality. This investment is designed to significantly increase production and transform Saudi coffee from a cultural tradition into a competitive economic product with strong export potential. The initiative also strengthens the Kingdom’s standing in the global coffee industry. Meanwhile, events such as the Saudi Coffee Festival continue to promote local products and enhance cultural tourism, further solidifying coffee’s strategic role in the national economy.

Despite this remarkable growth, the sector faces challenges, including high operating costs, fierce competition among brands, and the need to continuously train baristas and staff to ensure a world-class experience. Reliance on imports for certain coffee varieties also remains an obstacle to full self-sufficiency. Nevertheless, ongoing investments in local production, combined with technological innovation and consumer-focused strategies, point toward a bright future for Saudi Arabia’s coffee industry, which is fast becoming one of the most dynamic economic and cultural drivers in the region.

Coffee Prices Surge on Dry Weather in Brazil and Tighter U.S. Supplies

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Dubai, 21 August 2025 (Qahwa World) – Coffee prices continued their sharp rally this week, reaching multi-month highs as drought in Brazil, tighter U.S. supplies, and falling inventories combined to fuel bullish sentiment in global markets. September arabica coffee (KCU25) closed up +4.05 cents (+1.14%), while September robusta coffee (RMU25) jumped +236 points (+5.35%), marking the strongest levels for arabica in more than two months and for robusta in two and a half months. The upward trend has now extended for over two weeks, signaling growing concerns among traders and roasters alike.

Much of the momentum is driven by weather conditions in Brazil, the world’s largest producer. Somar Meteorologia reported that Minas Gerais, the country’s main arabica-growing state, received no rainfall during the week ending August 16. Dry conditions at this stage of the harvest have spurred funds and speculators to increase their positions in coffee futures. While dryness helps in harvesting ripe cherries, prolonged lack of rain threatens the health of trees and could affect the next cycle’s yield, especially for arabica, which is more sensitive to climatic stress.

At the same time, the United States, one of the biggest coffee importers, is facing its own supply squeeze. Following the imposition of 50% tariffs on Brazilian coffee exports, American buyers have been avoiding new contracts and seeking loopholes in existing ones to escape the higher levies. Some have even requested extended shipping timelines in hopes that trade restrictions may eventually ease. With about a third of unroasted coffee consumed in the U.S. normally sourced from Brazil, the tariffs have significantly tightened the market.

Export figures from Brazil reinforce the tightening picture. The country’s Trade Ministry reported that unroasted exports in July dropped -20.4% year on year to 161,000 metric tons, while Cecafé, the exporters’ council, confirmed that green coffee exports fell -28% to 2.4 million bags. Within that total, arabica shipments declined -21% and robusta plunged nearly -49%. Overall, Brazil’s coffee exports in July fell to 2.7 million bags, and shipments for the first seven months of the year were down -21% to 22.2 million bags compared to the same period in 2024.

Another layer of support for prices comes from declining inventories on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). Arabica stocks dropped to a 1.25-year low of 726,661 bags last week before inching up slightly, while robusta inventories sank to a three-week low of 6,732 lots, still well below the two-year high reached in late July.

Even as supply pressures mount, Brazil’s harvest progress offers a short-term counterbalance. Cooxupé, the country’s largest cooperative and exporter, announced that its members had harvested 86.1% of their crop by August 15. Independent consultancy Safras & Mercado placed national progress at 94% complete, with nearly all robusta and more than 90% of arabica cherries already picked. This suggests that near-term supply will remain steady, though the longer-term outlook is clouded by weather concerns.

Globally, the International Coffee Organization (ICO) reported that exports in June rose +7.3% year on year to 11.69 million bags, though cumulative shipments for October through June were nearly flat at 104.14 million bags, down -0.2% compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, in Vietnam, the world’s largest robusta producer, production in 2023/24 fell -20% to 1.472 million metric tons, the smallest harvest in four years, due to severe drought. Exports for 2024 slipped -17.1% to 1.35 million metric tons, and the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association has already cut its production forecast for 2024/25 to 26.5 million bags, down from an earlier estimate of 28 million. Yet, despite these challenges, Vietnam’s exports in the first seven months of 2025 rose +6.9% to 1.05 million metric tons, providing some temporary relief to the international market.

Looking ahead, projections from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) suggest that world coffee production in 2025/26 will increase +2.5% year on year to a record 178.68 million bags. Arabica output is expected to fall -1.7% to 97.02 million bags, while robusta is forecast to rise +7.9% to 81.65 million bags. Brazil is projected to produce 65 million bags (+0.5%), and Vietnam is forecast to reach a four-year high of 31 million bags (+6.9%). Ending stocks are expected to climb by nearly +4.9% to 22.82 million bags. Still, major trader Volcafe has warned of a widening deficit in arabica, projecting a shortfall of -8.5 million bags for 2025/26, compared with -5.5 million bags this year. If accurate, this would mark the fifth consecutive year of arabica deficits, ensuring that upward pressure on prices will likely persist well into next year.

Tarrazú: Costa Rica’s Highland Coffee That Captivates the World

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Dubai, August 20, 2025 (Qahwa World) – The announcement by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) yesterday of an innovative scientific initiative to safeguard the authenticity of Tarrazú  coffee using advanced nuclear techniques has sparked a wave of questions about this coffee and its unique value. In response, Qahwa World seeks to shed light on this exceptional origin, which has established its reputation over centuries with outstanding quality that combines heritage, sustainability, and distinctive flavor.

Costa Rica may account for less than one percent of global coffee output, but few origins enjoy such prestige. According to the USDA, the country produces around 1.18–1.19 million bags annually, a modest volume compared with global production exceeding 178 million bags. Yet Costa Rican coffee, and Tarrazú in particular, consistently commands premium prices thanks to its unique combination of altitude, climate, and artisanal production methods.

Geography and Identity

The Tarrazú region lies within the Los Santos highlands, covering the cantons of Tarrazú, Dota, and León Cortés. Farms stretch between 1,200 and 1,900 meters above sea level, conditions that classify beans as “Strictly Hard Bean” (SHB). At this altitude, coffee matures slowly, developing dense beans rich in sugars and aromatic compounds. Combined with volcanic, mineral-rich soils and a climate marked by seven months of rain and five months of dry weather, Tarrazú produces a cup profile that is instantly recognizable: bright acidity, floral notes, and citrus complexity with a clean, sweet finish.

Shade trees—including banana, citrus, avocado, guava, and mango—play an important role in protecting biodiversity and stabilizing the soil. Generational farming families preserve artisanal methods, while the micro-mill model gives producers control over processing and enhances traceability. These small-scale mills have become a Costa Rican hallmark, enabling farmers to secure direct trade relationships and better incomes.

In 2019, Tarrazú coffee was granted Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO) status, ensuring that only beans grown in its three cantons may use the name. The PDO, now protected in more than 180 countries, safeguards the livelihoods of farming families and reassures consumers worldwide of the coffee’s authenticity. It also reinforces a national narrative: coffee is not just an export crop but a pillar of Costa Rica’s independence and cultural identity.

Sustainability lies at the core of Tarrazú’s success. Farmers invest in eco-friendly wet mills that recycle water, soil conservation techniques that maintain fertility, and reforestation programs that protect watersheds. These practices not only preserve the landscape but also secure the future of coffee cultivation in the face of climate change.

Between Tradition and Science

Tarrazú’s reputation is not only built on geography and farming practices but also on culture. One of the most visible symbols is the Vandola, a hand-crafted ceramic brewer designed by artisan Minor Alfaro. Each piece is made of natural clay and highlights the clarity and aroma that define Tarrazú’s cup profile. Beyond its function, it transforms brewing into a ritual of heritage, linking Costa Ricans and coffee enthusiasts worldwide to the traditions of the highlands.

On the international stage, Tarrazú continues to shine at specialty coffee auctions such as the Cup of Excellence, where its lots regularly achieve high scores and command top prices. Specialty roasters from North America, Europe, and Asia compete fiercely for access, a sign of the origin’s enduring appeal.

The IAEA’s #Atoms4Food initiative now adds another layer to this story. By applying nuclear techniques, scientists at the University of Costa Rica are developing a geographic database that authenticates the beans’ origin with scientific precision. This project will help protect farmers from fraud and strengthen consumer trust in global markets.

Yet long before science arrived, authenticity in Tarrazú was safeguarded by its people, their traditions, and their respect for the land. Today, as international bodies lend their expertise, Tarrazú stands as both a cultural emblem and a scientific case study, proving that heritage and innovation can thrive together. Every sip carries not only bright citrus notes and floral elegance, but also the resilience of a community and the story of a nation.

U.S. Roasters Halt Brazilian Coffee Purchases After 50% Tariffs

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Dubai, 20 August 2025 (Qahwa World) – American coffee buyers are pulling back from new deals with Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer, after President Donald Trump’s 50% tariff on imports took effect earlier this month.

According to brokers, roasters, and exporters contacted by Bloomberg, U.S. companies are avoiding fresh contracts and looking for ways to adjust existing agreements to escape the higher levies. Some buyers are even requesting delayed shipments in the hope that tariffs might later be eased, Brazil’s exporter group Cecafé reported.

“Deals between the U.S. and Brazil have totally stalled,” said broker Thiago Cazarini. “No one’s really buying anything.”

Brazil supplies roughly one-third of America’s unroasted coffee. The tariff escalation follows Trump’s earlier April announcement of a 10% levy on Brazilian agricultural imports, which surged to 50% on August 6. The trade conflict is intertwined with Trump’s criticism of what he calls the “politically motivated persecution” of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a close ally now facing trial over an alleged coup attempt against current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

For U.S. roasters, the tariffs pose a major challenge. Florida-based Zaza Coffee, which sources about 25% of its beans from Brazil, has 14 to 16 weeks of supply left. “Within this window maybe something can change regarding the tariffs,” said JP Juarez, Zaza’s director of coffee innovation. “But if tariffs remain, we probably won’t buy Brazilian coffee.” The company is exploring alternatives from Central America, Peru, and Mexico.

Still, for many roasters, Brazil’s dominant volumes and bean profiles are nearly irreplaceable. “Roasters have blends they want to keep consistent in any cost environment,” noted Jim Watson, analyst at Rabobank. Starbucks, for example, uses only Brazilian arabica in its blends.

With Brazil sidelined, U.S. buyers are eyeing other origins. Colombia, Vietnam, and Honduras are the next biggest suppliers, according to the Department of Agriculture. Vietnam’s robusta beans—cheaper and mostly used in instant coffee—could see imports rise to “historical highs,” according to Laleska Moda of Hedgepoint Global Markets, since tariffs there are only 20%. Indonesia and Uganda could also gain market share with lower tariffs.

Yet shortages loom. Honduran coffee is already trading 30 to 40 cents per pound above futures prices, while Colombian exporters are holding back, waiting for possible market surges, said Tomas Araujo of StoneX.

Some roasters are turning to futures markets to hedge costs. Café Aroma, a Cuban-style brand, is shifting imports toward countries with more predictable tariffs, said vice president Bernadette Gerrity.

If U.S. demand for Brazilian beans declines, those supplies will likely flow to Europe, where buyers are seeking traceable coffee to comply with new EU deforestation rules. More beans may also head to China’s expanding market, leaving U.S. roasters exposed to a more expensive supply chain, said Dave Behrends of Sucafina SA.

For some companies, the immediate hit is already being felt. Gregorys Coffee in New York received its last Brazilian shipment on August 2, just before the tariffs took effect, securing stock until mid-November. But its next shipment is already locked in at the higher rate. “Absorbing a 10% tariff is nearly impossible for a small business to do on its own,” said Daria Whalen of San Francisco’s Ritual Coffee Roasters. “Fifty percent feels staggering and insurmountable.”

At JPMorgan’s New HQ, Coffee Takes Center Stage

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New York, August 19, 2025 (Qahwa World) – Coffee is no longer just a morning perk at JPMorgan Chase’s new headquarters on 270 Park Avenue—it has become a central feature of the $3 billion tower that is set to redefine workplace culture for up to 14,000 employees.

Rising 1,388 feet into Midtown’s skyline, the headquarters brings together state-of-the-art technology, modern design, and a deep focus on coffee as part of daily life. From floor-to-floor cafés to QR-powered coffee machines, the building treats coffee as a driver of productivity, comfort, and social connection.

The tower is equipped with one of the most extensive coffee networks in any corporate office:

  • Work cafés on every floor provide quick and easy access to coffee throughout the day.

  • Four main cafés, including a Starbucks on the 14th floor and The Corner, a space for locally crafted drinks.

  • The Exchange, a food and beverage hub across floors 13 to 16, featuring 15 outlets, including plant-based and gourmet options alongside coffee stations.

  • Park Avenue Express, open 24/7, ensuring that employees working late shifts or early mornings always have access to coffee.

In a building designed to showcase intelligent systems, coffee is seamlessly tied to technology. Break rooms are fitted with QR-powered coffee machines, allowing employees to order with a simple phone scan. The company’s “Work at JPMC” mobile app enables staff to preorder drinks from cafés, ensuring beverages are ready upon arrival while also serving as a digital badge and office navigation tool.

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has called all 300,000 employees back to the office five days a week. To ease that transition, the bank has made coffee part of the strategy—turning it into more than a beverage. Cafés are designed to foster informal interaction, encourage collaboration, and provide a sense of comfort within a high-tech environment.

The building’s circadian lighting and biophilic design—including windows that allow 30% more natural daylight than a standard office—enhance the experience of a coffee break. Together, technology and design aim to make each cup part of a healthier and more balanced workday.

At JPMorgan’s new headquarters, coffee has been redefined as:

  • A cultural anchor, shaping how employees connect.

  • A productivity tool, offering a boost through long work hours.

  • A social hub, turning cafés into spaces of collaboration across departments.

By putting coffee at the center of its workplace experience, JPMorgan Chase has created more than a headquarters—it has built a model for how coffee, culture, and technology can come together in the modern office. For employees at 270 Park Avenue, the coffee break is no longer a pause in the workday—it is part of the company’s vision of the future of work.

Brazil Weather and U.S. Tariffs Drive Coffee Prices to Multi-Month Highs

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Dubai, August 19, 2025 (Qahwa World) – Coffee prices surged on Tuesday, with arabica futures climbing to a 2.25-month high and robusta reaching a two-month high, supported by dry conditions in Brazil’s key growing regions and tightening U.S. supplies following new tariffs on Brazilian coffee.

September arabica coffee (KCU25) rose 1.85% (+6.35¢/lb), while September ICE robusta (RMU25) gained 4.04% (+$168). The rise reflects mounting concern over Brazil’s weather, particularly in Minas Gerais, the country’s largest arabica-producing state, where Somar Meteorologia reported no rainfall during the week ending August 16.

Market support is also coming from the United States, where buyers are avoiding new contracts for Brazilian coffee due to a 50% tariff imposed on imports. Brazil typically supplies about one-third of U.S. unroasted coffee, making the tariff impact significant for roasters and traders.

Brazil’s July export figures further underscored supply concerns. According to the Trade Ministry, unroasted coffee exports fell 20.4% year-on-year to 161,000 metric tons. Exporter group Cecafé reported that green coffee shipments dropped 28% y/y to 2.4 million bags, while total coffee exports fell to 2.7 million bags. From January to July, Brazil’s overall exports declined 21% to 22.2 million bags.

Certified exchange inventories remain tight. ICE arabica stocks fell to a 1.25-year low of 726,661 bags on August 14 before recovering slightly to 733,105 bags this week. ICE robusta stocks dropped to a three-week low of 6,749 lots, down from late-July’s two-year high of 7,029 lots.

On the supply side, Brazil’s 2025/26 coffee harvest is advancing. Research firm Safras & Mercado estimates the crop was 94% complete as of August 6, with robusta nearly finished (99%) and arabica at 91%. Cooxupé, Brazil’s largest coffee cooperative, reported its members had completed 80.4% of their harvest by August 8.

Beyond Brazil, Vietnam’s coffee industry continues to influence robusta prices. Drought reduced 2023/24 production by 20% y/y to 1.47 million metric tons, the lowest in four years, while 2024 exports fell 17.1% to 1.35 million metric tons. However, recovery signs emerged with January–July 2025 exports up 6.9% y/y to 1.05 million metric tons.

The International Coffee Organization (ICO) reported that global coffee exports in June rose 7.3% y/y to 11.69 million bags, though October–June totals slipped 0.2% to 104.14 million bags.

Looking ahead, the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) projects 2025/26 world coffee production at a record 178.7 million bags, up 2.5% year-on-year. Arabica output is expected to fall 1.7% to 97 million bags, while robusta is forecast to rise 7.9% to nearly 82 million bags. Ending stocks are projected to grow 4.9% to 22.8 million bags.

However, trader Volcafe sees a very different balance: a global arabica deficit of 8.5 million bags in 2025/26, the fifth consecutive year of shortages and larger than the 5.5 million bag deficit recorded in 2024/25. This highlights continued market tightness despite record overall supply projections.

Shade-Grown Coffee Farms Store More Carbon Than Tree-Planting Projects, Study Finds

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Dubai, August 19, 2025 – (Qahwa World) – A landmark study has revealed that carbon markets are overlooking the most effective climate solution in coffee farming: protecting mature shade-grown coffee systems.

The research, led by the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) and Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), and published in Communications Earth & Environment, concludes that current carbon-payment schemes undervalue shade-grown farms. While farmers are rewarded for planting new trees, they receive no compensation for conserving existing shade trees, even though these trees store more than twice the carbon of new plantings.

Globally, coffee farms cover more than 10 million hectares. Systems range from intensive monocultures in full sun to agroforestry farms where coffee grows under canopies of diverse native trees. These shade trees regulate climate, provide habitat for wildlife, and store vast amounts of carbon. But under current carbon markets, only new tree-planting projects generate tradable credits. Farmers who maintain mature shade systems receive nothing, creating an incentive to cut old trees to plant new ones that qualify for payments.

“There is a lot of money behind planting trees on degraded coffee farms, yet there are basically no financial incentives—outside of Bird Friendly® certification—to protect standing shade trees,” said Dr. Ruth Bennett, ecologist at NZCBI and senior author of the study.

Shade Trees vs. Tree Planting

The team analyzed 67 field-based studies across Latin America, Africa and Asia, then modeled carbon storage across global coffee landscapes. They estimated that coffee farms currently store 481.6 million metric tons of carbon above ground.

Two contrasting scenarios were tested. If all sun-grown farms added shade trees, they would capture 82–87 million additional metric tons of carbon. But if existing shade-grown systems were converted into monocultures, the world could lose 174–221 million metric tons—more than double the potential gains from planting.

This imbalance exposes a fundamental flaw in current climate strategies. Shade-grown systems, which evolved over centuries, already represent vast stores of carbon. Removing them in pursuit of “new” tree-planting credits risks releasing far more carbon than could ever be recaptured.

Shade systems are also vital for biodiversity. Prior studies have shown that shade-grown coffee farms host up to four times more bird species than monocultures. Yet biodiversity outcomes don’t always align with carbon goals. Tree density improves carbon storage, while tree diversity supports wildlife. Carbon-focused projects often emphasize density, planting fast-growing monocultures that fail to deliver ecological benefits.

“If we don’t prioritize biodiversity in carbon projects, it won’t happen by accident,” said Dr. Emily Pappo, lead author and postdoctoral climate fellow at the Smithsonian. “Coffee companies must plant the right mix of trees—not just the most carbon-hungry species.”

Climate and Market Implications

Farmers are caught between climate pressures and market demands. Many remove shade trees in hopes of boosting yields, even though shade has been shown to stabilize production by regulating temperature and soil moisture. Meanwhile, large coffee companies invest heavily in tree-planting projects to meet corporate climate targets. Without incentives to conserve existing shade systems, these investments risk undermining their own objectives.

The economic stakes are significant. Coffee contributes an estimated $200 billion annually to the global economy. With the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) coming into force, companies face new requirements to prove that their supply chains are deforestation-free. Shade-grown systems that conserve habitat and store carbon could become critical to compliance as well as climate resilience.

The study’s authors argue for urgent policy change. They call for carbon markets to evolve by creating “protection credits” that reward conserving existing shade systems, not only planting new trees. They also recommend tree-planting initiatives that emphasize diversity rather than density, ensuring that biodiversity and carbon storage go hand in hand.

To support farmers, the Smithsonian team is developing a “Shade Catalog”, a resource to guide the selection of tree species that balance productivity, biodiversity, and carbon storage. Combined with certification schemes such as Bird Friendly®, these tools can help farmers access premium markets while conserving ecosystems.

Ultimately, the research reframes climate-smart coffee strategies. Planting trees remains a positive step, especially in degraded monoculture regions, but it cannot replace what is lost when mature shade systems are destroyed. Protecting existing forests delivers greater and more immediate benefits for both the planet and the coffee sector.

As Dr. Bennett concluded: “Tree planting has value, but our findings show it cannot make up for what you lose when mature shade trees are removed.”

Al Menhaz Secures Exclusive Rights to Distribute xBloom Coffee Technology in UAE

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Dubai, August 19, 2025 (Qahwa World) – Al Menhaz, a leading company in the specialty coffee sector, has announced that it has obtained the exclusive distribution rights for xBloom products in the United Arab Emirates.

The xBloom device is recognized as one of the most significant innovations in filter coffee preparation, combining advanced technology, precision engineering, and thoughtful design to deliver an exceptional experience for coffee enthusiasts.

Through this partnership, Al Menhaz seeks to strengthen its presence in the UAE specialty coffee market and introduce cutting-edge solutions that reinforce the country’s position as a hub for innovation and coffee culture.

About Al Menhaz

Al Menhaz is a UAE-based company specializing in coffee supplies, with a focus on providing equipment and solutions that meet the evolving needs of the specialty coffee sector. The company supports both professionals and enthusiasts by offering tools and technologies that enhance coffee preparation and elevate the overall experience.

About xBloom

xBloom is an international company developing advanced coffee technologies that integrate precision engineering with innovative design. Its mission is to ensure consistent quality while simplifying the brewing process, giving consumers access to high-level coffee preparation with greater ease and sustainability.

IAEA Announces Nuclear Science Initiative to Safeguard Costa Rica’s Tarrazú Coffee

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Dubai, August 19, 2025 (Qahwa World) – The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) ⚛️ has officially announced a new initiative to protect Costa Rica’s world-renowned Tarrazú coffee. In a post shared on its official X account (formerly Twitter), the IAEA released a video explaining how nuclear science is being applied to authenticate coffee origins and shield this premium product from fraud.

The video highlights the journey of a single coffee bean, from the rain and soil that shaped it to the laboratory techniques that reveal its unique “fingerprint.” Through these methods, scientists at the University of Costa Rica are building a geographic database that will certify the authenticity of Tarrazú coffee and help preserve its global prestige.

Backed by #Atoms4Food

The initiative forms part of #Atoms4Food, a joint program of the IAEA and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). By applying nuclear and related techniques, laboratories worldwide will be able to verify the geographical origin of coffee beans with high precision. This provides coffee drinkers with the assurance that every cup of Tarrazú reflects the authenticity of its heritage.

Protecting Farmers and Consumers

For Costa Rican farmers, safeguarding authenticity means protecting livelihoods. Tarrazú coffee commands premium prices in international markets, and this project ensures that its reputation remains untarnished by fraud. At the same time, consumers benefit from greater confidence in the integrity of what they buy.

A Track Record in Coffee Authentication

This is not the first time the IAEA has engaged with coffee. Since 2019, the Agency, together with FAO, has led international research projects applying stable isotope techniques to combat fraud in high-value foods, including rice, honey, and coffee.

Earlier studies used nuclear methods to distinguish Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee from imitations, and IAEA-led radiocarbon intercomparison exercises demonstrated how laboratories across Europe and Latin America could reliably verify coffee origins. The Tarrazú project builds directly on this scientific foundation, making nuclear science an everyday guardian of authenticity.

Every Sip Tells a Story

“By assessing the fingerprint of coffee, we can prove its authenticity,” the IAEA video explains. With nuclear science now protecting Tarrazú, every sip carries more than flavor—it carries a story of tradition, science, and trust, safeguarded for future generations.

📌 Summary:
The IAEA announced on its official X account a new initiative to protect Costa Rica’s Tarrazú coffee through nuclear science. Backed by FAO under #Atoms4Food, the project authenticates coffee origins, strengthens consumer trust, safeguards farmers’ incomes, and builds on years of IAEA-led research into food fraud prevention.

Coffee Compounds Show Promise in Diabetes Management, Chinese Study Finds

Posted on by Qahwa World

Beijing, August 19, 2025 (Qahwa World) – Coffee continues to surprise scientists not only as a beloved beverage but also as a source of powerful bioactive compounds. A new study by researchers at the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has uncovered six previously unknown molecules in roasted Coffea arabica beans with potential anti-diabetic properties.

The findings, published in Beverage Plant Research on February 18, 2025 (DOI: 10.48130/bpr-0024-0035), highlight how advanced screening methods can accelerate the search for functional food ingredients that may one day help in the management of type 2 diabetes.

Coffee and Functional Foods

Functional foods are increasingly valued for delivering compounds with health benefits beyond basic nutrition—such as antioxidant, neuroprotective, or glucose-lowering effects. Identifying such compounds, however, has long been a challenge. Conventional extraction and testing methods are often slow, inefficient, and require large amounts of solvents.

To overcome these hurdles, scientists are turning to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These tools allow researchers to scan complex food systems like roasted coffee and pinpoint molecules with potential biological activity.

A Three-Step Discovery Approach

Led by Professor Minghua Qiu, the research team developed a streamlined, activity-guided method to identify compounds that inhibit α-glucosidase, an enzyme central to carbohydrate digestion and a validated target for diabetes therapies.

  1. Fractionation and Screening – The diterpene extract of roasted Arabica beans was separated into 19 fractions. Using ^1H NMR spectroscopy combined with α-glucosidase activity assays, the team identified fractions 9–13 as the most bioactive.

  2. Structural Clues – A deeper analysis of fraction 9 with ^13C-DEPT NMR revealed a distinctive aldehyde signal. Guided by this, the researchers used semi-preparative HPLC to isolate three new compounds.

  3. Isolation of New Molecules – The compounds, named caffaldehydes A, B, and C, were confirmed using 1D and 2D NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRESIMS). Each carried a different fatty acid side chain: palmitic, stearic, or arachidic.

To explore trace compounds that might escape traditional detection, the team also applied LC-MS/MS molecular networking via the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) platform. This revealed three additional diterpene esters, bringing the total to six novel molecules.

Potent Activity in Lab Tests

When tested against α-glucosidase, the three purified caffaldehydes showed promising activity:

  • Caffaldehyde A (palmitic) – IC₅₀ = 45.07 μM

  • Caffaldehyde B (stearic) – IC₅₀ = 24.40 μM

  • Caffaldehyde C (arachidic) – IC₅₀ = 17.50 μM

For comparison, the control drug acarbose, widely prescribed for type 2 diabetes, had an IC₅₀ of 607.1 μM under the same assay conditions. This suggests the new compounds were markedly more potent in this laboratory model.

However, scientists caution that these assays used yeast-derived enzymes, where acarbose is known to appear weaker. Against human intestinal α-glucosidase, acarbose is far more effective, meaning the real-world therapeutic potential of the caffaldehydes remains to be tested.

Implications for Coffee and Health

The discovery expands scientific understanding of coffee’s functional components. Alongside well-known diterpenes like cafestol and kahweol, these new caffaldehydes show how coffee beans still hold untapped chemical diversity.

While the compounds were found in roasted Arabica beans, the study did not measure their concentrations in brewed coffee or assess how much consumers might actually ingest. Nor were any animal or human trials conducted, meaning it is too early to suggest direct health benefits from drinking coffee.

Nevertheless, the work provides an innovative fast-track strategy for identifying biologically relevant compounds in foods. By integrating NMR, MS-based molecular networking, and bioassays, the method reduces solvent use and time compared to traditional isolation techniques.

The Road Ahead

The authors emphasize that further research is essential. Upcoming studies will focus on:

  • Testing the new compounds in cellular and animal models of diabetes.

  • Measuring their bioavailability and safety in living systems.

  • Exploring whether these molecules are present in significant amounts in brewed coffee.

If validated, the compounds could inspire new nutraceuticals or functional food ingredients targeting glucose regulation.

Balanced Perspective

Coffee’s health effects remain a double-edged sword. While compounds like cafestol have shown potential benefits for blood sugar control, they are also linked to increased LDL cholesterol, particularly in unfiltered brewing methods. Any future application of coffee-derived diterpenes as functional ingredients will need to carefully weigh glycemic benefits against possible cardiovascular risks.

Conclusion:


This groundbreaking study demonstrates how modern analytical tools can unlock coffee’s hidden bioactive chemistry. Although it is too soon to claim clinical benefits, the discovery of six new diterpene esters—three of which strongly inhibit a key enzyme in carbohydrate metabolism—marks an important step in coffee research. For now, the findings highlight coffee’s role not only as a cultural and economic powerhouse but also as a promising reservoir for future health innovations.

Source: Beverage Plant Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (DOI: 10.48130/bpr-0024-0035)