Tag: coffee

FAO Welcomes UN Resolution Establishing International Coffee Day on October 1

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Dubai – Qahwa World

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has welcomed a new resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly proclaiming October 1 as International Coffee Day, marking a significant step toward recognizing coffee’s global economic, social, and cultural importance.

The resolution, approved on 10 March 2026 in New York, highlights the historical and cultural role of coffee and its lasting influence on societies worldwide. It acknowledges that coffee has evolved from its origins into a globally traded agricultural commodity that sustains communities while also serving as a symbol of social interaction, cultural identity, and everyday tradition across generations.

You may Read: UN Officially Designates 1 October as International Coffee Day 

  • Coffee and global development

The United Nations resolution underscores the contribution of the coffee sector to several key global development priorities. Among them are ending hunger, reducing extreme poverty, empowering women, and promoting decent work and economic growth, all of which are central to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

According to Qu Dongyu, coffee represents far more than a popular beverage.

“Coffee is more than a drink; it is a globally traded commodity—from beans to coffee service—that sustains the livelihoods of millions of farming households and connects rural communities to markets around the world,” he said. “Recognizing the value of the coffee sector will raise awareness of its socio-economic importance and strengthen its contribution to eradicating poverty.”

You may read: International Coffee Day: How It Started and Why the World Celebrates 

  • A sector supporting millions

Coffee remains one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide. Global per-capita consumption has grown by about 1.2 percent annually over the past decade, reflecting steady demand across international markets.

The sector supports the livelihoods of around 25 million coffee farmers, while employment extends across the entire value chain—from cultivation and processing to trading, roasting, and retail. Altogether, the global coffee industry generates more than 200 billion dollars in annual revenue.

Coffee also ranks among the world’s most traded agricultural commodities. In 2024, global production surpassed 11 million tonnes, with approximately 8 million tonnes traded internationally. That same year, the estimated value of global coffee production reached nearly 25 billion dollars, while international trade in coffee beans totaled about 34 billion dollars.

Read also: International Coffee Day: A Beverage’s Journey from Yemen to the World 

  • Vital exports for developing economies

For many low-income countries, coffee exports remain a critical source of foreign currency earnings.

In 2024, coffee accounted for 27.9 percent of total merchandise exports in Ethiopia, 20.1 percent in Uganda, and 19.5 percent in Burundi. In both Ethiopia and Uganda, revenues from coffee exports exceeded national food import bills, while in Burundi they represented nearly one-fifth of the country’s food import costs.

During the same year, Brazil and Viet Nam were the world’s leading coffee exporters, while the European Union and the United States remained the largest import markets.

  • FAO’s role in strengthening the coffee sector

FAO works with coffee-producing countries through a range of initiatives designed to strengthen sustainability, productivity, and farmer livelihoods.

One of the organization’s priorities is helping producers adapt to the growing impacts of climate change. Through programs such as Farmer Field Schools, FAO supports pest management strategies and the conservation of traditional coffee systems, including projects in Panama. Additional initiatives promote agroforestry systems and climate-resilient coffee varieties in East Africa, while cooperative development programs are helping strengthen rural economies in countries such as Cuba.

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The organization is also assisting producers in responding to evolving market requirements. As international buyers increasingly demand traceability and compliance with sustainability standards, FAO is working with governments and producers in countries including Honduras, Guatemala, and Uganda to establish stronger traceability systems and align national policies with global frameworks. These efforts aim to mobilize investment benefiting more than 200,000 smallholder farmers.

Through its Investment Centre and initiatives such as the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, FAO is also supporting financing mechanisms that improve efficiency and increase farmer incomes. Projects in Brazil, Costa Rica, and Honduras, implemented with partners including the World Bank, are helping strengthen the long-term resilience of coffee farming systems. In El Salvador, FAO has supported the development of a comprehensive national coffee strategy.

  • A global platform for the coffee community

With the establishment of International Coffee Day under the UN system, FAO has been invited to coordinate the annual observance in collaboration with relevant organizations, particularly the International Coffee Organization.

The new international day is expected to serve as a global platform for dialogue, cooperation, and knowledge-sharing across the coffee value chain. By highlighting both the opportunities and the challenges facing producers, the initiative aims to strengthen international commitment to a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient coffee sector that contributes to rural development and global food security.

 

Global Study Maps the “Carbon Footprint” of Latin American Coffee

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Dubai – Qahwa World

A comprehensive international study released in March 2026 has revealed a sharp disparity in the carbon footprint of coffee production across five major Latin American nations. This landmark report establishes the first precise scientific baseline—using primary data collected directly from farms—to address climate change challenges within the global coffee sector.

The study, conducted by Conservation International in collaboration with the Sustainable Coffee Challenge and Meo Carbon Solutions, analyzed supply chains in Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, and Peru. The findings provide a “wake-up call” for the industry, highlighting how specific farming practices, particularly fertilization and waste management, dictate environmental impact.

  • The Emission Gap: Colombia Leads while Mexico Sets a Benchmark

Detailed data shows that coffee production in Colombia generates the highest greenhouse gas emission intensity, averaging 5.59 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-eq) per kilogram of green coffee. Honduras followed with 4.87 kg. In Brazil, the results varied by variety, with Arabica recording 3.22 kg compared to 2.51 kg for Robusta.

Conversely, Mexico emerged as the country with the lowest emissions in the study group, averaging just 1.46 kg. Experts attribute this lower footprint to specific traditional farming practices, including greater reliance on natural shade and organic soil health.

  • Fertilizers: The Primary Climate Culprit

According to the extensive technical report, the most significant “hotspot” for emissions in Latin American coffee is fertilizer and nutrient application. In Colombia and Brazil, fertilization accounts for approximately 60% of the total carbon footprint. This is primarily due to the heavy use of nitrogen-based inputs, which release potent greenhouse gases when interacting with the soil.

In other regions, the drivers differ. In Peru, “crop residues” and unmanaged organic decomposition were identified as the primary sources of emissions. Meanwhile, in Honduras, the traditional wet processing of coffee cherries—specifically the management of wastewater at the farm level—contributes significantly to the national baseline.

  • A “Pre-Competitive” Global Alliance

The study is the result of an unprecedented “pre-competitive” alliance involving major global coffee brands, roasters, and suppliers. Giants such as Nestlé, Starbucks, and JDE Peet’s contributed by sharing primary data and technical oversight to harmonize carbon accounting standards across the industry.

This collaboration aims to empower stakeholders to direct investments toward “regenerative agriculture.” These practices focus on reducing chemical dependency, improving on-farm waste management, and enhancing the soil’s ability to sequester carbon rather than release it.

  • A Roadmap for Investors and Farmers

The report concludes with actionable recommendations, stressing that reducing the carbon footprint is no longer just an environmental goal but a commercial necessity. As international environmental regulations tighten, understanding these baselines is essential for maintaining global market access.

The findings confirm that transitioning to integrated nutrient management, improving water efficiency, and recycling coffee by-products into natural fertilizers are the most effective ways to bridge the carbon gap revealed in countries like Colombia and Honduras.

Shock in the Coffee Market: Colombia’s Production Drops 36%

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Coffee production in Colombia, the world’s largest producer of washed Arabica coffee, recorded a sharp drop in February 2026. Production reached 869,000 bags, with each bag weighing 60 kilograms, marking a decline of 36% compared with the same month last year. This decrease reflects a continuing negative trend that is putting pressure on the global coffee supply.

  • Noticeable Drop in Annual Production

When looking at the total production over the last 12 months, from March 2025 to February 2026, the total reached 12.72 million bags. This represents a decline of 14% compared with the previous cycle.

German Bahamon Jaramillo, the general manager of the National Coffee Federation (FNC), said that the current situation requires urgent action to protect the stability of the sector and maintain farm productivity, according to the Argentine newspaper Infobae.

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The main recommendations include improving fertilization to restore plant strength and renewing coffee farms to ensure sustainable production in the medium term. There are also calls for direct support measures for farmers to help them deal with lower profits caused by reduced production.

  • Exports Also Decline

The drop in production has also affected exports. Coffee exports in February fell by 32%, reaching 807,000 bags.

During the beginning of the agricultural season, from October to February, total exports reached 5.06 million bags. This is a decline of 14% compared with the same period in the previous cycle.

  • Production Under Pressure

Experts say this decline shows how vulnerable coffee production is to climate changes and farm management problems. It also puts pressure on global prices and may increase the cost of coffee for consumers. At the same time, it makes it more difficult for small farmers to maintain sustainable businesses.

  • Main Reasons for the Decline

Several factors are behind the drop in production.

Climate changes:
Continuous heavy rain and thick cloud cover affected flowering and plant growth. This also led to the spread of diseases such as coffee leaf rust, although detection rates remain low thanks to resistant coffee varieties.

Read Also: Historic Colombian Coffee Harvests Face Labour Shortages

Farm management challenges:
Coffee plants are showing signs of exhaustion after several years of strong production. The 2024/2025 season recorded the highest production level in 30 years. In addition, higher costs for inputs such as fertilizers and labor have increased pressure on farmers.

Weak start to 2026:
The decline follows a 34% drop in January 2026, when production reached 893,000 bags, making the start of the year one of the weakest in recent years.

  • Suggested Actions

Experts suggest several steps to address the situation.

Short term:
Improve fertilization to strengthen plants and provide direct financial support for small farmers, who produce about 70% of the country’s coffee, to help offset income losses.

Medium term:
Renew coffee farms to ensure long-term sustainability and adopt varieties that are more resistant to climate conditions. Price-stabilization mechanisms are also recommended to reduce market volatility.

Long term:
Address climate change through global strategies. A report from the International Coffee Organization (ICO) and other groups expects that global coffee production could be affected by up to 50% by 2050 if adaptation measures are not taken.

  • Impact on Global Supply

Colombia represents about 10% to 12% of global Arabica production. Because of this, any decline in its output puts pressure on the global supply, especially when production also drops in countries like Vietnam or Indonesia during some periods.

However, some of this pressure may be eased by expectations of a record Brazilian crop in the 2026/2027 season, estimated at 66.2 million bags, an increase of 17.2%. This could push global production to around 180 million bags.

Still, climate volatility keeps supply fragile. As a result, major international buyers, including the United States and Europe, may look for temporary alternatives.

  • Price Movements

Arabica prices recently fell from record levels above $4 per pound in November 2025 to about $2.80 to $3.00 per pound today, mainly because of strong crop expectations in Brazil.

However, the decline in Colombian production has helped push prices up by about 2% to 5% in recent weeks. This increase is linked to concerns about global supply and geopolitical tensions, including shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

The World Bank expects Arabica prices to fall by 13% to 15% during 2026 overall. But this outlook could change if production in Colombia continues to decline.

For consumers, coffee prices in the market may rise by about 5% to 10% in the short term, especially in Europe and the United States.

Caffè Nero Forecasts Rising Prices Amid Steady Global Growth

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Caffè Nero is pressing ahead with its international expansion, even as it warns that the price of a cup of coffee is likely to keep climbing. The premium coffee house group cited a volatile mix of geopolitical conflict, rising labor costs, and climate-driven supply shortages as the primary drivers behind the anticipated hikes.

The family-owned business, which operates 1,151 outlets globally, is targeting significant growth this year. The group plans to open 30 new stores in the UK and up to 70 additional locations across its 10 international markets. This expansion follows the recent acquisition of Washington D.C.-based Compass Coffee, a move that integrated 15 new sites and a dedicated roasting facility into the brand’s North American infrastructure.

  • A Different Rhythm

Gerry Ford, who founded the chain in 1997, suggests that Caffè Nero’s private ownership has allowed it to weather the current economic storm better than its publicly traded rivals. While competitors like Starbucks and Costa have struggled with store closures or stalled sales plans, Ford attributes Nero’s resilience to a “steady pace” and longer-term planning.

“We don’t want to take over the world,” Ford noted. “We have more flexibility because we aren’t trying to hit a quarterly reporting target. We move to our own rhythm.”

  • Financial Headwinds

Despite a 13% jump in annual sales to £587.6 million, the group’s pre-tax losses widened to £41 million. This was largely due to the rising cost of servicing its £481 million debt, fueled by recent interest rate hikes and a string of strategic acquisitions, including 200 Degrees and Harris + Hoole.

Caffè Nero Forecasts Rising Prices Amid Steady Global Growth

To manage these costs, Ford confirmed that the group will pause further acquisitions for at least a year to focus on integrating its latest purchases and meeting upcoming debt repayments.

  • The Cost Crisis

The industry is currently facing a “perfect storm.” Coffee prices tripled between 2023 and early 2025 as the climate crisis ravaged crops in Brazil and Colombia. While wholesale prices have recently stabilized, they remain nearly double what they were three years ago.

Ford warned that consumers shouldn’t expect relief at the till anytime soon. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to drive up energy and shipping costs, while rising business rates and wages in the UK add further pressure. Data shows that the average price of a latte has already surged by 35% over the past five years, now sitting at approximately £3.76.

Despite these challenges, Ford remains bullish on the future of the specialty coffee sector, insisting that there is still plenty of “white space” for independent, premium brands to thrive globally.

Japanese Scientists: Coffee Protects Gums from Inflammation

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Japanese researchers have found that chlorogenic acid — a natural compound found in coffee — can reduce gum inflammation and decrease bacteria associated with periodontitis.

The results were published in Dentistry Journal, a leading international dental journal emphasizing high-quality, innovative research with impact on clinical practice, scientific developments, and policy worldwide.

Periodontitis develops due to chronic gum inflammation and destruction of the tissues supporting teeth, which in severe cases can lead to tooth loss.

The primary driver is dental plaque — a bacterial biofilm that changes composition over time and accumulates pathogenic microorganisms.

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These bacteria are difficult to remove with standard hygiene, and dense biofilms are challenging even for professional cleaning.

The researchers investigated whether chlorogenic acid could improve the control of inflammation and pathogenic bacteria.

Laboratory experiments on gum tissue samples and extracted teeth from periodontitis patients assessed the effect on inflammatory markers and microbial growth.

Results showed that chlorogenic acid suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin‑1β and interleukin‑8, and reduces the proliferation of bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum.

According to the authors, the compound exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and may serve as a promising adjunct for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis.

This study represents an example of translational research, where laboratory findings could be applied in future clinical practice. However, as the experiments were conducted in vitro, further trials are needed to confirm clinical effectiveness.

 

Coffee Prices Rise Amid Surging Shipping Costs

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Coffee markets saw gains on Wednesday, with May arabica (KCK26) climbing +3.10 (+1.09%) and May robusta (RMK26) rising +29 (+1.78%).

Analysts attribute the rebound to supply-side concerns. The ongoing conflict in Iran has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, driving up global freight rates, insurance costs, and fuel expenses—factors that are expected to push costs higher for coffee importers and roasters.

Meanwhile, favorable weather in Brazil is supporting the country’s coffee crop but is acting as a bearish influence on prices. Somar Meteorologia reported that Minas Gerais, Brazil’s largest arabica-growing region, received 78 mm of rainfall in the week ending February 20, 131% of the historical average.

You may read: War Redraws Global Shipping Map and Pressures Coffee Supply Chains

Despite this, coffee prices had sharply declined over the past five weeks, with arabica hitting a 15-month low last Tuesday and robusta dropping to a 6.75-month low last Monday. Brazil’s crop forecasts show strong production ahead: the national agency Conab predicts 2026 coffee output will reach a record 66.2 million bags, up +17.2% year-on-year. Arabica production is expected at 44.1 million bags (+23.2% y/y), and robusta at 22.1 million bags (+6.3% y/y).

On a global scale, Rabobank projects coffee production in 2026/27 to hit 180 million bags, an increase of 8 million bags from the previous year.

Vietnam, the largest robusta producer, is also contributing to market pressure. January coffee exports surged +38.3% y/y to 198,000 metric tons, while total 2025 exports jumped +17.5% y/y to 1.58 MMT. Vietnam’s 2025/26 production is projected to reach 1.76 MMT (29.4 million bags), a four-year high.

Inventory dynamics are mixed. ICE-monitored arabica stocks, which fell to a 1.75-year low of 396,513 bags on November 18, have rebounded to a four-and-three-quarter-month high of 528,028 bags. Robusta inventories also recovered to a 3.25-month high of 4,721 lots after hitting a 14-month low in December.

Brazilian exports, however, fell sharply in January, with 141,000 MT shipped (-42.4% y/y), while Colombia’s smaller output supports price levels. The National Federation of Coffee Growers reported that January arabica production fell -34% y/y to 893,000 bags.

The International Coffee Organization noted a slight global export decline for the marketing year (Oct-Sep) of -0.3% y/y to 138.658 million bags. USDA forecasts for 2025/26 show total world coffee production rising +2.0% y/y to a record 178.848 million bags. Arabica output is expected to fall -4.7% to 95.515 million bags, while robusta climbs +10.9% to 83.333 million bags. Brazil’s production is projected at 63 million bags (-3.1%), and Vietnam’s at 30.8 million bags (+6.2%). Ending stocks are forecast to decline -5.4% to 20.148 million bags.

Princi Brings Milanese Spirit to Dubai with New Flagship at Dubai Mall

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Artisanal quality, authentic Milanese culture, and an all-day café experience

DUBAI – QAHWA WORLD

Princi, the Milan-based bakery and café, has officially opened its Dubai Mall flagship in partnership with Alshaya Group. The new location offers visitors an opportunity to experience Milanese coffee and baked goods within one of the region’s premier dining destinations. Following its first regional branch in Kuwait, this opening marks a significant step in the brand’s international expansion.

Rocco Princi, founder of Princi, said: “Princi embodies the spirit of Milan—its rhythm, discipline, and warmth. It begins with three simple elements: water, flour, and fire. Over time, these become something tangible that reflects Milanese craftsmanship. With our Dubai location, we aim to bring this daily ritual to a new audience.”

An All-Day Experience

From morning espresso to evening meals, Princi offers a full all-day menu celebrating Italian tradition and contemporary Milanese culture. The selection includes artisan breads, pastries, pizzas, salads, and desserts, all crafted with high-quality ingredients and meticulous attention to detail.

John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group, added, “The launch of Princi in the UAE reinforces our commitment to providing authentic, world-class culinary experiences. This new destination reflects the vibrant essence of Milanese culture and offers guests a unique opportunity to enjoy it firsthand.”

  • More Than a Café

Princi’s Dubai Mall location is designed as an immersive destination, reflecting the Milanese “La Piazza” style—a social hub where community, craftsmanship, and culture converge. The space combines contemporary design with traditional Milanese energy, creating a café experience suited for repeat visits and everyday enjoyment.

  • About Princi

Founded in Milan in 1986 by Rocco Princi, the brand focuses on artisanal baking with premium ingredients and traditional Italian techniques. Princi has grown internationally over three decades, offering refined, minimalistic bakery spaces and menus suitable for all times of day—from morning breads and pastries to lunch and dinner options including pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, and handmade desserts.

  • About Alshaya Group

Founded in Kuwait in 1890, Alshaya Group manages over 50 international brands across retail, food, health, beauty, and hospitality sectors. Operating more than 3,500 stores, cafés, and restaurants in the MENA region, Türkiye, and Europe, the group provides both physical and digital experiences, including the loyalty program Aura. Brands include Starbucks, American Eagle, Footlocker, Victoria’s Secret, H&M, Bath & Body Works, Charlotte Tilbury, Raising Cane’s, Shake Shack, Chipotle, Primark, and Ulta Beauty.

Climate Crisis Threatens Global Coffee Production

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DUBAI – QAHWA WORLD

New analysis shows the world’s top five coffee-producing nations are experiencing dozens of additional high-heat days annually — putting global supply, prices, and farmer livelihoods at risk.

The global coffee industry is entering a critical phase as climate change intensifies across the tropical “coffee belt” between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. A recent analysis by Climate Central found that the five largest coffee-producing countries — responsible for 75% of global supply — have experienced an average of 57 additional days per year above 30°C between 2021 and 2025 due to climate change.

Temperatures above this threshold are particularly harmful to coffee trees, especially Arabica, the premium variety that dominates specialty markets.

  • Ethiopia: Coffee’s Birthplace Under Growing Pressure

In Ethiopia — widely recognized as the birthplace of coffee — more than four million households depend on coffee as their primary source of income. The sector contributes nearly one-third of the country’s export earnings.

Officials from the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperatives Union report that rising heat is already affecting yields and increasing tree vulnerability to disease. Reduced shade cover and stronger direct sunlight are compounding the stress on farms.

  • El Salvador and Brazil Among the Hardest Hit

The analysis found that El Salvador recorded 99 additional days of coffee-damaging heat during the 2021–2025 period — the highest among major producers.

Meanwhile, Brazil — the world’s largest coffee producer, accounting for roughly 37% of global output — experienced 70 additional days above 30°C. Given Brazil’s dominant role in global supply, prolonged heat stress raises concerns about market stability and price volatility.

  • Why 30°C Is a Critical Threshold

Coffee trees require stable temperature ranges and balanced rainfall patterns. Arabica, in particular, begins to suffer productivity losses when temperatures consistently exceed 30°C. Prolonged heat can result in:

  1. Lower cherry production
  2. Reduced bean quality
  3. Increased pest and disease outbreaks
  4. Higher production costs

These factors directly affect both yield and cup quality, creating ripple effects throughout the supply chain.

  • Record Prices Reflect Climate Strain

Globally, approximately two billion cups of coffee are consumed daily. Any disruption in producing countries quickly impacts international markets.

According to the World Bank, prices for Arabica and Robusta nearly doubled between 2023 and 2025, reaching record highs in February 2025.

The surge reflects tightening supply conditions, climate-driven production challenges, and structural vulnerabilities within the coffee value chain.

  • Smallholder Farmers on the Front Line

Smallholder farmers produce between 60% and 80% of the world’s coffee. Yet climate adaptation funding reaching these producers remains limited, leaving many with constrained capacity to respond to rising temperatures.

Without stronger climate adaptation strategies — including shade management, climate-resilient varieties, and financial support — suitable growing areas may shrink or shift to higher elevations, increasing long-term production risks.

  • The Future of Coffee at a Crossroads

Coffee is more than a commodity; it is a cultural and economic pillar supporting millions of livelihoods worldwide. As heat extremes intensify across major producing regions, the industry faces structural transformation driven by climate realities.

The central question is no longer whether climate change affects coffee — but how quickly producers, governments, and markets can adapt to safeguard the future of one of the world’s most consumed beverages.

 

Nordic Coffee Fest 2026: The Largest Coffee Event in Gothenburg

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The Nordic Coffee Fest is set to return to Bananpiren in Gothenburg from February 28 to March 1, marking its largest and most ambitious edition to date. This year, the festival has expanded by a massive 50 percent compared to previous years, expected to attract between 4,000 and 5,000 visitors, solidifying its position as the premier meeting place for specialty coffee in the Nordic region.

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The expansion comes at a time of record-breaking interest in coffee culture. According to global search data, “how to make a cappuccino” was the top “how-to” query in Sweden during 2025. As rising coffee prices become a daily conversation for consumers, the festival serves as a vital hub to address these trends—from mastering home brewing to understanding global perspectives on production, pricing, and quality.

  • Global Roaster Showcase: A World-Class Experience

A major highlight of the 2026 edition is the Global Roaster Showcase. The festival is bringing four internationally recognized roasteries from South Korea, India, Colombia, and the USA to Gothenburg. These roasters will feature full-service “pop-up” concepts, allowing visitors to experience world-class coffee exactly as it is served in its country of origin—an experience that would typically require traveling across the globe.

  • The Industry Stage and Barista School: A Program of Excellence

Festival organizers have expressed particular pride in this year’s Industry Stage program. This platform will host deep-dive lectures and discussions featuring renowned profiles from the restaurant and coffee sectors. Topics will range from the evolution of coffee flavors and innovative brewing methods to the complex development of global coffee prices.

For those looking to sharpen their practical skills, the Barista School returns to offer hands-on masterclasses. Regardless of their prior knowledge, visitors can learn the intricacies of espresso, filter brewing, and the delicate art of latte pouring directly from leading experts.

  • Live Competitions and Challenges

The festival’s high-energy atmosphere is further fueled by a series of live competitions, including:

Latte Art Challenge: Where participants compete live on stage in creative milk pouring.

Nordics Best Roaster: A prestigious title awarded to the top roastery in the region.

Public’s Choice: An interactive award where visitors vote for their personal favorite coffee of the festival.

“Hardly a day goes by without someone asking which coffee is actually the best, or how they can make better coffee at home,” says Steve Moloney, founder of the festival and two-time Swedish Barista Champion. “Nordic Coffee Fest is for everyone who’s curious and wants to learn more—directly from some of the world’s leading experts.”

Coffee Interpretation Center Inaugurated in Ethiopia

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A New Chapter in Value Chain Storytelling

Addis Ababa – Qahwa World x Buna Kurs

Ethiopia has officially inaugurated its Coffee Interpretation Center (CIC), a landmark institution designed to showcase the nation’s coffee value chain from seed to export while strengthening global awareness of its rich coffee heritage.

The center was launched by the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) in partnership with Spanish Cooperation. ECTA Director General Dr. Adugna Debela and Deputy Director Shafi Omer presided over the ceremony, joined by representatives from various partner institutions.

Officials confirmed that research and content development were supported by OSSREA and Women in Coffee. Both organizations played pivotal roles during the construction phase by contributing specialized studies and gathering historical materials.

According to the Authority, the CIC serves as a knowledge and skills hub, illustrating the journey of coffee across the full value chain. Exhibits highlight historical narratives, the vital role of women in the sector, and the economic and social significance of coffee to the country. One of the center’s key roles is to present, as comprehensively as possible, Ethiopia’s traditional coffee ceremonies and the diverse cultural uses of coffee across communities. By demonstrating these ceremonial practices to visitors, the CIC also strengthens the link between coffee heritage and tourism, positioning traditional coffee rituals as a living cultural experience for both domestic and international audiences. The facility is intended to act as a primary platform for communicating Ethiopia’s comprehensive coffee legacy to an international audience.

The project is being implemented in phases. This inauguration marks the completion of the first phase, with the second phase focusing on the full digitalization of the facility.

Digital development is being led by Ablaze Lab, a local Ethiopian firm tasked with organizing both stages of the center. The company’s founder explained that two dedicated software systems and applications are currently under development. These will integrate animation and multimedia technologies, transforming the center into a fully audiovisual, interactive experience.

The inauguration aligns with broader institutional efforts to expand Ethiopia’s global presence through thematic centers and international engagement initiatives.

Decaf Coffee Effect Between Myth and Truth

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DUBAI – QAHWA WORLD

About half of all American adults started their day with a cup of coffee today, but new insights from health experts suggest that the resulting energy boost might not be coming entirely from the caffeine. Research indicates that for many habitual drinkers, the ritual of the morning cup may be just as powerful as the stimulant itself through what is known as the placebo effect.

  • The Power of the Ritual

According to experts, the simple act of brewing coffee at home or visiting a local coffee shop can activate a placebo response. Maura Fowler, a pediatric and adult dietitian based in Florida, points to a 2025 study suggesting that the energy boost associated with coffee is often tied to the sensory experience—the smell, the taste, and the expectation of alertness.

This is backed by a 2023 study which utilized brain imaging to show that coffee drinkers exhibit increased connectivity in brain regions responsible for vision and problem-solving. Interestingly, this effect was not as pronounced in individuals who took caffeine supplements, leading researchers to conclude that the habit and belief system surrounding the coffee routine significantly influence how the mind and body respond.

  • Physiological Realities vs. Psychological Effects

While the mind may be susceptible to the placebo effect, the body maintains a distinct reaction to caffeine. Dr. Gregory Marcus, a cardiologist at the University of California San Francisco, conducted a randomized trial involving habitual coffee drinkers to monitor heart health. His findings revealed that participants assigned to drink caffeinated coffee experienced more premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)—abnormal heartbeats from the lower chambers of the heart—compared to those drinking decaf.

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Fowler notes that while many switch to decaf to manage anxiety, insomnia, or gastrointestinal issues, even decaf contains small amounts of caffeine—typically between 2 and 15mg per serving—which can still affect those with extreme sensitivity.

  • Individual Differences in Caffeine Metabolism

The report further explains why caffeine affects people differently. Habitual consumption can lead to an increase in adenosine receptors, a substance that promotes relaxation. When these receptors increase, caffeine becomes less effective, often leading users to consume more to achieve the same result.

Genetic factors also play a vital role. In clinical trials, Dr. Marcus found that “fast metabolizers” experienced no impact on their sleep, while “slow metabolizers” (based on DNA samples) suffered from significantly reduced sleep quality on days they consumed caffeinated coffee.

  • Testing the Placebo Effect

For those curious to see if they can maintain alertness without caffeine, Dr. Marcus recommends a structured experiment rather than a sudden change. He suggests a week-by-week rotation between regular and decaf coffee to avoid the immediate “noise” of withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, low mood, or difficulty concentrating. Research suggests that approximately 8% of adults suffer from “caffeine use disorder,” making the transition more difficult due to symptoms like nausea or insomnia.

The evidence suggests that while caffeine provides tangible nutrients like Vitamin B2, B3, potassium, and magnesium—and is linked to a lower risk of dementia—the placebo effect is powerful enough for many to maintain their routine with decaf without noticing a significant drop in productivity. Experts emphasize that while it is not dangerous to quit caffeine, understanding the psychological connection to the ritual can help individuals better manage their daily consumption.

High Coffee Costs Force Americans to Change Their Daily Habits

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DUBAI – QAHWA WORLD

A grocery store in Chicago displayed coffee for sale on February 9, 2026, as rising prices continue to impact consumers nationwide.

For a long time, Chandra Donelson’s morning started with a trip to McDonald’s for a coffee with five creams and ten sugars, later evolving into Starbucks caramel macchiatos. The 35-year-old from Washington, D.C., has treated coffee as a vital ritual since her youth. However, the surge in prices eventually led her to an unexpected decision: quitting her daily habit. “I did that daily for years. I loved it. That was just my routine,” she explained. “And now it’s not.”

Across the United States, coffee enthusiasts are being forced to modify their behaviors—either by skipping the café, opting for cheaper alternatives, or stopping altogether. In January 2026, the Consumer Price Index revealed that coffee prices jumped 18.3% compared to the previous year. Looking back over five years, the government reported a staggering 47% increase.

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These financial pressures have led people like Liz Sweeney, 50, of Boise, Idaho, to take drastic steps. Once a self-described “coffee addict,” Sweeney used to drink three cups at home and visit a café whenever she went out. Now, she has limited herself to a single cup at home and occasionally grabs a Diet Coke for a cheaper caffeine fix.

Similarly, 34-year-old Dan DeBaun from Minnesota has reduced his café visits to save money for a new home. He noted that what once cost $2 has now become a $5 or $6 expense. He now prepares ground coffee from Trader Joe’s and carries it in a travel mug. Data from the payment platform Toast indicates that the median price for a hot coffee reached $3.61 in December, while cold brew climbed to $5.55.

The vast majority of coffee in the U.S. is imported. Although some tariffs briefly impacted the market in 2025 before being revoked, the primary culprits for the price surge are environmental. Severe droughts in Vietnam, excessive rainfall in Indonesia, and harsh weather in Brazil have devastated crop yields and pushed global market prices higher.

Despite the financial strain, the National Coffee Association notes that two-thirds of Americans still consume coffee every day, and overall consumption has remained relatively stable. However, for those feeling the pinch of rising rent and food costs, the habit is becoming harder to maintain.

Sharon Cooksey, 55, of North Carolina, used to visit Starbucks every morning but eventually switched to brewing at home. After discovering that a bag of Lavazza coffee was significantly cheaper, she realized that an entire bag—which lasts for weeks—costs the same as one latte at a shop. “I’ll be damned if it didn’t taste so good,” she said, surprised to find she preferred her own brew.

For Chandra Donelson, the final straw came during a government shutdown that paused her paycheck. She traded her $8 coffee for a tea blend that costs about twenty cents per cup. As she puts it, “The math just makes sense.”