Category: News

The global coffee market continued its complex trajectory in May 2025, with slight adjustments in prices and exports reflecting the delicate balance between improving supply chains, mixed demand trends, and broader economic uncertainties.

According to the latest Coffee Market Report released by the International Coffee Organization (ICO), the ICO Composite Indicator Price (I-CIP) averaged 334.41 US cents per pound in May—slipping by just 0.4% compared to April. Despite this minor decline, prices remain significantly elevated year-over-year, standing 60.5% higher than in May 2024.

Arabica Holds Ground, Robusta Retreats

While Robusta coffee experienced a notable 3.5% price decline, dipping to 237.76 US cents/lb, Arabica varieties saw modest gains:

• Colombian Milds: 395.59 US cents/lb (+0.4%)

• Other Milds: 397.84 US cents/lb (+1.3%)

• Brazilian Naturals: 380.02 US cents/lb (+0.5%)

The arbitrage between New York and London futures widened by 6.6% to 143.58 US cents/lb. Meanwhile, market volatility stabilized slightly, with I-CIP intra-day variation averaging 11.1%.

Shifting Export Patterns: Brazil Slows, Africa Surges

Global green coffee exports in April 2025 totaled 10.2 million bags, down 6.8% from April 2024. The decline was largely driven by a 14.4% drop in Brazilian Naturals. Robustas also decreased by 5.8%, primarily due to Brazil’s dramatic 86.4% fall in Robusta exports.

In contrast, the Colombian Milds and Other Milds categories grew modestly, with Kenya and Ethiopia leading the gains. Kenyan exports soared 14%, marking a 24-year record for the country.

The share of Arabica in total green bean exports increased from 59.9% to 63.3%, further underscoring consumer preference for higher-end coffee despite inflationary pressures.

Regional Highlights

• Africa: Exports surged 30.2% to 1.8 million bags. Ethiopia and Uganda led the way, buoyed by strong harvests and high global prices.

• Asia & Oceania: Up 8.3%, with Indonesia and Vietnam showing double-digit growth in response to elevated Robusta prices.

• South America: Down 28.4% as Brazil’s exports fell sharply, partly due to ongoing port delays. This marked the sixth consecutive month of decline.

• Mexico & Central America: Grew 4.1%, potentially signaling the start of a new up-cycle after years of decline.

Roasted and Soluble Coffee Rising

Processed coffee exports reflected growth as well. Soluble coffee exports rose 6% to 1.13 million bags in April 2025, with Brazil leading the segment. Roasted coffee beans surged 16.4%, reaching 87,619 bags compared to 75,253 bags in April 2024.

Soluble coffee’s share of total coffee exports rose to 9.5%, up from 8.8% a year earlier—demonstrating rising global demand for convenient coffee products.

Futures Market Update: Major Contract Shift Ahead

A major structural change was also announced: ICE Futures U.S. will phase out the Coffee “C” contract by March 2028. The new Arabica contract will be priced in USD per metric tonne and allow the use of Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs), aiming to modernize the coffee futures market.

Mixed Market Signals: What Lies Ahead?

The report identified several bullish and bearish indicators shaping the near-term outlook:

Bullish:

• Strong U.S. consumer spending supported by low household debt.

• JDE Peet’s announcement of possible retail price hikes, signaling sustained demand.

Bearish:

• USDA forecasts indicate increased supply from Brazil (+0.2%) and Peru (+8%).

• Neutral El Niño conditions bode well for harvests in Latin America.

• Geopolitical improvements in the Red Sea (Houthi ceasefire) are enhancing logistics and reducing shipping delays.

• Concerns persist over U.S. trade tariffs and potential recessionary effects.

Inventory Rebound

Certified coffee stocks rebounded in May:

• Arabica (New York): +9.4% to 0.93 million bags

• Robusta (London): +28.1% to 0.92 million bags

These increases suggest improved logistics and short-term supply availability.

Conclusion

May 2025 brought stabilization rather than disruption to the global coffee market. Arabica continues to dominate global exports, while African and Southeast Asian producers have capitalized on global price dynamics. As the market transitions into the second half of the year, attention will turn to weather patterns, economic signals, and the evolving futures market structure to gauge where prices and demand are headed.

📊 Download the full report here
📈 Explore price visuals and regional breakdowns on QahwaWorld.com

Ethiopia, the birthplace of Arabica coffee and one of the world’s most iconic producing countries, is expected to maintain a steady output of 4.5 million 60-kg bags in the 2024/25 marketing year, according to the latest report from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. This consistent level of production underscores the resilience of Ethiopia’s coffee sector in the face of prolonged drought and changing climate patterns.

Coffee remains the backbone of Ethiopia’s rural economy, providing livelihoods for over 15 million people, mostly smallholder farmers. Despite mounting production challenges, including erratic rainfall and limited irrigation infrastructure, the country has shown remarkable adaptability in sustaining its output at near-record levels. The forecast for 2024/25 matches the previous season’s production, reaffirming Ethiopia’s position as the fifth-largest Arabica producer globally.

Although Ethiopia experienced below-average rainfall during the last growing season, particularly in southern coffee-growing areas like Sidama and Yirgacheffe, production was largely preserved due to the enduring strength of its traditional agroforestry systems. The use of shade trees, minimal chemical inputs, and intercropping techniques not only sustains the environment but also helps maintain coffee yields even under climatic stress.

Additionally, while high global coffee prices in early 2024 initially encouraged expansion, smallholders were later discouraged by input costs and unstable weather. However, there is growing interest in drought-resistant coffee varieties, and government-led agricultural extension programs are helping producers cope with environmental stressors.

Ethiopia’s coffee exports are projected to reach 4.0 million bags in 2024/25, slightly up from 3.98 million bags in the previous season. The country remains one of the few major producers that exports both washed (wet-processed) and unwashed (natural) coffee at scale. In value terms, coffee exports continue to be the largest foreign exchange earner for the country, with Germany, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Japan, and South Korea among the top destinations.

Ethiopian coffee is internationally prized for its unique cup profiles — ranging from floral and citrusy to fruity and wine-like — especially from regions like Guji, Limu, and Harrar. These differentiated flavor profiles allow Ethiopian exporters to target both premium specialty markets and volume-based buyers.

Despite volatile international prices and recent currency fluctuations, the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) is working with local cooperatives to improve traceability, quality control, and market access for smallholder producers. The country has also expanded its participation in international coffee fairs, with positive reception at events like the Specialty Coffee Expo in Chicago.

While exports dominate the coffee sector, domestic consumption is also rising steadily, estimated at 534,000 bags in 2024/25. Coffee drinking is deeply woven into Ethiopian social and cultural life, with the traditional coffee ceremony remaining a vital ritual across urban and rural households.

Urban demand for roasted and ground coffee is also growing, fueled by the expansion of modern retail outlets, local roasteries, and coffee chains in Addis Ababa and other major cities. This growing internal market provides some insulation for farmers from international price shocks.

Looking ahead, Ethiopia’s coffee sector faces several critical challenges. The continued depreciation of the Ethiopian birr, high transportation costs, and limited access to finance for smallholders and exporters are among the top concerns.

Moreover, climate volatility remains a long-term threat. While Ethiopia’s traditional production systems have helped mitigate recent drought impacts, more investment is needed in research, extension services, and infrastructure to prepare for future climate events.

There are also increasing concerns about regulatory fragmentation and the pace of implementation of the country’s coffee reform agenda. Some private exporters have expressed frustration over bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of transparency in the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX), although the government is gradually allowing direct export channels for specialty coffee under the new vertical integration model.

Despite its challenges, Ethiopia’s coffee sector stands on a strong foundation of tradition, biodiversity, and quality. The country’s ability to maintain stable production and exports under environmental and economic pressure reflects a deep-rooted resilience that few producing countries can match.

As demand for high-quality, traceable coffee continues to grow globally, Ethiopia is well-positioned to capitalize on its unique heritage — provided it continues to invest in climate adaptation, value chain transparency, and market reforms.

The Center for Circular Economy in Coffee (C4CEC), a collaborative initiative founded by the Lavazza Foundation, Politecnico di Torino, and the University of Gastronomic Sciences, has launched a global survey aimed at understanding how the coffee industry manages spent coffee grounds (SCGs). This effort seeks to gather insights from coffee professionals worldwide to inform a forthcoming white paper on sustainable practices in the sector.slowfood.com

Transforming Waste into Resource

The global coffee industry generates approximately 40 million tons of biomass waste annually, including SCGs, coffee cherry skins, and husks. Traditionally discarded, these by-products hold significant potential for upcycling into valuable products through circular and regenerative agricultural practices. Recognizing this opportunity, C4CEC aims to centralize innovation and knowledge on waste valorization, promoting sustainability across the coffee supply chain .researchgate.net+5slowfood.com+5cinea.ec.europa.eu+5backend.qahwaworld.com+1slowfood.com+1

Survey Objectives

The survey targets individuals and organizations involved in brewing, roasting, or selling coffee. It seeks to understand:

• Current methods of SCG management

• Challenges faced in valorizing SCGs

• Innovative practices and success stories

• Support and resources needed to enhance sustainability effortsmdpi.com

Insights gathered will contribute to a white paper developed by C4CEC, aiming to provide actionable recommendations for the industry.slowfood.com

Global Movement Towards Circular Economy

C4CEC’s initiative aligns with a broader global movement embracing circular economy principles in the coffee sector. Organizations worldwide are exploring innovative uses for SCGs, such as transforming them into biofuels, bioplastics, and even construction materials . These efforts not only reduce environmental impact but also open new economic opportunities within the industry.biochartoday.com

Participation and Impact

Coffee professionals are encouraged to participate in the survey, which takes approximately 5–7 minutes to complete. By sharing experiences and insights, participants will contribute to shaping a more sustainable and circular future for the coffee industry.

To participate in the survey, visit: https://form.jotform.com/251032520271340

Women who drink caffeinated coffee regularly in midlife may have a better chance of aging in good physical, mental, and cognitive health, according to a major long-term study presented on Monday at the Nutrition 2025 annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando.

The study, led by Dr. Sara Mahdavi during her postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, tracked the health and dietary habits of 47,513 women over a 32-year period from 1984 to 2016. The findings suggest that women who consumed coffee regularly—especially in their 50s—were more likely to live beyond the age of 70 with minimal chronic diseases, strong physical function, and sound mental health.

“The findings suggest that caffeinated coffee — not tea, not decaf — may uniquely support aging trajectories that preserve both mental and physical function,” said Dr. Mahdavi.

Coffee’s Role in Healthy Aging

Participants were part of the Nurses’ Health Study, a large-scale, ongoing health survey in the United States. The women, aged between 45 and 60 at enrollment, provided detailed responses every four years about their dietary patterns and lifestyle, including their caffeine consumption from sources such as coffee, tea, cola, and decaffeinated coffee.

Researchers defined “healthy aging” as living to 70 or older without any of 11 major chronic illnesses, maintaining physical mobility, and having no signs of cognitive impairment or memory complaints.

By 2016, 3,706 women met these healthy aging criteria.

On average, these women consumed 315 mg of caffeine per day, equal to three small cups of coffee or 1.5 large cups by modern standards. Over 80% of their caffeine intake came from regular coffee, not other beverages.

Each additional cup of coffee per day was linked to a 2% to 5% increase in the likelihood of healthy aging—up to five cups daily, or roughly 2.5 modern-sized cups. Notably, this association held firm even after accounting for other lifestyle variables like diet quality, exercise, and smoking.

“These results, while preliminary, suggest that small, consistent habits can shape long-term health,” said Dr. Mahdavi.

Coffee vs. Other Caffeine Sources

While coffee appeared to offer positive effects, the study did not find similar benefits from other common sources of caffeine. Tea, decaffeinated coffee, and caffeinated soft drinks showed no significant association with healthy aging.

In fact, the study found that each additional small glass of caffeinated soda or cola was tied to a 20–26% lower chance of healthy aging.

“The health benefits appear specific to coffee. We didn’t observe the same associations with decaf, tea, or soda — suggesting that coffee’s unique combination of bioactive compounds plays a key role,” Dr. Mahdavi explained.

Moderation and Future Research

According to the researchers, up to two cups of coffee daily may be beneficial for most people, but moderate to higher intakes may offer additional advantages depending on individual tolerance.

Still, Dr. Mahdavi cautioned that coffee is no magic bullet and should be viewed as part of a holistic health strategy. “While this study adds to prior evidence suggesting coffee intake may be linked with healthy aging, the benefits are modest compared to overall healthy lifestyle habits,” she said.

Future research will explore how specific compounds in coffee interact with genetic and metabolic markers, particularly in women, to uncover the mechanisms driving these outcomes.

Important Notes and Limitations

Dr. Mahdavi noted that the participants in the study were primarily white, educated, and health professionals, which may limit the broader applicability of the results. “Further work is needed to confirm generalizability to more diverse populations,” she told Fox News Digital.

The study was presented as an abstract and has not yet undergone full peer-reviewed publication, though a detailed manuscript is expected to be submitted soon.

Meanwhile, health authorities like the Mayo Clinic continue to state that up to 400 mg of caffeine daily is safe for most healthy adults.

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Bottom line: For women already enjoying their daily brew, this study offers promising evidence that coffee—when consumed in moderation—may do more than just wake you up. It might also help you age with strength, clarity, and resilience.

Coffee is a beloved daily ritual for millions, but few realize it may interfere with medications ranging from thyroid pills to antidepressants. According to a detailed report by Dipa Kamdar, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice at Kingston University and published by The Conversation UK on May 30, 2025, caffeine can alter how drugs are absorbed and metabolized in the body—potentially reducing effectiveness or increasing side-effects. Here’s what every coffee drinker should know to stay safe while on medication.

For many people, the day doesn’t officially begin until that first sip of coffee. It’s energizing, comforting, and consumed by billions worldwide. However, new insights from Dipa Kamdar, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice at Kingston University, highlight a critical but often overlooked concern: coffee may interfere with the way certain medications work in the body.

The report, published by The Conversation UK, underscores that while caffeine boosts energy, it can also amplify side-effects, reduce drug absorption, and affect how long medications stay active in the system. Here’s a closer look at the main interactions and what you can do to avoid complications.

1. Cold and Flu Medications

Many cold remedies, such as those containing pseudoephedrine (e.g., Sudafed), are stimulants—just like caffeine. When taken together, these stimulants may cause restlessness, insomnia, headaches, rapid heartbeat, and even increased blood sugar and body temperature, especially for people with diabetes.

Caffeine can also intensify the side effects of asthma medications like theophylline and ADHD treatments such as amphetamines, potentially leading to jitteriness or disrupted sleep.

2. Thyroid Medications

If you’re taking levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, coffee timing matters. Studies show that drinking coffee within an hour of taking the pill can reduce its absorption by up to 50%, leading to decreased effectiveness and the return of symptoms such as fatigue or weight gain.

This interaction is mainly seen with tablet forms of the drug. To ensure maximum effectiveness, levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach with water, followed by a 30–60 minute wait before consuming coffee or food.

This rule also applies to osteoporosis medications like alendronate and risedronate (bisphosphonates), which also require an empty stomach to be absorbed properly.

3. Antidepressants and Antipsychotics

The interaction between caffeine and mental health medications is complex. For example:

• SSRIs (sertraline, citalopram): Lab studies suggest that caffeine may bind to these drugs in the stomach, potentially reducing their absorption and effectiveness.

• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like amitriptyline and imipramine: These drugs and caffeine are metabolized by the same liver enzyme (CYP1A2), which can lead to slower drug breakdown and increased side-effects or prolonged caffeine stimulation.

• Clozapine, a powerful antipsychotic, is also broken down by CYP1A2. Studies reveal that drinking just 2–3 cups of coffee can raise clozapine levels by up to 97%, increasing risks of drowsiness, confusion, or even more serious health issues.

4. Painkillers

Some over-the-counter pain medications (e.g., aspirin, paracetamol) include added caffeine to speed up absorption. Coffee may enhance this effect by increasing stomach acidity and emptying speed.

While this might help the drug work faster, it could also increase the risk of stomach irritation or bleeding, especially when multiple sources of caffeine are consumed.

5. Heart Medications

Caffeine can raise blood pressure and heart rate for several hours after consumption. This could counteract the benefits of medications prescribed for hypertension or arrhythmia. While patients with heart conditions don’t necessarily need to give up coffee entirely, monitoring intake and opting for decaffeinated coffee may be advisable in some cases.

Practical Tips to Stay Safe

To enjoy coffee while staying safe on your medications, consider the following expert recommendations:

• Take levothyroxine and bisphosphonates on an empty stomach with water, and wait at least 30–60 minutes before consuming coffee or food.

• Be mindful when using cold/flu medications, ADHD drugs, and asthma treatments alongside caffeine, as stimulant effects may be amplified.

• If you are on antidepressants, antipsychotics, or heart medications, discuss your caffeine habits with your doctor to adjust dosages or timing if needed.

• Watch for signs like insomnia, jitteriness, or heart palpitations — these could be clues that caffeine is affecting your medication.

• Metabolism varies: some people handle caffeine better than others. If you feel off after your coffee, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Final Thoughts

Coffee is a powerful beverage that goes beyond flavor and energy—it’s a bioactive compound capable of altering the effects of several medications. While most people can still enjoy their daily brew, timing, dosage, and personal sensitivity matter.

As Dipa Kamdar emphasizes in her article for The Conversation UK, “A short conversation with your pharmacist or doctor might save you weeks of side-effects or reduced treatment effectiveness – and help you enjoy your brew with peace of mind.”