Tag: coffee

5 Essential Tips for Café Success

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Gaining wisdom from over a decade dedicated to enhancing and perfecting Lavazza’s barista training and specialty coffee program, David Cutler, Lavazza’s distinguished Head of Training and Brand Ambassador, imparts his key advice for elevating your café to new heights.

Here are 5 Tips for Café Success giving by David Cutler:

  • Respect Every Cup of Coffee:

Treat all coffee with love and respect, regardless of its price or origin.
Create an immersive experience for customers to maximize your café’s potential.

  • Play to Your Strengths:

Find your unique selling proposition (USP) and excel in your field.
Focus on doing a few things exceptionally well, gradually expanding if needed.

  • Understand the Science of Taste, Smell, and Temperature:

Explore the interplay of taste, smell, and temperature in your coffee offerings.
Ensure optimal brewing temperatures for different coffee types and beverages.

  • Organize Your Team for Success:

Develop a clear workflow and optimize café operations.
Assign roles and responsibilities, ensuring consistency and customer satisfaction.

  • Quality Is Your Café’s Greatest Asset:

Acknowledge higher customer expectations and the importance of latte art.
Prioritize quality over speed to build a loyal customer base for long-term success.

Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute (ICCRI)

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Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute (ICCRI) was established on 1 January 1911 under the name of Besoekisch Proefstation in Jember, East Java, Indonesia. Therefore, ICCRI has played important role for more than a century in research and development in producing technologies and innovations for coffee and cocoa commodities. The scope of research and development covers plant breeding and biotechnology, agronomy, soil science and water management, plant protection, post-harvest technology, machinery, and social economy. ICCRI is supported by qualified researchers, research facilities, and strong collaborative network with various national and international stakeholders.

ICCRI has a strategic mission in developing science and technology to support national coffee and cocoa productions. Besides the achievement of science and technology innovations, ICCRI also disseminates the products to the farming communities. Many of success stories had been produced by ICCRI collaborating regional and national government.

ICCRI was designated as the Center of Excellence for Science and Technology (center of excellence) for cocoa and coffee, respectively in 2012 and 2013 by the Ministry of Research and Technology to support the implementation of the Master Plan for Acceleration and Expansion of Indonesian Economic Development. Since May 20, 2016, ICCRI have expanded its duties and functions included educate new entrepreneurs based on coffee and cocoa commodities with the establishment of the Coffee and Cocoa Science Techno Park (CCSTP) as a strategic unit of ICCRI by the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education. The highest achievement of ICCRI in 2020 was being named the best innovation institute in research, development, assessment and application by the National Research and Innovation Agency of Republic Indonesia.

ICCRI Vision

Become an excellent coffee and cocoa research center in the world

ICCRI Main Functions

Conducting research activities to produce innovative technologies applicable for aspects of on-farm to processing of coffee and cocoa.

Performing service towards coffee and cocoa farmers, with aims to solve ongoing problems and to enhance transfer of technology.

Improve capacity of human resources and facilities to support research and development activities.

ICCRI Mission

Generating innovations in coffee and cocoa agro-industrial technology related with the user needs;
Accelerating dissemination and technology transfer of innovations;
Strengthening the collaborations within national and international communities;
Empowering and community development to create new entrepreneurs using coffee and cocoa innovations;

CCRI Programs 2021 – 2025

Increasing the capacity and capability of Coffee and Cocoa Science Techno Park (CCSTP);
Supporting the development of coffee and cocoa technology in central production areas;
Strengthening community development in coffee and cocoa production center;
Innovating mitigation technology and adaptation to environmental, especially, climate changes;
Self-sufficiency in seed production and marketing innovation;
Socializing of high productivity coffee and cocoa cultivation technology.
Establishing Personnel Certification Institute;
Developing for small-scale downstream industries;
Optimizing human resources towards human capital 2020-2025 and improving employee welfare.

ICCRI

Pusat Penelitian Kopi & Kakao Indonesia

Jl. PB. Sudirman 90, Jember 68118
Telp : (62331) 757130, 757132
Fax : (0331) – 757131
E-Mail : [email protected]

Cultivating Change: Empowering Indonesian Coffee Farmers with Komasti Varieties

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In recent years, Indonesia, a global coffee powerhouse, has grappled with the challenges of climate change and an increase in pests and diseases affecting coffee production. For the 2023/24 season, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) has forecasted a 32% drop in Indonesian coffee exports due to supply shortages caused by heavy rainfall disrupting the production process and diminishing yields.

Addressing these challenges head-on, the Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute (ICCRI) has embarked on agricultural research endeavors. One significant breakthrough is Komasti, an arabica variety celebrated for its robust disease resistance and high yield potential. While officially introduced in 2013, Komasti has struggled to gain traction among farmers due to limited awareness, testing, and accessibility.

In 2022, ICCRI joined forces with World Coffee Research (WCR) to initiate a demonstration plot program in West Java, aiming to showcase Komasti’s exceptional performance to local farmers.

“We envision building a thriving coffee community around these demonstration plots—this program could set the gold standard for arabica coffee cultivation in Indonesia,” says one enthusiastic proponent.

In its initial phase, WCR, with support from industry partners Frinsa Agrolestari and PT Sucafina Indonesia, established the demonstration plots and oversaw their first year. As the program advances into 2023, these partners will assume local management and continue monitoring the project’s development.

While the inaugural harvest is anticipated between May and July of 2025, Nuzul Qudri, WCR’s Regional Project Manager in Asia, notes that farmers in the vicinity of the demo plots have already shown interest in Komasti. They’ve observed its vigor during the early growth stages, surpassing existing local varieties.

ICCRI is confident that the demonstration plots will effectively convey to farmers that Komasti can deliver higher yields than the currently prevalent varieties in Indonesia. This is a crucial factor in enabling farmers to adapt to the ongoing challenges posed by climate change.

Furthermore, ICCRI intends to expand the demo plot program into other arabica and robusta growing regions, ensuring the efficient distribution of their innovative varieties.

Dini Astika Sari, Director of ICCRI, underscores the importance of disseminating these new varieties: “The dissemination of our new variety is a pivotal step towards sustainable coffee production in Indonesia. By introducing farmers and coffee stakeholders to our superior variety through this program, we aim to provide growers with better planting materials, boost their income, and foster a resilient coffee community around the demonstration plots. This program could very well become a beacon for exceptional arabica coffee cultivation in Indonesia.”

Dubai’s Grand Stage for Coffee Excellence: The UAE AeroPress Championship 2023 Arrives in Late October

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From October 25 to 29, Dubai will host the UAE AeroPress Championship 2023, which will be held at the Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC).

The 2023 UAE AeroPress Championships are set to be one of the most anticipated events in the UAE’s coffee calendar. This celebrated competition, known for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, is bringing together coffee enthusiasts, café owners, spectators, and media organizations, along with representatives from businesses across the coffee value chain. The 2023 season promises a host of exciting activities for attendees to enjoy alongside the competition.

The AeroPress Championship, part of the world’s largest coffee competition, features participants from approximately 60 countries, including the UAE. This year marks the seventh iteration of the UAE AeroPress Championships, and it’s shaping up to be the biggest one yet.

The 2023 Regional AeroPress Championships are scheduled to take place on October 25th and 26th at DMCC, with participants vying for a spot in the prestigious 2023 UAE AeroPress Final on October 27th.

Competition Format:

  • The competition follows a multi-round, elimination tournament format.
  • Each round sees three competitors simultaneously brewing coffee.
  • Contestants have a tight 5-minute window to prepare, brew, and present their coffee.
  • When the clock runs out, the coffees are presented in identical vessels to a panel of three judges.
  • These judges conduct a blind evaluation of each coffee, making their private assessments to determine the best brew.
  • On the count of three, all judges simultaneously point to their preferred coffee.
  • The winner advances to the next round, while the remaining contestants face elimination.

The UAE AeroPress Championships are not just about brewing the perfect cup of coffee; they represent a celebration of the coffee community’s unity and camaraderie. Coffee enthusiasts and participants from all walks of life come together to share their passion for coffee, make new friends, and compete in a thrilling tournament that tests their coffee-making skills under pressure.

In addition to the intense competition, the event boasts a vibrant atmosphere filled with coffee tastings, workshops, and opportunities to connect with fellow coffee lovers. Café owners, roasters, and coffee industry professionals can network and explore new business opportunities within the coffee value chain.

With the UAE AeroPress Championships just around the corner, coffee aficionados and competitors alike are eagerly preparing to showcase their skills and brews. The 2023 season promises to set new standards for excellence in coffee preparation, all while fostering a sense of community and friendship within the coffee world. Don’t miss the action as the UAE AeroPress Championships unfold from October 25th to 27th, bringing together the UAE’s coffee community in a celebration of their shared love for this beloved beverage.

 

World of Coffee Dubai 2024 highlights promising prospects for development and expansion of coffee industry in UAE

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DXB Live, the integrated event management and experiential agency of the Dubai World Trade Centre, continues the preparations for the 3rd edition of the World of Coffee exhibition, which will be held from 21st to 23rd January 2024.

With expectations that the coffee market in the UAE will grow at an annual rate of 8.4 per cent between 2023 and 2029, and by about 7.5 per cent annually in the Middle East and Africa between 2022 and 2027, the exhibition is witnessing a wide regional and global interest from industry leaders, experts and specialists.

As per a report by Statista, coffee markets in Dubai and the region are experiencing substantial growth, with individual coffee consumption in the UAE expected to reach 1.36 kg in 2023 and the coffee market in Dubai expected to generate sales of over AED 1 billion this year. These figures reflect the industry’s attractiveness and growing demand for coffee products, as Dubai provides an ideal environment for the growth of the coffee market, owing to the presence of global coffee shop brands and the emirate’s role as a regional coffee trade hub, with export revenues exceeding AED 3.5 billion over the last decade.

The World of Coffee Dubai 2024 represents a turning point for the sector in the UAE, which has surpassed the tangible effects of this growth in the coffee market and has reached neighbouring Arab markets, attracting more specialised international brands, in light of the attention given to coffee culture and the variety of offerings provided by Dubai, which is famous for providing innovative experiences in this industry.

Khalid Al Hammadi, Senior Vice President at DXB LIVE, emphasised that Dubai’s economic status and distinctive infrastructure have positioned the emirate as a leading destination for organising and hosting prominent events at regional and worldwide levels. Al Hammadi said: “Through the World of Coffee Dubai exhibition, we hope to contribute to Dubai’s efforts in achieving its strategic goals by developing and diversifying various economic sectors. Additionally, we aim to facilitate building and strengthening relations between participants and companies within the coffee market of UAE and the region.”

“The participation of major brands, companies, and specialists underlines the exhibition’s importance and the international community’s trust in it, and the major role of Dubai in enhancing the regional and international trade movement.” Al Hammadi added.

Technology

Omran Al Hammadi, CEO of Que Trading Group, said: “We are excited to participate for the third time in the World of Coffee Dubai 2024. The exhibition provides us with the remarkable opportunity to explore new avenues, strengthen their presence, and contribute to the growth of this booming industry. During the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to discover our most recent products, which include modern and high-quality coffee makers and a wide range of advanced tools and accessories.”

“At our booth, we will conduct in-depth evaluations of the Coffee Tech Engineering Roaster Machines. Additionally, our expert team will showcase the industry’s leading commercial coffee machines, such as the Rocket Sotto Banco, Rocket R9V, and Rocket Appartamento TCA, which integrate cutting-edge technology of the highest quality. By participating in this exhibition, we further reaffirm our dedication to offering coffee aficionados the greatest products. We also look forward to developing fruitful connections and solid collaborations through this significant regional event.” Omran added.

Status

Dubai has a unique status because it is home to several international coffee shops and companies. The World of Coffee Dubai gives companies and cafés the opportunity to provide new and unique experiences for coffee lovers who want to stay up with Dubai’s fast-paced lifestyle. According to Statista predictions for 2022, 82 per cent of worldwide coffee revenues are created by consumption in cafes and restaurants, while 18 per cent of revenues are generated by domestic consumption, which is anticipated to fall by two degrees by 2025.

The current lifestyle trend has been propelling the coffee industry forward, with increased consumption and the development of places that provide it. This tremendous success has compelled major Emirati coffee businesses to expand locally, regionally, and globally to express the Emirati hospitality culture to the globe and strengthen its position as a leading global coffee hub.

Opportunities

Vinícius Estrela, Executive-Director at Brazilian Speciality Coffee ‘BSCA’, said: “We are thrilled to participate in the World of Coffee for the third consecutive year. Our commitment to participating in this event stems from our conviction that the exhibition is particularly significant as it sheds light on the most prominent trends within the coffee industry. Given that the MENA region is one of the biggest markets for Brazilian products in general and coffee in particular, the exhibition serves as a prominent venue for examining innovative prospects to enhance cooperation between the sector’s major players as well as the opportunities provided by local coffee markets.”

“At BSCA, we are excited about this participation, in line with our commitment to fostering collaborations between Brazilian and international coffee markets. We seek to share our knowledge of utilising technology to enhance coffee production, promote sustainable and environment friendly industrial and commercial methodologies in the coffee sector, and highlight Brazil’s remarkable legacy in coffee production.” Estrela added.

Diversity

The exhibition represents the UAE’s significant demographic and cultural diversity, which are essential aspects of the country’s coffee market that has witnessed a high demand for varieties of coffee. Meeting all these demands necessitate the availability of a diverse range of coffee varieties and preparation styles, allowing global companies to participate in broader opportunities to strengthen their presence locally and regionally.

“Menran Coffee”… a new experience in Dubai

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Coffee lovers in Dubai can enjoy a new coffee experience with a unique character. Mokha 1450 has commissioned its team of award-winning baristas to provide an unparalleled coffee experience, one that uniquely targets the flavor preferences of coffee connoisseurs in the UAE.

“Minran Coffee”, the first response to this mission, was curated by Mohamed Minran, creating a unique product through which one can expect to taste aromas of cherries, honey, exceptional sweetness and fruity flavors with a milk chocolate finish.

In addition to reflecting the flavor preferences of the UAE population, this coffee offers some other innovations. The origin of the coffee will not be shared to remove the constraints of expectations and also to highlight the coffee maker alone.

In addition, the baristas will also receive a percentage of revenue from each coffee bag purchase, which will be featured as a cover story in the Mokha 1450’s Barista Craft Magazine which guests will receive when they purchase a bag of coffee.

New study: Coffee helps with weight loss, but under one condition

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A recent publication in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that coffee, so beloved by many, can help in the process of losing weight, but in order for it to have an effect, one condition must be met.

As part of their research work, the purpose of which was to trace the connection between coffee consumption, weight changes and the addition of sugar and cream to the drink, experts from the United States studied data from more than 150 thousand participants in group studies.

After analyzing the habits of the subjects, experts found that every cup of coffee without sugar contributed to weight loss, and adding cream had almost no effect on weight change. At the same time, as the researchers noted, adding even one spoon of sugar was associated with subsequent weight gain. This association was stronger for younger people with higher body mass index.

The scientists’ findings state that drinking coffee without sugar is inversely proportional to weight gain, and adding sugar to the drink eliminates all the benefits of drinking it for weight control.

  • Study details

Changes in Coffee Intake, Added Sugar and Long-Term Weight Gain – Results from Three Large Prospective US Cohort Studies

Background

Consumption of both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee has been reported to attenuate long-term weight gain. Whether the association between coffee consumption and weight gain depends on the addition of sugar, cream or coffee whitener remains unclear.

Objective

We aimed to study the associations between changes in coffee consumption, caffeine intake and weight changes by considering the addition of sugar, cream or a non-dairy coffee whitener.

Methods

We used three large prospective cohorts – the Nurses’ Health Study (1986 – 2010), Nurses’ Health Study II (1991 – 2015) and Health Professional Follow-up Study (1991 – 2014). We applied multivariable linear regression models with robust variance estimators to assess the association of changes in coffee habits within each 4-year interval with concurrent weight changes. Results across the three cohorts were pooled using inverse-variance weights.

Results

After multivariable adjustment, each 1 cup per day increment in unsweetened caffeinated coffee was associated with a reduction in 4-year weight gain of -0.12 kg (95 % CI: -0.18, -0.05 kg) and of -0.12 kg (95 % CI: -0.16, -0.08 kg) for unsweetened decaffeinated coffee. The habits of adding cream or non-dairy coffee whitener were not significantly linked to weight changes. Adding a teaspoon of sugar was associated with a 4-year weight gain of +0.09 kg (0.07, 0.12 kg). Stratified analyses suggested stronger magnitude of the observed associations with younger age and higher baseline body mass index (BMI). Neither caffeine nor coffee modified the association of adding sugar to any food or beverage with weight changes.

Conclusions

An increase in intake of unsweetened caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee was inversely associated with weight gain. The addition of sugar to coffee counteracted coffee’s benefit for possible weight management. On the other hand, adding cream or coffee whitener were not associated with greater weight gain.

Inside Dubai Coffee Museum: A Journey Through the Rich History of Coffee

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A Coffee Museum has been set up in one of Dubai’s heritage hubs, Al Fahidi in Bur Dubai. The Coffee Museum will be an upscale classic concept with international standards in a small, cozy, relaxing atmosphere with a simple oriental setting. The Museum’s unique value proposition can be summarized as follows:

A relaxing atmosphere with regional traditional architecture amalgamated with oriental architecture.
architecture amalgamated with oriental architecture. Showcase a wide selection of antique items illustrating regional and international coffee history and culture.

Platform for experiencing different regional styles of coffee such as local Arabic style, Ethiopian style, Japanese style etc.

Emphasize on coffee education to the interested customers who wish to grab more about coffee, coffee roasting and coffee brewing.

Customer service: high-level of personalized service & attention for customers. Coffee Museum gift shop will have unique verities of coffee related gift items.

The Dubai Coffee Museum is a museum about coffee located in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It focuses on the history of coffee, coffee culture, and the working conditions of coffee plantation workers.

It provides intel on the importance of coffee in different cultures across the globe, as well as the Arabic traditions, its preparations like roasting and grinding, the apparatuses used through time, and rusted beans found worldwide. The museum spreads over two floors with a museum shop on the ground floor.

The museum is a showcase that connects the past and the present of the coffee world. Different roasting and brewing styles from various countries are live demonstrated as well as international antique items are represented. Coffee lovers can buy related items from our Museum shop.

One of the first things to do at the Coffee Museum in Dubai is to learn and explore different varieties of coffee. Visitors can also experience different coffee cultures such as Egyptian, Ethiopian and Arabic. Learn about the entire process, from beans selection through to roasting, as well as the brewing techniques that are unique to each culture.

The museum has information dating back to the legend of Kaldi, a shepherd known for discovering the first ever-coffee bean and instigating coffee’s long journey into the Middle East from the mountains of Ethiopia. Visitors to the museum can also experience fascinatingly old utensils and cups used for the production, brewing, and drinking of coffee.

Exhibits

On the ground floor, roasting and brewing styles from various countries and antique items are presented. Coffee grinders, roasters, pots, kettles, weighing scales, sorters, torches for grinding coffee, natural stone coffee grinders, bowls, and other coffee memorabilia are showcased. An intricately restored Majlis room filled with carpets, dallahs, and pillows offer a glimpse of the traditional Emirati style of coffee consumption. Moreover, the history of the coffee bean is explored.

The first floor features a literary section with a wide selection of coffee books and maps dating back to the 18th century about the global history of coffee and coffee plantation workers. Visitors can learn about the entire process, from bean selection to roasting, as well as the brewing techniques unique to each coffee culture.

What does the Coffee Museum feature a display of?

Coffee Museum Dubai also showcases the celebration of coffee culture across the globe, as well as the Arabic traditions. Coffee grinders used in the First World War, historical data dedicated to coffee and old brewing pots are just a few of the artefacts on display.

DISCOVER THE MAJLIS AND ANTIQUES

The ground floor of the museum houses the Majlis and the Middle Eastern Antique exhibit. The intricately restored Majlis offer a glimpse of the traditional Emirati style of coffee consumption.

The coffee table with antique coffee cups and other utensils take you back in time to witness Emirati culture and hospitality.

The Middle Eastern Antique Exhibit is where you can find more artefacts related to coffee in the UAE. You’ll get to see antique coffee grinders, roasters, pots, kettles, weighing scales, sorting trays and other coffee memorabilia.

THE COFFEE LIBRARY AT DUBAI COFFEE MUSEUM

On the first floor of the museum you’ll find a small but intriguing selection of books about coffee dating back to the 18th century. These books are from the personal collection of the house owner made available for fellow coffee buffs who wish to learn more about the popular brew. There are also some audio-visual guides which are well worth a watch.

KIDS CORNER

The Kids Corner at the Coffee Museum is a fun area where the little ones can discover the origins of coffee along with a whole host of other activities to keep them entertained.

MUSEUM GIFT SHOP

We all love a museum gift shop right? Well, the Dubai Coffee Museum has a great one. It’s here that you can get your hands on those much-needed souvenirs to take back home. Pick up the perfect gifts for your friends and loved ones. The shop has barista equipment, latte art pens, books about roasting techniques with recipes, and you can even treat yourself to some fine coffee beans.

Specific dates that should be taken into account… When do we drink coffee?

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Many people continue to drink coffee immediately after waking up because of its effective role in improving mood, but there is scientific evidence that confirms that drinking coffee immediately after waking up is not “correct,” and that benefiting from it comes from drinking it at the appropriate time.

Coffee is a favorite drink among all people, including Germans, which is confirmed by estimates that 73 percent of Germans drink coffee daily. While the percentage of Germans who do not drink coffee at all is only 6 percent. There are many studies on this drink compared to other drinks. Most of the test results were positive and clearly confirm that this drink is a completely healthy stimulant.

Coffee strengthens memory and prevents diabetes. It contains antioxidants and provides the body with a large amount of energy. It also reduces the risk of developing serious diseases, including liver cancer, skin cancer, and nerve diseases, which is something that many may not know.

The results of studies may sometimes conflict about the effect of coffee on some diseases, such as cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer’s, but most of these studies confirm that coffee protects against these diseases. In addition, researchers have proven in two recent studies that drinking coffee and tea together has a positive effect on cognition. Note that drinking tea alone does not effectively affect the problem of cognitive impairment, but a recent study confirmed that drinking coffee between 3 to 5 times a day in middle age helps reduce the incidence of dementia by 65 percent, according to what was reported on the German “Gesundheit Identity” website. In health affairs.

It is not recommended to drink coffee immediately after waking up

There is no doubt that the delicious taste of coffee and its ability to improve the mood every morning prompts many people to continue drinking it daily. According to the German “Gesunde Ernerung” website, obtaining the full benefits of coffee depends on knowing the appropriate time to drink it. To benefit from morning coffee, researchers advise not drinking it immediately after waking up. Rather, you must wait a little and then drink it. Researchers attribute this to the fact that the adrenal gland secretes, upon waking, the hormone cortisol, known as the “stress” hormone, and this hormone helps the body regain the ability to perform its functions, thus providing the body with its energy naturally. By consuming caffeine immediately after waking up, the level of energy in the body increases excessively.

On the other hand, drinking coffee two hours after waking up gives the body more energy when its natural energy begins to gradually decline. Which means that the most appropriate time to drink morning coffee and benefit from the effect of caffeine on the body is around eight-thirty, when waking up at seven, for example.

Bird’s Excrement Yields World’s Costliest Coffee: A Unique Tale of Nature’s Brew

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One of the most highly-priced and coveted coffee varieties worldwide originates from the excrement of the jacu bird, a large, ebony avian resembling a turkey, which possesses a digestive system that enhances the aroma of the coffee beans.

When Henrique Sloper, proprietor of the Camocim coffee farm in Brazil’s Espirito Santo state, initially witnessed an invasion of jacu birds on his coffee plantation, he was stricken with anxiety, unaware that these birds would eventually become valuable business associates. He contacted environmental protection agencies, yet they were uncertain of a solution and proposed introducing natural predators to control the population of these sizeable birds. However, due to the difficulties associated with managing a bird as sizable as the jacu, Sloper decided to embrace the adage “if you can’t beat them, join them,” ultimately realizing that the bird invasion had fortuitously become a blessing in disguise.

For those with discerning palates in the realm of coffee, kopi luwak, the most exclusive and expensive coffee in the world, likely requires no introduction. This extraordinary coffee variety is harvested from the excrement of Asian palm civets and has gained international renown for its exquisite smoothness and captivating aroma. Sloper, being well aware of this, recognized the permanence of the jacu bird population on his farm and made the decision to create his own version of kopi luwak…

Persuading the farm workers to harvest bird feces instead of coffee beans was a challenging task, but after overcoming this obstacle and enduring two years of trial and error, Camocim Farm became the sole producer worldwide of coffee derived from the droppings of the jacu bird. And not just any coffee, but one of the most sought-after varieties on the planet.

Over time, Henrique Sloper uncovered the remarkable nature of the jacu bird’s digestive system. Although it consumed and expelled the coffee beans entirely intact, the bird’s digestion process effectively eliminated nearly all of the caffeine content in the beans, obviating the need for fermentation. Additionally, the bird exhibited an impeccable preference for coffee, exclusively consuming the ripest beans on the plantation, thereby ensuring that the coffee derived from its droppings was of unparalleled quality.

Although Brazil’s Espirito Santo state ranks as the fourth largest global producer of coffee, Camocim Farm stands alone in its utilization of jacu droppings. For nearly a decade, this unique coffee variety has been successfully marketed, now recognized as one of the most exorbitantly priced coffees available. It has gained significant popularity in countries such as France, Japan, and the United Kingdom, where prestigious retailers like Harrods sell it for 1,400 pounds ($1,700) per kilogram.

Zireto targets 100 stores by the end of 2023

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Romanian coffee chain Zireto plans to open at least 30 small-format stores across the country this year and exceed 100 outlets.

Founded in Suceava in 2017, Zireto opened 14 new outlets in 2022 to reach 71 nationwide — half of which are franchise-operated.

The company is now the second largest coffee chain in Romania by number of outlets, ahead of Starbucks’ 56 stores but considerably behind fellow Romanian brand 5 to go which operates more than 400 stores across the country.

Zireto predominantly operates to-go kiosks and small-scale cafés but opened its first drive-thru store and launched a new flagship store in the centre of Suceava last year.

Speaking to local media, Marketing Director Marian Moscaliuc said expansion will target Romania’s high footfall cities. She added that Zireto is also seeking to expand internationally, although details are yet to be disclosed.

Moscaliuc said Zireto achieved group sales exceeding BAN 50m ($10.8m) in 2022.

World Coffee Portal research forecasts the total Romanian branded coffee shop market will reach 940 outlets by 2027.

Zireto is managed by Just Seven, a Romanian holding company focused on the hospitality industry. The company operates the Caffe Barbera 1870 and Caffegia packaged coffee brands, alongside the Suceava-based Hotel Bucovina and Kaffehaus restaurant.

US couple pays $4,456 for two cups of coffee

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A couple from Oklahoma in the United States were surprised to pay more than $ 4,000 for two cups of coffee, which forced them to postpone a family travel trip.

Jesse O’Dell said that he was surprised that $4,456 was deducted from his bank account, after he paid for two cups of Starbucks coffee.

He ordered his wife an iced Americano coffee, while he had a caramel frappuccino.

O’Dell added that he did not notice the number on his bill, which he thought was $4.45, when he paid with his credit card, noting that he called the customer service helpline approximately 30 to 40 times that day, saying: We had to cancel a family trip we were planning to take, because we lost more than $4,000 because of this mistake.

A spokesperson from Starbucks said that a check was written in O’Dell’s name as compensation for the error, but it was returned due to a typo in the name, so a new check was cashed.

The spokesman blamed O’Dell for being the person who entered the number during the payment process, which the latter denied, stressing that the manager of the outlet told him that the apparent number was due to a defect in the electronic payment network.