Category: News

Singapore’s Prefer Expands Overseas with Partnerships in Thailand and Australia to Produce Beanless Coffee

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Singapore, 14 August 2025 (Qahwa World)  – Singapore-based start-up Prefer, which develops coffee and cocoa products without using coffee beans, has announced its first international commercial partnerships alongside the close of a US$4.2 million funding round.

What is beanless coffee?

Beanless coffee is an alternative to conventional coffee that’s made without coffee beans. Instead, it uses upcycled food industry byproducts such as rice and soy, which are transformed through a proprietary fermentation and roasting process to replicate the taste, aroma, and functional qualities of traditional coffee. This approach aims to reduce environmental impact and production costs while maintaining a familiar coffee experience.

Strategic international partnerships

  • Thailand: Prefer will collaborate with Ajinomoto Co., (Thailand) Ltd., the Thai subsidiary of Japan’s Ajinomoto Co., Ltd., one of the largest food and beverage companies in Japan. The partnership will focus on developing sustainable coffee drink innovations for the Thai market. Specific product details have not been disclosed, and launch timing will depend on manufacturing readiness and regulatory approvals.

  • Australia and New Zealand: Prefer has licensed its proprietary fermentation technology to The Coffee Ferm, which will manufacture and distribute Prefer products locally in these markets.

Funding and production scale-up

The funding round was led by At One Ventures and Chancery Hill Capital, with participation from existing investor Forge Ventures, bringing Prefer’s total raised to US$6.2 million since its founding in 2022. The capital will be used to scale production capacity to 500 tonnes annually through third-party manufacturers across Asia-Pacific, and to expand cocoa production at its Singapore pilot facility before moving to larger-scale outsourced manufacturing.

New product launches

In addition to its ready-to-drink (RTD) beanless coffee latte already sold in the region, Prefer has launched soluble coffee and cocoa powders for sampling by major food and beverage companies across the Asia-Pacific region. These products are aimed at integration into other brands’ portfolios.

Lower cost and footprint

According to Prefer’s own life cycle analysis, its beanless coffee can have up to 85% lower greenhouse gas emissions and be around 50% more affordable compared to current Arabica market prices. (These figures are company claims; no independent verification has been provided.)

Urgent Recall in 48 U.S. States of Clover Valley Instant Coffee Over Dangerous Glass Fragments

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Dubai, 14 August 2025 (Qahwa World) – Dollar General Corporation has announced a recall of its Clover Valley Instant Coffee (8-ounce containers) following concerns that certain packages may contain glass fragments, according to information released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The recalled coffee was sold in Dollar General stores nationwide from 9 July to 21 July 2025, reaching 48 U.S. states. The affected areas include major markets such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, and many others.

Product Identification

  • Brand & Product: Clover Valley Instant Coffee (8 oz.)

  • UPC Code: 876941004069

  • Lot Numbers: L-5163, L-5164, L-5165

  • Best-Before Dates: 13 December 2026 – 14 December 2026

Health Risks and Investigation

The recall was initiated after a customer reported a potential contamination. The FDA warns that swallowing glass fragments could cause serious harm, including broken teeth, cuts in the mouth or throat, and damage to the digestive tract. As of 12 August 2025, no injuries or illnesses related to the recalled coffee have been reported.

Consumer Guidance

Shoppers who purchased the product should stop consuming it immediately and return it to any Dollar General store for a full refund.

This incident follows a series of food recalls in the U.S. in recent months, many linked to contamination concerns involving physical materials in packaged products.

Coffee Prices Rise on Light Frost in Brazil and Sharp Decline in Robusta Exports

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Dubai, 13 August 2025 (Qahwa World) – Coffee futures gained on Wednesday, supported by reports of light frost in Brazil’s Cerrado Mineiro region and a significant drop in the country’s robusta exports.

September arabica coffee (KCU25) closed up +4.45 cents (+1.41%), while September ICE robusta coffee (RMU25) surged +206 points (+5.53%) to reach a two-month high.

Weather Impact

Light frost earlier this week in Cerrado Mineiro, one of Brazil’s key arabica-producing areas, prompted concerns in the market, although initial assessments suggest damage is minimal. Above-average rainfall in Minas Gerais last week (4.8 mm, or 109% of the historical average) eased dryness concerns, potentially limiting upward price pressure.

Exports Driving the Rally

According to exporter group Cecafe, Brazil’s July green coffee exports fell -28% year-on-year to 2.4 million bags. Arabica exports declined -21%, while robusta exports plunged -49%. Total July coffee exports dropped -28% to 2.7 million bags, with January–July shipments down -21% to 22.2 million bags.

The sharp decline in robusta exports, combined with short-covering after previous market losses, was a major factor behind robusta’s price surge. Brazil’s July unroasted coffee exports also fell -20.4% y/y to 161,000 metric tons.

Falling Inventories

ICE-monitored arabica inventories fell to a 1.25-year low of 736,411 bags on Wednesday. Robusta inventories dropped to a two-week low of 6,928 lots, slightly below the one-year high recorded at the end of July.

Harvest Progress

Safras & Mercado reported that Brazil’s 2025/26 coffee harvest was 94% complete as of August 6, ahead of last year’s 92% at the same time. Robusta harvest is 99% finished, while arabica is 91% complete. Cooxupé, Brazil’s largest coffee cooperative and exporter, said its members had harvested 80.4% of their crop by August 8.

Trade Policy Concerns

Market attention is also on U.S. trade policy, as President Trump has yet to exempt coffee from a proposed 50% tariff on Brazilian exports, a move that could impact sales to the U.S. and increase domestic inventories in Brazil.

Global Supply Picture

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

The USDA’s June forecast projects global 2025/26 coffee production will rise +2.5% y/y to a record 178.68 million bags, with arabica output down -1.7% to 97.02 million bags and robusta production up +7.9% to 81.66 million bags. Ending stocks are expected to increase +4.9% to 22.82 million bags.

Vietnam’s Role in Robusta Supply

Vietnam’s 2023/24 coffee production fell -20% y/y to 1.472 million metric tons due to drought—the smallest crop in four years. The Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association has lowered its 2024/25 production forecast to 26.5 million bags, down from December’s estimate of 28 million bags. However, Vietnam’s Jan–July 2025 exports rose +6.9% y/y to 1.05 million metric tons.

Deficit Outlook

Despite higher overall global production, Volcafe forecasts a -8.5 million bag global arabica deficit in 2025/26—wider than the -5.5 million bag shortfall in 2024/25—marking the fifth consecutive year of deficits.

Cold Snap Threatens Brazil’s 2026 Coffee Crop During Early Flowering

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Dubai, 13 August 2025- (Qahwa World) – As Brazil’s 2025 harvest concludes, attention is already turning to the next season — and early signs show potential trouble ahead. Early flowering has begun in several major coffee-growing regions, a stage when trees are especially vulnerable to weather changes. Recent cold temperatures in Minas Gerais and São Paulo have sparked frost concerns, prompting urgent on-the-ground assessments.

Flowering is underway in:

  • South of Minas – a high-altitude sub-region in Minas Gerais with dense specialty Arabica plantings, currently slightly behind in development.

  • Cerrado Mineiro – a designated coffee-producing area recognized for its dry harvest season and consistent quality.

  • São Paulo – including Mogiana, known for its fertile volcanic soils.

Over the past 24 hours, temperatures have fallen sharply. Patrocínio, in Cerrado Mineiro, recorded an early morning low of 1.9°C, with light frost confirmed in parts of the region. Initial reports point to minor visible damage so far. Weather forecasts indicate lows below 10°C across much of Minas Gerais through August 15, with frost risk at 50–70% in higher-altitude zones.

Potential Impact on Brazil’s Supply
While current assessments suggest limited frost damage, agricultural analysts caution that even without visible frost, low temperatures during flowering can reduce fruit set and lower yields. This could tighten Brazil’s 2026 coffee supply — a concern magnified by the recently imposed 50% U.S. tariff on Brazilian green coffee. Any further cold fronts in the coming days could escalate risks and push global coffee prices higher.

The next week will be critical in determining how weather conditions will shape Brazil’s production outlook for the year ahead.

Nordic Coffee Fest 2026 Opens Call for Industry Stage Speakers

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Göteborg, 12 August 2025- (Qahwa World) – The Nordic Coffee Fest (NCF) 2026 has officially opened applications for speakers to join its Industry Stage, set to be held in Göteborg, Sweden.

This year’s theme, “Facing the Next Five Years,” will focus on exploring the challenges, changes, and opportunities shaping specialty coffee in an increasingly volatile, fast-changing world.

The Industry Stage will provide a platform for thought leaders, innovators, and professionals to address pressing topics such as price volatility, climate change, shifting global demand, tariffs, and evolving market dynamics.

The aim is to create space for open, impactful discussions on what the coffee industry must understand, adapt, and improve to not only survive but thrive in the coming half-decade.

Organisers are inviting applications from individuals working across all sectors of the coffee value chain — from farmers and roasters to café owners, equipment specialists, trainers, content creators, and philanthropic leaders.

Applicants are encouraged to share perspectives that challenge the status quo or highlight important industry shifts.

Interested speakers can apply by completing the official pitch template and submitting it via the application form available on the festival’s website.

Submissions must include:

  • Official lecture title and pitch

  • Short biography

  • Lecture introduction for marketing purposes

  • Estimated lecture duration

  • Two high-resolution promotional photos (landscape and portrait)

Speaking opportunities will be awarded based on relevance to the event’s theme and the value of the proposed contribution.

For inquiries, applicants can contact Anna at [email protected].
The application process closes once the final lineup is confirmed.

About Nordic Coffee Fest
Nordic Coffee Fest is one of the region’s premier specialty coffee events, bringing together professionals, enthusiasts, and innovators to celebrate and advance the coffee industry. The 2026 edition promises an engaging mix of exhibitions, workshops, and thought-provoking discussions.

Tight Supplies Push Coffee Prices to Multi-Week Highs in September 2025

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Dubai, 12 August 2025 (Qahwa World) – The global coffee market saw a sharp rally at the start of August, with September Arabica futures (KCU25) rising by 14.00 cents (+4.53%) to hit a seven-week high, while September Robusta futures (RMU25) climbed 188 points (+5.28%) to a four-week high. The surge was fueled by clear signs of tightening supply in the world’s largest producing countries, driven by lower exports and falling inventories.

Brazil’s Trade Ministry reported that the country’s exports of unroasted coffee in July dropped 20.4% year-on-year to 161,000 metric tons. At the same time, ICE-monitored Arabica inventories fell to a 14.5-month low of 738,095 bags, while Robusta stocks declined to a two-week low of 6,981 lots.

Markets are closely watching the United States’ stance on import tariffs, as President Trump has yet to announce an exemption for coffee from the 50% import duty on Brazilian exports — a move that could impact U.S. sales and boost domestic inventories in Brazil.

In weather developments, Minas Gerais, Brazil’s largest Arabica-growing region, recorded 4.8 mm of rainfall during the week ending 9 August, amounting to 109% of the historical average, easing drought concerns. Harvest progress remains swift, with Safras & Mercado estimating that 94% of the 2025/2026 crop had been completed as of 6 August (99% for Robusta and 91% for Arabica). Cooxupé, the country’s largest coffee cooperative and exporter, reported its members had harvested 74% of their crop by 1 August.

Globally, the International Coffee Organization’s monthly report showed that June exports rose 7.3% year-on-year to 11.69 million bags, while cumulative exports from October to June slipped 0.2%.

In recent months, prices have faced downward pressure from expectations of abundant supply. In June, the U.S. Department of Agriculture forecast Brazil’s 2025/2026 coffee production at 65 million bags (+0.5%), and Vietnam’s output at 31 million bags (+6.9%, the highest in four years). The USDA also projected record global output of 178.68 million bags (+2.5%), with Arabica production down 1.7% and Robusta production up 7.9%. Ending stocks are expected to rise 4.9% to 22.82 million bags.

Brazil’s Coffee Exporters Council (Cecafe) reported that June green coffee exports fell 31% year-on-year to 2.3 million bags, with Arabica shipments down 27% and Robusta down 42%. In Vietnam, 2023/2024 production dropped 20% year-on-year due to drought, hitting a four-year low, while exports from January to July 2025 rose 6.9% to 1.05 million metric tons.

Volcafe projects that the global Arabica market will post a deficit of 8.5 million bags in 2025/2026, compared to a 5.5 million-bag deficit in 2024/2025, marking the fifth consecutive year of shortfall.

Liberica Coffee Reimagined: Three New Species Could Transform Farming and Conservation

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Dubai, 12 August 2025, (Qahwa World) – A landmark study published in Nature Plants (DOI: 10.1038/s41477-025-02073-y) has redrawn the coffee world’s genetic map.
Researchers led by A.P. Davis have confirmed—through high-resolution genomic, morphological, and ecological analyses—that what was long considered a single species, Coffea liberica, is actually three distinct species:

  • C. liberica (Liberica)

  • C. dewevrei (Excelsa)

  • C. klainei

This bold reclassification raises the official number of known coffee species from 131 to 133, ending decades of taxonomic uncertainty and opening new opportunities for coffee breeding, cultivation, and conservation—especially in the face of climate change.

From One to Three: How the Split Was Proven

The team sequenced 353 nuclear genes across 55 accessions using the Angiosperms353 target capture kit, and examined 2,240 SNPs, morphology, and geographic distribution.
The results revealed three monophyletic clades, each genetically distinct and occupying its own ecological range:

  • C. liberica (Liberica): Wild in upper West Africa—Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria.

  • C. dewevrei (Excelsa): Native to Central Africa—Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, DRC, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Uganda.

  • C. klainei: Endemic to West-Central Africa—Cameroon, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, Cabinda.

Why This Matters for Farmers

Though Liberica and Excelsa together make up less than 0.01% of global coffee exports (under 1,000 tonnes in 2024), production is being upscaled in Uganda, South Sudan, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and even the Pacific.
The two cultivated species offer complementary advantages:

C. dewevrei (Excelsa)

  • Higher yield, more flowers per node.

  • Smaller, Arabica-like seeds (9.3 × 6.6 mm) with thinner pulp and parchment—better outturn and compatibility with existing Arabica/Robusta post-harvest systems.

  • Grows at 500–1,200 m, cooler climates (22–25 °C), lower rainfall (1,500–1,800 mm).

  • Notable drought tolerance, making it a candidate to replace robusta in warming climates.

C. liberica (Liberica)

  • Larger seeds (12.6 × 8.4 mm), distinct flavor profiles for niche markets.

  • Thrives at 10–500 m, hotter climates (24–27 °C), high rainfall (2,000–4,000 mm), and more seasonal precipitation.

  • Historically valued for leaf rust resistance and adaptation to lowland tropics.

The study also suggests hybrid potential between Liberica and Excelsa—offering breeders the chance to combine Excelsa’s yield with Liberica’s resilience.

Morphology and Climate Niches

The paper’s Table 1 shows clear physical distinctions:

  • Excelsa: Longer, broader leaves; smaller fruits; thinner pulp (0.31 mm parchment vs 0.57 mm in Liberica).

  • Klainei: Morphologically closer to Liberica but with sessile, unbranched inflorescences and narrowly ellipsoid fruits.

Climatically, Liberica’s tolerance for seasonal rainfall suits regions with pronounced wet/dry cycles, while Excelsa thrives in more consistent rainfall zones, often riverine or gallery forests.

A Conservation Wake-Up Call

The refined species ranges reveal a much smaller natural footprint:

  • C. liberica’s Extent of Occurrence (EOO) drops from 6.8 million km² to 352,310 km² (−94.8%).

  • Area of Occupancy (AOO): now just 52 km².

This could move Liberica from “Least Concern” to Vulnerable under IUCN criteria.
C. klainei also faces habitat loss; C. dewevrei is less threatened but still impacted by deforestation.
Wild populations hold irreplaceable genetic diversity essential for climate-resilient breeding—losing them could weaken the coffee sector’s future adaptability.

The Bigger Picture for the Coffee Industry

By clarifying where Liberica ends and Excelsa begins, the study equips:

  • Breeders with accurate genetic boundaries to target traits.

  • Farmers with species better matched to their climate and elevation.

  • Conservationists with precise maps to protect threatened wild populations.

As Arabica and Robusta face climate stress, these redefined Liberica species could anchor a more diverse and resilient coffee supply—if the industry acts now to invest in breeding, cultivation trials, and habitat conservation.

Reference: Davis, A.P. et al. (2025). Genomic data define species delimitation in Liberica coffee with implications for crop development and conservation. Nature Plants. DOI: 10.1038/s41477-025-02073-y.

Burundi Taste of Harvest Returns for 2025–2026, Showcasing the Nation’s Finest Coffees

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Bujumbura, August 11, 2025 – (Qahwa World) – The African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) has announced the much-anticipated return of the Burundi National Taste of Harvest (ToH) Competition, set to take place from August 25 to September 5, 2025, in Bujumbura.

Organized in partnership with the Office for the Development of Coffee of Burundi (ODECA) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) under the EU-funded EU-EAC MARKUP II program, this year’s competition will shine a spotlight on Burundi’s best coffees. The top-performing lots will be featured on the AFCA Taste of Harvest Auction Platform, giving producers a valuable opportunity to connect directly with international buyers and expand their market reach.

Call for Judges Now Open


AFCA is inviting seasoned coffee professionals—both African nationals and international experts—to apply as judges for the 2025–2026 National Taste of Harvest competitions. As a judge, participants will have the opportunity to taste and evaluate some of Africa’s most exceptional coffees, engage with industry peers at origin, and contribute to elevating the global reputation of African coffee.

The judging opportunity extends beyond Burundi to other participating countries, including Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia. Final judging panels will be selected by each country’s National Committee in collaboration with AFCA staff.

Strengthening Burundi’s Coffee Legacy


The Taste of Harvest is AFCA’s flagship program, aimed at honoring excellence in coffee production across the continent. For Burundi, a country celebrated for its high-quality Arabica coffee grown in unique terroirs, the event provides both recognition and tangible market linkages for producers.

Next Steps


Interested judges can submit their applications via the Call for Judges form. Guidelines for coffee sample submissions will be released soon.

This year’s competition reaffirms AFCA’s mission to lead, motivate, and professionalize Africa’s coffee sector, while celebrating the dedication and expertise of Burundi’s coffee producers.

Moscow to Host Russia’s Largest Coffee, Tea, Cacao, and HoReCa Gathering

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Moscow, 11 August-2025(Qahwa World) – The Russian hospitality and gastronomy industries are set for a milestone in 2026, as three of the country’s most significant professional events will unite under one roof. From April 15–17, 2026, the Coffee Tea Cacao Russian Expo, HORECA Expo, and Chef a la Russe national culinary championship will transform the Timiryazev Center in Moscow into a dynamic hub for industry leaders, innovators, and culinary talents.

A Triple Event for the Entire Value Chain
The Coffee Tea Cacao Russian Expo, organized by International Tea House LLC, will once again bring together producers and suppliers of green coffee, tea, cocoa beans, bean-to-bar chocolate, premium confectionery, roasting and brewing equipment, packaging, and accessories. The event is recognized as one of the most influential industry platforms in Russia and Eastern Europe, offering a complete showcase for businesses across the specialty coffee, tea, and chocolate sectors.

Running alongside, the HORECA Expo will cover all key segments of the hospitality industry — from restaurant and bar equipment, tableware, textiles, and food and beverage products to automation technologies, furniture, décor, and hygiene solutions. It promises to be a one-stop destination for restaurateurs, hoteliers, and catering professionals looking for innovation and operational excellence.

Completing the trio, Chef a la Russe — the all-Russian open culinary championship — will bring together the country’s finest chefs in a high-profile competition. Organized by METRO Russia in collaboration with the National Culinary Association of Russia since 2014, the championship is a flagship event for culinary excellence, talent discovery, and professional networking.

Scale and Impact
The 2026 edition will be the largest in the event’s history, featuring:

  • 400+ exhibitors from Russia and abroad;

  • Over 20,000 professional visitors from HoReCa, retail, distribution, and specialty sectors;

  • More than 200 tastings, presentations, and masterclasses by leading experts;

  • 150+ business events, including panel discussions, educational sessions, and product showcases;

  • Competitions in coffee, tea, and chocolate, alongside new industry-specific championships.

The exhibition will occupy 7,400 m² of space at the Timiryazev Center, providing attendees with extensive opportunities for business networking, sourcing, and learning.

Knowledge, Skills, and Networking
The program will include specialized educational sessions from METRO, Stanfood Academy, and professional industry associations. Attendees will gain insights into market trends, operational best practices, and emerging consumer preferences. Traditional championships such as Barista of the Year, Roaster of the Year, and Tea Master will share the stage with innovative competition formats designed to spotlight new talent and craftsmanship.

Strategic Partnership and Industry Support
METRO Russia will act as the strategic partner, reinforcing its commitment to supporting gastronomy professionals and fostering industry growth. The partnership will ensure a strong focus on professional development, business opportunities, and sustainability in the food and beverage sector.

A Premier Destination for the Industry
Located at Verkhnaya Alleya, 6, bld. 1, the Timiryazev Center offers easy access via Petrovskо-Razumovskaya metro station and provides nearby parking options. The central location, combined with the event’s comprehensive scope, positions the 2026 edition as a must-attend gathering for anyone involved in coffee, tea, cacao, and the broader HoReCa ecosystem.

With its fusion of trade exhibition, culinary competition, and professional development, the combined 2026 event promises to be the most comprehensive meeting point for the industry in Russia, offering participants an unparalleled platform to showcase products, discover trends, and build lasting partnerships.

Dubai to Host “The Science of Coffee Perception & Communication” Workshop with Dr. Fabiana Carvalho

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Dubai, August 11, 2025 – (Qahwa World) – Dubai is set to welcome coffee professionals and enthusiasts to a unique learning experience as Dr. Fabiana Carvalho brings her renowned workshop, The Science of Coffee Perception & Communication, to the Victoria Arduino Experience Lab this November.

The program will run in two parts:

15–16 November 2025 – Multisensory Flavour Perception

18–19 November 2025 – Acidity & Bitterness – Perception & Variability

Each session will feature in-depth lectures combined with hands-on sensory exercises, offering participants a deep understanding of how coffee flavours are perceived and how these perceptions can be communicated effectively.

Speaking about the event, Ms. Cleia Junqueira said:” Learning with Dr. Fabiana was an eye-opening experience — she connects science and coffee in a way that transforms how you taste, think, and communicate about flavor.”

Participation fees are AED 2,500 + VAT (US$ 680) per course, with a special combo price of AED 4,500 + VAT (US$ 1,225) for both sessions. Seats are limited, and early registration is encouraged.

For registration, email: [email protected]

Dubai to Host “The Science of Coffee Perception & Communication” Workshop with Dr. Fabiana Carvalho

Registration Opens for the 2025 UAE National Cezve/Ibrik Championship

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Dubai, August 10, 2025 – (Qahwa World) – The Specialty Coffee Association – UAE Chapter, in collaboration with Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Dubai, has announced in a joint Instagram post the opening of registration for the 2025 UAE National Cezve/Ibrik Championship, scheduled to take place from September 30 to October 2, 2025 at Madinat Jumeirah – Madinat Arena, as part of the 4th Edition of Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Dubai.

The championship will bring together top professionals in the art of traditional coffee preparation, with daily competitions running from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Competitors will be judged according to the SCA Coffee Events Criteria, ensuring adherence to international professional standards.

Registration Deadline: September 8, 2025
Entry Fee: AED 1,000

Registration Requirements:

  • For UAE Nationals: A copy of passport and a valid SCA membership.

  • For Residents: A copy of passport, UAE residence visa or Emirates ID (front and back) with proof of at least two years’ UAE residency, and a valid SCA membership.

Applicants must upload all required documents through the official registration form. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Once reviewed, successful applicants will receive official confirmation by email before paying the participation fee.

This year, Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Dubai will offer a rich program of interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and exclusive tasting experiences, giving visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of chocolate, pastry, and specialty coffee. The event will be further distinguished by hosting the 2025 UAE National Cezve/Ibrik Championship, blending creativity, craftsmanship, and time-honored coffee traditions.

To register, click here.

Xinhua: In Yemen’s Highlands, Hope Persists Where Coffee Grows

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Dubai, August 10, 2025 – (Qahwa World) – China’s Xinhua News Agency has published a captivating report about coffee in Yemen, titled “Letter from the Middle East: In Yemen’s Highlands, Hope Persists Where Coffee Grows”, written by Xinhua journalist Yin Ke, who—judging from her piece—appears to have a deep affection for Sana’a and a keen understanding of Haraz and its place in the coffee world.

Yin Ke opens her report with this touching line: “As the first rays of sunlight crested the rugged hills of Haraz in western Yemen, I met Ahmad Ali Nassim, a fifty-year-old farmer, his hands already stained with the sap of coffee trees from his early morning work.”

We stood on a narrow path winding between stone terraces, the air crisp and carrying the fragrance of wild herbs and ripening coffee cherries.

Pointing to a branch laden with red berries, he said: “This tree has seen both war and storms, just like us.”

Six centuries ago, the Haraz highlands were already celebrated as one of the birthplaces of Yemen’s traditional coffee. With their high altitude, unique rocky soil, and humid climate, the mountains offer exceptional growing conditions that seem almost destined for producing some of the world’s finest coffee.

Nassim recalls: “Every harvest was already spoken for. All we had to do was keep the trees alive and maintain the irrigation systems.”

But all that changed with the outbreak of Yemen’s civil war in 2014.

As the conflict dragged on, some farmers were forced to abandon their land in search of safety. Yemen’s coffee industry suffered a devastating blow—production nearly ground to a halt, and thriving coffee plantations were replaced by qat, a stimulant plant similar to tobacco.

Yet, even amid war and displacement, locals never forgot the coffee trees they had planted with their own hands. Nassim says: “The coffee trees on the mountains—that’s home for us.”

Since 2020, northern Yemen has seen gradual stability return, and farmers from Haraz have made their way back, removing qat bushes and planting new coffee seedlings.

Despite the hardships, life moves forward. Nassim adds: “As long as the coffee trees are alive, there is hope for us,” his eyes brightening as he gazes at the ripening coffee cherries.

He whispers: “This land is coming back to life. Just as people start their day with coffee, for us farmers, these trees mark the start of a new chapter.”

For Yemenis, coffee is a precise measure of daily life. As trade in coffee beans between Nassim and other farmers grows, lines of customers outside local cafés tell a quiet story of renewal—a sign that society is regaining its footing.

At a small exhibition of local products in Sana’a’s Old City, I met Wafa Abdullah, a young organizer who likened coffee to Yemen’s resilience.

“People call oil black gold,” she said, “but our coffee is just as valuable. It connects us to others and the world, and it sustains families on the land.”

In the final days of my visit, reports emerged of renewed clashes between Houthi forces and government troops.

I asked Nassim whether he would leave again if violence escalated. He led me to a small coffee seedling he had planted two seasons earlier, its green leaves vibrant against the cracked, dry earth.

Softly, he said: “Like this coffee tree, I won’t leave this time. This land is our roots.”

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