Mokha 1450 and Primavera Gerrein Coffee Unite to Launch “Guatemala Esperanza” in Dubai

Dubai – Qahwa World

With its signature elegance and commitment to innovation, Mokha 1450 unveiled its latest creation — Guatemala Esperanza Mokha 1450, a single-origin coffee that embodies craftsmanship, authenticity, and sustainability.

This new offering marks a promising partnership with Primavera Gerrein Coffee from Guatemala, led by Ms. Nadine Rasch, the company’s Director and Second Vice President of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). Nadine Rasch comes from a family with four generations of coffee growers in Guatemala and founded Primavera to honor that legacy. From the beginning, her mission has been to deliver exceptional coffees efficiently and transparently to roasters worldwide while ensuring that sustainability remains at the heart of every stage of production.

Primavera started as Third Wave Coffee Source, an importer of Guatemalan coffees in the UK, before expanding into Europe and North America. In 2018, its sister company La Central de Café opened in Guatemala City to strengthen ties with producers and improve efficiency in the value chain. In 2019, the brand unified under the name Primavera Green Coffee, and by 2023, it expanded to include new origins, continuing to represent its core values of sustainability, transparency, and uncompromising quality.

The elegant launch event took place at Mokha 1450’s new branch inside the Modora luxury furniture gallery in Dubai’s Umm Suqeim district. The event gathered a select audience of coffee professionals, enthusiasts, and industry figures who celebrated the union of two brands known for their integrity, innovation, and passion for coffee excellence. The evening reflected a shared commitment to bridging cultures and connecting coffee lovers with the people and places that make every cup extraordinary.

Founded in the United Arab Emirates, Mokha 1450 is an innovative luxury specialty coffee brand deeply rooted in the origins and ethics of coffee culture. The company’s philosophy is built on direct trade and social responsibility, sourcing rare and exceptional coffees directly from producers while supporting women-owned and operated farms across the world. Mokha 1450 is guided by a belief that true luxury lies not only in quality but also in purpose — in fostering long-term relationships that empower farming communities and preserve the authenticity of coffee’s story.

The launch of Guatemala Esperanza Mokha 1450 represents more than the debut of a new coffee; it symbolizes a collaboration built on trust, expertise, and shared values. Together, Mokha 1450 and Primavera Gerrein Coffee reaffirm their dedication to a global coffee movement where sustainability, transparency, and craftsmanship remain the defining ingredients in every brew.

SCA Unveils Slate of Candidates for 2026–2028 Board of Directors and Appoints 2nd Vice President

Dubai – August 28, 2025 (Qahwa World) – The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has announced the official slate of candidates for its 2026–2028 Board of Directors election, alongside the appointment of the association’s new 2nd Vice President. The announcement was made by Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the SCA, in an address to members worldwide.

The nominations, which follow an extensive interview and review process led by the Nominating Committee chaired by SCA Board President Garfield Kerr, bring together three prominent industry leaders:

  • Emi-Beth Aku Quantson, CEO and Chief Caffeination Officer at Kawa Moka Coffee Company

  • Rob Stephen, Managing Director of Covoya Specialty Coffee

  • Daryanto Witarsa, Co-Founder of Common Grounds Coffee and Catur Coffee Company

A Diverse and Influential Slate

Emi-Beth Aku Quantson has redefined Ghana’s coffee sector by creating value across the supply chain. Through Kawa Moka, she sources premium Robusta from rural farmers—mainly women—roasts it locally, and develops eco-innovations such as turning coffee waste into skincare products. A PwC alumna and Fortune Magazine-featured entrepreneur, she has received international recognition for her pioneering role in African agribusiness and youth empowerment.

Rob Stephen, with over 35 years in specialty coffee, is the Managing Director of Covoya Specialty Coffee. A former SCAA President and Coffee Kids President, Stephen has deep expertise in retail, roasting, quality, standards, and international coffee trading. As a Q Grader instructor and representative at the ISO Council on coffee standards, he is known for his leadership in global quality protocols and supply chain optimization.

Daryanto Witarsa, a central figure in Indonesia’s specialty coffee movement, co-founded Common Grounds Coffee and Catur Coffee Company, helping shape modern coffee culture in the region. As President of the Specialty Coffee Association of Indonesia (SCAI) and Advisor at the Coordinating Ministry of Food Affairs, he has championed Indonesian producers globally. He also played a key role in hosting World of Coffee Jakarta 2025 and has mentored leading baristas such as 2024 World Barista Champion Mikael Jasin.

Appointment of the 2nd Vice President

In addition to the election slate, the SCA Board of Directors has appointed Jiyoon Han, Co-Owner of Bean & Bean Coffee in New York, as the association’s new 2nd Vice President. Han, a Licensed Q Grader and Harvard MBA, is recognized for her work on gender equity and technology in coffee, as well as her jury service at Cup of Excellence competitions across Latin America. Alongside her mother, Rachel, she has built Bean & Bean into a multi-channel coffee business spanning retail, ecommerce, and wholesale.

With Han’s appointment, the officer group of the SCA Board for 2026 will consist of:

  • Andrew Tolley (Tolley Coffee & Tea), President

  • Nadine Rasch (Primavera Coffee), Vice President

  • Jiyoon Han (Bean & Bean Coffee), 2nd Vice President

  • Cosimo Libardo (Nomad Coffee Consulting), Treasurer

Election Process and Next Steps

The SCA Board of Directors, comprising 15 volunteer members serving three-year terms, plays a pivotal role in guiding the global coffee industry. For the 2025 election cycle, three seats are open. The final ballot will be released on October 13, 2025.

If the number of candidates exceeds the available seats, voting will take place from November 1–30, 2025. Ballots will be distributed via eBallot, the third-party company managing the process, from the email [email protected]. Members are encouraged to add this address to their contacts to avoid missing their ballot.

More details on the election process, candidate biographies, and frequently asked questions are available on the SCA’s elections page: sca.coffee/board/elections.