General News

Los Angeles is on fire - and unfortunately, that's not a metaphor. Massive forest fires have destroyed large parts of the Californian City of Angels. Ten people have died, more than 100,000 have had to be evacuated, and the estimated damage is scraping the 20 billion dollar mark, according to AccuWeather. The near "perfect storm" of high winds, low humidity, broken hydrants, and a lack of firefighting water has left firefighters battling windmills - or rather, fires. The images in the news and the accounts of those affected are simply terrifying.

Munich Re, the world's largest reinsurer, estimates total losses from natural disasters in 2024 at a record-breaking 140 billion US dollars. Let's see what 2025 will bring in terms of climate, the trend is already alarming...

After reaching a record high on December 10 (348.35 c/lb), the coffee market has calmed down - at least apparently. The past few weeks have been almost meditative with low volatility. But beware: even a calm lake can bubble unexpectedly. In New York, 500 lots were enough to move the Arabica March contract by more than 5 c/lb. Although the markets closed without any significant changes, uncertainty remains omnipresent.

Supply and demand fundamentals remain shaky. Low coffee stocks and an inverted market, which makes storage unattractive, are doing the rest. Logistical bottlenecks add to the pressure: an estimated 7 to 9 million bags are stuck between shipping and arrival ports. They have not disappeared, but their delayed arrival reduces availability.

A comparison with the cocoa market, where prices have exploded to record levels, suggests itself but is not entirely valid. While cocoa comes almost exclusively from the Ivory Coast and Ghana, global coffee production is spread across over 30 countries. Although Brazil and Vietnam dominate with around 55% of the total volume, the cluster risk is significantly lower. What remains is a mixture of caution and vigilance.

On Friday, Arabica closed with a slight gain of 1.6% at 323.85 c/lb, and Robusta followed at an almost unchanged level of USD 4,966/MT.

The coffee market currently resembles a volcano: the surface appears stable, but underneath it is bubbling. Buyers and sellers face each other like two cowboys in a typical Western movie. Who will twitch the price revolver first?

You can find all the coffee-related information in the table below. We update it weekly:

 Brazil 

The summer season has officially begun in Brazil and will continue until the end of March. Forecasts indicate a high likelihood of rainfall throughout the season. This week, rain is expected in the Cerrado region, as well as in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, and Bahia.

Harvest activities are currently quiet, as Brazil is between seasons. Activity is expected to take off in March with the start of the Conilon (Robusta) harvest.

According to CECAFE (Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council), Brazil exported 4.66 million 60-kg coffee bags in November 2024, marking a 5.4% increase compared to the same month in 2023. Exports for the first 11 months of 2024 surged by 32.2%, reaching a record 46,4 million bags. Of these, Arabica exports grew by 23%, while Robusta volumes more than doubled, increasing by 107% year-over-year. Preliminary reports from CECAFE estimate December exports at a lower total of 2.96 million 60-kg coffee bags.

Despite record exports at the end of the year, Brazil faced over 1 million bags stuck at ports in 2024. Ongoing infrastructure issues and a shortage of food-safe containers continue to cause logistical delays.

With the holiday break, market activity slowed down. However, record-high local prices encouraged producers to sell. Exporters remain cautious amid NY market volatility and fluctuating differentials, while buyers focus on short-term shipments. News of financial difficulties among large export companies intensified market concerns.

Colombia

As the year begins, the southern regions of Huila, Nariño, and Cauca continue to experience moderate rainfall. Similar conditions are expected in areas around Valle del Cauca, Quindío, Risaralda, and Caldas.

With the main harvest in the southern regions concluding, the Federación Nacional de Cafeteros (FNC) announced that the annual production reached 13.9 million bags, 23% higher than in 2023, marking Colombia's best harvest in the past five years. This success is attributed to improved climatic conditions, farm-level renovation efforts, and the implementation of resistant coffee varieties.

In line with high prices in the NY market, local prices are also on the rise. Nonetheless, differentials remain rather low.

As for logistics — the ports of Buenaventura (Pacific) and Cartagena (Caribbean) are experiencing challenges due to low container availability and limited vessel space.

Peru

Peru's northern and central coasts ended the year with several ports and beaches closed due to unusually large waves hitting the coastline. These waves are believed to be caused by winds off the coast of the United States. No human casualties have been reported.

Weather conditions continue to be rainy across Amazonas, Cajamarca, and San Martin. Moving to Junin and Puno, conditions are forecasted to be similar.

Peru's harvest ended nearly two months earlier than usual, with a production decrease of around 10% compared to last year. Flowering in some regions was reported in early December, and the upcoming main crop is expected to begin around April.

There is no significant news coming from the port of Callao.

Production Estimates for South America

 

 

General News

As soon as the holidays are over, it's back to work. A brief outlook for the new year doesn't get you off the sofa. In 2025, geopolitical tensions between the major powers (USA, China, Russia) and regional crises such as in the Middle East and increasing cyberattacks will shape global politics. Climate change will create massive challenges due to frequent extreme weather events, water shortages, and rising numbers of climate refugees, while international climate protection measures will fall short of targets. Economically, inflation, unstable supply chains, and growing social inequalities threaten further pressure on global markets and societies.

Despite these challenges, there is a growing global movement for sustainable innovations and technologies to combat climate change, promote renewable energy, and improve quality of life. In addition, the increasing collaboration between younger generations and global communities shows a strong commitment to social justice, environmental protection, and creative solutions to complex problems. Hopefully, the autocrats of the world will also realize that war is extremely expensive and peace is the cheaper option for both the population and most businesses (except the military-industrial complex).

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States of America (1977-1980), will be buried tomorrow in a ceremonial act of state. Jimmy Carter's most significant achievements as US President were the Camp David Accords (1978), which created a historic peace between Egypt and Israel, and the Panama Canal Treaties, which gave Panama back control of the canal and improved relations with Latin America. After his presidency, he founded the Carter Center, which campaigns for democracy, human rights, and the fight against disease worldwide, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Venezuela's controversial President Nicolas Maduro begins his third term in office on Friday. As an electoral term in Venezuela lasts six years, President Maduro is expected to remain in power until 2031. His previous style of government has led the country into a deep economic crisis, and he must reckon with growing opposition and increasing international isolation.

A look into the crystal ball to better understand our coffee world is undoubtedly helpful. Unfortunately, it shattered in horror at the new historic highs on December 10, 2024 (KCH24 at 348.35 c/lb). So let's try the (old) acquainted themes: Exchange-certified stocks are still relatively low, and the inverted market makes it difficult for traders to hold positions in stocks. The impact of the drought in Brazil on the upcoming 25/26 harvest is still very difficult to predict, but it has certainly had an effect. Other climatic conditions, such as the hurricanes in Central America and the El Niño / La Niña phenomena in Colombia and Peru, also have (had) an impact on harvests. In addition, there are (still) unresolved geopolitical and associated logistical problems. The Suez Canal is still impassable, and the Panama Canal is not fully operational; chronic container shortages in ports of origin and fully booked vessels slow down shipments, meaning that an estimated 7 to 9 million bags of coffee are "stuck" in the supply chains. They are not gone - just delayed. The European Directive against Deforestation EUDR has been postponed by 1 year. So, this ineffective and bureaucratic hurdle of the EU is not gone; it has just been delayed by 12 months. "Delays" will be a consistent companion in 2025. So it remains exciting - Happy New Coffee Year!

Prices in New York and London have remained fairly unspectacular and stable over the past week. The international Arabica price (KCH25) closed on Friday at 318.65 c/lb, with a slight drop of 1.2%. Robusta (RMH25) also traded on low volumes. The week closed almost unchanged (+0.3%) at USD 4.968/MT.

Origin News

Indonesia

Heavy rains persist across most coffee-producing regions in Indonesia. In Java, severe rainfall has caused flash floods and landslides in hilly areas, resulting in at least 10 fatalities.

In Sumatra, ongoing rain is delaying the Arabica harvest and hindering drying activities.

Meanwhile, Robusta harvesting is expected to begin in April-May, with farmers maintaining a positive outlook for the upcoming crop.

Due to the rainy conditions, coffee flow has slowed, and demand has been relatively soft. Prices for both Arabica and Robusta have stayed stable.

There are no significant updates from the port of Lampung.

India

India, like Indonesia, has been experiencing wet conditions, causing delays in both the Arabica and Robusta harvests. Coffee flow has slowed as harvesting remains limited.

However, drier and sunnier weather is forecasted for the coming week in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

There are no significant updates from the ports of Cochin and Mangalore.

Vietnam

In 2025, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, known as Tet, begins on January 29th, marking the transition from the Year of the Dragon to the Year of the Snake. As one of Vietnam's most significant holidays, preparations are already underway. During the celebration, families come together and honor their ancestors while praying for luck, prosperity, and health in the new year.

Weather conditions in Vietnam have improved, with the country now experiencing favorable weather, including a mix of sunshine and cloudy days.

In terms of coffee, the Arabica harvest is nearly complete in Northern Vietnam, while some activity is still expected in Lam Dong throughout January.

Meanwhile, the Robusta harvest began in early December, though it faced delays due to the earlier rainy conditions. As the harvest unfolds, coffee flow is improving. Current forecasts suggest a slightly smaller harvest compared to 2023/24.

As the second-largest global producer, the unfavorable weather conditions in the Central Highlands are also driving prices, which continue on an upward trend. Many producers and traders are looking to sell; however, some remain reluctant as they evaluate the market.

No significant updates have been reported from the port of Ho Chi Minh.

Papua New Guinea

There is little going on in PNG. Weather conditions remain wet, with thunderstorms and rain forecasted throughout the week in the Western and Eastern Highlands.

The 2025 main crop is expected to start around May, and the fly crop in the Western Highlands is in its early stages.

No updates from the port of Lae.

Production Estimates in Asia Pacific

 

 

General News

The economic situation in Europe is anything but rosy. The European powerhouses Germany and France, in particular, are not gaining momentum. While German exports were even worse than expected in October, Olaf Scholz called a vote of confidence on December 11, which Parliament will finally vote on today. This means that everything will be ready for new elections in February. Hallelujah!

On the other hand, President Macron appointed François Bayrou as the new Prime Minister of France. He is the fourth prime minister in Macron's current term of office. This unproductive internal bickering prevents politicians from dealing with critical issues and finding solutions. The power-struggle-operetta needs to be finished urgently. Voters need and expect results!

To somewhat alleviate the economic problems in Europe, the European Central Bank (ECB) has further eased the key interest rate significantly and signaled further interest rate cuts in 2025. The Swiss National Bank (SNB) has also decided to cut its key interest rate by 50 basis points. This is the SNB's most significant interest rate adjustment in the last 10 years. These steps may boost the EU economy in the medium term.

On the other side of the Atlantic, the US Congress has not yet finally passed the budget for the remainder of the 2024 fiscal year. However, to avoid the threat of a "partial government shutdown", a transitional budget was passed to ensure the funding of federal authorities until December 20, 2024.

And in Brazil, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had to undergo another operation for a brain hemorrhage. The doctors are optimistic, and President Lula is said to be feeling better. However, it was not the news about Lula's state of health that caused Arabica prices to soar last week. A report by an international green coffee trading house corrected the harvest forecast for Brazil downwards by a whole 11 million bags. First, the rumors, then the published report, caused significant turbulence in the market. Some market participants even spoke of blatant insider trading. A new all-time high was then recorded on Tuesday (348.35 c/lb). This was followed by reassuring forecasts from other trading houses and the correct statement: it is simply too early to make an accurate forecast for the 25/26 harvest. Thus the week closed with a slight minus of 3.3% at 319.50 c/lb.

Robusta prices in London moved almost in line with Arabica prices in New York. The week closed on Friday with a slight plus (+1.1%) at USD 5,209/MT.

Origin News

Ethiopia

Since January, Ethiopia and Somalia have been embroiled in a dispute following Ethiopia's agreement with Somaliland, Somalia's breakaway region, to lease a stretch of coastline for a port and military base in exchange for official recognition. Recently, the leaders of both countries met in the Turkish capital, Ankara, where they reached an agreement to resolve the conflict. They also pledged to work closely to ensure Ethiopia has sea access via Somalia.

As for the weather—the unseasonal rain has finally stopped. Sidamo, Yirgacheffe, Guji, and Harrar in the central-east are experiencing dry, sunny days, conditions favorable for the ongoing harvest.
There are no updates coming from the Djibouti Port.

Kenya

Rainy conditions continue across most of Kenya's coffee regions, all the way from Mt. Elgon in the west to the central regions of Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, and Kiambu.

Such conditions have supported cherry ripening and the harvest has now reached its peak. In Central Kenya, the harvest is around 80% complete. Quality is improving, too, with higher-quality coffees becoming available towards February. Coffee is flowing steadily, keeping dry mills busy with cleaning, hulling, and sorting, getting coffees ready for their overseas journey.

Prices are rising at the auction as buyers secure nearby shipments. The final sale of the year is scheduled for tomorrow, December 17, with approximately 23,000 bags on offer.

Delays have improved at the port of Mombasa, and operations are now running at a more normal pace.

Tanzania

The government has secured $1.2 billion to fund the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, connecting Tanzania's port of Dar es Salaam on the Indian Ocean to the port of Mwanza on Lake Victoria. This will extend to neighboring Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda. The project is a major transport game-changer for Tanzania, streamlining travel, improving efficiency, and supporting national development.

On the weather front - the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) forecasts heavy rains across many regions in Tanzania, including Ngorongoro, Arusha, and Kilimanjaro in the north, as well as in the Southern highlands of Mbeya, Mbozi, and Mbinga.

Tanzania's Arabica harvest has recently ended in the south, and dry mill activities are gradually decreasing as most coffee has been prepared and sold. Meanwhile, in the northern regions, recent rains have stimulated coffee plants, with some areas experiencing the delicious jazmin-like aromas of the flowering stage.

Last week's auction in Mbinga offered around 7,000 bags. The quality of the remaining unsold coffee reflects the end of the season, with most of it being low grades. The final auction of the year will take place in Mbeya this week.

Operations are running normally at the port of Dar es Salaam.

Rwanda

Like its neighbors, Rwanda is also experiencing rainy days. In the south, around the mountainous Huye region, forecasts show cloudy conditions and thunderstorms. The same trend is seen in the eastern regions of Ngoma and Nyagatare and Lake Kivu in the west.
The rains moisturize the soil and nurture the coffee plants as the cherry development stage begins.

Uganda

In early November, the Parliament of Uganda passed the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, dissolving the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and integrating it into the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF). The policy aims to streamline public spending and reduce redundant administrative structures. Despite concerns about its impact on the coffee sector, the Ministry of Agriculture will assume all responsibilities previously handled by UCDA starting in 2025.

A landslide in eastern Uganda has left at least 113 people missing and 15 confirmed dead. Triggered by heavy rainfall, the landslides impacted multiple villages in Bulambuli district, around 280 km from Kampala. Overflowing rivers have flooded schools and churches, destroyed bridges, and cut off access to several communities.

Some rain is forecasted in the Central Lowlands, around Kampala and Lake Victoria. Meanwhile, conditions in northern regions like Gulu, Arua, and Nebbi are drier, and there is more sunshine.

Uganda is currently busy with both Arabica and Robusta harvests. In the east, around Mt. Elgon, Arabica harvest activities have started, while in the southwest, the harvest is well advanced, with coffee steadily flowing to Kampala. As for Robusta, picking activities have begun in the central and eastern regions, although the rain has slowed down cherry ripening.

Production Estimates

 

 

General News

While the world continues to turn and we can read fresh and sometimes frightening news in the media every week, there is also sometimes quite a bit more enlightening news alongside the terrible theaters of war in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, and the quasi-spontaneous end of the Assad regime in Syria, the further geopolitical and economic uncertainties and natural disasters such as a 7.0 magnitude earthquake with a tsunami warning off the Californian coast of the USA. For instance, the list of the most mispronounced words in 2024 has just been published. Two Swedish words stand out in the list: the well-known tobacco mouth pillow "snus" (pronounced: SNOOZ) and the word "flygskam" (pronounced: FLEEG-skam, i.e. flight shame). Of course, espresso immediately catches the eye of us coffee lovers: it is apparently often pronounced as expresso (EX-press-oh) by people from outside the industry ... ouch! What a bitter pronunciation shock! I will drink a double "es-PRESS-oh" to that.

Well, and while the German economy continues to bob along and France no longer seems to have a functioning government, Christine Lagarde, the head of the European Central Bank (ECB), has decided to cut the key interest rate by a further 25 points. The decision will be officially announced this week. It looks as though the US Federal Reserve will also cut its key interest rate at its next meeting. Falling interest rates are known to stimulate the economy. We sincerely hope so - but this will, at best, mask the fundamental structural problems but certainly not solve them. Europe must finally switch from consumption to productivity mode.

The coffee exchanges in New York and London were also buzzing. A truly dynamic time in which the markets have become highly volatile with relatively low volumes. Last Friday, Arabica reached a new record high of 335.45 c/lb, which we have not seen since 1977. However, the price level could not be maintained, and a short wave of selling set in, which continued on Monday. A really severe market correction of over 40 c/lb. As the week progressed, the market recovered in small steps. On Thursday and Friday, though, the market shot up with an almost meteoric rise and ended the week with a plus of nearly 3.8% at 330.25 c/lb.

Robusta prices in London also reached a historic high of USD 5.730/MT on Friday, November 29. This was followed by a correction of 26%, down by almost 1,200 USD/MT... The rest of the week was also characterized by rather modest turnover, and prices moved upwards again in small, gradual steps. On Friday, however, there was another bullish impulse to the upside. Nevertheless, the week closed with a slight drop of 4.7% at USD 5.153/MT.

The announcement of the postponement of the EUDR to 2026 did not seem to have a bearish impact on coffee prices — or are we still waiting for official approval from the EU Parliament?

 

Origin News

Nicaragua's parliament has approved a constitutional reform granting increased authority to President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo. The amendment extends the presidential term from five to six years, officially designates Murillo as "co-president," and strengthens the couple's shared control over the state. Ortega has ruled Nicaragua for 28 years, first taking power in 1979 after the fall of dictator Anastasio Somoza.

Last month, northern Central America was heavily impacted by Tropical Storm Sara. In Nicaragua and Honduras, the storm caused heavy rainfall that destroyed homes and bridges, leaving four people dead and thousands affected. Honduras was the hardest-hit country in the region, where a state of emergency was declared.

Farmlands also suffered severe damage to crops. In El Salvador, it has been reported that the storm damaged around 45,000 quintales (46 kg sacks). In Costa Rica, Hurricane Rafael also affected coffee crops, causing flooding and landslides. According to ICAFE (Costa Rica's Coffee Institute), around 1 quintal per hectare could be lost, but the actual impact will be seen in the weeks ahead.

In most of Honduras, rain continues to be forecasted throughout the week, while in Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua, the weather is forecasted to be slightly drier.

Meanwhile, the coffee harvest is progressing across the region with a month delay, attributed to the heavy rains and cooler temperatures. Wolfgang, Senior Trader at L+B, recently returned from Honduras and tells us that there are some concerns about the cherries ripening all at once, making it challenging to harvest them all. The shortage of pickers in the area adds to the problem, as coffee cherries end up falling off the trees, resulting in losses for producers. In Honduras, IHCAFE (Honduras' Coffee Institute) reports that pickers from neighboring countries, such as Nicaragua, Guatemala, and El Salvador, are arriving to work on Honduran coffee farms to support the harvest season. With the delay, the peak of the harvest is expected between February and March.

Moving to logistics — following a year of severe drought and global trade challenges, the Panama Canal has adopted a "fully booked system." This strategy increases vessel size to move more containers per transit, conserving water and reducing wait times.

General News

Although last week was a short week in trading terms due to Thanksgiving in the USA, we saw new record prices in New York on Wednesday and Friday. For the first time since 1977, prices above 335 c/lb were seen again. On Wednesday alone, a price increase of over 14 c/lb (+4.6%). Friday also got off to an amazingly furious start. But where does this bullish momentum come from? There is no real fundamental news in the market. Yes, the "bean counters" are still out and about in Brazil, and new reports on the latest harvest expectations for 25/26 will undoubtedly be blasting out soon. And yes, it would really surprise everyone if the 25/26 harvest turned out to be a bumper crop; previous forecasts have already been rather cautious. And yes again, the harvest in Vietnam and Central America is delayed by a month. The geopolitical struggles in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, Israel, the Red Sea, and the associated global logistical delays are also news that the futures market priced in months ago. The uncertainties surrounding the entry into force of the EUDR on 30.12.2024 are also nothing new. So why is the market shooting up to such heights? Do a few hedge fund managers and algo traders want to cash-in on their annual bonus, or are there simply far too few sellers in such a market situation, and prices are rising almost "on their own"? The truth probably lies somewhere in between, and we'll all have to learn to deal with the extreme volatility in the coming weeks. The Chinese proverb: "may you live in interesting times" can probably be described more as a curse. 

Arabica prices in New York fell during the course of the Friday, closing at 318.05 c/lb. Nevertheless, the coffee price has risen by 5.3% this week. The trading range for the week is an astonishing 44.40 c/lb - that really is a lot!

The Robusta world in London is also extremely bullish, and, with a weekly trading range of over 1,000 USD/MT, it has shown how much power there is in such movements. The week brought a new all-time high of 5.730 USD/MT and closed with slight losses at 5.409 USD/MT. But can we really talk about losses when prices have risen by 8.5% in one week alone? Hardly.

The following table contains all coffee-related data. It is updated weekly.

 Brazil 

Climatic conditions in Brazil's coffee-producing regions remain favorable, with rainfall supporting good flowering and raising producers' optimism for the 2025/26 harvest. Nevertheless, some concern remains regarding the extent of damage caused by the prior dry and warm months.

Currently, in Minas Gerais, forecasts predict moderate rainfall paired with temperatures up to 30°C throughout the week. Meanwhile, in Rio de Janeiro, temperatures are expected to rise as high as 35°C.

Brazil is currently between seasons. Activities are expected to take off around March with the Conilon (Robusta) harvest.

According to the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service, Brazil will continue to be the world leader in coffee production, with a forecast of 66.4 million bags for the 2024/25 market year—an increase of 0.2% compared to the previous season.

Coffee flow has slowed down as producers assess the market movement and show little urgency to sell. Due to volatility and high levels of the New York Arabica market, both the FOB and domestic markets remain sluggish. Meanwhile, exporters are paying elevated prices to secure volumes for short contracts.

Despite the record export numbers, logistics remain challenging at the Port of Santos with ongoing issues, including container shortages and shipping delays.

Colombia

The regions of Huila, Valle del Cauca, Antioquia, and Caldas have experienced moderate rainfall, with rainy conditions expected to persist throughout the week. These rains are beneficial for the development of the upcoming Mitaca crop.

Harvest activities in the southern regions are currently in full swing, with the main crop progressing steadily. Volume and availability are expected to improve in the coming weeks.

According to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, coffee production for the 2024/25 market year is now projected at 12.9 million bags, reflecting a 1.1% increase compared to the previous year.

Exporters report strong demand for prompt shipments, with FOB differentials remaining firm.
On the logistics front, there are no significant updates from the ports of Buenaventura and Cartagena.

Peru

World Coffee Research is collaborating with eight Peruvian organizations to establish 10 new seed lots of high-performing coffee varieties across Amazonas, Cajamarca, and San Martín. These varieties are high-yielding, coffee leaf rust-tolerant, and offer good cup quality. The goal is to increase the availability and accessibility of quality planting material for the country's farmers. The project would also allow an influx of thousands of high-performing seeds generated annually, providing enough material to renovate up to 1,000 hectares of land each year.

Rainfall continues to drop in the northern regions of Cajamarca, Amazonas, and San Martin. In the southern areas of Puno and Ayacucho, moderate rain is also expected throughout the week.

Due to the harvest ending almost 2 months earlier than usual, Peru is sold out. Coffee flow is gradually slowing down, and the local market prices continue to increase as exporters try to secure the little parchment that is left. Unfortunately, we hear of more and more defaults.

Roadblocks have been reported in various regions of the country by informal mining groups, demanding the extension of the Mining Formalization Registration (Reinfo). The protests have disrupted traffic in Arequipa, Ica, La Libertad, and Cusco, with at least ten roads being blocked, severely impacting transportation. This is also causing delays in moving coffee to mills and to the port of Callao.

Production Estimates for South America

 

 

The history of C. arabica can be complex. In Part 1 of this blog series, we explored the scientific classification of the coffee plant and learned how different genetic groups emerged through geographical separation, allowing plants to adapt to diverse environments.

Within the Arabica species, distinct genetic groups have formed, such as the "Ethiopian Legacy," which includes varieties like Mibirizi and K-7, and the "Typica/Bourbon" group, which is the source of well-known varieties like Pacas, Maragogipe, Laurina, Caturra, Catuai, and Topazio.

Among the different genetic groups, we can also find the "Introgressed" group which represents plants that are hybrids, having genetic material of both Arabica and Robusta.

In Part 2, we discussed how this group rose in popularity during the coffee rust crisis, as farmers opted for plants with a Robusta background due to their greater resistance to the fungus. We also had an overview of the two main "Introgressed" subgroups: Catimor and Sarchimor, which include varieties such as Marsellesa, Obata, Parainema, Ihcafe-90, and Lempira. Other well-known varieties from the "Introgressed" group are Catucai, Icatu, Castillo, Colombia, and Tabi.

Needless to say, this disease has shaped the history of coffee growing.

Besides coffee leaf rust, another significant development influencing the landscape is the emergence of specialty coffee, which we explore in Part 3 of this blog series.

Specialty Coffee

Around the 1990s, a focus on sourcing and roasting high quality beans started gaining popularity in North America and Western Europe. Today it has already expanded into emerging markets like Eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Consequently, this has increased the popularity of varieties associated with a good cup.

Take varieties from the "Core Ethiopia" group: Geisha, Java, Pink Bourbon, Wush Wush...we often see them on stage at coffee championships, competitions, or at high-end cafés specializing in serving high quality coffees. These varieties are native to Ethiopia but are now being cultivated in other environments, for instance, in farms across Colombia, Panama, and Honduras.

Other good examples of these varieties are Bourbon Aji, Bourbon Sidra, Chiroso, and numerous landraces.

What about the Future?

The expansion of Sarchimor and Catimor varieties as well as the increased popularity of Core Ethiopian varieties characterize the genetic landscape we have in coffee today. However, coffee remains a vulnerable crop and is increasingly impacted by climate change. In fact, research suggests that climate change could reduce the available coffee-growing land in half by the middle of this century.

Most recently, another study revealed that C. arabica traces its origins to a single super parent resulting from a speciation event between two other coffee species: C. canephora and C. eugenioides. As cool as it may sound, this actually translates to extremely low genetic diversity. In fact, the same study states that C. arabica is one of the least genetically diverse major crop species in the world. This reveals the high vulnerability of the species and its low capacity to adapt to changing environments and fight diseases.

Today, institutions like World Coffee Research, RD2 Vision or Cirad are making strides in understanding the genetics of C. arabica and C. canephora, and are actively working towards sustainable solutions for the future of coffee. A notable achievement in this effort is the development of F1 Hybrids. These varieties are made by crossing genetically distant parent plants to establish hybrid vigor. This higher genetic potential means they are more likely to be adaptable across a wide range of environments.

While F1 hybrids are still on trial, the ongoing research sheds a light on the importance they hold for the sustainability of coffee in the future, ensuring that our beloved beverage can be enjoyed by generations to come.

List + Beisler is member of World Coffee Research.


Enjoyed the read? Keep tuned—our blog navigating Robusta is coming up soon.

Learn more about the Arabica Coffee Cultivars Wheel® here.
Learn more about World Coffee Research F1 Hybrids here.

Having navigated the scientific classification of the coffee plant and gained an understanding of how different genetic groups form, let's now explore those identified within the C. arabica species.

Different Genetic Groups: C. arabica

Let's go back to those first seeds that reached Yemen.

These seeds formed the "Ethiopian Legacy" group which developed in the region of Mocca, in the south of Yemen. Seeds were also brought to the north of Yemen, creating a group called "New Yemen". A third group, named "Harrar," is believed to represent seeds that were sent to Yemen and then brought back to Ethiopia.

Arabica Coffee Cultivars Wheel® - RD2 Vision

According to Dr. Christophe Montagnon, the "Ethiopian Legacy" group gave rise to both the "Harrar" and "New Yemen" groups, as well as a very important one: "Typica/Bourbon." This group was developed in the south of Yemen near the Gulf of Aden, and along the "Ethiopian Legacy", it extended well from Yemen to the rest of the world in the 18th century.

In fact, a good portion of the coffee varieties grown around the world today trace their roots to the Typica/Bourbon group. Catuai, Caturra, Maragogype, Mundo Novo, Pacas, Villa Sarchi... to name a few. Typica and Bourbon, which also belong to this group, lend it their name and hold special importance in coffee genetics.

On the one hand, Typica originates from seeds that travelled to Yemen before being smuggled to India and then to Indonesia. A single plant from this group was then sent from Java to Amsterdam, which later on reached the French Caribbean, ultimately spreading throughout Latin America by the early 1700s.

Bourbon seeds, on the other hand, were brought from Yemen to the French island of Bourbon (now La Réunion). Around the 1850s, the seeds were introduced to southern Brazil, and from there spread out north, all the way to Central America. Because it is higher yielding and more resistant to coffee diseases, Bourbon quickly replaced Typica in Central and South America. In some remote islands, Typica could remain. A great example of that is the variety of "Blue Mountain" in Jamaica, which is essentially Typica.

For over 300 years, these two varieties ruled the Americas—that is, until the rise of a new group.

The Rust Epidemic

Around the 1950s, coffee leaf rust made its way to America, significantly threatening coffee production. Caused by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix, the disease causes infected leaves to drop, hindering the plant from converting light into energy, and thus yielding a crop. Unfortunately, for Arabica, its lack of resistant genes against the disease was quickly exposed and led to significant economic losses for many farmers due to reduced harvests or completely destroyed farms.

By this time, it was already known that natural hybrids between Robusta and Arabica existed and that thanks to its Robusta genetic material, they were less susceptible to the fungus. They were discovered in East Timor and thus named Timor Hybrids. This knowledge gave rise to the "Introgressed" group, which encompasses varieties that are intentionally crossed between Bourbon/Typica and Timor Hybrids. Christophe states that "varieties are said to be introgressed when a certain number of genes from a distant donor genetic background are included in a recipient genetic background."

The main subgroups of introgressed Arabica coffee plants are Catimors and Sarchimors. Catimor comes from combining Caturra (natural mutation of Bourbon discovered in Minas Gerais) + Timor Hybrids. Well known varieties from this group are Ihcafe 90, Lempira, and CR95.

Sarchimors were created by combining Villa Sarchí (another natural mutation of Bourbon discovered in Costa Rica) + Timor Hybrids. Well known varieties from this group are Arara, Parainema, Obata, and Marsellesa.

These Arabica varieties contain Robusta genetic material that allow them to be more resistant to coffee leaf rust. Given their Robusta lineage, they are often associated with lower cup quality. However, their introduction in the late 20th century has been crucial for farmers in regions struggling with the rust epidemic and other diseases.

Another significant development shaping coffee genetics is the emergence of specialty coffee.

Keep tuned, we will explore more about this in Part 3 of these series.

When it comes to coffee varieties, the list can become quite big. From Typica and Bourbon to SL34, Catuai, Maragogype, and Parainema, many different varieties are being produced around the world. Most of them are part of the Arabica species, which makes up around 50% of the world's production. Many varieties are the result of natural mutations (e.g. Maragogype), and others have been created through human intervention, either by bringing seeds to new habitats or intentionally crossing plants of different genetic backgrounds.

The genetic characteristics of different varieties, in conjunction with environmental conditions, processing, and post-harvest practices, play a pivotal role in shaping both the agronomic performance and cup quality of coffee plants. It is these factors that guide producers in their selection of specific varieties. Take the Pacamara and Obata varieties. On the one hand, Pacamara, a cross between Pacas and Maragogype that originated in El Salvador, is known for its exceptional cup quality, but lacks resistance against coffee leaf rust. On the other hand, the Obata variety, a Sarchimor derived from the Timor hybrid, has lower quality potential but is rust resistant and high yielding.

These are different properties from varieties of the same species, which can be traced back specifically to Ethiopia and South Sudan. This raises the question: how do plants from the same species evolve into different groups and develop different characteristics? To better understand how that came to be, and how varieties might keep evolving in the future, we need to embark on a complex adventure and navigate through space and time.

But before digging into the history and geography of Coffea arabica varieties, it's important to break down some basic botanic concepts. Let's get started.

Taxonomy of the Coffee Plant

If we are going to explore the background of coffee varieties, we need to begin with the coffee plant itself and its taxonomic classification.

Taxonomy, the discipline that classifies plants, animals, and microorganisms, was first applied to coffee by the Swedish scientist Carl Linneaus. Considered as the "father of taxonomy," Linneaus was the first to propose a system to define the genus and species of organisms and to create a system to name them (known as binomial nomenclature).

Throughout his career, he named hundreds of living organisms, and in his work "Systema Naturae," (1735) he introduced the genus Coffea, thereby initiating the classification of the coffee plant.

Scientific Classification of the Coffee Plant

Domain	Eukaryota	Refers to organisms whose cells have a membrane-bound nucleus (Same as Homo Sapiens, and many other animals, plants, and fungi).
Kingdom	Plantae	Plants are the eukaryotes that form the kingdom Plantae, which includes around 350,000 identified species.
Phylum	Magnoliophyta	Characterised by flowers with protected seeds. E.g. Lilies, Tulips.
Class	Magnoliopsida	Includes flowering plants whose seeds are made up of two embryonic leaves called cotyledons that nourish the plant during its first stages of growth.
Order	Gentianales	Includes over 5,000 species whose flowers are radially symmetrical with one or more layers.
Family	Rubiaceae	Also known as "Madder" family, these are flowering, woody plants such as shrubs. Typically have opposite leaves.
Genus	Coffea	Contains over 120 species, a few which are commercially relevant. Preferred habitat is tropical forests. E.g. Coffea arabica.

Adapted from Bullipedia: Coffee Sapiens, 2018.

The Coffea genus comprises around 130 species, all indigenous to tropical Africa, and some islands in the Indian Ocean, such as Madagascar. The most known species due to their commercial relevance are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (aka Robusta or Conilon). Other known species include Coffea eugenioides, Coffea liberica, and Coffea stenophylla.

As you know from this blog's title and introduction - we are focusing on C. arabica. Let's dive in.

C. arabica: The Where and How

Arabica can be traced back to Ethiopia and South Sudan, where the major genetic diversity of the species is found.

In these lands, Arabica coffee plants thrived in their natural, wild state. When humans discovered it, a major event started which would transform coffee genetics: the domestication of the coffee plant. To delve deeper into this fascinating process, we spoke to Dr. Christophe Montagnon, a coffee geneticist and researcher, renowned for his extensive contributions to the field through numerous publications.

Dr. Christophe Montagnon

Christophe elucidates that the first distinction in the Arabica landscape is having native and domesticated plants. Evidence shows that the first coffee seeds to have left their natural habitat in Ethiopia went to Yemen through trade routes around the 15th century, where they were cultivated as crops. This geographical separation caused the plants to evolve within their distinct environments, leading to the formation of different genetic groups over time. "This occurs as a result of natural evolution," Christophe explains. "It's the same reason we see different species of animals and plants in isolated places like Madagascar and Australia."

This is well depicted in the Arabica Coffee Cultivars Wheel®, a comprehensive tool published by Christophe through his company RD2 Vision. The wheel illustrates eight distinct genetic groups and the varieties originating from them.

 

This is Part 1 of our blog series exploring C. Arabica. Keep tuned for Part 2 to dig deeper into the different genetic groups of the species!

When we think about Colombia, coffee often comes to mind. Since the 1950s, the Federación Nacional de Cafeteros has actively promoted the country as a leading coffee producer. However, Colombian coffees have not only won our hearts over a successful marketing campaign, but they shine through their quality and diversity. Coffee in Colombia is cultivated in over 20 regions, where picturesque landscapes of steep mountains, lush greenery, and the melodies of birds create a serene ambiance on coffee farms. Nevertheless, many areas in Colombia have not always enjoyed this tranquil scenery.

For much of the last century, Colombia has been mired by armed conflict. What started as a confrontation between liberal and conservative parties escalated into a war involving the government, paramilitary forces, guerrilla groups, and crime syndicates. This prolonged conflict has had profoundly negative consequences for Colombians. The numbers say it all: over 260,000 lost lives, thousands are missing, and many are falling victim to violence and insecurity.

After numerous attempts, a peace process started in 2012 between the Colombian government and the FARC, one of the most prominent guerrilla groups. The process culminated in a final agreement signed in November 2016. Nonetheless, after decades of unrest, achieving peace and fostering development in the affected areas is easier said than done.

This is where companies like Urbania step in. Founded in 2015, Urbania opened multiple coffee shops across Medellin. Since their inception, they have focused on leveraging coffee production for positive societal impact, mainly working in vulnerable communities and with victims of the armed conflict. They do so through their PAZ project, from which we started buying coffees last year.

Grasping the complexities of post-conflict Colombia and the efforts aimed at fostering positive transformation in affected regions, including coffee-producing regions, takes a lot of work. To gain deeper insights into this and the role of initiatives like the PAZ project, we had a Q&A session with Julian Gamboa, Impact Manager and Co-Founder of Urbania.

Q&A

Julian — to begin with, please tell us about yourself. How did you get involved in the world of coffee?

I come from Bogotá but have been living in Medellin for the past 8 years. My journey in coffee began with the establishment of Urbania back in 2015. Previously, I was involved in organizing cultural events. However, after initial discussions with my business partner about the concept of opening coffee shops that emphasized more than just quality, I transitioned into coffee.

Tell us more about Urbania. How was it founded?

We aimed to adopt a model that exclusively collaborated with small coffee producers. Our goal was for them to generate higher profits through the production of specialty coffee. This vision led to the birth of Urbania. Subsequently, we realized that exporting was crucial to amplify our model's impact. This increased volume would enable us to magnify our impact, collaborate with more producers and associations, and encompass more extensive conservation corridors.

Is this focus — working with small coffee producers — what makes Urbania different from other suppliers?

No, that was just how Urbania was born. Our focus has since evolved to concentrate on working with victims of the armed conflict in Colombia. Our current model is centered on a "triple impact" logic, through which we aim to engage with producers and positively impact three key areas: environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

You see, we are not coffee hunters looking to find the best coffees in Colombia. Instead, we prioritize ensuring that the producers we collaborate with can develop and thrive as farmers. By enhancing quality, we aim to help them expand their businesses, particularly in regions severely affected by conflict or areas of significant environmental importance.

The armed conflict in Colombia is incredibly complex, with various armed groups, political ideologies, and socio-economic factors at play. Could you tell us more about it for those who may not be familiar with it? How has the conflict impacted the lives of Colombians, including those involved in coffee production?

Of course, I will try to be brief.

The conflict began in the middle of the last century with the formation of the guerrillas in Colombia after the Cuban revolution. One of the most prominent groups was the FARC, which was essentially fighting the government.

You see, during that period, Colombia operated under a democratic system dominated only by two parties, excluding alternative ideologies from participating in elections. This exclusion contributed to the emergence of guerrilla movements seeking to challenge the established political order.

Later on, around the 1980s, with the rise of the drug trade, guerrillas resorted to drug trafficking to finance their operations. This led to the formation of paramilitary groups, further complicating the conflict. The involvement of multiple actors — guerrillas, the Colombian army, and drug dealers — created a scenario akin to a civil war. Rural areas, where guerrillas often established themselves, were affected the most. This had significant repercussions for the coffee industry, as guerrilla movements traversed coffee-producing zones, leading to disruptions in production. Many farmers and entire families had to abandon their land because the guerrillas were taking ownership of them or due to high levels of insecurity and violence.

After the peace agreement in 2016, many of the victims are still making a transition to "civil" life. Victims include not only those who were displaced but also underage youth who were recruited, people who lost loved ones, or who have no economic means of subsistence as a result of the conflict.

What is the PAZ project, and how does it support these communities affected by the conflict?

The PAZ project began in 2017 following the peace agreement between the government and FARC. In almost all PAZ projects, we come as private allies of larger peacebuilding projects, with support from organizations such as the UN and USAID, which support post-conflict initiatives in Colombia. They look for partners who know about coffee and can support coffee producers.

For instance, there are municipalities such as Briceño and Genova in Antioquia and Quindío that the government has identified as priorities for transitioning to "post-conflict". Our first project was with an association in Tolima. Like Tolima, in regions heavily impacted by the conflict, economic opportunities are scarce, often leading individuals to engage in illicit activities such as coca cultivation, illegal mining, drug trafficking, and wildlife trade for subsistence.

Our goal through PAZ is to facilitate a transition to legal and sustainable livelihoods through coffee. Rather than cultivating coca, for example, farmers can shift to growing coffee. We are looking for better and more economic opportunities for these individuals.

So, through the PAZ project, we basically have 2 objectives. First, it improves the profits of coffee-producing communities, especially those in conflicted or post-conflict areas. Second, promote better opportunities for environmentally sustainable farmers and mitigate negative impacts.

How is the PAZ project achieving these goals?

Initially, we give group training to farmers about best practices for cherry collection, post-harvest processing, and general agricultural management of their farms. Out of these groups, we identify leaders with a high-quality determination and the potential to produce specialty coffee lots. They become community leaders. We also visit their farms, cup their coffees, and give them feedback in any way we can to improve their coffees.

Regarding higher profits, PAZ pays a bonus on top of market prices for quality and sustainable agricultural practices.

Where is PAZ currently operating? Could you please tell us more about the farmers involved?

PAZ started operating in Tolima. The association began with 50 members and now has around 120. The majority of them are women, and over 90% are victims of the armed conflict.

Today, PAZ also has projects in Antioquia and has reached Quindío and Valle del Cauca. All projects across these communities have different components. For instance, we could have a PAZ Tolima or a PAZ Blend Antioquia from different regions, but they all have peacebuilding projects.

Altogether, we have worked with around 400 families, mostly in Tolima and Antioquia. They are all smallholder farmers with an average farm size of 2 hectares. They are cultivating traditional varieties such as Castillo and Colombia, but a few are producing microlots with Bourbon and Geisha.

What are the hopes for the future?

We look into 2024 with optimism. We believe in the value and growth potential of projects like PAZ from the bottom of our hearts. With challenges such as El Niño impacting quality and productivity, the issue of environmental impact is becoming more and more critical. While expanding to new areas, our focus remains on supporting and collaborating with producers committed to quality and sustainability. Local leadership is vital in this effort, and we see an excellent opportunity to empower women and young people as impactful leaders within these initiatives.

*Interview translated from Spanish

Officially, the coffee harvest in Honduras starts on October 1, coinciding with its National Coffee Day. With 6 different producing regions across the country, Honduras has a prolonged harvesting period, with the lower regions beginning harvest activities in October, extending until February. Farms at higher altitudes in departments like La Paz, Intibuca, and Comayagua typically commence harvest activities later, starting around March and continuing through June and July.

Four months in, farmers are either preparing for the upcoming harvest or are at its peak: recollecting, depulping, fermenting, washing, drying, sorting... While we hear that these activities are progressing well across all regions, the harvest is also expected to be slightly smaller than in the coffee year 2022/23. It is not unusual to receive this kind of news during the harvest. Nonetheless, our own estimations remain positive.

Forecasts from IHCAFE (Honduras' National Coffee Institute) indicate that overall, Honduras will produce less coffee in the period 2023/24, with an estimate of some 5 million bags, 5-7% less than in the previous year.

Aerial view of coffee farms in Olancho.
Photo Credit: Cocaol

 Insight from Agalta (Olancho, Yoro, Atlántido & Colón)

Less production seems to be a trend in most coffee regions. As conveyed by Asdrubal Sanchez, from the cooperative Cocaol in the region of Agalta, who tells us that in Olancho, their last harvest was substantially smaller than three seasons ago. This harvest, he expects a reduction of around 10%. "The department of El Paraiso, our neighbor, has usually been a big producer, but they are also experiencing a drop in production," he says. "We also hear that production could decrease in the west, but not as pronounced as here."

Asdrubal explains that this decrease in production is strongly linked to a lower labor force, as individuals flee the country in search of better opportunities in the US. He emphasizes that the absence of workers on the farm not only impacts the harvest but also hampers essential operations such as weed control and the application of organic fertilizer. He notes, "In my case, we usually start the harvest in December, but this year we had to start in January because we didn't have any pickers."

In addressing this challenge, Asdrubal explains that salaries have been adjusted, making them more attractive in order to retain workers. He has also found help with the use of a small mechanical picking machine, which, although requires an operator, reduces the overall workforce needed. "We can no longer depend solely on harvesting with people," he says.

Our Coffee Map depicting Honduras' 6 coffee regions.

Despite working with a limited team, Asdrubal is happy with how the harvest is progressing, with January and February being the most important months for cherry collection. He sees coffees coming in with good quality and a minimal percentage of defects. The weather conditions have also been favorable throughout January, with a few scattered rains keeping the soil moist.

Western Honduras has been sunny in the first month of 2024.
Photo Credit:Proexo

Insight from the West: Copan, Lempira & Ocotepeque

Moving to west Honduras, we spoke with Melany Madrid and René Madrid from Proexo in Corquín, and Carlos Guerra from San Rafael Agroindustrial in Copán Ruinas, both situated in the department of Copán, bordering Guatemala.

René reports that in the western region encompassing the departments of Copán, Lempira, and Ocotepeque, the harvest is 60% complete. However, he notes a delay of 2 to 3 weeks caused by low temperatures and persistent rain, preventing the first cherry collections, or harvesting the "requemas", as they are locally called. "In December, temperatures dropped to 9°C, conditions with which pickers cannot go to work in the fields," Melany states.

In terms of volume, René projects a 20% reduction across the entire western region. He tells us that one of the main reasons is climate change, which brings imbalances and unexpected circumstances in production. Carlos echoes the same challenge in Copan Ruinas, further west, as he explains that due to the changing weather and hotter weather patterns in his area, coffee cherries are ripening earlier than they used to.

Moreover, René says that another reason for lower production volumes is that many farmers are renovating their farms, opting to replace older plants with new varieties. Similar to Asdrubal's observations, René notes that a scarcity of labor in the western region poses a prominent problem. "Many times, producers lose their harvest due to the lack of pickers," he says. Carlos further elaborates that in Copán, it is increasingly common for families, previously engaged in coffee harvesting activities, to receive "remesas" (money sent from relatives abroad), resulting in them choosing not to work on the farms anymore.

Positive developments are also occurring during this coffee year in the West. Carlos tells us he sees a sustained high demand for high-quality Arabica, both in the international and local markets. "National coffee consumption has increased overall," he says. Rene and Melany highlight the impact of Proexo's Diversity and Inclusion programs, noting a significant rise in the involvement of women in the coffee supply chain compared to the previous year, with now 54 women producers collaborating with them.

Coffee farms during harvest season.
Photo Credit: Proexo

Preparations for EU Deforestation-Free Regulation

Currently, a big topic in the coffee industry is the new EU Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR), a new legislation aiming to prevent deforestation in global supply chains. The law will kick in on December 30, 2024 and applies to seven different commodities, including coffee. This means that coffee importers and roasters will need to prove that their traded coffees are free from deforestation.

This marks a transitional period for many players in the coffee supply chain, including producers and suppliers. René tells us they feel ready to comply with the law, citing ongoing efforts in digitizing their supply chain since 2019. "We also work with certifications such as Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade, which require having data such as the farm geolocation, up to date, which is favorable to us," he adds.

Similarly, Asdrubal tells us he has been well informed about the regulation and believes Cocaol is on track. However, he expresses concern about the potential impact on smaller producers at origin, for whom compliance may pose greater challenges. "Between low prices and even harder market access, many producers become discouraged. Often, they end up leaving the country or switching their crop," he says. Furthermore, he adds that changing crops can end up even worsening the environment. "If they change their crop it is usually to corn, beans, or cattle, whereas coffee is one of the few crops that can be grown in harmony with the environment," Asdrubal says.

Wolfgang with Proexo's team during his last visit in November 2023.

At List + Beisler, our team is proactively monitoring and working to identify suitable solutions for our supply chain, guaranteeing that all our coffee adheres to the compliance requirements before January 2025. Our objective is to sustain the relationships cultivated over the years, providing support and collaboration with our suppliers during this transitional period.

We are expecting fresh new arrivals from Honduras in the next few months. If you would like to come by for a cupping, request samples, or simply learn more about our "Catracho" offerings, let us know! We are always happy to hear from you.

Click here to download a free PDF copy of Honduras' Coffee Map!

 

 

 

 

The Q grader program is quite famous across the coffee industry. The professional certification was established in 2004 by the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) to ensure that coffee quality could be assessed globally using the same standards of tasting, evaluating, and scoring.

In this sense, Q graders worldwide, whether they are buyers, producers, or roasters, share a common language to assess coffee quality.

How to become a Q-Grader?

To become a Q grader, individuals must pass a very comprehensive exam. Commonly, these come in combination with preparatory courses evaluating green and roasted coffee, including olfactory and gustatory sensory skills. Moreover, participants must also study theory, undertake cupping exercises, and learn how to properly use the standardized Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) cupping form.

Achieving the Q grader certification is challenging. With high passing standards, many fail on their initial attempt. Once earned, individuals receive the Q grader certification, which can be renewed through an in-person calibration exam every three years.

Q graders in our Quality Control team

Precisely here is where our story starts: Piotr Kotarba, one of the five Q Graders on our List + Beisler team, needed to undergo his calibration exam to keep his license. He got his original Q grader certification in September 2020 in Warsaw, Poland, his home country. This was a true challenge in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic with a specially adapted cupping protocol. But it looks like Piotr truly enjoys challenges. He returned to the office last week after successfully passing his Q Calibration exam. Interestingly, he did not return from Poland this time but from Brazil.

His choice to do it in Brazil came from his curiosity about undergoing the calibration exam in a different context, specifically, that of origin. With a different culture, language, and coffee scene, taking the calibration in Brazil provided a unique backdrop and a new experience. However, it also raised the question: is it the same experience as doing it in Europe, or did this bring unforeseen advantages or challenges?

Piotr getting certified in Warsaw, 2020

Now that he is back, Piotr says yes – it had some differences, and there were both challenges and advantages.

First, he explains that the group taking the exam in Poland was smaller, with only six participants, whereas the calibration sessions in Brazil included a larger group of twelve individuals. He also perceived that the environment in Patrocinio, in the estate of Minas Gerais, was much more relaxed than what he experienced at home. "In Poland, everyone was more concerned to know how the other evaluated, and in Brazil, everyone was more relaxed; they didn't worry as much," Piotr says."I felt a more relaxed atmosphere, and everyone was super friendly."

Piotr explains that this may not only stem from cultural differences but could be attributed to the higher level of experience among the cuppers during his calibration. In fact, some participants were undergoing the calibration exam for their fifth time. "So, the first difference is that I got together with people with much more experience, and as a second point is that there are cultural differences when doing it in another country," he notes. For Piotr, the cultural differences meant taking the exam in a different atmosphere and in a foreign language.

Challenges and Advantages

The primary purpose of the Q grading system is to ensure cuppers are calibrated and agree on general standards when assessing coffee quality. Calibrated cuppers have a common understanding of quality and can score the coffees on the table in a consistent manner. A scoring system is used to evaluate the coffees. Upon experienced Q-Graders, deviations from the group's mean are an exception - particularly when cuppers are highly specialized in one origin country but not so fluent in determining cup profiles from coffees of other countries and their specific qualities.

Piotr was genuinely concerned about this situation being in Brazil and undergoing his calibration there. Cuppers presumably had a broader cupping understanding of Brazilian coffees than he could ever have. Instead, he would be more familiar with coffees from different origins, like Colombia, Guatemala, Kenya, or Ethiopia, but this could also lead to a twisted situation where he would score the coffees differently. "It is more difficult because you cup with a group of people who are used to certain coffee profiles, and in Q grading, it's all about the cuppers evaluating coffees in the same way. So it was interesting to see if I was in line with them," Piotr says.

Once he finished scoring coffees from three different tables, Piotr tells us he left the cupping room full of uncertainty. Would he pass or not? Two days later, the Q instructor finally revealed the results, bringing some relief. Piotr was super-aligned with the rest of the group and successfully passed his calibration course. Congratulations!

Q calibration in Patrocinio, Brazil. November 2023

Recommendations from this experience

Piotr advises anyone doing the calibration course to train in advance, if possible, with other Q graders. "This way, you share comments and scores and really see where you are. If you do it by yourself, you won't know, but with someone else, you can compare results," he says.

As a second point, he underscores the importance of training using the SCA cupping format and learning how to use it correctly. This is simply crucial. Knowing how to use it appropriately can save precious time during the evaluations.

Finally, Piotr encourages anyone considering doing their Q grader exam or calibration outside their home country to try it. "Sometimes, the thought that I chose the hardest path to do it crossed my mind," he says. "But I passed three out of three tests. I truly recommend it! It was a cool adventure and got me out of my comfort zone. And I also had the opportunity to meet many coffee professionals and exchange good experiences."

„Q"urious? Contact Piotr and the other four Q-Graders at List + Beisler to find out more or schedule a date for a joint cupping session (events@list-beisler.de). 

 

 

 

 

04.12.2023

As the year draws to a close, the harvest season in Central America continues to unfold. In Costa Rica, harvesting activities kicked off around end of August in regions like the West Valley and Brunca. In higher areas such as Tarrazú and the Central Valley, red cherries are already visible on coffee trees, with some producers having completed the initial picking rounds known as "graneas". From his last visit three weeks ago, Wolfgang, Coffee Buyer at L+B, reports that the harvest is far more advanced in Costa Rica than in its neighboring countries.

Costa Rica's eight coffee regions.

The 23/24 harvest is anticipated to yield good quality; however, volumes are expected to be smaller than in the previous year, which could potentially drive prices higher. Farmers are focusing on producing high-quality coffees, experimenting with processing, and different varieties, as well as investing in their farms. José Pablo Juarez, Independent Consultor and Q Grader from Costa Rica tells us that harvest is progressing well across the country. "Coffee cherries are developing well across all regions, the coffee trees look strong and healthy, and the ripening of the coffee fruits seems uniform," Juarez says.

As in the rest of the world, Costa Rica is also challenged by the changing climate. Wolfgang tells us that certain areas of Tarrazú and southern Costa Rica experienced an accelerated ripening of coffee, likely attributed to elevated temperatures in previous months. As a consequence, some farms have seen earlier harvest periods. This warming trend was quite evident in Panama too, leading to a drought scenario at the Panama Canal.

In addition to the climate change-related weather carrousel, Juarez tells us that some areas have also faced excessive rain. Lower altitude regions have reported coffee cherries falling off trees due to the excessive rainfall, resulting in losses for producers in these areas.

Red ripe cherries in Tarrazú during the first week of November.

Labor shortage is another challenge heard of across all regions. Currently, pickers from Panama have been entering the country to help with the harvest activities. Some cooperatives and farms are working together and organizing their recollection days, so pickers can work on different farms during the week. This creates additional employment and income opportunities for pickers, and in turn guarantee the harvesting of more red ripe cherries, preventing potential losses from cherries falling to the ground.

Moreover, in October, ICAFE announced that coffee pickers, whether local or international, would now be covered by Occupational Risk Insurance, aiming to enhance their safety and provide a sense of security while on the job.

        

Visit to Finca Santa Elena in Tarrazú.

Like each year, we are looking forward to receiving new coffees from Costa Rica. Samples are expected to hit our lab in the last weeks of January 2024. Keep tuned for updates and – Pura Vida!

Would you like to download our Costa Rica Coffee Map? 

Click here for a free digital copy! 

 

 

One of the most fascinating yet challenging things about international trade is the interdependence between people of different places and cultures. At List + Beisler, we have successfully fostered these relationships since 1901 – this does not happen accidentally. From the very beginning, we realized our role in the supply network. We are a linchpin, a connector between coffee-producing and coffee-consuming countries and people.

For some, it might be obvious to see how an importer can act as a connector... But, what may not be as obvious is how we all become what biologists call crosslinkers. As our world shrinks through more interconnectedness, we see this phenomenon playing out more and more. Famously, the first person to shed light on this reality was Alexander von Humboldt, a German polymath, geographer, naturalist, explorer, and proponent of environmentalism, who revolutionized the Western conception of nature. He was heralded as a genius scientist and networker for cultural and ecological systems from different parts of the earth. Humboldt coined the concept that the natural world is interconnected, which he called the "web of life". This web of life is an intricate system in which all living things are interconnected and dependent on each other for survival, forming a large chain of causes and effects. No substance and no activity should be considered in isolation.

Here at List + Beisler, we agree with Humboldt's view on interconnectedness. We also see daily evidence that many of the "web of life" strands are now broken, and more are being broken daily. Even in the early 1800s, back in the days of Humboldt, he had discovered the devastating damage caused by colonial plantations on Lake Valencia in Venezuela. He was the first scientist to warn of the dramatic consequences of human-made climate change.

Today we are already living with the impacts of climate change and global warming. We find ourselves in a world where human-made climate change is at a global crisis level. Coffee-growing regions are no exception where it has become more than evident. Pests are spreading into areas they were never able to reach before. Rains pour in formerly dry regions. Biodiversity is collapsing. Dry air is pushing deeper into what used to be cloud forests. Soil is eroding, with mudslides wiping out entire coffee-spotted hillsides. Drought and flooding affect the same regions and alternate their negative impact on nature and humans. We hear frightening and paralyzing bad news every day.

Despite this situation, we at List + Beisler are still optimistic. After all, every obstacle comes with an opportunity. We know that we have the chance to rethink and redesign our actions and create a better coffee future: for coffee-farming families, farmer associations, exporters, roasters, and coffee lovers worldwide.

Over the past few years, we have done a lot of research, talked to experts, and had many internal discussions on potential solutions for environmental and humanitarian challenges. If we are serious about finding solutions to these global issues, we are sure that our efforts must be deeply science-based and not purely ideology-driven. Furthermore, several approaches can be co-actively correct and effective.

This is why we would like to share our Sustainability Manifesto 2022/23 with you. Learn about our mission, goals, and achievements to generate positive impact through our holistic Sustainability Program: JOIN THE MOVEMENT.

Download the Sustainability Manifesto 2022/23 here.

Without a doubt, climate change is significantly altering the landscape of coffee production. Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and increased incidents of extreme weather events are disrupting traditional coffee-growing regions. Prolonged droughts, for instance, can lead to lower yields, while excessive rainfall and high humidity can result in pests and diseases such as coffee leaf rust. Moreover, rising temperatures can impact the geographical areas where coffee plants thrive, potentially forcing farmers to relocate their farms to cooler or higher areas, taking a toll on deforestation.

To adapt and bring coffee forward in light of these challenges, improving farming practices and coffee varieties plays a pivotal role. This is why we support the work of organizations such as World Coffee Research (WCR). Their work includes the improvement of coffee varieties, which does not only improve coffee plants' climate resilience and productivity, but also contributes to reducing farmers' risks while at the same time increasing yields.

Just last week, they released a new poster celebrating Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties. The poster depicts the relationship of over 100 coffee varieties from 22 countries, breaking down Arabica into four major groups: Bourbon Typica, Typica, Ethiopian Landrace, and Catimor. Robusta varieties, on the other hand, are classified according to countries: Congo, Congo x Guinea, Guinea, and Uganda.

This practical resource is available for everyone. To learn more or download a free copy, please visit WCR's website.

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If you are a roaster and would like to support the work of WCR, you can collaborate through the Check-Off Program, here's how it works:

• You can choose to donate 0,02 EUR/kg of green coffee sourced through List + Beisler. 
• In return, we will increase your impact by adding a matching donation of 0,01 EUR/kg to every coffee purchase. These contributions will be clearly outlined in each contract.
• Every four months, we will collect all the contributions and send them directly to WCR.

Want to learn more? Reach out to us via trade@list-beisler.de

Photo credits: World Coffee Research

In the world of agriculture, few crops are as sensitive to climate as coffee trees. Coffee plants require specific conditions to flourish, and even minor changes in temperature or precipitation can significantly impact yield and quality. One of the most influential climate phenomena affecting coffee production is El Niño, a recurring climate pattern characterized by the warming of the Pacific Ocean. But what exactly is El Niño and how does it affect coffee production?

In this article, we delve into the intricate relationship between El Niño and coffee production, examining its economic, environmental, and social implications.

What is El Niño?

El Niño is a climate phenomenon that occurs every two to seven years, disrupting regular weather patterns around the globe. Essentially, it is described as the warming of the equatorial Pacific Ocean, which in turn influences atmospheric (air) circulation. El Niño is one phase within the broader climate phenomenon known as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). ENSO also comprises La Niña, a phase characterized by cooler-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

You may be wondering, where does the name 'El Niño,' meaning 'little boy' in Spanish, come from? As the saying goes, fishermen along Peru's coast first noticed unusually warm water in the Pacific Ocean back in the 1600s. This weather anomaly brought along lots of fish from the cold depths of the sea, giving the fishermen a fantastic catch for Christmas. They coined this "present" El Niño de Navidad, because El Niño typically manifests around Christmas in December.

The changes in the weather patterns caused by El Niño have far reaching effects, impacting weather systems, ocean conditions, and, consequently, agricultural production.

 

The Science Behind El Niño's Impact on Coffee

The majority of the world's coffee is grown in a region known as the Coffee Belt, which stretches across the globe between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This area is particularly susceptible to the effects of El Niño, as the phenomenon can bring about drastic changes in weather conditions, such as prolonged droughts or excessive rainfall.

The coffee plant is highly susceptible to changes in its environment. This is why El Niño's influence on weather patterns can lead to conditions that are unfavorable for coffee growth. For instance, increased temperatures can accelerate the coffee bean's maturation process, resulting in an early harvest and affecting coffee's growth and quality negatively.

On the other hand, excessive rainfall can lead to the proliferation of pests, such as the coffee berry borer, and diseases like coffee leaf rust (known as "la roya" in Spanish). These conditions can devastate entire regions. This is exactly what happened in late 2007 and 2008 in Colombia and Central America. One-third of Colombia's coffee production was destroyed by coffee leaf rust, while farms in Honduras and Nicaragua were also massively hit by the fungus.

Nonetheless, El Niño is extremely complex and the weather changes it triggers manifest differently across regions. Typically, El Niño brings decreasing rains to Colombia, Central America, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Vietnam. On the other hand, Peru, Brazil, and some African countries are challenged by excessive rainfall.

 

Economic Consequences for Coffee Producers

The economic repercussions of El Niño on coffee production are profound. When weather patterns are disrupted, coffee farmers face a multitude of challenges that can lead to decreased yields and increased production costs. For example, drought conditions may require additional irrigation, which is costly and resource-intensive. This could particularly impact farmers in certain producing areas lacking irrigation systems, making them heavily reliant on natural precipitation.

Excessive rainfall, conversely, may result in soil erosion and the need for more frequent application of fungicides to combat diseases. These additional costs can be devastating for small-scale farmers who already operate on thin margins.

Despite the challenges, there are positive outcomes worth highlighting. In Colombia, for instance, the El Niño phenomenon has sometimes had a positive impact. In the case of increased sunshine hours, for example, coffee trees can produce more coffee cherries, ultimately resulting in higher yields.

Price Volatility

El Niño events do not only affect coffee in terms of production. The uncertainty surrounding it leads to significant price volatility in the coffee market. Farmers, middlemen, exporters, traders, and roasters are aware of the potential impact on coffee yields, and this can lead to speculative behavior.

Certainly, the participation of hedge funds in the international coffee markets adds another layer of speculation. As a result, coffee prices can swing dramatically, making it difficult for the coffee value chain actors to plan for the future. During these periods, it is indeed the smallholder coffee farmers who bear the highest toll.

Green coffee cherries.

Environmental Ramifications

Besides its effects on the economic landscape, El Niño also brings about significant environmental consequences. The altered weather patterns can exacerbate ecological issues such as deforestation and soil degradation. For instance, drought conditions can make forests more susceptible to wildfires, which not only destroy coffee plantations but also contribute to air pollution and loss of biodiversity.

Water scarcity is also a pressing issue in regions where El Niño leads to drought. As with every agricultural undertaking, coffee production also needs water, and insufficient water can cascade effects on local ecosystems. Rivers and streams may dry up, affecting not just agriculture but also local fauna and the surrounding communities.


Latest Weather Forecasts and Global Alerts

The latest weather forecast reports to come from the U.S. Government's National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Centre anticipate that a transition from ENSO neutral conditions could occur during the next few months, with a 95% chance that El Niño weather conditions are expected to come into play towards December this year. The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology has issued an El Niño alert, forecasting an 80% chance that the El Niño weather phenomenon will develop by the end of the year. This weather phenomenon, should it come to the fore, is associated with above-average sea surface temperatures across the equatorial Pacific Ocean, which would threaten partial drought conditions for the Pacific rim coffee countries such as Colombia and Indonesia. It could, however, bring with it further potential for increased rainfall for the coffee-growing districts in Southeast Brazil.

The Indonesian weather agency BMKG has also reported that the prevailing El Niño weather phenomenon, which typically brings prolonged hot and dry weather to the area, may be affecting more than two-thirds of the country. This includes Java and parts of Sumatra, two key coffee-producing regions in the country.

Coffee farm in Brazil.

Case Studies: Countries Most Affected

Brazil
Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer, and its coffee belt is significantly impacted by El Niño. The phenomenon has been linked to severe droughts in some years and flooding in others, both of which have detrimental effects on coffee production. As the world's leading producer, the uncertainty surrounding its supply can potentially lead to significant repercussions on coffee prices.

Colombia
Colombia, another significant player in the coffee industry, also faces challenges due to El Niño. The country's mountainous terrain makes it particularly vulnerable to landslides during periods of excessive rainfall, which can wipe out coffee plantations entirely. And not to forget the earlier mentioned increase in coffee plant diseases such as coffee leaf rust.

Mitigation Strategies

Given the significant impact of El Niño on coffee production, it is crucial for stakeholders to develop mitigation strategies. These can range from adopting more resilient coffee varieties to implementing water-saving technologies.

One approach is the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, which aim to make farming more resilient to climate variability. This can encompass techniques such as cultivating shade-grown coffee, which is less susceptible to temperature fluctuations. Other practices include adjusting fertilization practices based on the availability of water and rainfall distribution as well as providing plants with the proper maintenance, like stumping and pruning.

National Governments can also play a role by providing subsidies for the adoption of more sustainable farming practices or offering insurance schemes to protect farmers against extreme weather events.

Coffee picking during harvest season.

El Niño is a powerful climate phenomenon with far-reaching implications for coffee production. Its effects are experienced on the economic, environmental, and social levels, making it a critical issue for anyone involved in the coffee supply chain. While it is impossible to prevent El Niño events, understanding their impact and implementing mitigation strategies can go a long way in safeguarding the future of coffee.

 

 

 

Area: Logistics Coordinator
Location: Miami, FL
Start: asap

About List + Beisler:

List + Beisler are a leading specialty green coffee importer headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, with a proud history dating back to 1901.

List + Beisler started our US operation in 2018, with the goal of developing long-term, symbiotic partnerships in the North American specialty coffee segment; just like we have been doing in Europe for over 100 years.

Behind List + Beisler US, is a highly dynamic and service orientated team with a professional mindset. We go to great lengths to meet the needs of our customers and are singularly focused on finding the right coffee for every roaster.

 

About the Position:

As we continue to expand our footprint in North America, we are seeking a talented and highly motivated logistics professional to join our US team, on a full-time basis, in Miami, Florida.

The Logistics Coordinator is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of outbound transportation associated with green coffee distribution to key roaster accounts. This position assists with inbound logistics and customer service as needed.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, able to handle multiple tasks, team orientated, and enjoys logistics. The candidate must be customer focused, have a high attention to detail, and possess a strong work ethic. Critical thinking, self-management, and ability to prioritize tasks are key functions of this role.

List + Beisler is a fantastic place to work and provides excellent benefits including 100% employer paid health insurance premiums.

 

 

Key Responsibilities / Tasks:

• Provide internal and external customer service.
• Generate and maintain logistics-focused customer profiles.
• Act as a liaison with third-party vendors.
• Execute data-entry for order processing activities.
• Coordinate domestic transportation for inventory relocation and outbound shipments.
• Monitor loads in transit, proactively identifying and resolving issues.
• Process and track freight claims.
• Review and approve invoices resulting from logistics processes.
• Participate in systematic inventory reconciliation and resolve issues as related to outbound shipments.
• Accurately maintain electronic files for outbound-related processes and communications. 

 

Key Qualifications / Experience:

• BA in supply chain, business management, logistics or related field of study.
• At least 3-years' experience in domestic LTL and FTL logistics coordination, preferably in the coffee sector.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Outstanding self-management and prioritization capabilities.
• Strong customer service focus.
• Intermediate experience with Excel (data analysis, pivot tables, VLOOKUP, etc.)
• Intermediate experience with Outlook (common/shared mailboxes, multiple inboxes, sub-folder filing, category-tagging, calendars, reminders, and tasks)
• Intermediate experience with ERP systems (working understanding of SAP will be an advantage).
• Proficiency in both spoken and written English is a must (additional languages will be an advantage).

 

 

To apply, send your resume and cover letter to gunnar.servais@list-beisler.de. Please note the position title in the subject line: "Logistics Coordinator".

 

 

October 2021

While the Climate Change Conference COP26 is taking place in Glasgow and clearly shows the importance of keeping sustainability at the core of our actions, we are happy to tell you about our findings after coming back from an extensive field visit in our Farming Accelerator project in Southern Ethiopia.
This project has been running for more than a year now. It started just before the Covid-19 related lock-downs in March 2020. Despite all the restrictions related to the pandemic, we could adapt to the necessary hygienic precautions and begin with the much-needed work in that part of Ethiopia.
The principle of the project is simple and smart: we partnered with UN-ITC, Enveritas, and COQUA to tackle the most evident sustainability challenges faced by smallholder coffee farmers in Southern Ethiopia. We selected six specific coffee regions in Yirgacheffe and Sidama, known for their outstanding quality. Using artificial intelligence, satellite technology, and in-person interviews, Enveritas can provide us with accurate and transparent data on the farmers' situation. Based on this information, we developed a set of trainings together with UN-ITC and COQUA. These trainings cover two main areas, and we call them:
Sustainable Productivity Acceleration, covering among others:

• Good agricultural practices
• Product quality consistency

Farming as a Family Business, creating awareness on:

• Basic Financial Literacy (accounting and record-keeping)
• Income diversification and business development

All training is inclusive and targets all members of the family living and working on the farm. Youth and gender are equally involved.
Once the training modules are refined, it remains a challenge to deploy the training. We have recruited several farmer trainers, young enthusiastic agronomical professionals from the towns who are well-connected within the local communities. They get trained by a senior agronomist and experienced coach. The project counts with 60 demonstration plots where the farmers are invited to attend the training. The farmer trainers explain the methodologies, and then the farmers and their families can experiment by themselves under the supervision of the farmer trainer. Each farmer trainer trains a group of farmers. Thanks to this methodology, we can provide training for 1,800 farmers in the region.
We have already accomplished composting pits on all demo plots, and farmers are already adopting these new techniques on their land. They have also learned how to prune or stump a tree and understood the importance of having young and strong plants to accelerate productivity. Most of the smallholder farmers are not taking any notes on income and expenses, and therefore they are not able to accurately assess the results of their work. To better manage the farm, though, it is crucial to understand basic numbers coming from income and expenses. This is why we are also training this. And usually, women and the younger generation are very prone to understand the importance and impact of this exercise.
Now, once the project runs, it is essential for all participants – from farmer to roaster - to access these coffees. Systemic change is embedded through the continuous purchase of these project-related coffees.
This is what we define as "Sustainability as a Service" (SaaS) – with a bit of tweak from its original acronym ;-). In a nutshell: excellent coffee quality, sustainably produced and sourced from tree to cup.

Regions visited:
We started the journey flying from Addis Abeba to Awasa. From there on, we drove south towards Dila. Departing from Dila, we went to the coffee fields located around the small villages (called Kebeles) of Nurakorate, Kumato, Adame, Gotiti, and Chelchele. We visited 15 demonstration plots and farms surrounding these demo plots. We have spoken to over 100 farmers during our field visits and interviewed them and the farmer trainers to better understand their needs and check the efficiency of our training service provided.

 

Blog by: Philip von der Goltz, 14.10.2021

Being in charge of sustainability, marketing, and digitalization at List + Beisler, these were special weeks for me. More than 20 years ago, I started working in the beautiful world of coffee. I was only a couple of weeks into the new job when international coffee prices reached their historically lowest levels of 41.50 c/lb. This was in December 2001. Back then, it looked like the end of the coffee world to me. Luckily, I was proven wrong!
Extreme price volatility is one of many factors directly affecting everyone's lives and businesses in the coffee value chain. However, the most fragile member in our community is the coffee farmer, particularly the smallholder farmer. Coffee farmers depend on the international coffee prices and Mother Nature's mood, local currency volatility, and political developments. Many factors come together and are often far beyond their influence.

Coffee: a complex body of knowledge
A thorough understanding of the coffee world is a time-intense endeavor yet key to improving your own knowledge and your decision-making capabilities. In my own journey, I had the privilege of learning from some of the industry's bests. Still, there is plenty of room for further development. After all these years, I came to at least one firm belief: coffee is a livelong-learning process; the more you know, the more you realize there is more to learn and understand. The complexity of this global business creates an ever-evolving and changing reality on production, trade, consumption, and many other components of the magical elixir. Knowledge needs to be adjusted and updated constantly.

So, how to start and what to learn? The nature of complexity is that it is hard to summarize and simplify. Coffee grows all over the globe and is consumed in many ways. Suppose you want to understand not only your own perspective but genuinely thrive on the job. In that case, it is crucial to get ideas, thoughts, facts, and science-based insights combined from as many professionals as possible. Hence, choose your sources wisely.

Back in 1992, the first Coffee Guide was published by the United Nations' International Trade Centre (UN/ITC). It turned into the leading source of information on coffee matters for professionals. It was a commodity handbook, mainly written by Jan van Hilten and Morten Scholer. After the initial success, they continued and developed two additional coffee guides (published in 2002 and 2012) together with a team of industry experts. This – in my opinion – fantastic work provided the coffee industry with detailed knowledge, providing an invaluable asset for the coffee world.
Almost 10 years have passed since the last publication. It was not only time to update information but also to adjust to new realities.

Source: ITC "Building on the legacy: From commodity handbook to comprehensive working tool."

How it started and team-building
Eighteen months ago, Hernan Manson, head of UN/ITC's Alliances for Action unit, asked me to take over this immense task of updating ITC's Coffee Guide. As honoring this task is, it is also challenging. On day 1 of this project, Hernan and I had just started scoping the depth of this endeavor when we slowly realized the dimension of the work on our plate. The vast amount of topics to be covered made me recall a saying from a teacher during my school days: "You don't need to know everything; you just need to know where to find it!". And so we started brainstorming on the individuals with whom we wanted to work together. We built a fully dedicated and brilliant core team: Sarah Charles as my principal co-author, editor, and creative powerhouse. She is a well-known writer, having already worked on several coffee publications. Martina Bozzola, an outstanding academic, the most charming professor in economics and agriculture at the Queen's University of Belfast, and a senior research associate at Zurich University for Applied Science. Tommaso Ferretti, an expert on sustainable trade finance, finished his PhD at McGill University and became a father when creating this new guide edition. He surely had very short nights, but not only due to the newborn baby. Eleni Gerakari, getting all our thoughts and ideas into actionable work and getting some order into our creative mess. She is an invaluable asset to all of us! Last but not least: Neil Rosser – the data master. His knowledge goes back to more than 30 years of profound insights into the numbers that make the world of coffee go round.
Next to our core team, we engaged a highly professional and committed group of over 70 industry experts. The range is wide: from coffee farmers, cooperatives, exporters, importers, roasters, coffee shops, consultants to academia, international institutions, NGOs, and associations of all sorts. We are proud to have covered the whole coffee stakeholder community. This network of highly-passioned coffee lovers is one of the core assets of the new guide.

What is new?
Let me give you a quick glimpse of what is new:
• Sustainability is a core topic, with an attempt to guide the industry towards the new normal
• Latest statistics and trends: Production numbers are split into three groups that differentiate between standard, premium, and specialized coffees.
• There is a focus on user-friendliness. Eight independent modules with a corresponding toolbox adding practical advice and case studies.
• A new chapter on the latest innovations is now part of the guide. This mainly involves the digital side of the business.

After an intense 18 months, I am beyond happy to finally launch this new edition. I stand amazed and thankful to all of you who have supported us in getting this mammoth project done! With this Coffee Guide, we set the cornerstones for a new legacy and hope to have contributed to a better understanding of the coffee world for professionals all along the value chain. The challenges of the next few years will increase and become more severe. May the new Coffee Guide help us in finding proper and sustainable solutions.

Where to find it?
No other day could have been better for officially launching the 4th edition of The Coffee Guide than International Coffee Day (October 1, 2021).
You can download "The Coffee Guide, 4th Edition" for free here.

Looking forward to your comments and impressions!

Area: Trade
Location: Miami, FL
Start: asap

About List + Beisler:

L+B is a green coffee importing company headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, and founded in 1901. We import coffee from all over the world to all over the world. We have been selling green coffee in the USA for over a half century but only recently opened a bricks and mortar location. In January 2021 we opened our US Headquarters in Miami, FL, having previously operated in New York, NY.

L+B has been a market leader in the green coffee importing space for over 100 years. We have worked with coffee roasters and coffee growers all over the world - working to connect them, working to foster ongoing relationships, and working towards mutually beneficial goals since the very beginning. We have consistently been that dependable partner, and we are excited to continue to grow toward more opportunities.

We currently have a small-but-mighty US based sales team that we are looking to grow. In the past year, despite the obstacles created by the pandemic, we have seen our business develop considerably and require more seats at the table.

About the Position:

This position will come with training and mentorship. While some experience is needed, we are open to helping a career-minded coffee professional grow in their knowledge and ability to sell green coffee. This position is equal opportunity, BIPOC/LGBT+ friendly, and ALL interested parties are encouraged to apply.

We are a customer focused company, so customer service skills are essential. Forging our way into new market directions means that the person we hire will need to be nimble and capable of balancing different tasks effectively.

A Jr. Coffee Trader is essentially a green coffee salesperson. Sales require:

• Relational/Communication skills – phone, email, friendly/attentive service
• Technical skills - computer programing, mathematics, contract details, etc.
• Coffee skills – tasting, origin knowledge, some understanding of roasting and the industry overall
• Detail oriented – Due to how technical and how many moving parts this job requires, being organized and able to manage a lot of moving parts will help with success.

A Jr. Trader will be responsible for building their own list of clients, working with the team to meet those clients' needs, processing orders, managing contracts/accounts receivable, processing sample orders, familiarizing themselves with the coffee inventory (mainly through tasting offerings and knowing the data,) pricing, shipping, and more. 

This is why being a part of a team that is built on collaboration and collective effort is so important. Our team works interdependently, and we are all in this to help each other, our clients, and the farmers we all support reach our own versions of success. Welcome to the team!

Role and Responsibilities

Green Coffee Trading

• New client development
• Sales to new clients
• Customer retention/service
• Triage calls for Sr. team members
• Coffee cupping
• Tender samples
• Maintain prospect spreadsheet for onboarding new clientele
• Attend coffee industry events and represent L+B
• Create/Maintain mailers, some minor marketing materials
• Participate is sales meetings

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• College Degree
• Coffee Industry Experience

Preferred Skills

• Detailed Oriented
• Coffee cupping skills
• Strong PC skills – Excel, Microsoft Office
• Spanish and/or Portuguese language skills
• Mailchimp

Additional Notes

L+B USA is in start-up mode. This position may adapt and change with growth, opportunities, and as the company moves into the future.

Please send your application to Sam.Grigg@list-beisler.us. We look forward to meeting you!

Sustainability is inseparably linked to our company's DNA. List + Beisler has been promoting and supporting sustainability projects in coffee-growing regions for a very long time.

We mainly focus on coffee-related trainings for coffee farmers. Our primary topics of training include best practices for farm health, harvesting, processing, and caring for coffee quality during production. The main objective of the projects is to improve the farmers' quality and productivity through enhancements of their agronomy and production skills, or "software," such as better pruning techniques and composting methods.

The limitation we regularly face is the existing infrastructure, or the "hardware" – the coffee trees themselves. We typically find randomly mixed varieties that have been planted conveniently, but not strategically optimized for providing the farmer higher quality, more productivity, and efficiency.

This must change if we hope to improve an existing farm's chances of not only having a sustainable business model but especially in our pursuits for improvements. This caused us to begin looking for ways to transform the farm design with those farmers who wish to see these improvements made. After an extensive search, we were able to find an organization specifically addressing these needs utilizing a scientific, progressive, non-GMO approach and potential solutions.

We are very happy to announce our partnership with World Coffee Research (WCR).

We had the great opportunity to meet Vern Long, the new CEO of WCR in Berlin during the WOC. She attended our company's get-together, and with refreshing drinks in our hands, we explored collaborating.

This is what we learned about the WCR: they are a collaborative, not-for-profit research organization, formed by the global coffee industry in 2012. Using advances in agricultural science, it is possible to improve coffee yields, quality, climate resilience, and farmer livelihoods. WCR focuses exactly on this work: they use advanced and applied research in coffee genetics (no GMO!) and agronomy to create new coffee varieties and imagine new agronomic approaches. Adding these new varieties to the farm increases biodiversity at farm level.

Improved and focused diversity does a couple of things:

1) With more biodiversity, a farm is able to weather the storm of new pests as well as a changing climate.

2) With focused variety planting, a farm can plant the "correct" varieties for their specific geography and climatic conditions. This allows a coffee tree to be put into an environment that fits its needs. A happy tree is a healthy tree, and healthy trees produce more and better coffee.

The WCR has an excellent network of leading scientists and institutions in coffee-producing countries around the world. Together, they develop solutions that are quickly implementable and flow straight to innovative and quality-focused coffee farmers.

Not only are we partnering with WCR, but we are inviting you to partner as well!
How can you participate? How does it work?

• Roasters agree to donate USD 0,01— USD 0,10 per pound (EUR 0,02 – EUR 0,20 per kilo) of coffee purchased through List + Beisler.
• List + Beisler matches the donation of the roaster with USD 0,01 per pound (EUR 0,02 per kilo) of the coffee purchased through us.
• List + Beisler keeps track of coffee sales to roasters, adding however many cents per pound/kilo the roaster has indicated to the coffee purchased. The contribution is included as a cost of doing business on the roaster's invoice, similar to docking costs, brokerage fees, or warehousing costs.
• List + Beisler collects the funds and disperses them to WCR four times a year.
• Once set up with List + Beisler, there is no work for you.

You can find more info on worldcoffeeresearch.org or contact us at any time!

Machare Estate, Kilimanjaro. Starting off in the Kilimanjaro region, we were welcomed with unusual sunshine for these times. Machare Estate allows you to have a cup of coffee with a direct view onto Kilimanjaro. The farm is surrounded by two rivers and nestled on the lush slopes of the Kilimanjaro Mountain. Bente, the owner of Machare, aims to cultivate 100 % organically certified coffee in a few years. She has quite some talent to teach herself things that go beyond her in-depth knowledge of coffee: an irrigation system that supplies the whole plantation with only one pump and a Tanzanian-tailored organic fertilizer are only two of the projects she successfully executed in the past years. Imagine a farm that has experimented with so many best practices from all over the world, that it is considered state-of-the-art coffee processing in East Africa. This results not only in a unique set-up involving much of the surrounding communities but also in a high-quality cup that constantly convinces with beautiful aromas and high complexity. Machare's coffees are full of tomato, bergamot and berries that play with smooth citric acidity. We have had these coffees for several years now and can only support her engagement that reflects these colorful aromas in one cup.

During our visit in August, parts of the Machare Estate had ripened much earlier than in previous years. Picking in lower altitudes had already begun. Not only on Machare, but also on the many surrounding smallholder farms, people had started to pick the first ripe cherries. Samples should come to our lab in November, first coffees should reach our warehouse in Germany by March.

Last year, we entered a joint project to strengthen Machare's surrounding communities. To us, a strong coffee community with established infrastructure enables synergies as well as stable supply from the region. The goal of the project was to imrpove coffee processing for Machare's neighboring Central Pulping Units (CPU's). These CPU's are owned and operated by the surrounding smallholder farmers to depulp, ferment, wash and dry the parchment of many in one facility. Together with Bente, we decided to supply the CPU's with shade nets and plastic canvas to support their drying processes on African drying beds. Originally, shade nets were used in olive processing, covering the olives and drying them in a more gentile way. Farmers at the Kilimanjaro already dry their parchment in the shade of many trees. Nevertheless, these nets still come in handy. Drying the parchment involves regular turning to ensure constant quality. Placing the parchment on nets rather than directly on wire has several advantages:

keyboard_arrow_rightThe wire is hard to replace or repair as the material is rising in price

keyboard_arrow_rightHandling becomes easier, no beans are missed out on or fall through the wire, parchment can be poured all at once

keyboard_arrow_rightAlready tucked in nets, parchment can be quickly wrapped in canvas in order to protect from rain and humidity at night

The CPU's range in size: the biggest one in the area gathers 74 farmers while others collect the cherries of 10 farmers only. A total of 158 shade nets and 100 plastic canvas were given to 13 CPU's neighboring Machare. Using the shade nets means another step to professionalization and towards a more consistent quality. Easing the work of coffee farmers supports keeping the farm job attractive for generations to follow. Ensuring a stable coffee infrastructure usually creates greater coffees for roasters and coffee lovers. Thank you Bente for your support!

Back in February 2018, we visited the Sidamo coffee producing region together with our Ethiopian Partners, Moplaco. During this trip, besides visiting producers, we were introduced to one of the projects that Moplaco has developed in this region in collaboration with the local community: The Sergera Elementary School.

This school was built over 8 years ago and its intention was to create an environment that would encourage children to attend classes. Year by year, attendance has improved and now about 2000 children attend the school. Since its early beginnings, the school has significantly improved but as the people at Moplaco put it, "it is an ongoing feat".

The school operates on two shifts, morning and afternoon, in which 1000 children attend at a time. Currently, it has 10 classrooms of which only 2 have concrete floor, the remaining have a sandy dirt floor covered by wood straps. This type of flooring, although cheap is the perfect environment for fleas to nest, which represents a problem to already overcrowded classrooms.

At List + Beisler, we believe in fostering sustainable communities within the coffee industry. On this occasion, we have decided to collaborate with Moplaco and the Community of Sergera to help renovate further classrooms, improve the floors and walls as well as provide them with furniture, with the aim of creating a safer and healthier environment for the children; a space where they can learn and work in better conditions.

The project will span from March 2018 until December 2018 and during this time, we are tasked with managing the overall project design. Moplaco will collaborate as manager of the overall project while the community of Sergera will be involved as workers.

We believe that bettering the overall existing infrastructure will give children the opportunity to learn in proper conditions.

Stay tuned for updates on the project.