Tag: Арабика

“% Arabica” café chain Prepares to Inaugurate its Global Headquarters in Dubai

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“% Arabica” café chain is planning to open its global headquarters in the vibrant city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates this year.

The luxury café chain is known for its unparalleled quality and stylish atmosphere, currently comprising 189 stores across 24 countries. While its current headquarters are located in Kyoto, Japan, where the first flagship store was opened in 2014, this move towards opening a global headquarters in Dubai indicates a strategic shift in focus.

“% Arabica” recognizes that its global headquarters in Dubai will be a more effective hub for future international expansion.

With the Middle East and North Africa as key target areas, the brand has been steadily increasing its presence. Over the past 12 months, 45 stores have successfully opened across Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

These locations have become renowned destinations for coffee enthusiasts seeking a sophisticated experience.

While “% Arabica” currently operates 134 stores in Asia, with a strong presence in mainland China, it has strategically shifted its strategy towards the Middle East and North Africa.

The allure of these markets lies in the growing coffee culture and discerning clientele.

By establishing a global headquarters in Dubai, “% Arabica” aims to streamline operations and enhance its ability to support current and future stores.

Looking ahead to the future, “% Arabica” has identified Europe as its primary growth market for the next 12 to 24 months.

The diverse coffee scene and penchant for specialty coffee make Europe an ideal destination for brand expansion. Soon,”% Arabica” will introduce its unique experience to European coffee lovers.

The company plans to open stores in several countries, including: • France, famous for its rich coffee culture and appreciation for coffee quality. • Hungary, with its emerging coffee scene blending traditional and modern cafés. • Spain, a country that celebrates coffee as an integral part of daily life. • Turkey, a historical center of coffee culture where tradition meets innovation.

Through franchise agreements and direct store openings, “% Arabica” affirms that it has secured franchise agreements to expand its reach throughout Europe.

The brand’s website has revealed plans to launch in several countries: • Germany: The country distinguished by its strong coffee traditions and love for specialty coffee. • Italy: Home to espresso culture, where coffee is considered an art. • Netherlands: A thriving coffee scene focusing on sustainability. • Portugal: A country that values traditions and innovation alike. • Russia: A market witnessing growing interest in specialty coffee.

“% Arabica” reaffirms its commitment to quality, design, and community engagement as driving forces for its global expansion. While coffee enthusiasts eagerly await the opening of new stores, the headquarters in Dubai stands as a symbol of the brand’s ambition and dedication to delivering exceptional coffee experiences worldwide.

Here’s a look at some key details about Arabica coffee:

  1. Flavor Characteristics and Attributes: • Arabica coffee is characterized by its smooth, complex flavor and floral aroma, offering a sweet taste with minimal bitterness. • Carefully roasted Arabica beans deliver complex flavors ranging from fruits and chocolate to wine. • Its natural sweetness makes Arabica coffee a focal point for enthusiasts seeking diverse flavor experiences.
  2. Bean Shape and Appearance: • Arabica coffee beans typically have an elongated shape with a distinctive “crevice” on one side. • The fruits containing Arabica beans are smaller and more oval compared to robusta coffee beans. • Arabica fruits ripen slowly, displaying a deep red or purple hue when ripe.
  3. Growing Conditions: • Arabica coffee thrives at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level, requiring ample rainfall and nutrient-rich volcanic soil, with temperatures ranging from 64° to 70° Fahrenheit for optimal growth.

 

Genomic research reveals ancient Ethiopian coffee origins

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In the midst of our daily rituals, whether we call it a cup of Joe, java, or simply our morning brew, coffee stands as a cornerstone of global culture. Particularly, the esteemed Arabica bean holds a special place among coffee aficionados.

Recently, researchers delved into the genetic makeup of the Arabica species, unraveling a remarkable journey that began in the lush forests of Ethiopia. Through meticulous genome sequencing of 39 Arabica varieties, including a relic from the 18th century, they unveiled the oldest chapters of coffee’s history, dating back an astonishing 610,000 to one million years.

Led by plant evolutionary biologist Victor Albert from the University at Buffalo, the study published in Nature Genetics sheds light on Arabica’s resilience and significance. It emerges as not merely a commodity crop but an integral part of local economies and traditions, sustaining livelihoods across generations.

The genomic analysis revealed Arabica’s dynamic relationship with climate fluctuations over millennia, tracing its cultivation back to Ethiopian and Yemeni origins before its global dissemination. However, despite its widespread presence, Arabica faces challenges due to its low genetic diversity, stemming from historical inbreeding and population constraints.

Patrick Descombes, a genomics expert from Nestlé Research and EPFL, emphasizes the study’s implications for future coffee cultivation. By identifying key genomic regions linked to disease resistance and flavor profiles, the research paves the way for innovative breeding strategies to enhance Arabica’s resilience to environmental stressors and evolving consumer preferences.

Arabica’s story intertwines with that of its parent species, Coffea canephora (Robusta) and Coffea eugenioides, showcasing nature’s ingenuity in creating a beverage cherished worldwide. While Robusta boasts robustness against pests and diseases, Arabica captivates with its nuanced flavors and smoothness, embodying a delicate balance between heritage and innovation.

As we savor our daily cup, let us ponder the ancient roots of coffee, where the whispers of Ethiopia’s forests echo through each aromatic sip, connecting us to a timeless tradition that transcends borders and epochs.

Top 10 countries in coffee production and consumption

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Coffee has become a part of the daily life of hundreds of millions of people around the world for mood and health purposes. Knowing the top coffee-producing and consuming countries in the world may be something new for many.

Before we begin, it might be helpful to mention that there are two types of coffee: Arabica and Robusta. So, what is the difference between Arabica and Robusta?

A report published by “The Roasters Pack,” a coffee news website, highlighted the differences between Arabica and Robusta as follows:

Taste: Robusta coffee has a bitter taste due to its higher caffeine content and chlorogenic acid compared to Arabica coffee, which has a more moderate taste.

Caffeine: Robusta beans contain up to 2.7% caffeine compared to only 1.5% in Arabica beans.

Fat and Sugar: Arabica coffee contains 60% more fat than Robusta, and about double the amount of sugar. This might be one of the factors why many people prefer the taste of Arabica.

Price: The price of Robusta coffee is about half that of Arabica coffee in the markets.

Yield: The higher caffeine level in Robusta coffee makes it more tolerant and resistant to pests on the farm, reducing the cost of cultivating Robusta compared to Arabica.

Shape: Arabica beans are oval-shaped, while Robusta beans are round. This is because the Arabica tree is shorter than the Robusta, resulting in oval-shaped beans.

Tree Height: Arabica trees reach between 2.5 and 4.5 meters, while Robusta trees range from 4.5 to 6 meters in height.

Chlorogenic Acid: The percentage of this acid plays a crucial role in the taste of coffee. It ranges from 7% to 10% in Robusta compared to 5.5% to 8% in Arabica, explaining the bitter taste of the former.

Production: The total coffee production in the world is divided into 75% Arabica and 25% Robusta.

Top Coffee-Producing Countries: In December of last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published a detailed report ranking the top coffee-producing countries by both Arabica and Robusta types.

Here is the ranking of the world’s top Arabica coffee-producing countries in the 2022/23 season according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

  1. Brazil: 39.8 million bags (1 bag = 60 kilograms)
  2. Colombia: 10.7 million bags
  3. Ethiopia: 7.3 million bags
  4. Honduras: 5.7 million bags
  5. Peru: 3.4 million bags
  6. Guatemala: 3.15 million bags
  7. Mexico: 3 million bags
  8. Nicaragua: 2.5 million bags
  9. India: 1.667 million bags
  10. China: 1.6 million bags

The ranking of the world’s top Robusta coffee-producing countries in the 2022/2023 season according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture is as follows:

  1. Vietnam: 26.3 million bags
  2. Brazil: 22.8 million bags
  3. Indonesia: 10.5 million bags
  4. Uganda: 5.575 million bags
  5. India: 4.2 million bags
  6. Malaysia: 1 million bags
  7. Ivory Coast: 1.050 million bags
  8. Thailand: 700 thousand bags
  9. Mexico: 545 thousand bags
  10. Tanzania: 520 thousand bags

The ranking of the world’s top coffee-producing countries (Arabica and Robusta) in the 2022/23 season according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture is as follows:

  1. Brazil: 62.6 million bags
  2. Vietnam: 27.2 million bags
  3. Indonesia: 11.85 million bags
  4. Colombia: 10.7 million bags
  5. Ethiopia: 7.3 million bags
  6. Uganda: 6.565 million bags
  7. India: 5.867 million bags
  8. Honduras: 5.7 million bags
  9. Mexico: 3.545 million bags
  10. Peru: 3.4 million bags

Production Outlook for 2024: The report predicts that the total coffee production, for both types, will reach 171.425 million bags by December 2024, with Brazil leading the list of producing countries with a total of 66.3 million bags, followed by Vietnam with 27.5 million bags, and then Colombia with 11.5 million bags.

The Top Coffee-Exporting Countries by Value:

The famous American statistics website “Statista” published a list of the top coffee-exporting countries in 2023 as follows:

  1. Brazil: $7.4 billion
  2. Switzerland: $3.6 billion
  3. Germany: $3.5 billion
  4. Netherlands: $1.199 billion
  5. United States: $1.193 billion
  6. Canada: $763 million
  7. Poland: $538 million
  8. Mexico: $433 million
  9. United Kingdom: $234 million
  10. Canada: $228 million

The World’s Top Coffee-Consuming Nations:

The statistics website “World of Statistics” posted a list of the world’s top coffee-consuming nations in 2023 on its official Twitter page as follows:

  1. Finland: Average annual coffee consumption per person is 9.6 kilograms.
  2. Norway: 7.2 kilograms
  3. Netherlands: 6.7 kilograms
  4. Sweden: 6.5 kilograms
  5. Slovenia: 6.1 kilograms
  6. Australia: 5.5 kilograms
  7. Serbia: 5.4 kilograms
  8. Denmark: 5.3 kilograms
  9. Germany: 5.2 kilograms
  10. Belgium: 4.9 kilograms

Top Coffee-Consuming Arab Countries: According to the 2020/2021 statistics released by the International Coffee Organization, the ranking of the top coffee-consuming Arab countries is as follows:

• Algeria: 2.13 million bags. • Egypt: 1.27 million bags. • Saudi Arabia: 1.25 million bags. • Morocco: 780 thousand bags. • Sudan: 702 thousand bags. • Lebanon: 452 thousand bags.

Researchers: The age of coffee is more than half a million years

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The cup of coffee you drank this morning might trace its roots back 600,000 years.

A new study published in Nature Genetics on April 15, 2024, has revealed that Coffea arabica—the world’s most popular coffee species—emerged through natural crossbreeding between two other species long before human cultivation.

Researchers from the University at Buffalo and Nestlé examined genetic data from coffee plants around the world to construct a comprehensive family tree of Coffea arabica. Their findings indicate that the species originated approximately 600,000 years ago, when Coffea canephora (robusta) and Coffea eugenioides hybridized naturally in the wild.

“In other words, this occurred long before any human intervention,” said Victor Albert, a biologist at the University at Buffalo and co-lead author of the study.

The wild ancestors of arabica first appeared in the highlands of Ethiopia, but it was in Yemen, during the 1400s, that the beans were first roasted and brewed—marking the beginning of coffee culture as we know it today.

By the 1600s, legend has it that Indian monk Baba Budan smuggled seven coffee beans from Yemen to India, laying the foundation for global coffee cultivation.

Today, arabica accounts for 60–70% of the world’s coffee production, prized for its smooth, mildly sweet flavor. It forms the backbone of beverages served by leading brands such as Starbucks, Tim Hortons, and Dunkin’.

The remaining 30–40% of the market comes from Coffea canephora—commonly known as robusta—a stronger and more bitter relative of arabica.

To uncover arabica’s genetic history, the team analyzed the genomes of C. canephora, C. eugenioides, and more than 30 arabica samples, including an 18th-century specimen preserved in the Natural History Museum in London. This very sample was once studied by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus when he officially classified the species.

The study shows that arabica’s population has fluctuated greatly over millennia—thriving during warm and wet periods, but shrinking during dry epochs. These “population bottlenecks” left arabica with low genetic diversity, making it highly vulnerable to diseases such as coffee leaf rust, which costs the global coffee industry billions each year.

Researchers also examined a rust-resistant arabica variety to identify genetic markers that could help breeders develop hardier plants. These insights, scientists say, could be key to safeguarding the species against the growing threats of pests and climate change.

“This study not only clarifies arabica’s evolutionary history but also provides crucial clues for protecting one of the world’s most valuable crops,” said Fabian Echeverria, adviser at the Center for Coffee Research and Education at Texas A&M University, who was not involved in the research.

By retracing arabica’s ancient lineage, scientists hope to ensure a sustainable future for coffee cultivation—keeping plants healthy, farmers resilient, and morning cups full for generations to come.

Arabica Coffee Futures Trading at 18-Month Highs

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Arabica coffee futures trading has reached near its highest level since October 2022 as hedging funds exiting the cocoa market are now piling into coffee.

According to Bloomberg, money managers increased their bullish bets to an all-time high in the week ended April 2, according to the latest data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Meanwhile, investors reduced their bullish bets on cocoa after a record rally saw prices more than double this year.

Elia Bezov, a coffee trader at Sukafina, said, “We are currently looking at the largest net speculative position in coffee futures history without a significant story to justify it, outside of the cocoa market, which is insane.” “However, once the tap is turned off, it takes time for speculative interest to wane and reverse.”

Marcelo Moreira, who tracks coffee markets at Archer Consulting, mentioned that investor optimism about Arabica coffee is also supported by technical factors. The last time futures reached the current level was in 2022, and the upward movement only stopped after reaching its peak at $2.4 per pound. He added, “This means there is no short-term resistance.”

The recent surge in Arabica coffee futures has helped widen the contract’s premium over cheaper Robusta coffee. However, the historical spread between the two varieties remains low, indicating that roasters are likely to replace Robusta with Arabica in their blends.

Comprehensive Comparison Between Arabica and Robusta Coffee and Which One is Suitable for You!

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The Russian website “TEA.ru” published a comprehensive analysis by coffee experts, including a detailed comparison between the two most famous types of coffee in the world, Arabica and Robusta, including many characteristics that distinguish the two types from various aspects.

The analysis concluded by explaining many aspects that make either of the two types suitable for this or that person, and due to the importance of this analysis, we are publishing a summary of it.

“Arabica or Robusta?” – An eternal question pondered by coffee enthusiasts. As is well known, there is no final answer to it, but we will try to explain the difference between these two types simply and clearly.

Fact: Without Robusta, Arabica wouldn’t have appeared

There are several types of coffee in the world, but in retail stores, you will only find two types – Arabica and Robusta with various variations. And their blend. At the same time, many tend to treat the first type with respect and the second with a hint of disdain. This distinction is particularly noticeable in sales figures: Arabica is demanded at a rate close to double that of Robusta (60-70% of global production) compared to Robusta (30-40%). However, Arabica wouldn’t have appeared at all without Robusta!

Arabica (also known as Arabian coffee) is the result of crossing Robusta with a rare and unprofitable species for industrial agriculture called Eugenioides.

Arabica coffee trees require careful care, fertilizers, and high slopes – from 600 meters above sea level, while Robusta (Congolese coffee), on the other hand, mostly only needs warmth.

Taste

In terms of taste, Arabica takes the lead by a wide margin, leaving Robusta far behind. This is because Arabica coffee beans contain half the sugars compared to Robusta. The drink turns sweeter, even if sweeteners are not added. Moreover, its taste profile varies greatly due to a larger number of fruity acids, giving Arabica a noticeable acidity logically.

Robusta, on the other hand, is always about rich bitterness, due to the high content of caffeine and tannins. The coffee made from Robusta is smooth, without surprises from floral to citrus. It contains a lot of chlorogenic acid, but acidic taste is not its characteristic.

Price

As for the price, Robusta wins. Since the conditions for growing this variety do not require special efforts and financial investments, the price of the final product also differs significantly from the stubborn Arabica cost.

Bean Characteristics

Bean characteristics are not very important, but they are interesting. Robusta coffee beans can be easily distinguished from Arabica, especially if they are placed side by side. Robusta coffee beans appear smaller in size, more round, and multicolored, while Arabica stands out long, large, and with equal “tan”.

What is the ideal coffee for you? Arabica or Robusta?

Based on all the above, we can present you with some characteristics that can indicate the most suitable coffee for you as follows:

Arabica coffee will suit you more if:

  • Natural sweetness is important to you.
  • You prefer rich flavors.
  • You don’t mind acidity.
  • You don’t need a lot of caffeine.
  • You prepare coffee in the Turkish, French, or filter method.
  • The presence of distinctive foam (crema) is not important to you.
  • You are willing to pay the price.

Robusta coffee will suit you more if:

  • You always put sugar in your coffee anyway.
  • You don’t distinguish greatly between fine coffee flavors.
  • You don’t like acidic coffee.
  • You need a good dose of caffeine to increase productivity.
  • You prepare coffee in an espresso machine.
  • You like beautiful, dense foam.
  • You don’t want to pay a higher price.

Away from all that has been mentioned above, you can always reach a compromise, as many producing companies release coffee blends that mix Arabica and Robusta in different proportions (and sometimes other types, such as Eugenioides or Liberica). Thus, the coffee becomes more exciting, hybrid. The more Arabica in it, the sweeter and more acidic it becomes at the same time. Controlling Robusta gives you a strong stimulant drink.

Arabica Coffee Surges Amid Brazil Crop Damage Concerns

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Arabica coffee futures surged on Friday amidst worries over Brazil’s coffee crops, while robusta prices fluctuated.

Coffee prices ended the session with arabica reaching a new 5-3/4 month high. Concerns mounted as heavy rainfall in Brazil’s coffee-growing regions raised fears of crop damage. Somar Meteorologia’s report indicated a significant increase in rainfall in Brazil’s Minas Gerais region, which accounts for a substantial portion of the country’s arabica crop.

Meanwhile, worries persisted over the robusta coffee production in Vietnam due to excessive dryness. Although robusta prices hit an all-time high earlier, profit-taking ensued after ICE-monitored inventories rose to a 2-1/2 month high.

The current El Nino weather event is contributing to bullish sentiments for coffee prices, with its impact on Brazil’s coffee production and Vietnam’s coffee areas noted. Tight supplies from Vietnam further bolstered prices, with projections indicating a significant drop in coffee production for the upcoming crop year.

However, a rebound in Vietnam’s coffee exports tempered some of the bullish momentum. Additionally, Rabobank’s prediction of a surplus for the upcoming marketing year provided a bearish outlook, albeit with adjustments to production forecasts.

Despite rebounding from historic lows, coffee inventories remain a point of interest, particularly with larger exports from Brazil. Recent reports highlight substantial increases in global coffee exports, adding to market dynamics.

Forecasts from the International Coffee Organization and the USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service shed light on production and consumption trends, with Brazil expected to play a significant role in arabica production.

Overall, the coffee market continues to navigate through a complex interplay of factors, with Brazil’s crop concerns taking center stage amidst broader global dynamics.