Category: News

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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Ethiopia to Host 22nd African Fine Coffees Conference & Exhibition 2026

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Addis Ababa, August 9, 2025 (Qahwa World) – The African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) has officially announced that the 22nd African Fine Coffees Conference & Exhibition (AFCC&E) will be held from February 4 to 6, 2026, at the Addis International Convention Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the birthplace of Arabica coffee. This premier event is set to unite over 2,000 coffee professionals, including producers, exporters, roasters, buyers, policymakers, and enthusiasts from across Africa and beyond, to celebrate and advance the continent’s coffee industry.

Organized by AFCA in partnership with the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority and the Inter-African Coffee Organization, the 2026 conference will build on the success of previous editions, fostering innovation, sustainability, and market access under the theme “Brewing the Next African Generation.” The event aims to position Africa not only as a supplier of fine coffee but as a global leader shaping the future of the industry.

A Landmark Event for African Coffee

Ethiopia, which last hosted the AFCC&E in 2024, will once again welcome delegates to the Addis International Convention Center, a world-class venue designed to showcase Africa’s rich coffee heritage. The 2024 event attracted over 1,200 delegates, featured 53 speakers, and showcased more than 350 coffees, launching the continent’s first African Coffee Week. The 2026 edition is expected to draw an even larger crowd, with a focus on market access, climate resilience, value addition, and intra-African trade.

“The African Fine Coffees Conference and Exhibition is more than a conference; it is where business deals are done, ideas are born, and the future is shaped,” said Amir Hamza, AFCA Chairperson. “We aim to position Africa as a global force in coffee, and Ethiopia, as the birthplace of coffee, is the perfect stage for this vision.”

Key Highlights of the 2026 Conference

The 2026 AFCC&E will offer a dynamic program, including:

  • B2B Cupping Sessions: Opportunities to taste and evaluate some of Africa’s finest coffees, including winners of the Taste of Harvest Competition, which showcases top-quality Arabica and Robusta coffees from AFCA member countries.

  • African Barista Championship: A platform for baristas to demonstrate their skills and elevate the continent’s coffee culture.

  • Technical Workshops and Panels: Discussions on traceability, quality standards, sustainability, and innovations in coffee production.

  • African Coffee Safari: Field trips to Ethiopia’s renowned coffee-growing regions, offering delegates a chance to engage directly with farmers and experience the country’s coffee heritage.

  • Exhibition Hall: A vibrant space for exhibitors to showcase cutting-edge technologies, coffee products, and services, fostering trade relationships and networking with global coffee luminaries.

Gizat Worku, President of the Ethiopian Coffee Association and AFCA Ethiopia Chapter Chairman, emphasized the event’s significance: “Despite being the origin of coffee, Africa hasn’t fully benefited from its global success. This conference is a renewed commitment to closing the gap between origin and market, promoting African coffee globally while ensuring fair rewards for producers.”

Ethiopia’s Role as Host

As one of Africa’s largest coffee exporters, Ethiopia generated over $2.65 billion in revenue from shipping nearly 469,000 tons of coffee in the 2024/25 fiscal year. The country’s unique coffee heritage and its role as the birthplace of Arabica coffee make it a fitting host for this transformative event. The 2026 conference will highlight Ethiopia’s leadership in advancing the continent’s coffee sector while addressing challenges such as weak branding, limited marketing reach, and the need for greater innovation.

Gilbert Gatali, AFCA Executive Director, noted: “The success of our previous event in Ethiopia and the integral role of the Ethiopian coffee sector make returning to Addis Ababa a natural choice. We look forward to welcoming the global coffee community to this vibrant hub.”

Registration and Participation

Registration for the 22nd AFCC&E is now open, with early bird opportunities available for exhibitors, sponsors, and delegates. The event promises a lineup of esteemed international and regional speakers, engaging workshops, and vibrant social events designed to foster lifelong connections in the coffee industry.

For more information on registration, sponsorship, or the conference program, visit the official AFCA website at afca.coffee. Stay tuned for updates on speakers, venues, and additional events, including the African Coffee Safari and side events.

About AFCA

Founded in 2000, the African Fine Coffees Association is a non-profit, non-political, member-driven organization representing coffee sectors in 11 African countries. AFCA’s mission is to promote high-quality African coffees, enhance market access, and drive sustainable development across the continent’s coffee value chain.

20 kg of Coffee Sold for $600,000: Gesha’s Journey Sets a Global Record

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The specialty coffee world witnessed history at the 2025 Best of Panama electronic auction, where a washed Gesha (Geisha) coffee from Hacienda La Esmeralda in Boquete, Panama, fetched a record-breaking US $30,204 per kilogram. The 20-kilogram lot, scoring an unprecedented 98.00 points from 22 international cupping judges, was purchased by Julith Coffee & Roastery in Dubai for a total of US $604,080.

The Best of Panama is recognized as the most prestigious auction in the coffee industry, drawing elite buyers from around the world. This year’s event featured 50 lots—20 washed Gesha, 20 natural Gesha, and 10 varietals—with 30 lots surpassing US $1,000 per kilogram. The auction’s average price reached US $2,861.20 per kilogram, nearly doubling last year’s figure of US $1,383.72. Over a 12-hour bidding period, a record 18,988 bids were placed, setting a new benchmark for participation and price performance.

Rachel Peterson, co-owner of Hacienda La Esmeralda, expressed deep gratitude for the achievement, noting that the result reflects years of dedication, teamwork, and the shared pursuit of excellence. David Paparelli, CEO of M-Cultivo, which organized the auction, emphasized that the sale further cements Panama’s reputation as a global leader in ultra-premium coffee and opens doors for producers across the country.

For Julith Coffee, the acquisition marks a major milestone. Located in Al Quoz, Dubai, the roastery has quickly gained attention in the UAE’s specialty coffee scene. Head coffee roaster and Turkish Barista Champion Serkan Sagsoz described the purchase as “a true honour and a piece of history,” adding that the coffee will be roasted in extremely limited quantities and offered through exclusive tastings and curated experiences for coffee lovers.

The sale not only showcases Panama’s ability to produce some of the world’s most sought-after coffees but also highlights Dubai’s growing influence as a hub for specialty coffee culture. With this record-breaking acquisition, Julith Coffee has secured its place in coffee history, bringing one of the rarest and highest-scoring coffees ever auctioned to the UAE.

Swedish Study Links Workplace Coffee Machines to Higher Bad Cholesterol Levels

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Dubai, August 9, 2025 – (Qahwa World) – A new Swedish study has raised fresh concerns about how workplace coffee machines could be silently impacting heart health. Researchers from Uppsala University and Chalmers University of Technology have found that the way coffee is brewed plays a decisive role in determining its effect on cholesterol levels—particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad” cholesterol.

The peer-reviewed study, published in Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases, examined the presence of two naturally occurring coffee compounds—cafestol and kahweol—that are scientifically linked to higher LDL cholesterol. While coffee itself is not harmful, and can even lower the risk of certain diseases, these compounds have been shown to counteract some of coffee’s potential benefits when consumed in high amounts.

Why Workplace Machines Pose a Risk

The researchers focused on self-service coffee machines widely used in offices and public buildings, which typically rely on metal filters rather than paper. This choice of filtration, they discovered, makes a crucial difference. Paper filters trap most of the cafestol and kahweol before they reach the cup, but metal filters allow much more of these compounds to pass through.

Lead researcher Dr. David Iggman explained that some modern workplace machines produce coffee with diterpene levels comparable to boiled coffee—an unfiltered brewing method that Nordic dietary guidelines have advised against since 2023.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Over the course of the study, the team analyzed coffee from 14 workplace machines and compared it with various home-brewing methods. Their findings revealed stark contrasts:

  • Workplace brewing machines (n = 11): median cafestol 176 mg/L, kahweol 142 mg/L

  • Liquid-model machines (n = 3): much lower, median cafestol 8 mg/L, kahweol 7 mg/L

  • Home paper-filtered coffee: median cafestol 12 mg/L, kahweol 8 mg/L

  • Boiled coffee: cafestol 939 mg/L, kahweol 678 mg/L

  • French press / espresso: intermediate to high levels, with espresso showing large variability—sometimes exceeding 2,400 mg/L of cafestol in a single sample.

These differences are not just academic. Using established cardiovascular risk models, the researchers estimated that replacing three cups of machine-brewed coffee per workday with paper-filtered coffee could lower LDL cholesterol by approximately 0.58 mmol/L—a reduction associated with a 13% drop in cardiovascular risk over five years, and as much as 36% over a 40-year career.

A Brewing Method Matters as Much as the Beans

The study reinforces a growing body of evidence that how coffee is prepared is as important as the type of beans or roast when it comes to health outcomes. While specialty coffee lovers often focus on flavor profiles and origin stories, this research underscores that the choice of brewing equipment—especially in workplace environments—can have long-term health implications.

The researchers suggest that organizations could improve staff wellness simply by switching to machines that use paper filters, or by encouraging employees to brew filtered coffee at home and bring it to work.

Global Relevance Beyond Sweden

Although the study focused on Swedish workplaces, its findings are relevant globally, especially in regions where unfiltered coffee methods—such as French press, Turkish coffee, or espresso—are culturally dominant. In many countries, corporate wellness programs already promote healthier food options; integrating coffee brewing guidelines could be a cost-effective addition.

Balancing Enjoyment and Health

Coffee remains one of the world’s most consumed beverages and a source of pleasure for millions. This research does not suggest giving it up, but rather making informed choices about brewing methods to maximize health benefits while minimizing risks.

In the words of Dr. Iggman: “The way coffee is brewed has a measurable effect on cholesterol. By making small changes in preparation, we can keep coffee both enjoyable and heart-friendly.”

Keurig Dr Pepper Shifts Focus to Soft Drinks Amid Coffee Segment Slowdown

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Dubai, August 8, 2025 (Qahwa World) – Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) is ramping up its investment in soft beverages and premium coffee lines as traditional coffee sales show signs of strain under inflationary pressure, volatile commodity markets, and shifting consumer behavior.

In its second-quarter earnings report, KDP announced a 6.1% increase in total net sales, reaching $4.2 billion, with growth largely driven by its U.S. soft drinks portfolio, which posted a 10.5% jump to $2.7 billion. Leading brands such as Dr Pepper, Canada Dry, 7Up, Snapple, and Electrolit contributed to the strong performance.

However, the company’s U.S. coffee segment reported a 0.2% decline in sales quarter-over-quarter, down to $0.9 billion. While price increases helped drive a 2% rise in adjusted operating income to $299 million, the segment saw a 3.6% decline in volumes, reflecting weakened consumer confidence and sensitivity to pricing.

“The U.S. Coffee segment will need to manage through impacts from higher commodity inflation, increased tariffs, and consumer uncertainty in the face of additional pricing,” said CEO Tim Cofer, noting further coffee price hikes are expected in Q3. “We expect segment performance to remain subdued for the balance of the year.”

The downturn is prompting KDP to recalibrate its coffee strategy, shifting attention away from its traditionally value-oriented offerings, such as Keurig Green Mountain and K-Cup capsules, and toward more premium-positioned innovations.

Among the highlights for the quarter:

  • Lavazza K-Cup capsules were launched in Italian dessert-inspired flavors, including tiramisu.

  • La Colombe ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee lines showed triple-digit sales growth, reflecting rising interest among younger, specialty-focused consumers.

  • The upcoming K-Rounds, a plastic-free and aluminum-free pod, is scheduled for launch in 2026, signaling KDP’s push toward sustainability.

Cofer emphasized that while headwinds remain, the company sees long-term potential in its coffee business, provided it can deliver innovation that aligns with evolving consumer preferences.

“Looking ahead, the balance of 2025 will present challenges in the form of rising cost pressures, including from tariffs that remain highly fluid, as well as continued consumer caution,” he added.

KDP’s strategy reflects a broader trend in the U.S. coffee market, where flavor exploration, RTD beverages, and wellness are increasingly shaping consumption patterns — particularly among Gen Z consumers. The company’s challenge will be to retain its stronghold in value coffee while bringing its core category along on this more premium, lifestyle-driven journey.