Tag: sustainable coffee

Organic Coffee Market to Reach USD 30.5 Billion by 2033, Growing at 8.5% CAGR

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Dubai, September 8, 2025 (Qahwa World) – The global organic coffee market is on track to more than double in value, rising from USD 15.2 billion in 2024 to USD 30.5 billion by 2033, according to a new report by Verified Market Reports. The study highlights a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% from 2026 to 2033, driven by shifting consumer preferences and evolving market dynamics.

Key Growth Drivers

The rise in demand for organic coffee is propelled by several factors:

  • Health and premiumization: Increasing awareness of health benefits and demand for high-quality certified organic Arabica and specialty blends.

  • Sustainability and ethics: Growth in ethically sourced products and investments in organic farming practices.

  • Digital traceability: Use of blockchain and QR codes for provenance and storytelling, enhancing consumer trust.

  • Climate challenges: Weather-related disruptions are reshaping sourcing strategies and spurring investment in regenerative agriculture.

  • Market channels: Expansion of direct-to-consumer (DTC) and ready-to-drink (RTD) organic products, supported by subscription models and e-commerce.

  • Regulatory and regional shifts: Stricter certification standards and rising demand in Asia-Pacific, particularly in China, Japan, and South Korea.

Market Challenges

Despite strong growth, the market faces hurdles such as high certification costs for smallholders, limited availability of high-yield organic varietals, and climate-driven yield variability. Industry experts suggest that pooled certification, cooperative financing, and agronomy support programs could help overcome these barriers while strengthening supply chains.

Regional Outlook

North America and Western Europe remain the largest importers and consumers of organic coffee, but Asia-Pacific is projected to record the fastest growth. Increasing consumption in emerging economies, coupled with regulatory changes, is expected to reshape trade flows and create new competitive dynamics.

Industry Players

Major companies shaping the market include Jim’s Organic Coffee, Rogers Family, Death Wish Coffee, Grupo Britt, Strictly Organic Coffee, Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee, Keurig Green Mountain, Allegro Coffee, Café Don Pablo, Grupo Nutresa, and Oakland Coffee, among others. Their strategies revolve around premium positioning, digital traceability, and diversified product portfolios.

Market Segmentation

The report categorizes the organic coffee market by product type (whole bean, ground, instant, pods/capsules), roast type (light, medium, dark, blended), distribution channel (online retail, supermarkets, specialty stores, convenience stores, direct sales), end-user demographics (health-conscious, environmentally-conscious, income and age groups), and formulation (single-origin, blends, flavored, decaffeinated).

AFCA and ICO to Hold Webinar on EUDR Compliance in African Coffee Sector

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Dubai, August 16, 2025 (Qahwa World) – The African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA), in partnership with the International Coffee Organization (ICO) and with support from the project “Unlocking the Potential of African Coffee” funded by the Belgian Development Agency (ENABEL), announced an upcoming webinar on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and its implications for Africa’s coffee sector.

The 90-minute online session will take place on September 10, 2025, from 3:00 to 4:30 PM EAT. It will cover the new requirements of the EU regulation, supply chain responsibilities, digital traceability tools, and case studies from African countries that have begun implementing compliance measures. A live Q&A with trade, sustainability, and legal experts will also be included.

EUDR: A New Era for Coffee Trade

The EUDR entered into force in December 2024. From December 30, 2025, large operators must comply, followed by small and medium businesses from June 30, 2026. Coffee entering the EU must be:

  • Proven deforestation-free after December 31, 2020

  • Traceable with precise geolocation data (GPS)

  • Supported with production dates, volumes, and sub-regional origin

  • Covered by a due diligence statement

Non-compliance could lead to import bans, product confiscation, and fines of up to 4% of annual EU turnover.

Africa’s Reliance on the EU Market

Europe is the largest destination for African coffee, importing more than €2 billion annually. Recent figures show:

  • Uganda: 72% of exports went to the EU in 2024.

  • Kenya: 57.8% of exports were EU-bound in MY 2023/24.

  • Ethiopia: Over 30% of exports went to Germany, Belgium, and Italy.

  • Rwanda: Nearly 18% of exports went to EU countries including the Netherlands and Germany.

  • Burundi: At least 45% of exports in 2023 went to Europe, mainly Germany and Italy.

  • Tanzania: Italy and Germany purchased almost $98 million worth of coffee in 2023.

A Defining Moment for African Coffee

Experts note that while compliance poses challenges for millions of smallholder farmers, who produce over 70% of Africa’s coffee, it also represents an opportunity to enhance the reputation of African coffee globally and secure long-term access to premium markets.

Registration is open via AFCA’s official channels.

Côte d’Ivoire Coffee Week Showcases Africa’s Shift to Sustainable, Value-Added Coffee

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The International Trade Centre (ITC) and the International Coffee Organization (ICO) reaffirmed their commitment to inclusivity and sustainability during Coffee Week in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Historically, with the exception of Ethiopia, much of Africa has viewed coffee primarily as an export commodity rather than a drink enjoyed locally. Coffee culture has remained limited in many countries, with minimal value addition or internal trade. However, this is changing. A new movement is emerging across the continent, where African countries are reclaiming ownership of coffee—adding value at origin, trading regionally, and cultivating domestic appreciation and consumption.

Côte d’Ivoire’s Coffee Week symbolizes this transformation, signaling Africa’s rise as both a producer and a dynamic coffee market.

As part of their ongoing collaboration under the Alliances for Action initiative, ITC and ICO co-hosted activities to strengthen value chains, promote investment, and build technical capacity—particularly in robusta-producing regions. The event was organized in partnership with Côte d’Ivoire’s Conseil Café-Cacao, the Robusta Coffee Agency of Africa and Madagascar (ACRAM), the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), and other partners.

Key activities included:

  • Barista and cupper training aligned with SCA standards, training 25 entrepreneurs in professional tasting and preparation techniques.

  • International seminar on coffee genetic resources with Crop Trust and the National Centre for Agronomic Research (CNRA), attended by 29 participants from 16 countries.

  • Press conference featuring leaders from ITC, ICO, Crop Trust, and Côte d’Ivoire’s Permanent Representative for Commodities, Ambassador Aly Touré.

  • Launch of ITC’s Agribusiness Investment Promotion Approach, with a workshop introducing 40 participants to ITC’s agro-investment methodology and providing targeted training to 15 attendees on investment readiness.

“This is about giving producing countries the tools, knowledge, and platforms to lead coffee transformation on their own terms,” said ICO Executive Director Vanusia Nogueira. “We’re here to make quality coffee education more accessible—especially in robusta-producing countries.”

Sahande Mamadou, Director of Elima Torréfaction, noted the value of the training: “This deepened my understanding of sensory analysis and specialty coffee cupping. We now see the importance of improving roasting techniques and sampling for our clients.”

ITC’s Côte d’Ivoire Coffee Coordinator, Mory Diawara, emphasized the importance of value addition and regional markets, saying it would bring greater returns to local producers and processors.

The week also reinforced the ICO–ITC–SCA partnership to professionalize African youth in the coffee sector, in line with the DACBA initiative (Drink African Coffee, Build Africa) led by the Inter-African Coffee Organization.

Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Agriculture, ICO’s Executive Director, and Ambassador Aly Touré participated in high-level discussions, highlighting the sector’s strategic importance. The event concluded with calls for expanded capacity building and equipment support to strengthen the sector further.

The investment readiness workshop, supported by ITC’s Alliances for Action, provided a platform for small businesses to engage with financial service providers, understand investor requirements, and explore opportunities—focusing on unlocking investments and increasing domestic value addition for long-term resilience.

Through inclusive partnerships, technical training, and investment facilitation, ITC and ICO aim to position producing countries not only as exporters but also as global leaders in shaping the future of sustainable coffee.

About the Project:
The ACP Business-Friendly Programme is funded by the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and jointly implemented by ITC’s Alliances for Action, the World Bank, and UNIDO. It supports agribusiness competitiveness in ACP countries, promoting inclusive and sustainable value chains that benefit all stakeholders.

Singapore’s Prefer Expands Overseas with Partnerships in Thailand and Australia to Produce Beanless Coffee

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Singapore, 14 August 2025 (Qahwa World)  – Singapore-based start-up Prefer, which develops coffee and cocoa products without using coffee beans, has announced its first international commercial partnerships alongside the close of a US$4.2 million funding round.

What is beanless coffee?

Beanless coffee is an alternative to conventional coffee that’s made without coffee beans. Instead, it uses upcycled food industry byproducts such as rice and soy, which are transformed through a proprietary fermentation and roasting process to replicate the taste, aroma, and functional qualities of traditional coffee. This approach aims to reduce environmental impact and production costs while maintaining a familiar coffee experience.

Strategic international partnerships

  • Thailand: Prefer will collaborate with Ajinomoto Co., (Thailand) Ltd., the Thai subsidiary of Japan’s Ajinomoto Co., Ltd., one of the largest food and beverage companies in Japan. The partnership will focus on developing sustainable coffee drink innovations for the Thai market. Specific product details have not been disclosed, and launch timing will depend on manufacturing readiness and regulatory approvals.

  • Australia and New Zealand: Prefer has licensed its proprietary fermentation technology to The Coffee Ferm, which will manufacture and distribute Prefer products locally in these markets.

Funding and production scale-up

The funding round was led by At One Ventures and Chancery Hill Capital, with participation from existing investor Forge Ventures, bringing Prefer’s total raised to US$6.2 million since its founding in 2022. The capital will be used to scale production capacity to 500 tonnes annually through third-party manufacturers across Asia-Pacific, and to expand cocoa production at its Singapore pilot facility before moving to larger-scale outsourced manufacturing.

New product launches

In addition to its ready-to-drink (RTD) beanless coffee latte already sold in the region, Prefer has launched soluble coffee and cocoa powders for sampling by major food and beverage companies across the Asia-Pacific region. These products are aimed at integration into other brands’ portfolios.

Lower cost and footprint

According to Prefer’s own life cycle analysis, its beanless coffee can have up to 85% lower greenhouse gas emissions and be around 50% more affordable compared to current Arabica market prices. (These figures are company claims; no independent verification has been provided.)

Coffee Planet Showcases Innovation and Growth at World of Coffee Dubai 2024

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Coffee Planet, part of the Ludlow Coffee Group, made a strong impression at World of Coffee Dubai (21–23 January 2024), held in the city that has been its home since 2005. Following a record-breaking year in 2023 marked by market expansion, product innovation, and a commitment to sustainability, the company presented its largest and most ambitious showcase to date.

The event came during a period of significant growth for Coffee Planet, including the recent opening of a new corporate office, showroom, campus, and café in Abu Dhabi. This expansion reflects the company’s long-standing relationships in the capital and its broader ambition to strengthen its presence across the UAE, the Middle East, and international markets. Supporting this vision is its evolving brand identity and new strapline: “Everyone’s cup of Specialty.”

At World of Coffee Dubai 2024, Coffee Planet unveiled three major product launches:

Ready-to-Drink Cold Brew Range
The company introduced three new cold brew canned beverages: Latte, Caramel Latte (250ml), and Black Nitro (200ml). These products build on the success of its recently launched cold brew concentrate, already gaining traction in key markets, particularly within the HORECA sector. The concentrate offers versatility for cafés, bars, and events, enabling a wide range of beverage creations. The new ready-to-drink cans are expected to expand Coffee Planet’s reach across retail, online, and hospitality channels.

New Single Origin Coffees
Continuing its focus on quality and traceability, Coffee Planet presented a new selection of seasonal single origin coffees. These included three microlots from El Salvador (Santa Ana), Colombia (Hacienda Mallorca), and Guatemala, alongside four new food service single origins sourced from Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ethiopia.

Sustainable Wooden Capsules
A key highlight was the launch of single origin coffees in innovative wooden capsules. Designed to be Nespresso-compatible, these capsules are made from natural wood fibres certified by PEFC and sourced from wood industry by-products. Fully plant-based and produced from renewable materials, they represent Coffee Planet’s commitment to sustainability while delivering a premium coffee experience. Customisation options are also available, allowing clients to tailor capsules to their preferred coffee selections.

Beyond product launches, Coffee Planet created an immersive experience at its stand. Visitors explored a main bar serving popular beverages using advanced equipment, a dedicated brew bar hosting workshops, a capsule display area, and a “Coffee Corner” concept designed for workplace environments.

The stand also featured insights into the Ludlow Coffee Group and its recently launched roastery brand, Jigsaw Coffee Company, which provides private label roasting services for global food and beverage brands and produces Coffee Planet’s full range.

Throughout the three-day event, Coffee Planet hosted interactive sessions, demonstrations, and competitions led by its Campus team and industry partners. Renowned baristas and latte art champions participated, adding energy and engagement to the experience. The company also collaborated with key partners across the exhibition, showcasing its coffees on leading equipment brands and hosting masterclasses.

Jamie Brown, CEO of Coffee Planet and Ludlow Coffee Group, said:
“We were proud to showcase our expertise and latest innovations at World of Coffee Dubai. It was a great opportunity to connect with customers and partners, strengthen relationships, and continue our mission to make specialty coffee accessible to all.”

ITC creates pioneering alliances for sustainable coffee and circular economy initiatives during COP28 in Dubai

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The International Trade Centre (ITC) has taken decisive steps towards fostering a circular economy and promoting sustainable coffee value chains by solidifying strategic partnerships during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai. The move aims to amplify the voices of producers and small businesses in critical climate discussions.

In a pivotal move, ITC and the International Coffee Organization (ICO) inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on December 3, outlining plans for groundbreaking projects across the ICO’s 75 member countries. Under this agreement, coffee producers will undergo comprehensive training covering value addition, circular economy practices, sustainable production methods, enhanced productivity, coffee quality improvement, and resilience to climate change—all geared towards generating decent and living incomes.

A second milestone occurred on December 10, as ITC, ICO, and the Center for Circular Economy in Coffee (C4CEC) joined forces through another MoU. This collaboration is designed to empower coffee farmers and producers to derive sustainable value from traditional waste streams. Both agreements are contingent on final validation by the International Coffee Council (ICC).

Historic Momentum in ITC and ICO Partnership

The partnership between ITC and ICO, spanning several years, gained fresh momentum with the recent appointment of Dr. Vanúsia Nogueira as Executive Director of the ICO. Activities under this historic alliance include collaborative efforts in coffee data management, sustainability initiative mapping, circular economy initiatives, compliance with the European Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, value addition at coffee origin, and innovative financing for the coffee sector.

Through these newly established partnerships, ITC aims to formalize and expand its collaboration, building upon the foundation laid by their initial MoU in 2000, which aimed to create a more inclusive coffee sector for producers.

Accelerating Circular Economy in the Coffee Sector

The Center for Circular Economy in Coffee (C4CEC), a global precompetitive platform funded by the Lavazza Foundation, the Polytechnic of Turin (PoliTo), and the University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG) in Italy, is at the forefront of advancing circular economy in the coffee sector. Supported by ICO, ITC, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), C4CEC is set to put circular economy principles into practice.

The collaboration between ITC, ICO, and C4CEC aims to disseminate knowledge to small businesses, value chain operators, farmer organizations, and consumer-facing companies worldwide. This initiative builds upon the partnerships established through the ITC Coffee Guide Network and the circular economy working group co-facilitated by ITC, ICO, and the Lavazza Foundation.

COP28 Trade House: A Platform for Circular Economy Exploration

The COP28 Trade House provided a platform for ITC and its partners to delve into the circular economy within the coffee sector. Hernan Manson, Head of Inclusive Agribusiness, Food Systems, and Trade at ITC, moderated a session titled ‘Global Green Deal: How would it fit the Global South?’ The panel explored transformative measures for global food systems in the face of climate change.

Mario Cerutti, Lavazza Foundation Secretary, and Lavazza Group Head of Institutional Relations & Sustainability, emphasized the necessity for unified action within the coffee industry, highlighting the potential of the Center for delivering environmental benefits and improved incomes for coffee growers and stakeholders.

Dr. Vanúsia Nogueira, Executive Director of the International Coffee Organization, affirmed the commitment to drive impactful change in the coffee sector through the enduring partnership with ITC, marking the alliances formed at COP28 as a significant step towards a sustainable future for coffee farmers and advancing circular economy practices.

International Coffee Organization (ICO):
The ICO is the sole intergovernmental organization supporting exporting and importing countries to enhance the sustainability of the coffee sector, providing a high-level forum for stakeholders and official statistics on coffee production, trade, and consumption. ICO Website

International Trade Centre (ITC):
ITC, the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations, assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets. The Alliances for Action initiative seeks to transform food systems through ethical, climate-smart, and sustainable agricultural value chains.