Международная кофейная организация Archives

International Coffee Organization to Attend Specialty Coffee Expo in Celebration of 25 Years of Coffee Excellence

Posted on April 8, 2024December 6, 2025 by Qahwa World

The International Coffee Organization (ICO) has announced its participation in the upcoming Specialty Coffee Expo, marking a significant milestone in the world of coffee. The Expo, scheduled to take place from April 12th to 14th, will serve as a platform to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Cup of Excellence, a renowned event that has redefined standards of coffee quality globally.

Since its inception in 1997, the ICO has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality and sustainability of coffee production worldwide. The partnership between the ICO, the International Trade Centre/World Trade Organization, and the Common Fund for Commodities led to the creation of The Gourmet Project, a pioneering effort to elevate coffee quality and prices. This initiative laid the foundation for the Cup of Excellence, which has since become a cornerstone of the specialty coffee industry.

The Cup of Excellence, born out of the collaborative efforts supported by the ICO, has transformed the coffee landscape over the past 25 years. Through transparent competitions and rigorous evaluation processes, the Cup of Excellence has not only unearthed exceptional coffees but also empowered farmers and elevated standards of coffee production worldwide.

During the Specialty Coffee Expo, ICO representatives will participate in a series of events dedicated to commemorating the Cup of Excellence’s legacy and envisioning its future:

Panel Discussions: ICO experts will contribute to panel discussions exploring the impact of the Cup of Excellence on specialty coffee roasters, farmers, and the broader coffee community.
Farmers’ Stories: Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from farmers who have triumphed in the Cup of Excellence competitions, sharing their personal journeys and the transformative effects of the program on their livelihoods.
Roasters’ Strategies: ICO representatives will join discussions on how successful roasters leverage Cup of Excellence coffees to attract and retain customers, emphasizing the economic benefits of investing in quality.

As the coffee industry continues to evolve, the ICO remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting excellence and sustainability. Through initiatives like the Cup of Excellence, the ICO aims to empower coffee producers, foster innovation, and ensure a prosperous future for the global coffee community.

The Expo will culminate in a grand finale, where attendees can participate in a draw by collecting stamps on their official Cup of Excellence fun passports. Prizes will be awarded to lucky winners, adding an exciting conclusion to the celebration of 25 years of coffee excellence.

The Specialty Coffee Expo promises to be a momentous occasion, bringing together industry leaders, coffee enthusiasts, and stakeholders to honor the legacy of the Cup of Excellence and chart a course for the future of specialty coffee. Join the ICO and fellow coffee aficionados in celebrating a quarter-century of unparalleled quality and innovation in the world of coffee.

International Coffee Organization: 70% of Coffee Farming Workforce Comprises Women

Posted on March 7, 2024December 6, 2025 by Qahwa World

The International Coffee Organization (ICO) has revealed that women constitute a significant 70% of the agricultural workforce in coffee-producing countries. The organization calls for the empowerment and enhancement of women’s roles, acknowledging the pivotal contribution women make in the coffee sector.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the ICO, through its official Instagram account, emphasized the urgency of gender equality and the empowerment of women. It highlighted the global awareness and support for initiatives that uplift women in the coffee industry.

The organization stated, “Women make up to 70% of the agricultural workforce in coffee-producing countries. These statistics include women who independently manage their farms and those who contribute to both paid and unpaid work in family farms and agricultural activities.”

Roles are often divided by gender, with women in families dedicating disproportionately more time to coffee cultivation, harvesting, and processing. In contrast, men focus on less time-consuming activities such as crop storage and marketing.

The ICO pointed out that, out of the estimated 25 million coffee producers worldwide, 5 million are women, underscoring the significant impact women have on the coffee supply chain and the importance of recognizing their contributions.

“Approximately 20%-30% of coffee farms are managed by women. Despite their vital role, the lack of land tenure security poses challenges, leading to difficulties in accessing financing for female entrepreneurs. Social, cultural, and institutional traditions, alongside land inheritance systems, are common formal and informal barriers hindering gender equality in the agro-industrial sector.”

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the ICO urged individuals, organizations, and communities to participate actively in sharing these facts and supporting initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women in the coffee industry. By supporting women in coffee-producing regions, we can contribute to making the global coffee sector more inclusive and sustainable.

Director of the World Coffee Organization expects a shift in the market and emphasizes sustainability goals for 2024

Posted on January 12, 2024December 6, 2025 by Qahwa World

Vanusia Nogueira, the Executive Director of the International Coffee Organization (ICO), anticipates a shift in the coffee market in the coming months. Nogueira recently discussed her insights on the industry’s outlook for 2024 with GCR.

Over the past year, the ICO has encountered significant challenges, presenting opportunities to strengthen collaborations with member countries’ national governments and the private sector. Their focus has been on fulfilling the objectives outlined in the Agreement, emphasizing improved statistical accuracy and the generation of new reports. Simultaneously, the ICO has actively pursued the goals outlined in the Coffee Public Private Task Force roadmap. A notable achievement was the successful hosting of the largest World Coffee Conference, attended by 18,000 participants from 80 countries. This conference played a crucial role in facilitating discussions on the Coffee Circular Economy and Regenerative Agriculture, underscoring the ICO’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the coffee industry.

Looking ahead to the 2023/24 coffee year, the global market is expected to transition from a deficit to a modest surplus. This shift is attributed to a 5.8% increase in production, reaching 178.0 million bags, primarily influenced by biennial production in Brazil. The projected 3.0% world economic growth in 2024 is anticipated to contribute to a 2.2% rise in consumption, resulting in a surplus of 1.0 million bags for the period. The ICO expresses optimism that the new International Coffee Agreement will come into effect during the year, fostering private sector involvement and potentially positively impacting the market.

Addressing sustainability regulations, particularly meeting the deadlines of the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free products, will be a primary focus in the upcoming year. Clarifications are needed to ensure that all stakeholders can effectively fulfill their roles in compliance. Additionally, uncertainties surrounding the impact of climate change on the upcoming harvest remain a significant concern. Effectively addressing these issues will necessitate strategic planning and collaboration within the coffee industry.

Nogueira’s hope for 2024 is for the industry to operate with responsibility and unity, collectively working towards improving the lives of producers and actively contributing to addressing climate challenges.