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

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.

 

International Coffee Organization (ICO) Offers Exciting Internship Opportunities for Students

LONDON, March 16, 2024(QW) – Are you a student seeking invaluable experience in the realm of international affairs and economic development? The International Coffee Organization (ICO) presents an exceptional chance to dive into the world of coffee trade and development through its Internship Programme.

Why ICO Internship? The ICO Internship Programme provides students with a unique insight into the daily operations of an international organization. Interns collaborate on a myriad of topics including statistical analysis, communication, advocacy, event management, research, and project formulation.

Who Can Apply? Applicants must be enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. program, final-year Bachelor’s students, or recent graduates within one year of completing their degree. Proficiency in English and preferably one of the other official ICO languages (French, Portuguese, Spanish) is required.

What Does the Internship Offer? Interns have the opportunity to work closely with ICO experts, engage in high-level discussions with government and industry representatives, and contribute to the organization’s mission of promoting a sustainable coffee sector. The internship duration typically ranges from two to six months and can be extended up to nine months.

How to Apply? Interested candidates should submit a brief CV and Cover Note to [email protected]. The Cover Note should outline the applicant’s degree program, graduation date, internship interest, preferred duration, areas of interest, IT skills, and past work experience (if any).

Join the ICO Community! ICO is dedicated to strengthening the global coffee sector and promoting sustainable growth for the betterment of all participants. Embrace this opportunity to make a tangible impact and advance your career in the exciting world of international coffee trade and development.

Apply now and embark on a rewarding journey with ICO!

For more information, visit ICO Internship Programme.

(Note: The ICO Internship Programme is a volunteer activity and does not offer financial compensation.)

About International Coffee Organization (ICO) The ICO is the principal intergovernmental organization for coffee, uniting exporting and importing governments to address challenges in the global coffee sector through international cooperation. Its member governments represent 98% of world coffee production and 83% of world consumption.

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

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.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed an international coffee agreement 2022

20 February 2024, London, (QW): The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia made history today, signing the International Coffee Agreement (ICA) 2022 at the International Coffee Organization (ICO) headquarters in London.

This is the first time the country has formally joined the ICO world coffee family, whose history spans 60 years.

Attending the ceremony were representatives from the Saudi Embassy in London and HRH Prince Khalid Bin Bandar Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom, who signed the trade treaty.

Under the ICA 2022, governments, in collaboration with the private sector and civil society, will come
together to determine initiatives that support a more prosperous and sustainable future for stakeholders within the global coffee value chain.

Coffee is deeply woven into the fabric of life in Saudi Arabia. Historically, it was cultivated by the ancient tribes of Khawlan who lend their name to the prized Khawlani coffee typical of the Jazan region, the cultivation practices of which are inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

As for consumption, the country’s habits represent a blend of modernity and tradition, where the buzz of state-of-the-art espresso machines in Riyadh’s coffee outlets intertwines with the comforting echoes of ancestral practices in homes across the nation. Saudis embrace both international coffee trends and authentic qahwa, often flavoured with cardamom and poured into small ornate cups called finjan. For many, the serving of the beverage is a distinctive cultural ritual and a symbol of the Kingdom’s rich history and hospitality.

ICO Executive Director Vanúsia Nogueira said:“We are honoured to welcome Saudi Arabia as a signatory to the ICA 2022 and hope that this will bring a unique new flavour to our global community. Together in the spirit of international cooperation, we celebrate the diversity of coffee traditions and jointly undertake to safeguard, promote, and sustain the sector. I am sure that our collaboration will thrive as we foster a future where we continue to savour the richness of coffee while advocating for all aspects of sustainability”.

On signing the Agreement, HRH Prince Khalid Bin Bandar Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud commented: “This is a remarkable day for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as we join the International Coffee Organization.

For years, people of Saudi Arabia enjoyed the delights of traditional Arabic coffee, which has a 600 years history and is still regarded as a hallmark of Arabian hospitality today, and is inextricably linked to traditional identity.

The coffee sector in Saudi Arabia is growing fast and is an important part of our plans for the future and the change we wish to bring to our country as it contributes to diversifying the national economy. Public Investment Fund (PIF) launched the Saudi Coffee Company in May 2022, which is investing 319$ million over the next ten years to support the growth of the national coffee industry, with the goal of boosting the country’s production from 300 tons per year to 2500 tons per year, and focusing on achieving sustainability, across the production, distribution and marketing aspects of the coffee supply chain. We see ICO, and this updated agreement, as a key to achieving our hopes and ambitions for the coffee industry locally and globally, and we look forward to working with colleagues at ICO to secure a positive and thriving future for coffee in the years and decades to come.”

International Coffee Organization Explores Coffee’s Positive Impact on Type 2 Diabetes

The International Coffee Organization (ICO) continues its informative series, aiming to highlight the health benefits of our beloved beverage based on the Coffee Guide by the International Trade Centre.

In today’s installment, the organization sheds light on the impact of coffee on type 2 diabetes, revealing a significant correlation between coffee consumption and a reduced risk of this common disease.

The ICO confirms that enjoying 3-4 cups of coffee daily is associated with a substantial 25% decrease in the risk of type 2 diabetes compared to those who consume little or no coffee.

Moreover, the positive effect persists with each additional cup, provided it remains within the recommended limit of up to five cups per day. The organization emphasizes that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee exhibit the same preventive effects.

Beyond diabetes, the series underscores that consuming 3-5 cups of coffee daily may also lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and death for healthy individuals. Our beloved beverage appears to be more than just a source of warmth and comfort; it can contribute to heart health.

The ICO assures that moderate caffeine intake carries no increased risks of heart and vascular diseases, irregular heartbeats, heart failure, or high blood pressure. Therefore, coffee enthusiasts can rejoice, as indulging in their favorite drink in moderation may be more beneficial than they realize.

It’s worth noting that these valuable insights are based on research conducted by the Scientific Information Institute on Coffee and are extracted from the Coffee Guide affiliated with the International Trade Centre—a rich resource providing insights from the ICO.

While coffee enthusiasts everywhere savor their daily cup, this serves as a reminder that our favorite beverage may pave the way for a healthier future for us all.

 

International Coffee Organization (ICO) Unveils 5 Fascinating Facts About Your Daily Cup!

In an exclusive revelation today, the International Coffee Organization (ICO) is shedding light on five intriguing facts about our daily cup of joe that may have slipped under your radar. This unveiling marks the commencement of a captivating series of posts, exploring the intricate relationship between coffee, health, sustainability, and more. This informative series draws inspiration from The ITC Coffee Guide, a valuable resource on the coffee trade enriched with insights from the ICO.

Fact 1: A Rich Tapestry of Micronutrients One of the lesser-known gems about coffee is its natural abundance of micronutrients. Potassium, magnesium, niacin, and antioxidants are among the nutritional treasures found in every cup, contributing to the daily intake of essential elements.

Fact 2: Tailored Nutrition The nutritional composition of your coffee experience is not a one-size-fits-all affair. Depending on the additions of milk, cream, sugar, or other ingredients, the nutritional profile of your cup can vary significantly, allowing for a personalized and delightful experience.

Fact 3: Fitness-Friendly Brew For coffee enthusiasts who prioritize fitness, here’s a delightful tidbit – coffee itself contains virtually no calories! It’s a guilt-free indulgence for those with a flair for healthy lifestyles.

Fact 4: Caffeine Considerations According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), indulging in up to 400mg of caffeine per day, equivalent to approximately five cups of coffee, is deemed safe within the context of a balanced diet and an active lifestyle. This reassures coffee lovers that their daily fix falls well within the bounds of a healthy routine.

Fact 5: Caffeine Chronicles Delving into the caffeine content, a typical cup of coffee packs a punch with 75-100 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. This makes caffeine the primary bioactive compound in our beloved beverage, contributing to its energizing and stimulating effects.

Stay tuned as the ICO continues to unravel the mysteries behind our cherished daily brew, exploring the intricate connections between coffee, well-being, and sustainability. Join us on this exciting journey through the world of coffee, where each sip holds a story waiting to be discovered.

 

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

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.

International Coffee Organization releases its “Coffee and Outlook” report for December 2023

The International Coffee Organization issued its report for December 2023, entitled “Coffee Report and Outlook…December 2023.”

The extensive report covering various aspects of coffee production, consumption and trade around the world reveals trends and forecasts for the global coffee market.

The report confirms that global coffee production witnessed a marginal increase of 0.1% to reach 168.2 million bags, indicating significant shifts in production as production grows in the Americas and declines in the regions of Asia, Oceania and Africa.

According to the report, a 4.8% increase in South America, driven by increased production in Brazil every two years, mitigated the decline in Asia and Africa, resulting in a combined production of 100.5 million bags in the Americas.

The report indicated that the division of production between Arabica and Robusta reflects the dominance of the Americas, with Arabica production increasing by 1.8% to 94.0 million bags while Robusta production decreased by 2.0% to 74.2 million bags.

The report expects coffee production for 2023/24 to rise by 5.8% to 178.0 million bags, with the impact of biennial production playing an important role, especially in Brazil.

The report suggests that adverse weather conditions will affect expectations, especially in light of the expected occurrence of the El Niño phenomenon.

Regarding consumption trends, the report confirms that, despite positive growth expectations, global coffee consumption in 2022/23 recorded a sudden decline of 2.0% to 173.1 million bags.

The report attributed the decline in consumption to several factors, most notably the high cost of living, low disposable income, and the large withdrawal from inventories.

In addition, the difficult global economic conditions, characterized by high inflation and increasing interest rates, affected consumption rates, which was observed in 2022/23.

Regarding consumption expectations for the year 2023/24, the report confirms that, assuming global economic growth exceeding 3.0%, global coffee consumption is expected to rebound, growing by 2.2% to reach 177.0 million bags. Non-producing countries will contribute significantly to this increase.

At the market level, the report expects that the global coffee market will achieve a surplus of 1.0 million bags in the next coffee year 2023/24.

Click here to view the full report

International Coffee Organization: Global Coffee Prices Show Mixed Trends in November

In the latest release of the International Coffee Organization Indicator Prices (I-CIP) for November 2023, the global coffee market witnessed a varied performance across different categories.

The I-CIP, measured in US cents/lb, provides insights into the price movements of Colombian Milds, Other Milds, Brazilian Naturals, and Robustas throughout the month.

Colombian Milds:

The month kicked off with a price of 153.32 US cents/lb, reaching its peak at 166.38 US cents/lb on November 15. The average price for Colombian Milds settled at 160.74 US cents/lb, reflecting a robust market performance. However, the coffee variety experienced fluctuations, with a low of 153.32 US cents/lb observed on November 1.

Other Milds:

Other Milds followed a similar pattern, starting at 187.15 US cents/lb and reaching a high of 199.49 US cents/lb on November 13. The average price for Other Milds in November stood at 195.41 US cents/lb, showcasing a competitive market for this coffee category.

Brazilian Naturals:

Brazilian Naturals displayed a slightly different trend, beginning the month at 186.58 US cents/lb and peaking at 203.23 US cents/lb on November 15. The average price settled at 196.47 US cents/lb, indicating a noteworthy performance for this coffee variety throughout November.

Robustas:

Robustas started the month at 158.95 US cents/lb and reached their highest point at 174.72 US cents/lb on November 15. The average price for Robustas settled at 168.48 US cents/lb, showcasing resilience in the market.

Overall Market Performance:
The ICO composite indicator price for November 2023 reported an average of 121.69 US cents/lb, with the highest point at 127.30 US cents/lb and the lowest at 116.54 US cents/lb. The market showed a blend of highs and lows, reflecting the dynamic nature of the global coffee industry.

ICO’s Move to a New Pricing System:
It’s essential to note that since May 2021, the International Coffee Organization has transitioned to a new system for collecting prices. For further details on this change, interested parties can refer to the official document here.

As coffee enthusiasts and industry stakeholders analyze the November 2023 I-CIP data, it becomes evident that the global coffee market remains dynamic, with each coffee variety exhibiting unique price movements and contributing to the overall narrative of the industry’s health and stability.