Category: News

Geadas atingem cafezais no Cerrado Mineiro e preocupam produtores

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São Paulo, 18 de agosto de 2025 (Qahwa World) – Cafezais da região de Patrocínio, considerado o maior município produtor de café do mundo, foram atingidos por geadas na madrugada de segunda-feira, segundo informou à Reuters o presidente da Federação dos Cafeicultores do Cerrado, Gláucio de Castro. O fenômeno climático pode ter afetado os botões florais destinados à próxima safra.

Além de Patrocínio, municípios vizinhos como Araxá e Indianópolis, também localizados no Cerrado Mineiro – região estratégica para a produção de café arábica do Brasil – registraram geadas. Contudo, Castro ressaltou que a real dimensão dos danos só poderá ser confirmada após o período de floradas.

Impacto preliminar

De acordo com a avaliação inicial, as geadas foram classificadas como “de capote”, atingindo principalmente a parte superior das plantas. Embora menos intensas e abrangentes que as ocorridas em 2021, quando a safra seguinte foi severamente comprometida, elas ainda podem reduzir o potencial produtivo.

“As geadas dessa vez foram mais de capote, pegaram mais o lado superior da planta. Mas, de qualquer forma, afeta”, afirmou Castro.

O dirigente destacou que os botões florais atingidos são sensíveis e poderiam florescer entre setembro e outubro, com a chegada das chuvas. No entanto, os efeitos do frio podem se revelar apenas mais adiante. “Essa queima dos botões florais é meio silenciosa, só vamos ver para frente se vai abrir flor”, explicou.

Levantamentos em andamento

As cooperativas do Cerrado Mineiro estão realizando levantamentos sobre eventuais perdas. Segundo relatos preliminares de produtores, os danos representariam cerca de um terço do impacto causado em 2021. Entretanto, Castro alertou que é cedo para estimar números com precisão.

Em casos de geadas mais intensas, quando ambos os lados da planta são comprometidos, os agricultores recorrem ao “esqueletamento” – poda drástica que implica na perda total da produção da safra seguinte.

Reflexo no mercado

Na segunda-feira, o café arábica negociado na bolsa ICE encerrou em alta de quase 4%, impulsionado pelos relatos de geadas no Brasil, maior produtor e exportador global da commodity. Porém, nesta terça-feira, os preços recuaram, devolvendo parte dos ganhos.

Situação em outras regiões

Cooperativas do Sul de Minas, como a Cooxupé (Guaxupé) e a Minasul (Varginha), informaram que as geadas se concentraram em áreas de baixada, sem maiores danos às lavouras.

Segundo a consultoria StoneX, o Sul de Minas deverá produzir pouco mais de 15 milhões de sacas de 60 kg em 2025, enquanto o Cerrado Mineiro deve registrar 6,2 milhões de sacas.

Vietnam Coffee Prices Hit Historic High at 117,500 VND/kg

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Dubai, 18 August 2025 (Qahwa World) – Coffee prices in Vietnam continued their sharp upward trend on August 17, climbing by 2,500–2,800 VND per kilogram across major producing regions. Average domestic purchase prices now range between 116,800 and 117,500 VND/kg, marking one of the highest levels recorded this season, according to Báo Gia Lai.

Regional Price Updates

  • Gia Lai Province: Prices rose by 2,600 VND/kg to reach 117,200 VND/kg.

  • Lam Dong Province: Prices increased by 2,800 VND/kg, bringing the average to 116,800 VND/kg.

  • Dak Nong Province: Prices advanced by 2,500 VND/kg to 117,500 VND/kg, the highest among major regions.

  • Dak Lak Province: Coffee traded at 117,300 VND/kg, up 2,500 VND/kg from the previous day.

Drivers Behind the Price Rally

Economic experts attribute the surge primarily to dwindling domestic supplies. After months of intensive harvesting, coffee stocks held by farming households have fallen to low levels. Meanwhile, exporters are aggressively buying to fulfill international contracts, intensifying pressure on local prices.

Global Coffee Market Trends

Vietnam’s domestic rally comes against the backdrop of strong movements in global futures markets:

  • Robusta futures (November 2025 delivery) rose by USD 506 per tonne, equivalent to a 14.2% weekly gain.

  • Arabica futures (December 2025 delivery) surged by USD 340 per tonne to USD 7,370 per tonne (about 192,100 VND/kg), a 10.5% rise compared with the previous week.

This follows four consecutive sessions of triple-digit increases in Robusta futures, underscoring heightened volatility driven by tight supply concerns worldwide.

Context and Outlook

The latest jump builds on an already rapid price escalation earlier this month, when domestic coffee crossed the 107,000 VND/kg threshold for the first time. Analysts warn that continued low inventories combined with strong export demand could sustain upward pressure in the coming weeks.

Vietnam, the world’s largest Robusta producer, plays a critical role in global supply. Any prolonged imbalance in its domestic market may have ripple effects internationally, particularly in Europe and Asia where Robusta beans are heavily used in instant coffee and espresso blends.

German–UK Study Finds Morning Coffee Boosts Positive Mood and Relieves Withdrawal Symptoms

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Dubai – Qahwa World

A new scientific study published in Scientific Reports has revealed that the morning cup of coffee does more than increase alertness: it significantly enhances positive mood, making people feel happier and more enthusiastic in the early hours of the day.

Conducted by researchers from Bielefeld University in Germany and the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom, the study provides strong evidence that caffeine is closely linked to improved well-being, particularly in the morning.

The research tracked 236 adult participants across two separate studies.

  • The first study involved 115 participants over 14 days, resulting in 8,335 individual mood assessments.

  • The second study involved 121 participants over 28 days, generating nearly 19,960 assessments.

Using the Experience Sampling Method (ESM), participants were asked to record their mood seven times a day on their smartphones. They also noted whether they had consumed a caffeinated drink in the previous 90 minutes.

Key Findings

  • Caffeine consumption was strongly associated with higher positive mood (happiness, enthusiasm, and energy), especially during the first 2.5 hours after waking up.

  • The impact on negative mood (feelings such as sadness, anger, or irritation) was minimal and less consistent.

  • Results were consistent across different levels of caffeine intake and were not significantly affected by whether participants reported sleep disturbances, anxiety, or other psychological conditions.

  • Researchers suggested that the morning effect could partly be due to reversal of mild overnight caffeine withdrawal symptoms, as even moderate consumers may wake up experiencing them.

Scientific Explanation

Caffeine improves mood through two main mechanisms:

  1. Blocking adenosine receptors in the brain, reducing drowsiness and boosting alertness.

  2. Stimulating dopamine production, a neurotransmitter known as the “happiness hormone,” which is linked to motivation and reward.

Professor Anu Realo, a co-author of the study, explained:

“Even moderate caffeine consumers may experience mild withdrawal symptoms that disappear with the first cup of coffee in the morning.”

Lead researcher Jostin Hachenberger added that caffeine’s mood-enhancing effect was largely independent of social or psychological factors but could be influenced by physical conditions, such as fatigue.

Critical Notes

  • Since most participants were habitual caffeine consumers, the study could not determine how coffee might affect people who completely avoid caffeine.

  • The findings do not support the claim that caffeine worsens anxiety; rather, the researchers noted that those who are sensitive to caffeine’s negative effects usually self-select out by avoiding it.

Global Context

  • Approximately 80% of adults worldwide consume coffee or tea daily, highlighting the global significance of these findings.

  • Interestingly, caffeine’s appeal is not limited to humans: previous studies have shown that bees and wasps are attracted to nectar containing caffeine, underlining its powerful influence in nature.

Conclusion

The study concludes that the morning cup of coffee is more than just a daily ritual. It has a scientifically measurable impact on enhancing positive mood and boosting emotional well-being, particularly in the hours after waking. While it may not significantly reduce negative emotions such as sadness or anger, its role in fostering happiness, enthusiasm, and energy makes coffee one of the most influential beverages in modern life.

US Report: Caffeinated Coffee Is Generally Safe Despite Some Risks

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Dubai, 18 August 2025 (Qahwa World) – A new investigation by the US-based nonprofit Clean Label Project has revealed that caffeinated coffee is largely safe from harmful toxins and contaminants, though certain risks remain present in some products.

The Clean Label Project, an independent consumer advocacy organization, specializes in testing food and beverage products for hidden contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and plasticizers. The group’s latest study examined 45 popular coffee brands from Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Kenya, Peru, and Hawaii, conducting more than 7,000 laboratory tests.

Safe Overall, but Not Entirely Risk-Free

“While some contaminants were present, most were found at minimal levels and well below the European Union’s safety limits per 6-ounce serving. This means coffee is generally safe,” said Molly Hamilton, executive director of the Clean Label Project.

The study found:

  • Glyphosate and AMPA (byproduct): While glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, was detected only in trace amounts, its byproduct AMPA was more common, including in 100% of the organic samples tested.

  • Phthalates: Small amounts of these plasticizers, linked to reproductive and hormonal issues, were detected at higher levels in canned and pod coffee than in bagged coffee.

  • Heavy Metals: Levels varied by origin, with the lowest in African coffees and the highest in Hawaiian samples, consistent with volcanic soil content.

  • Acrylamide: Found in all samples, this chemical forms during roasting. Medium roasts contained the highest concentrations, while light and dark roasts showed lower levels.

Industry and Expert Response

David Andrews, acting chief science officer of the Environmental Working Group, said the results show packaging may be a key source of contamination. “The higher phthalate levels found in coffee pods and canned coffee suggest that packaging could be a meaningful source of these chemicals of concern,” he explained.

The National Coffee Association (NCA), which represents the US coffee industry, rejected concerns raised by the report.
“It is highly irresponsible to mislead Americans about the safety of their favorite beverage,” said William “Bill” Murray, NCA president and CEO. “Decades of independent scientific evidence show that coffee drinkers live longer, healthier lives.”

Organic Coffee Findings

Although organic coffees generally contained fewer contaminants than conventionally grown samples, all 12 organic coffees tested contained AMPA. According to Hamilton, this could result from environmental contamination via water or neighboring farms using pesticides.

“Still, the detection of AMPA in 100% of organic samples is a wake-up call,” Hamilton said. “We need stronger safeguards and greater transparency in our food system.”

What Consumers Should Do

The Clean Label Project stressed that coffee remains one of the cleanest products they have ever tested. However, Hamilton recommended practical steps for consumers:

  • Choose dark or light roasts to reduce acrylamide intake.

  • Prefer bagged coffee over cans or pods to lower phthalate exposure.

  • Consider origin, as soil conditions influence heavy metal content.

“Our report isn’t meant to raise alarm or discourage coffee drinking,” Hamilton concluded. “It’s about empowering people to choose the cleanest and safest cup of coffee possible.”

Coffee May Help You Live Longer—But Only If You Drink It This Way

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Dubai, 17 August 2025 (Qahwa World) – Coffee has long been at the center of debate: is it good for your health or not? A new study from Tufts University, published in The Journal of Nutrition, adds weight to the argument that coffee can indeed be beneficial—so long as you drink it the right way.

Researchers analyzed data from 46,332 American adults collected between 1999 and 2018. They discovered that drinking coffee daily is linked to a significant reduction in mortality risk:

  • One cup per day was associated with a 16% lower risk of death from all causes, including cardiovascular disease.

  • Two to three cups daily provided slightly more benefit, with a 17% lower mortality risk.

  • Drinking more than three cups a day, however, did not add further benefits.

While the study highlights the health benefits of coffee, it also emphasizes a major caveat: the way you drink it matters. The protective effects were most evident in those who consumed black coffee or coffee with minimal sugar.

Those who regularly added cream and sugar had similar mortality rates to non-coffee drinkers. Essentially, the more sugar and saturated fat added, the weaker the health benefits.

“Coffee is among the most-consumed beverages in the world, and with nearly half of American adults reporting drinking at least one cup per day, it’s important for us to know what it might mean for health,” said Fang Fang Zhang, senior author of the study and professor at Tufts University.

She explained that the benefits are likely tied to coffee’s bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, which can promote cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation. But the positive effects can be offset when sugar and cream are added in large amounts.

This new study builds on earlier findings that link coffee to better health outcomes. In 2025 alone:

  • A study published earlier this year found morning coffee drinkers had lower rates of premature death.

  • Another study in June reported that coffee supports healthy aging, particularly among women.

Together, these findings suggest that plain coffee—without excessive add-ins—may contribute to longevity and overall well-being.

While coffee trends like collagen creamers, sweetened flavor boosters, and “superfood” additives continue to rise in popularity, the evidence points back to simplicity.

As Zhang summarized: “The health benefits of coffee might be attributable to its bioactive compounds, but our results suggest that the addition of sugar and saturated fat may reduce the mortality benefits.”

So, if you want to raise your mug to better health and a longer life, skip the extra sugar and cream. Black coffee may just be the way to go.

Brazil’s Cerrado Mineiro Coffee Harvest Reaches 81% in 2025, Says Expocacer

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August 17, 2025 – Brazil (Qahwa World) – The 2025 coffee harvest in Brazil’s Cerrado Mineiro region is advancing steadily, with 81% of the crop already harvested, according to the Cerrado Coffee Growers Cooperative (Expocacer).

Expocacer manages 84,900 hectares of cultivated land, of which 71,400 hectares are in active production. Farmers in the Cerrado Mineiro continue to benefit from favorable natural conditions, including a dry climate, flat terrain, and high mechanisation.

On a national scale, Brazil has completed 91% of its 2025/26 arabica coffee harvest, based on the latest data from consultancy Safras & Mercado.

Expocacer’s CEO, Simão Pedro de Lima, confirmed that harvesting is expected to conclude by late August or early September, depending on weather conditions. “So far, the climate has been favorable, with no frosts or off-season rains affecting the process,” he said.

Expocacer has heavily invested in advanced technology to modernize its coffee processing operations. Its industrial complex integrates robotics, AI-powered sensors, and automated communication systems.

  • AI monitoring: Sensors track machine vibrations and temperatures in real time, cutting maintenance costs by 20% and boosting equipment availability by 10%.

  • Smart farming: Soil moisture sensors and weather stations optimize irrigation and water use across member farms.

These innovations ensure greater efficiency, quality control, and sustainability.

To maintain productivity and quality, Expocacer promotes regenerative farming, bio-inputs, and expert consulting. The cooperative emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices that safeguard both yields and the environment.

“The dry weather allows for natural and uniform drying of beans, reducing risks of unwanted fermentation, while flat terrain ensures higher mechanisation, lowering costs and improving efficiency,” explained Lima.

Despite fluctuations on the New York Coffee Exchange, Expocacer continues to support its members with liquidity and secure transactions.

Petrônio Primo, Expocacer’s business agent, highlighted: “Even in this volatile market, we remain active every day, offering competitive prices and personalized services to our members.”

Anaerobic Fermentation Transforms Unripe Coffee Cherries into Specialty-Grade

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Dubai,August 15, 2025 – (Qahwa World) – Unripe coffee cherries, long discarded for their harsh and astringent taste, may now hold hidden value thanks to a breakthrough study from Brazil. Researchers at the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU) have demonstrated that self-induced anaerobic fermentation (SIAF) can transform immature beans from the Arara cultivar into beverages scoring above 80 points on the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) scale—the threshold for specialty coffee.

Rethinking the Role of Unripe Cherries

In the specialty coffee sector, greenish unripe beans are typically excluded for producing bitter, pungent flavors. The UFU team challenged this assumption by fermenting unripe Arara cherries in 200-liter hermetically sealed bioreactors for up to 96 hours, with variations in temperature, pH control, water content, and yeast inoculation.

Blind cupping by professional Q-graders revealed that fermented lots containing 13% to 30% unripe cherries not only matched but in some cases outperformed beverages produced solely from ripe cherries. When temperature was carefully controlled at 27 °C, the results were particularly striking, with tasters awarding higher scores than those given to control samples of ripe fruit processed without anaerobic fermentation.

How It Works

The SIAF process places cherries in sealed tanks without oxygen. Naturally occurring microorganisms in the fruit initiate biochemical reactions, releasing carbon dioxide and altering the beans’ chemical profile. These changes reduce the undesirable qualities of immature beans and create new flavor attributes.

The research team also developed a monitoring device to track temperature and pH inside the bioreactors in real time, ensuring precision without disturbing the fermentation process.

Wider Impact for Coffee Growers

The implications are significant. Roughly 70% of the cherries harvested in the UFU trials were unripe, identified using an AI tool created by the research group. Traditionally considered a loss, these cherries now represent a potential source of added value for farmers, particularly in regions where inconsistent ripening reduces yields of high-quality beans.

“Using SIAF with temperature and pH control can minimize the negative effects of immature beans and even elevate the beverage, adding value while still on the farm,” explains Luiza Braga, lead author of the study and a master’s researcher at UFU’s Faculty of Chemical Engineering.

A Collaborative Effort

The project, titled Transforming Challenges into Quality: The Power of Controlled Fermentation in Immature Arara Coffee Beans, was published in Food and Bioprocess Technology. It was supported by FAPESP in partnership with Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI), with additional funding from FAPEMIG, CAPES, CNPq, and FINEP.

The study forms part of the “Da Semente à Xícara” (Seed to Cup) research group, established in 2019 to advance post-harvest coffee innovations.

What’s Next?

The researchers aim to identify the specific compounds in fermented unripe coffee responsible for the positive sensory attributes and to test the technique on other Arabica varieties.

If successful, anaerobic fermentation could become a vital tool for producers navigating volatile markets, offering a way to extract more value from every harvest. In a world where coffee demand is rising and prices fluctuate, turning waste into quality may be one of the most promising innovations yet.

Cold Snap Threatens Brazil’s 2026 Coffee Crop and Sends Ripples Through Global Markets

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Dubai, 16 August 2025 – (Qahwa World) – A light frost in Brazil’s Cerrado Mineiro region has raised new concerns for the country’s 2026 coffee crop. The event struck at a particularly delicate moment, with early flowering underway in several producing zones, leaving trees highly vulnerable to weather fluctuations.

Light but Significant Frost

In Patrocínio and surrounding areas of Cerrado Mineiro, temperatures dropped to around 1.9°C, causing frost that touched the tops of flowering trees. Gláucio de Castro, president of the Cerrado Coffee Growers’ Federation, confirmed:

“This frost was mostly a capote type affecting the canopy of trees… but it still has an impact.”

While local reports describe the damage as limited and patchy, farmers remain on high alert as any further cold fronts could magnify risks to the 2026 harvest.

2025 Harvest Nears Completion

According to Safras & Mercado, Brazil’s 2025/26 harvest was 94% complete as of August 6, with arabica at 91% and robusta at 99%. Cooxupé, Brazil’s largest cooperative, reported that about 80% of its members’ crops had been harvested by August 8. Despite the steady progress, agronomists noted during Cooxupé’s technical forum that “the yields this season are not very good,” underscoring the ongoing climatic pressures.

Market Reaction

Global coffee markets quickly responded to the frost news. On August 14, arabica futures in New York gained 1.4%, while robusta contracts in London jumped 4.7%, reaching a two-month high. At the same time, ICE-monitored arabica stocks fell to their lowest level in 15 months, signaling tightening supplies.

International Responses

  • Colombia: The Coffee Growers’ Committee of Caldas noted that “unusually low temperatures in Brazilian regions revived fears of late August frosts and contributed to heightened price volatility.”

  • Vietnam: Economic outlets and the Vietnam Coffee-Cocoa Association (VICOFA) linked the sharp rise in prices on August 14 directly to “frost reports from Brazil,” calling the event a key driver of the market rally.

Climate Meets Trade

The frost episode coincides with escalating trade tensions. Since early August, the United States has imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian green coffee, prompting some importers to freeze orders while waiting for clarity. This policy move, combined with the weather shock, has intensified market volatility and raised questions about global supply security.

An Uncertain Outlook

Although the latest frost was described as light and localized, the flowering stage is highly sensitive, and even small temperature drops can jeopardize fruit set. Analysts stress that the coming days will be decisive: another cold front could significantly affect Brazil’s 2026 crop, altering the balance of global supply and demand at a time when inventories are already strained.

AFCA and ICO to Hold Webinar on EUDR Compliance in African Coffee Sector

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Dubai, August 16, 2025 (Qahwa World) – The African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA), in partnership with the International Coffee Organization (ICO) and with support from the project “Unlocking the Potential of African Coffee” funded by the Belgian Development Agency (ENABEL), announced an upcoming webinar on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and its implications for Africa’s coffee sector.

The 90-minute online session will take place on September 10, 2025, from 3:00 to 4:30 PM EAT. It will cover the new requirements of the EU regulation, supply chain responsibilities, digital traceability tools, and case studies from African countries that have begun implementing compliance measures. A live Q&A with trade, sustainability, and legal experts will also be included.

EUDR: A New Era for Coffee Trade

The EUDR entered into force in December 2024. From December 30, 2025, large operators must comply, followed by small and medium businesses from June 30, 2026. Coffee entering the EU must be:

  • Proven deforestation-free after December 31, 2020

  • Traceable with precise geolocation data (GPS)

  • Supported with production dates, volumes, and sub-regional origin

  • Covered by a due diligence statement

Non-compliance could lead to import bans, product confiscation, and fines of up to 4% of annual EU turnover.

Africa’s Reliance on the EU Market

Europe is the largest destination for African coffee, importing more than €2 billion annually. Recent figures show:

  • Uganda: 72% of exports went to the EU in 2024.

  • Kenya: 57.8% of exports were EU-bound in MY 2023/24.

  • Ethiopia: Over 30% of exports went to Germany, Belgium, and Italy.

  • Rwanda: Nearly 18% of exports went to EU countries including the Netherlands and Germany.

  • Burundi: At least 45% of exports in 2023 went to Europe, mainly Germany and Italy.

  • Tanzania: Italy and Germany purchased almost $98 million worth of coffee in 2023.

A Defining Moment for African Coffee

Experts note that while compliance poses challenges for millions of smallholder farmers, who produce over 70% of Africa’s coffee, it also represents an opportunity to enhance the reputation of African coffee globally and secure long-term access to premium markets.

Registration is open via AFCA’s official channels.

Coffee Prices Soar to New 2-Month Highs Amid Brazil Frost and Falling Exports

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Dubai, August 16, 2025 (Qahwa World) – Coffee prices surged to their highest levels in two months on Friday, driven by frost concerns in Brazil, declining exports, and tightening global inventories. The rally pushed September Arabica coffee (KCU25) up 4.64% to close at +15.15, while September Robusta coffee (RMU25) gained 2.86% at +117. Over the week, Arabica rose +10.4% and Robusta +18%, marking one of the strongest weekly rallies of the year.

Brazil Frost Sparks Market Tensions

Early this week, a light frost was reported in Cerrado Mineiro, one of Brazil’s key Arabica-producing regions. While crop damage was limited, the event renewed market fears over frost risks during Brazil’s winter season. Weather events in Brazil remain a critical factor in global coffee price volatility.

Sharp Decline in Brazilian Exports

Brazil, the world’s largest coffee exporter, reported a 20.4% year-on-year drop in July unroasted coffee exports to 161,000 MT, according to its Trade Ministry. Exporter group Cecafe confirmed a steep decline, with green coffee exports down 28% y/y to 2.4 million bags. Within this, Arabica exports fell -21%, while Robusta exports plunged -49%.
From January to July, Brazil shipped 22.2 million bags, down -21% compared with last year.

Inventories at Multi-Year Lows

Declining ICE warehouse stocks further fueled bullish momentum. Arabica inventories hit a 1.25-year low of 726,661 bags on Thursday before rebounding slightly to 731,739 on Friday. Robusta inventories fell to a three-week low of 6,907 lots, below the recent two-year high of 7,029 lots reached in late July.

U.S. Tariffs Add Uncertainty

The market is awaiting clarity on U.S. trade policy, as President Trump has yet to exempt coffee from the proposed 50% tariff on Brazilian exports. Such a move could raise domestic inventories in Brazil while reshaping global trade flows.

Weather and Harvest Update

Above-average rainfall in Minas Gerais, Brazil’s largest Arabica region, brought 4.8 mm of precipitation last week, or 109% of the historical average, easing dryness concerns but weighing slightly on prices.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s 2025/26 harvest is nearing completion. Safras & Mercado reported 94% progress as of August 6, ahead of last year’s 92%. Cooxupe, Brazil’s largest cooperative, said its members had completed 80.4% of the harvest by August 8.

Global Coffee Exports and Vietnam Outlook

On the supply side, the International Coffee Organization (ICO) noted that global coffee exports rose +7.3% y/y in June to 11.69 million bags. However, cumulative exports from October to June dipped slightly by -0.2% y/y at 104.14 million bags.

Vietnam, the world’s second-largest producer, continues to face challenges. The country’s 2023/24 output fell 20% y/y to 1.472 million MT, the lowest in four years, due to drought. Exports in 2024 dropped -17.1% to 1.35 million MT. However, from January to July 2025, Vietnam’s shipments rose 6.9% y/y to 1.05 million MT, offering partial recovery.

USDA and Volcafe Projections

The USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) expects world coffee production to hit a record 178.68 million bags in 2025/26, up 2.5% year-on-year. Robusta output is forecast to surge by +7.9% to 81.65 million bags, while Arabica is projected to decline -1.7% to 97.02 million bags.
Despite this, Volcafe projects a widening global Arabica deficit of -8.5 million bags for 2025/26 – the fifth straight year of supply shortfalls – compared with a -5.5 million bag deficit last season.

Côte d’Ivoire Coffee Week Showcases Africa’s Shift to Sustainable, Value-Added Coffee

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The International Trade Centre (ITC) and the International Coffee Organization (ICO) reaffirmed their commitment to inclusivity and sustainability during Coffee Week in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Historically, with the exception of Ethiopia, much of Africa has viewed coffee primarily as an export commodity rather than a drink enjoyed locally. Coffee culture has remained limited in many countries, with minimal value addition or internal trade. However, this is changing. A new movement is emerging across the continent, where African countries are reclaiming ownership of coffee—adding value at origin, trading regionally, and cultivating domestic appreciation and consumption.

Côte d’Ivoire’s Coffee Week symbolizes this transformation, signaling Africa’s rise as both a producer and a dynamic coffee market.

As part of their ongoing collaboration under the Alliances for Action initiative, ITC and ICO co-hosted activities to strengthen value chains, promote investment, and build technical capacity—particularly in robusta-producing regions. The event was organized in partnership with Côte d’Ivoire’s Conseil Café-Cacao, the Robusta Coffee Agency of Africa and Madagascar (ACRAM), the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), and other partners.

Key activities included:

  • Barista and cupper training aligned with SCA standards, training 25 entrepreneurs in professional tasting and preparation techniques.

  • International seminar on coffee genetic resources with Crop Trust and the National Centre for Agronomic Research (CNRA), attended by 29 participants from 16 countries.

  • Press conference featuring leaders from ITC, ICO, Crop Trust, and Côte d’Ivoire’s Permanent Representative for Commodities, Ambassador Aly Touré.

  • Launch of ITC’s Agribusiness Investment Promotion Approach, with a workshop introducing 40 participants to ITC’s agro-investment methodology and providing targeted training to 15 attendees on investment readiness.

“This is about giving producing countries the tools, knowledge, and platforms to lead coffee transformation on their own terms,” said ICO Executive Director Vanusia Nogueira. “We’re here to make quality coffee education more accessible—especially in robusta-producing countries.”

Sahande Mamadou, Director of Elima Torréfaction, noted the value of the training: “This deepened my understanding of sensory analysis and specialty coffee cupping. We now see the importance of improving roasting techniques and sampling for our clients.”

ITC’s Côte d’Ivoire Coffee Coordinator, Mory Diawara, emphasized the importance of value addition and regional markets, saying it would bring greater returns to local producers and processors.

The week also reinforced the ICO–ITC–SCA partnership to professionalize African youth in the coffee sector, in line with the DACBA initiative (Drink African Coffee, Build Africa) led by the Inter-African Coffee Organization.

Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Agriculture, ICO’s Executive Director, and Ambassador Aly Touré participated in high-level discussions, highlighting the sector’s strategic importance. The event concluded with calls for expanded capacity building and equipment support to strengthen the sector further.

The investment readiness workshop, supported by ITC’s Alliances for Action, provided a platform for small businesses to engage with financial service providers, understand investor requirements, and explore opportunities—focusing on unlocking investments and increasing domestic value addition for long-term resilience.

Through inclusive partnerships, technical training, and investment facilitation, ITC and ICO aim to position producing countries not only as exporters but also as global leaders in shaping the future of sustainable coffee.

About the Project:
The ACP Business-Friendly Programme is funded by the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and jointly implemented by ITC’s Alliances for Action, the World Bank, and UNIDO. It supports agribusiness competitiveness in ACP countries, promoting inclusive and sustainable value chains that benefit all stakeholders.

Online Sensory Training Reshapes Coffee Tasting Skills

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2023 study reveals a 15% improvement in aroma recognition among coffee professionals in just six weeks

A landmark 2023 peer-reviewed study by the University of Copenhagen, in collaboration with CoffeeMind Academy, has demonstrated that an innovative online training program—combining sensory exercises, cognitive tasks, and gamification—can significantly enhance the aroma recognition skills of coffee professionals.

Published in the Journal of Sensory Studies and led by researcher Ida Steen, the study involved 44 coffee professionals aged 22–52 in a 12-week crossover trial. The program consisted of six weeks of intensive online training using the Le Nez du Café aroma set—standard in SCA and CQI certifications—paired with memory games, focus exercises, and mindfulness breathing, followed by a six-week control period with simple weekly sensory activities.

Key Findings

  • 15% average improvement in aroma recognition.

  • Over 30% improvement in detecting coffee pulp, toast, roasted peanuts, green peas, clove, cooked beef, straw, and pepper.

  • Persistent difficulty with aromas like rubber, roasted coffee, medicinal, and blackcurrant.

  • Skills retained after the training period ended.

Industry Implications

The detailed aroma-by-aroma mapping challenges existing certification kits, showing some aromas are too easy (like lemon) or too difficult (like medicinal) to be reliable indicators of sensory skill. These findings may prompt organizations like SCA and CQI to review their training and exam materials.

The Cognitive Edge

The program leveraged neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new neural pathways through practice—by combining aroma recognition with cognitive training to strengthen working memory, focus, and decision-making during evaluations. Participants who completed all six daily tasks achieved the greatest improvements, underscoring the value of structured, disciplined training.

Beyond Coffee

This model can be applied to wine, chocolate, and other sensory fields, and even adapted for smell rehabilitation programs, such as for post-COVID patients.

Conclusion

By proving that online, gamified, and cognitive-enhanced training can deliver measurable, lasting improvements, the study offers a scalable and engaging alternative to traditional, in-person sensory training—reshaping professional coffee education worldwide.