Coffee Market News

A weekly look at the global landscape leads to a sobering conclusion: the number of geopolitical flashpoints is clearly growing. Where this newsletter once had to account for one or two international conflicts, the picture has become markedly denser over recent months.

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine will enter its fourth year in February. Added to this are the conflict in Gaza, the civil war in South Sudan, China's increasingly explicit claim over Taiwan, the brutal repression of protests in Iran, American military pressure on Venezuela, and even talks of annexing Greenland. Global politics has become not only more confrontational, but also more opaque. The era of robust multilateral cooperation appears, for now, to have faded; in its place is emerging a fragile new order whose contours are still uncertain.

Alongside these man-made conflicts, climatic stresses are intensifying. The year 2025 ranked among the warmest since records began, while the world's oceans absorbed more heat than ever before. The consequences are already visible: more frequent extreme weather events, stronger storms and rising sea levels.

Looking ahead, two fault lines increasingly overlap—geopolitical tension and climatic volatility. At precisely this juncture, greater international cooperation would be most urgently needed. Instead, geoeconomic confrontation is becoming the defining feature of the global agenda, a theme that will sit at the heart of the World Economic Forum now under way in Davos. Whether it can generate even a tad of confidence and collective positive action remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, trading on the New York coffee exchange is suspended today for Martin Luther King Day. A glance at last week's activity offers little drama. A brief bullish excursion was quickly reined back into the previously established trading range of 350 to 363 c/lb. In the absence of fresh impulses from producing countries and without a clear directional signal, the market drifted sideways. The March-26 contract (KCH26) closed on Friday at 355.30 c/lb.

Robusta prices, too, continued to move sideways. In recent weeks they have held within a relatively stable band of 3,800 to 4,000 USD/MT. Encouraging fundamentals from Vietnam—stable production figures and solid export volumes—have yet to exert any discernible bearish pressure on the market. This may simply be a matter of time. In the other major Robusta-producing countries—Brazil, Indonesia, Uganda and India—prospects likewise point to strong harvests. The much-discussed supply gap on the Robusta side is therefore likely to close.

The most relevant market data can be found, as usual, in the table below:

News from Origin: Brazil, Colombia, and Peru

Brazil 

Rainfall patterns in Brazil are once again in focus. After earlier indications that precipitation had normalized across key coffee-growing regions, forecasts have shifted, now pointing to a reduced likelihood of rain in parts of the country over the coming week. The timing is delicate: the 2026/2027 crop has entered the bean-formation stage, a phase in which consistent rainfall is particularly important.

Overall, the wet season has so far delivered adequate precipitation. Flowering was strong, soil moisture has largely been replenished, and conditions have supported healthy early bean development, leaving the outlook for the upcoming crop broadly positive. How the recent changes in rainfall distribution will affect yields remains to be seen.

Commercial activity remains subdued. Arabica availability is tight, with producers holding back remaining stocks and releasing only small residual volumes. Conilon (Robusta) flows are likewise slow.

There are no new developments to report from the Port of Santos.

Colombia

Tensions between Colombia and the United States appear to be easing. After the U.S. capture of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro, Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the move as a serious violation of Latin American sovereignty. Former President Trump responded with threats of military action similar to the intervention in Venezuela. The tone has since softened following a constructive phone call, after which President Petro was invited to the White House. Colombia remains one of the United States' closest regional allies, particularly in the fight against narcotics.

Weather conditions across Colombia remain wet, with rainfall expected to persist throughout the week in coffee-producing areas. The main harvest in Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío and Valle del Cauca is ongoing. Yields this season have been lower, while persistent rain continues to complicate the even drying of parchment coffee.

Flows are expected to taper in the coming weeks as attention gradually shifts to the April–June harvest, which currently carries more favorable expectations.

The Colombian Coffee Federation (FNC) has published its official figures for 2025. Total production reached 13.7 million 60-kg bags, a decline of 2% compared with 2024. In the first three months of the new coffee year (October to December), output fell to 3.7 million bags—down 24% year on year. The decline reflects adverse weather conditions in the first half of the year as well as coffee's biennial production cycle.

No significant updates have been reported from the ports of Buenaventura (Pacific) and Cartagena (Caribbean).

Peru

Peru closed the year on a somber note following a fatal accident involving two tourist trains serving the Machu Picchu archaeological site. One person was killed and more than 40 were reported injured.

The country is currently in its wet season, with January and February typically the rainiest months. Rain is forecast this week across coffee-growing regions.

From a coffee perspective, Peru is between seasons. The 2025 harvest concluded in September. While overall availability is limited, some volumes from the previous crop remain on offer. Farmers are now focused on maintenance work and preparations for the coming season.

There are no updates from the Port of Callao.

Production Estimates for South America

 

 

Coffee Market News

A freshly brewed cup of coffee cools until it reaches the temperature of its surroundings. From a physical perspective, this is the equalisation of an energy gradient.

Financial and commodity markets operate with a comparable conceptual framework: so-called mean reversion—though without any guarantee rooted in natural law. Markets do not necessarily revert to a historical average; rather, they oscillate between temporary equilibrium, structural rupture and the establishment of new regimes.

So where does the coffee market stand today?

Coffee farmers in Brazil—both in the traditional Arabica regions and in the newer Conilon (Robusta) producing areas—currently have double reason for cautious optimism. On the one hand, they continue to benefit from record-high coffee prices on the futures exchanges. On the other, weather conditions over recent months have improved markedly. Persistent rainfall has replenished previously parched soils with sufficient moisture. Coffee trees are heavily laden with cherries, which are now steadily ripening towards the start of the harvest.

In Vietnam, too, the previously erratic weather patterns have stabilised; the harvest is progressing largely as planned and, so far, without major disruption. Export volumes of green coffee are increasing accordingly. Further positive signals are emerging from Indonesia and Uganda, where Robusta crop forecasts are also being revised clearly upwards.

The supply tightness of the past two years is increasingly likely to ease. What remains uncertain, however, is the timing of a new market equilibrium—particularly given the staggered onset of harvests across regions.

By mid-year at the latest, most supply bottlenecks should have been resolved—provided extreme weather events or other exogenous shocks do not materialise. Until then, however, the coffee exchanges in New York and London are likely to remain nervous.

Adding to the uncertainty, geopolitics, macroeconomic developments and weather continue to provide ample fuel for short-term market turbulence. The coffee market is currently experiencing this volatility on an almost weekly basis.

Last week's trading reflected this nervousness: Arabica prices moved within a wide trading range of around 40 c/lb, before closing virtually unchanged (+0.1%) at 357.65 c/lb.

Robusta prices, by contrast, were comparatively subdued, edging down by 1.3% before ending the week at 3,903 USD/MT.

The table below summarises the key market data from the past week:

Origin News: Asia Pacific

Vietnam

Vietnam has seen improved weather conditions in recent weeks, with steady sunshine supporting coffee-producing regions. Warm and dry days are forecast to continue throughout the week. Despite a delayed start caused by heavy rains, the improved weather has supported the pace of the harvest, which peaked in mid-December. This has eased some of the supply constraints seen earlier in the season, allowing local traders to gradually resume business.

Despite the earlier excessive rainfall, overall production is expected to increase. Vietnam's combined Robusta and Arabica crop for the 2025/26 season is forecast at 30.3 million bags, up 8% year on year. Exports have also shown strong growth, with November shipments rising 39% compared to the same month last year.

Higher volumes entering the market have softened local prices, in line with broader weakness in the London market.

There are no news coming from the ports.

Indonesia

Weeks after Cyclone Senyar made landfall in northern Sumatra, the province of Aceh is still dealing with the aftermath. Many roads leading to Aceh remain intransitable, and access to food and fuel is still limited, although the situation is gradually improving. The cyclone has also caused major disruptions to northern Sumatra's main harvest and damaged existing inventories. Around 15% to 30% of Sumatra's arabica coffee farms were affected, reducing Indonesia's total coffee exports by up to 15% for the 2025/26 season. Robusta production has been less affected, as it is mainly concentrated in the southern part of the island, which was less impacted by the natural disaster. The country is now focusing on increasing Robusta output and expects production to rise this season, supported by improved farming practices in Sumatra.

As of this week, weather conditions in Sumatra remain somewhat wet, with cloudy skies and occasional rain forecast. Similar weather patterns are expected across Java, Bali, and Flores, with warm temperatures accompanied by cloudy days and thunderstorms throughout the week.

A weaker rupiah has improved export competitiveness, supported by stronger global demand.

Due to the landslides and flooding, logistics remain a challenge. Many communities remain isolated, with numerous roads and bridges still damaged. At present, there is virtually no coffee available for nearby shipments. Exporters are working hard to renegotiate shipment schedules to avoid potential defaults. Even when coffee flow resumes, we still expect shipment delays of 1-2 months.

India

According to estimates in the Indian government's year-end economic review, India has overtaken Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy. The review estimates India's gross domestic product (GDP) at around $4.18 trillion (€3.55 trillion) and projects it to reach $7.3 trillion by 2030. The International Monetary Fund suggests India will surpass Japan in 2026; however, official confirmation is still pending.

As part of an initiative to boost domestic consumption, India has reduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on coffee extracts, essences, and instant coffee from 18% to 5%. This measure is expected to lower retail coffee prices by around 10%.

In other news, Piotr Kotarba, L+B Coffee Trader, visited our partners in India in December. He reports sunny and dry weather conditions, which have been optimal during the current 2025/2026 harvest season. The Arabica harvest is currently in its peak, with volumes expected to be 10–15% higher than last year. First shipments to Europe are anticipated between January and February.

The Robusta harvest began mid-December. Similar to Arabica, Robusta is expected to see a larger crop, with volumes rising 7–8% compared to the 2024/2025 season. The first shipments are expected throughout February and March.

Quality expectations remain high, with good and dry weather favoring optimal drying.

No major updates have been reported from the ports of Cochin or Mangalore.

Piotr visited Karnataka and Mangalore in the first week of December 2025.

Papua New Guinea

There are no major news coming from Papua New Guinea. Currently, the island country is in between seasons. The 2026 crop is expected to begin around May and run through August.

Production Estimates in Asia Pacific

 

 

 

General Coffee News

A happy New Year to all our readers — we wish you health and confidence for 2026.

The days between Christmas and New Year are traditionally quiet — including on the exchanges. This year was no exception. No spectacular coffee headlines, no disruptive surprises. Yet this momentary calm should not be misleading. Behind us lies one of the most eventful years in coffee history since price records began. War, geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, logistics bottlenecks, trade policy conflicts — such as U.S. tariffs — and regulatory overload, including the EUDR, have all left clear marks on the financial markets. Last year saw the highest coffee prices ever recorded, accompanied by extreme volatility and a speed of movement that surprised even seasoned market participants.

The world's political heavyweights continue to struggle to develop a shared narrative for the future. Internal and external conflicts among major powers remain unresolved — making further tensions in 2026 appear likely. Early warning signs — such as developments in Venezuela — are already emerging.

From a fundamental perspective, recent weather conditions in Brazil and Vietnam have remained favorable. If these conditions persist, there is little standing in the way of solid harvests in the most important producing regions. Many farmers have invested in recent months and adequately supplied their coffee farms with inputs. If the weather cooperates, the production shortfall of the past two harvests could close more quickly than previously expected.

It is also encouraging that the devastating floods in Sumatra have affected "only" around 10 to 15 percent of local Arabica production. However, the damage to infrastructure — especially roads and bridges — remains substantial and should not be underestimated.

The key question will be when and how the coffee exchanges in New York and London begin to price in these new production perspectives. Until then, it remains advisable to keep a close eye on still-low certified exchange stocks as well as the persistently strongly inverted market structure. Only once inventories begin to rebuild and the market returns to a normalized contango structure could prices sustainably move away from their record levels.

Until then, the coffee market — especially following this brief period of calm — remains vulnerable to surprises and characterized by high volatility. You will find the key developments from the past trading week in the overview below.

 

Origin News: East Africa

Ethiopia

Ethiopia is largely in its dry season, which typically spans from October to February. In recent days, conditions have been mostly dry and sunny, with only light and sporadic rainfall reported. Conditions are forecast to remain warm throughout the week.

The coffee harvest is progressing well, with washing stations operating at full capacity. The season is expected to wrap up in February with total volumes broadly in line with last year's. The dry weather conditions are also supporting optimal drying across producing areas, keeping quality expectations strong and consistent. We expect the first shipments of washed and natural lots to arrive in the upcoming weeks.

There are no news in the logistics front.

Kenya

Weather conditions across Kenya are partly cloudy yet dry and are forecast to continue throughout the week, with a low probability of precipitation.

The 2025/2026 harvest season is developing well. Coffee cherries are being collected and delivered to wet mills, which are operating at full capacity. Following the holiday break, auctions at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) are set to resume tomorrow, with volumes continuing to increase.

There are no new updates from the Port of Mombasa.

Tanzania

Across Tanzania, rainfall levels have been lower compared to the same period last year; however, precipitation is gradually increasing. Wetter conditions are expected in the south-western region like Mbeya and Mbinga, as well as in northern areas near Lake Victoria.

The harvest season in Tanzania is largely complete. In the northern regions, the final picking in the upper highlands took place in late December. Flowering for the upcoming season has already been observed on some farms. In the south, some farmers have relied on irrigation due to the delayed onset of rains. During this period, farmers are also preparing for the next season by applying fertilizer and carrying out general farm maintenance.

At the port of Dar es Salaam, congestion remains a challenge. Vessel rescheduling is frequent, with many shipping lines unable to adhere to their planned schedules.

Rwanda

Conditions in Rwanda have been generally warm, with no prolonged heavy rainfall. This week, rainfall is expected to increase slightly, with scattered showers and stable, mild temperatures.

On the coffee front, there are no significant updates. Rwanda is currently in its off-season, with harvest activities typically beginning towards the end of February, beginning of March.

Uganda

Weather conditions across Uganda are generally warm and partly cloudy, with only modest rain chances expected throughout the week.

Meanwhile, both Arabica and Robusta harvests are underway. The main Robusta crop is developing in the central and eastern regions, while the fly crop continues in Masaka and western areas. As the main crop gains pace, increasing volumes of coffee are flowing to Kampala.

Arabica harvest activity is also progressing well, with the main crop underway in Bugisu and the West Nile, alongside a smaller fly crop taking place simultaneously in Western Uganda.

East Africa - Coffee Production Estimates

Coffee Market News

The global macroeconomic backdrop remains ambiguous. While the European Central Bank left its policy rate unchanged at 2% last Thursday—its fourth such decision in a row—other major economies are moving in the opposite direction. Notably, the ECB simultaneously revised up its growth and inflation forecasts for the coming year. When asked where this additional growth might come from, however, the answers were less than convincing.

The US Federal Reserve had already cut rates by another 25 basis points the week before last. The Bank of England followed suit, lowering its benchmark rate from 4% to 3.75%.

Only the Bank of Japan is charting a different course, raising its policy rate to levels not seen in three decades. That sounds more dramatic than it is: the increase took the rate from 0.5% to 0.75%.

After nearly two years of an effective transit ban, a vessel operated by Maersk has managed to pass through the Suez Canal. From a logistics perspective, this could prove a genuine game-changer. Yet the shipping line itself cautioned that it is still too early to regard the route as reliably operational.

How swiftly and fast markets can move is evident at the coffee futures exchanges. When looking back, it feels this year had just begun only moments ago. In early January 2025, the March-26 New York contract traded around 280 cents per pound—and now this remarkable year is already drawing to a close. Coffee has since reached the highest price in its history: 441 c/lb, or just under $10 per kilogram.

At times, coffee thus stood shoulder to shoulder with cocoa, which briefly touched price levels of $10–12 per kilogram. Metals, too, saw dramatic moves: copper traded around $12 per kilogram, while silver (roughly $2,090 per kilogram) and gold (about $112,500 per kilogram) remain in a league of their own.

Geopolitical tensions and wars, climate-related disasters, and data asymmetries amplified by artificial intelligence are now influencing virtually all commodity markets—be it green coffee, cocoa, orange-juice concentrate, gas, crude oil, precious metals, pork bellies, beef sides or wheat. Their common denominator has become extreme volatility: unpredictability, risk and nervousness as the new constants.

Curiously, World Bank analyses suggest that global commodity prices overall declined in 2025. Perhaps this trend—after nearly three years of a pronounced bull market—will also find its way to the coffee exchanges. The coffee industry would welcome such a respite.

Prices last week offered a hint in that direction. On very thin trading volumes, both Arabica (-7.8%) and Robusta (-8.3%) prices declined steadily.

The latest changes are summarised in the table below:

 

Origin News: Central America

As families prepare to gather for Nochebuena (Christmas Eve), coffee producers across Central America and Mexico are entering the peak of the 2025/2026 harvest season. Cherries are ripening within their usual timeframe, in contrast to last year, which experienced significant delays.

Rainfall patterns are being closely monitored. Western Honduras and El Salvador experienced wet conditions last week; however, the weather has since improved. Throughout this week, dry and slightly warmer days, combined with cooler nights, are forecast across the region.

The lack of labor and diseases like coffee leaf rust and anthracnose remain ongoing challenges. Another key issue is the lack of financing, especially for small- and medium-sized farmers. Nevertheless, crop expectations across the region remain positive.

We recently checked in with Wolfgang Kitzing, Senior Trader at List + Beisler, who traveled through the region in the second half of November, and José Pablo Juárez, Head Coffee Advisor at Zaza Coffee in the U.S. and a well-known coffee professional from Costa Rica. They both share insights and the latest forecasts for the 2025/2026 coffee harvest in Central America.

Click here to read the detailed harvest update.

 

22 December 2025

As families prepare to gather for Nochebuena (Christmas Eve), coffee producers across Central America and Mexico are entering the peak of the 2025/2026 harvest season. Unlike last year, harvest activities began without major delays, though rainfall patterns are being closely monitored. Overall, crop expectations across the region are positive.

We checked in with Wolfgang Kitzing, Senior Trader at List + Beisler, who traveled through the region in the second half of November. José Pablo Juárez, Head Coffee Advisor at Zaza Coffee in the U.S. and a well-known coffee professional from Costa Rica, also shares insights on current harvest expectations in Central America.

Miguel Pineda from Laumeyer, Wolfgang, Merlin Preza from Prodecoop, and José Pablo at Sintercafé 2025 in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica

Across Costa Rica, weather patterns appear better than last year. However, conditions during the rainy season did not allow for sufficient water stress on the plants, resulting in reduced flowering for the 2025/2026 harvest. As a result, a moderate reduction in total production is forecasted.

In Tarrazú, the crop is expected to be approximately 20-30% lower compared to the previous year. José Pablo says: "luckily, production in the southern regions such as Coto Brus and Pérez Zeledón will overcompensate with a higher than average harvest." Total production for the 2025/2026 crop is forecast at 1.4 million bags of 60kg.
Diseases such as coffee leaf rust persist and anthracnose is becoming more regular and difficult to control, increasing production costs and affecting yield per hectare. As in the rest of Central America, labor shortage remains a major issue in the country. Hence, Costa Rica's harvest largely depends on migrant labor from Nicaragua and Panama.

New crop coffees are expected to arrive to Hamburg between March and April 2026.

Guatemala

Guatemala saw the start of the harvest in late October, particularly in lower-altitude regions. In parts of the higher altitude regions of Antigua and Huehuetenango, cherries were still in the maturation phase in the first week of December.

Wolfgang explains that "labor shortages continue to be a challenge, alongside ongoing pressure from coffee leaf rust and rising production costs." Nevertheless, the harvest is progressing well, with farms in good condition and generally favorable weather.

Production for the 25/26 season is forecasted at about 3.4 million bags of 60kg.

Fresh new crop coffees are expected from several fincas around March, including our Guatemalan longstanding favorites from Huehuetenango, Las Amapolas.

First washed coffees produced at Finca San Sebastian to the left.
Cupping the first coffees of the 2025/2026 season at Finca San Sebastian to the right.

Honduras

General elections were held on November 30th but as of today (22.12.25), Hondurans are still waiting for official news regarding their new President. Everybody is nervously waiting for the results. Despite this political uncertainty, population and coffee farmers are navigating the situation without any major disruptions Unlike the previous delayed harvest, the 2025/2026 crop in Honduras began within the usual timeframe, starting in late October and expected to continue through April/May 2026.

"So far", Wolfgang adds, "the maturation and picking phases are progressing well. Farms are in very good condition, reflecting continued investment in maintenance and fertilization."

Weather conditions have generally been favorable; however, persistent rain has been reported in Copán and Ocotepeque last week causing some concern. If these conditions persist, both volume and quality could be affected.

Ripe coffee cherries in Ocotepeque. November 2025

Labor shortage remains a major issue in Honduras, with low availability of pickers during harvest and workers for year-round farm maintenance. Another challenge is the lack of financing, especially for small and medium sized farmers.

Total production volumes are expected to rise modestly for the 2025/2026 crop. Estimates are currently at 4.9 million 60-kg bags, maintaining Honduras' position as Central America's largest producer.

We are also pleased to share that we have partnered with the UN's International Trade Centre for a new project in Honduras. The CLEAR project aims to address the root causes of child labor in coffee supply chains. Our Honduran cooperative partners have joined this initiative to mitigate risks of lack of labor, living income, and environmental protection—factors closely linked to child and forced labor. While there is still a long way to go, the first steps have been taken, and further updates on the project will be shared in due course.

Fresh crop coffees from these cooperatives, along with other Honduran offerings, are expected to arrive in Hamburg at the beginning of the year.

Wolfgang visiting COHORSIL in Honduras.

El Salvador

In El Salvador, the coffee harvest began in October. Excess rainfall during the first week of December has reportedly caused slight damage in areas such as Santa Ana, Coatepeque, and Ahuachapán. Excess water can lead to issues such as over-fermentation, cherry drop, and premature drying on the trees.

Coffee leaf rust and anthracnose have also been reported. According to the Salvadoran Coffee Institute, anthracnose is an issue in the majority of the country's coffee-producing regions and has been aggravated by excess rainfall.

Despite these challenges, El Salvador is projected to produce a larger crop compared to the previous season, with an increase of approximately 13%, equivalent to around 660,000 60-kg bags.

Fresh crop lots from the Cordillera del Bálsamo are expected to arrive around March 2026.

Alvaro Mencia from Cooperative Siglo XXI in Cordillera del Bálsamo, El Salvador.

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Looking for Central American coffees for your lineup? Get in touch with our traders to discuss options, request samples, or join a cupping. You can also explore our portfolio online by visiting our green coffee webshop.

Views from Cordillera del Bálsamo, El Salvador.

 

Date: 12.12.2025

As highlighted in our Weekly Coffee News this Monday, Indonesia, as well as other Asian countries including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, have suffered from extreme weather in the past weeks, with overlapping tropical storms and intensified monsoon rains causing catastrophic flooding and landslides.

Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra were particularly affected as Cyclone Senyar crossed the archipelago, bringing torrential rain, flooding, and landslides. More than 900 casualties have been reported, thousands displaced, and many remain missing.

These conditions coincide with the region's main Arabica harvest, making it particularly challenging. Infrastructure has been severely damaged, cherries have fallen from trees, and some areas remain isolated due to destroyed roads and bridges. The full extent of the impact on farmers and the coffee crop is still unclear, but the disaster is ongoing at a critical time for farmers' income.

Aftermath of the flooding in Sumatra.

Due to severed road access, lack of electricity, and disrupted communications, many communities remain isolated. Our suppliers in Sumatra report that, as of today there are only limited land connection from Aceh and West Sumatra to Medan. Potable water, food, and emergency supplies are being transported by boat.

To provide swift and uncomplicated assistance in such catastrophic situations, we have established a Quick Relief Fund, from which resources have already been disbursed to our partners in Aceh. These funds have been used to procure water, milk, and food supplies for affected communities. Fortunately, our partners and their families are safe and actively supporting their communities.

Want to get involved? Many organizations are raising funds. One of them is IWCA, they are raising funds for the for disaster relief in affected communities in Aceh:

• IWCA Aceh Recovery Fund

Supplies before packed, transferred and distributed to adults and children in Aceh.

Date: 22.09.2025

The Farming Accelerator Project launched its pilot phase in 2020 across seven woredas in Ethiopia. Now, five years later, we can look back and see the impact it has had on the communities where the training took place. It's important to highlight that the results and data we are about to share would not have been possible without strong partnerships.

The United Nations' International Trade Centre (ITC) has been the main supporter of the project since the beginning. Enveritas, a nonprofit organization that provides innovative, data-driven sustainability verification in the coffee sector, is another key partner. They monitor the program and deliver annual studies on its performance. Coqua, a local organization focused on farmer training, manages the project on the ground.

 

The project is developing across seven woredas in the Southern Nations, Nationalities & Peoples Region (SNNPR) and the Southern-West Region. The target population of the program are smallholders farmers that use coffee as a cash crop. Throughout the project's lifetime, we reached over 5,000 household heads with an average age of 43 years and 0.5-2 hectares of land. Of the 5,000 farmers, 60% are located in the South-West Region, and 40% in the woredas from the South (SNNPR).

Participation in the project is 100% voluntary. All of the sampled farmers attended at least 1 group session and 68% hosted or visited demonstration plots.

The project's approach is centered on promoting eight specific agricultural best practices through targeted training. The goal is simple: by adopting these practices, farmers gain both agronomic and financial benefits. Higher yields increase marketable surplus, enabling households to take advantage of price fluctuations. At the same time, rising incomes support food security, education, and reinvestment in farms.

Since the project took off, the trainings were led by Farmer Trainers through Farmer Field Schools, with approximately 30 farming families each. One-to-one coaching was also imparted, and there was also one demo plot per Kebele (similar to a neighborhood).

Best Agricultural Practices (BAPs)



Adoption Rate of Best Agricultural Practices (BAPs)

Delivering the training and supporting farmers in the process is one side of the story. In order for farmers to see agricultural and financial advantages, they must adopt the practices for an extended period of time.

From the data collected from 5,148 participating households between 2021 and 2024, we are happy to observe that the training is, in fact, translating into adoption, with gains in every woreda! From the midline year of 2022/2023 to 2023/2024, the overall adoption rate increased from 51% to 64%.

For exact adoption rates during this time, see the following bar-chart:

What does this mean?

Overall Adoption Rate: There are gains in every woreda, and the adoption rate has increased each year. However, progress in the Weeding (52%) and Rejuvenation (48%) modules remains the lowest. In contrast, Shade management (70%) and Composting (63%) consistently show the highest adoption rates.

Woreda Performance: While every woreda has improved its adoption rate, performance varies. While Shebe and Seqa Cheqorsa are adoption "rockets," the perfect ladder of adoption rate translating into higher income can mainly be seen in Dara and Seqa Cheqorsa. Yirgacheffe is the top performer in adoption rate and yields, but income levels are middling, most likely due to the fragmentation of very small farms (under 0.7 ha).

Impact on Cherry Production: Overall, production volumes more than doubled during this period and represent the main source of income for farmers. Production growth is volume-led and concentrated in cherry; stable jenfel volumes imply a marketing shift rather than agronomic stagnation. Statistical tests conducted during the data analysis show that this growth is especially significant in areas with high adoption of erosion control, IPDM, and composting practices.

Inflation in Ethiopia

While increased production has boosted household income, high domestic inflation has reduced its impact. When adjusted for inflation, the project-wide income gain from 2021 to 2024 drops from +151% nominal to about +60% real. This gain varies significantly across woredas, with real income improvements being modest outside the top-performing areas.

Increased volume is the dominant driver of household income. Price spikes can offer short-term benefits, but market volatility, climate change, and inflation remain major challenges for farmers and can hinder the project's overall progress.

What is next?

Needless to say, we're very excited to see that the training is taking hold and that farmers are fully on board! It's remarkable to witness best-practice adoption rising from 51% to 64% in just one year—and to see the impact visibly reflected in the fields. Yields have more than doubled, demonstrating a significant increase in farmer productivity.

While income gains vary across woredas, the overall trend remains positive. Households in Dara and Seqa Cheqorsa have quadrupled their earnings, whereas Shebe and Gomma continue to lag behind, highlighting ongoing challenges related to soil quality and market access.

As we move into the second phase of the project, we'll be placing greater emphasis on practices that show a strong correlation with improved productivity—specifically erosion control, tree nutrition, and composting. Woredas with lower performance will receive additional training and support to help increase yields and income. Given the inflation in Ethiopia and ongoing market volatility, strengthening the Business Skills module will also be a key focus moving forward.

Stay tuned to follow the project's continued development. Since last year, we've been offering coffees from farmers in the Farming Accelerator Project—and we're thrilled to offer them again this season! Keep posted.

Do you have questions about the Farming Accelerator Project or would you like to support it? Please don't hesitate to get in touch at compliance@list-beisler.de.

 

 

Green coffee for roasters of all sizes

Below you'll find an overview of our spot and afloat green coffees. This list is updated regularly to reflect current availability.

You can also receive our weekly offer list directly in your inbox, featuring the latest quantities, prices, and coffee details. If you'd like to receive it or have questions about pricing, availability, or specific coffees—or if you'd like to order samples—feel free to contact us at coffee@list-beisler.us.

OFFER LIST

Publication Date: 13.06.2025

A new study that involved the unprecedented collaboration of coffee researchers and collaborators from 15 countries at 23 sites around the world provides insights into how 29 Coffea arabica varieties respond to coffee leaf rust (CLR), a devastating disease affecting coffee crops worldwide. Varieties respond differently to disease and this research, published in Frontiers in Plant Science, is the most extensive evaluation of arabica coffee varieties under diverse environmental conditions to date.

"No single country or institution can solve the complex challenges facing coffee on its own," says Dr. Tania Humphrey, the scientific director of World Coffee Research. "This trial shows the power of global collaboration—by pooling data, expertise, and resources across continents, we're able to generate insights that no single program could uncover alone. It's a model not just for coffee, but for how agricultural science must evolve to meet the demands of a changing world."

Photo: World Coffee Research

The threat of Coffee Leaf Rust

Coffee leaf rust, caused by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix, poses a significant threat to coffee production. The disease can lead to defoliation, reduced bean quality, and yield losses ranging from 35% to over 75% in severe cases. First identified in the 19th century, coffee leaf rust has since spread to nearly all coffee-growing regions, including a recent emergence in Hawaii in 2020.

"Identifying host resistance for managing diseases like coffee leaf rust is crucial in enhancing the profitability and sustainability of Kenya's coffee sector, while promoting environmental health," says Dr Elijah Gichuru, the Institute Director of Coffee Research Institute, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization. "Participating in this global research activity strengthens our efforts to combat coffee rust and reminds us that we're not alone, and that scientists worldwide are working together to solve shared challenges for the benefit of stakeholders."

Genetic armor: rust resistance isn't one size-fits-all

Utilizing coffee varieties resistant to rust is among the most sustainable and cost-effective strategies for farmers to minimize economic losses from the disease. Resistance depends on the genetic makeup of both the coffee plant and the pathogen. To date, over 55 races of CLR have been identified, each interacting differently with various coffee varieties.

Arabica coffee's resistance genes, known as SH genes, have been sourced from different species: SH1, SH2, SH4, and SH5 from C. arabica; SH3 from C. liberica; and SH6 through SH9 from C. canephora (via Timor hybrids). Commercial arabica varieties often contain combinations of these genes, but no single variety has all the known resistance genes. Moreover, the pathogen's continuous evolution necessitates ongoing efforts to identify and integrate new sources of resistance.

"Understanding rust can be complex for farmers. By identifying which varieties really work against rust in real-world conditions, this research gives farmers better tools to sustain their crops, their incomes, their dignified life, and their future," says Albertino Meza Ojedas, Agricultural Research Manager at CENFROCAFE. The Peruvian cooperative represents 2,800 coffee-growing families and hosted one of the global network sites. "It's an honor to participate in this global study that brings together scientists from around the world to solve a shared problem."

Aerial view of plots. Photo: World Coffee Research

One global trial, 18 countries, 31 varieties

In 2015, the International Multilocation Variety Trial (IMLVT) was established by World Coffee Research, together with partner institutions around the world. The trial placed 31 arabica coffee varieties from 11 breeding programs worldwide into 29 research plots in 18 countries. Importantly, the trial sites captured a huge diversity of climatic conditions, from hot and dry sites in Zambia to cooler, wetter sites in places like Gambung in Indonesia. This unprecedented global effort aimed, in part, to assess natural coffee leaf rust infections under real-world field conditions. For the rust study, a subset of data from the global trial network was analyzed, based on data availability and quality. (Data from 23 of the 29 original sites, in 15 of the 18 network countries, was used; performance of 29 of the 31 varieties was analyzed.)

Global best-bets and local champions

While some varieties exhibited high resistance across multiple sites, none were entirely immune, and all showed some susceptibility in certain locations.

Some varieties, like Parainema, Kartila 1, and IPR107, offered a promising balance of high resistance to coffee leaf rust and stable performance across environments, making them good all-around choices for rust resistance. Others, like EC16 and Catigua MG2, showed very high resistance in some locations, but weren't as high-performing in others (i.e., their performance was not as "stable" across sites). These varieties perform best under specific conditions. Varieties with pure arabica backgrounds generally showed higher susceptibility, whereas those with interspecific introgressions, such as Timor hybrid derivatives, exhibited greater resistance.

The study highlights the need for continuous monitoring and adaptation to evolving disease pressures.

The environment tips the scales

Resistance isn't determined solely by genetics—it's also influenced by where a variety is grown, which can encompass factors like which rust races are present, how the trees are cared for and managed, and a given site's climatic conditions that can affect rust prevalence. The study found strong genotype-by-environment (GxE) effects, meaning a variety that thrives in one place may struggle in another. Four major "mega-environments" and pinpointed specific sites within each were most effective in discriminating for resistance. This information can help breeders more efficiently test new varieties for rust susceptibility.

"The enormous global collaboration behind this study allowed the identification of varieties and their genetic backgrounds that perform well under local conditions, across macro-environments, and globally. Although further research is needed to understand the genetic basis of the resistance and its interaction with the environment (GxE), our results allow breeding programs to narrow down on useful variation and inform breeding strategies," says Dr. Jorge C. Berny Mier y Teran, WCR Research Scientist for Plant Breeding & Genomics.

Plot with different coffee varieties. Photo: World Coffee Research

Science without borders

Beyond its scientific revelations, the IMLVT trial is evidence of something equally powerful: a global, collaborative coffee scientific community. Researchers from over a dozen countries came together—not just to run trials, but to build a shared foundation for the future of coffee. It's an exciting example of the power of knowledge and purpose to transcend borders.

The trial equipped national research programs with new tools, training, and infrastructure, strengthening local capacity while linking scientists across continents. Many participating countries now have improved ability to monitor disease threats, conduct robust field trials, and adapt to a changing climate. The collaborative framework established by the IMLVT serves as a model for future international agricultural research initiatives that support the coffee sector to thrive. At the same time, the insights gained from this study provide important insights for developing the next generation of resilient coffee varieties to equip farmers with the tools needed to sustain coffee production and quality in the years to come.

This article was original written by World Coffee Research.

For the original article, please visit: 
https://worldcoffeeresearch.org/news/2025/coffee-leaf-rust-knows-no-borders-neither-does-coffee-science

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We're honored to be members of World Coffee Research since 2019 and proud to support their critical work.

Want to get involved? Ask your L+B trader about the Check-Off Program and help us secure the future of coffee together with WCR.

 

Date: 22.05.2205

It has been five years already since the Farmer Accelerator Project took off in Ethiopia. Right before the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns, in 2020, we partnered together with the United Nations International Trade Centre (ITC), Enveritas, and Coqua to bring the project to life with the mission of tackling the most evident sustainability challenges faced by smallholder farmers. 

The project took off in Southern Ethiopia and was designed to support farmers and their families through specific training. The training covers modules ranging from modern best agricultural practices such as agroforestry practices, composting, intercropping, and coffee-tree rejuvenation to basic financial literacy. The farmer trainers identify the most suitable family member capable of managing cash flow, taking notes on production numbers, expenditure, and income – ideally from multiple income streams.

A customized app is used by the farmer trainer to note this information digitally, making it available for track recording and comparison to other peer groups.

At the end of 2024, we received the statistics collected from the app from the baseline year 2021/22 to the midline year 2022/23, all collected by the farmer trainers via digital surveys to the farmers. The data is compared and contrasted with data gathered by Enveritas. The learnings are impressive. 

Overall, the results are positive and motivating! In the Southern regions of Sidama and SNNPR, growth is robust. There is significant improvement in production, sales, income, and prices, driven by enhanced agricultural practices, increased production, and sales volumes.

Coffee sales doubled in these regions, reflecting better market access and higher demand. 

In the South-West (Oromia), there was a small decline in production due to stumping practices. Production is expected to increase in the next few years. The substantial growth in sales and income underscores a positive shift driven by increased sales volumes and higher prices. 

Find an overview of regional performance in the chart below:

Regional summaries

The data was collected by farmer trainers, who overall visited 5,231 households in Sidama, SNNP, and Oromia during the stated period.

Interestingly, we can also see the best practice adoption rate, with “Shade Control” and “Erosion Control” being the highest. 

FMA - Best Practice Adoption Rate

Recently, we spoke with Moata Raya, Farming Accelerator Project Manager. He tells us his perspective, thoughts, and motivations from the project.

Moata, Farming Accelerator Project Manager in Ethiopia

What is your role in the Farming Accelerator Project?

I work as a Project Manager, designing the project, developing and updating training materials and advising on the training methodology and its implementation. I am also involved in stakeholder management and follow the update and progress of the project.

What are the major achievements of the Farming Accelerator Project so far?

This is the second year since we began the project, which is more about delivering training, learning, and providing practical knowledge. It’s a learning process, so it needs time to see results. But by now, we have trained more than 5,000 farmers and their families. We are teaching farming as a family business, encouraging all family members to attend the training, which is uncommon. This is an achievement. Government officials are happy with the type of training, as it motivates the entire family, bringing ideas to the youngest ones, letting them learn and engage in what their parents are doing. Besides this, we have seen great results with stumping. Within two to three years, productivity has increased. Farmers have better yields than before, which motivates them too.

How often do you provide training?

We have 14 modules and deliver training every month on each module, but we combine them. In the structure, we have a farmer trainer at the ground level. Each trainer supports up to 300 farmers, who are divided into 10 groups of around 25-30 members each. In this sense, each trainer provides one module every month to these groups. Afterward, trainers visit farmers to check on the adoption rate of the training, recording all the information digitally. We work long-term with farmers until we see tangible changes in terms of production, quality, and income.

Training in South West Ethiopia Peoples' Region, Feb. 2023

Besides farming as a family business and stumping, what other training is making a difference?

These are the two trainings where we have seen the most significant achievement. But there are others such as weeding and composting. We have achieved good results with compost and its preparation, as well as pest management. Overall, we have achieved great results through training on weeding, composting, and farming as a family business.

What would you say are the major challenges for coffee farmers in Ethiopia?

A major challenge, related to our project and farmers, is that we are not getting better quality farm tools to implement the training. We receive this feedback often. So, the availability of farm tools in the market is an issue. Our project philosophy is not to give out free materials, as that makes them dependent on us. Without us, some might not continue the work. Simply giving money or resources is not effective training, but giving skills and knowledge and motivating them to work hard is more valuable. Farmers highly appreciate the help of List + Beisler when it comes to providing agricultural tools for the farmers. 

Moreover, smallholders used to only have 1 hectare of land all planted with coffee, so their lives depended 100% on the coffee income from that land. Their production was very low, and the income they received from coffee was insufficient to sustain them year after year. Many faced food shortages after 7-8 months post-harvest. That is why we teach them about intercropping. We teach them to grow vegetables in their gardens, such as avocados or legumes like beans and peas, both for their own consumption and to sell the surplus. This way, they have an income and food until the stumped coffee trees are ready to produce again. Another training is about learning to save, so they don’t spend all their money and have better financial control.

Another issue is that the project areas are very scattered; the farmers are not close to each other. This makes it difficult for us to reach them all in one month. This is more of a logistical issue, but we have resolved some of it recently with the support of the ITC.

Training on stumping and composting.

How can others get involved and support the project?

Good question. Visibility on these issues is important. By showing the good work that is being done, we can raise funds and then be able to maintain this project, transforming it into something bigger. We need to keep promoting the project through social media and connections.

The future of the project is promising. We are still working on the design aspects of the project and implementing a lot of good agricultural practices. If we can reach more farmers in other areas and expand stumping practices, the impact for Ethiopian farmers will be more significant. Actually, at this time, EUDR is very challenging for Ethiopian farmers and exporters. But this project can help a lot if we keep working on it.

What inspires you most about the project?

When you travel to visit the project sites and you see the farmers implementing the training, that is the most rewarding. You see the changes happening right before your eyes.

Philip with project manager Beshir (left) and farmer trainer Kefyalew (right). Feb. 2025

 Philip, Managing Partner and Chief Sustainability Officer at L+B, was in Ethiopia at the end of February and came back with great impressions from the project. Keep tuned, we will be sharing the latest performance data soon!

 

Introducing our Coffee Maps

Discover where your coffee journey begins with our curated collection of coffee origin maps. Developed in collaboration between our Marketing and Trade teams, these maps highlight key coffee-growing regions across a wide range of producing countries—from the highlands of Ethiopia and the volcanic soils of Costa Rica, to the vast plantations of Brazil and Vietnam.

Whether you're a coffee professional or simply curious about where your cup comes from, these maps make it easy to visualize many growing regions around the globe. Dive in, explore, and download them for free!

Central America & Mexico

Coffee Map Costa Rica	Coffee Map Honduras	Coffee Map Guatemala

Coffee Map El Salvador	Coffee Map Nicaragua	Coffee Map Mexico

 

South America 

Coffee Map Brazil	Coffee Map Cololmbia

Coffee Map Ecuador	Coffee Map Peru

East Africa

Coffee Map Ethiopia	Coffee Map Kenya	Coffee Map Tanzania

Coffee Map Rwanda	Coffee Map Uganda

 

Asia Pacific 

Coffee Map India	Coffee Map Indonesia

 

Coffee Map Papua New Guinea	Coffee Map Vietnam

Since our inception, we have seen coffee as more than just a product or a commodity— but as a connection between people, places, and shared values. Sustainability has always been more than a checkbox, we have a commitment with it that is deeply embedded in how we work and source our coffees. This is why, through over 120 years as importers, we haven't been only on the look out for exceptional coffees—we're connecting and building strong, long-term relationships with partners who share our values and vision of bringing outstanding coffees to roasters worldwide.

One of the most fascinating yet complex aspects of international trade is the interdependence of people across different regions and cultures. At List + Beisler, we have been cultivating these connections since 1901—an achievement that is far from accidental. From the beginning, we have understood our role in the coffee supply chain: as a vital link between producing and consuming countries.

While it may seem obvious that an importer acts as a connector, what is often overlooked is how we all serve as crosslinkers in this global network. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, we see this dynamic unfolding more clearly. Alexander von Humboldt, the German polymath and pioneer of environmentalism, was among the first to highlight this reality. He revolutionized how we perceive nature, introducing the concept of the "web of life"—an intricate system where all living things are interdependent, forming a vast chain of causes and effects. No substance or action exists in isolation.

Inspired by Humboldt's perspective, we have examined our business model and sustainability initiatives through this lens. There is so much beauty in how everything interconnects - from the first cup brewed in our quality lab in Hamburg every day to how coffee cherries ripen on a coffee tree. This realization has driven us to develop our holistic sustainability program: Join the Movement.


Join the Movement is an open invitation to all stakeholders to take meaningful, progressive action that fosters long-term sustainability, strengthens supply chain resilience, and drives positive environmental and social impact across the coffee industry. Our approach focuses on five key areas of action:

1. Farming Accelerator Project 

This project philosophy consists of L+B's holistic approach to improving coffee farmers' livelihoods while at the same time reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions. In this area of action, the impact is paramount. Our Farmer Trainers visit coffee farmers and make sure state of the art farming knowledge is passed to the families. The trainings are inclusive and open to all family members.

2. Certifications & Compliance

We continuously support and encourage the work with Certifications (Voluntary Certification Schemes: VCS) such as Fairtrade, Organic, and Rainforest Alliance.

3. Coffee Knowledge

We are convinced that knowledge is power. A better understanding of the coffee world and its mechanics and interactions of production, commercialization, logistics, roasting, marketing, etc., will surely make the coffee value chain more resilient. We help to create and disseminate this knowledge and industry insights. This is what we genuinely call Coffee Knowledge.

4. Social Responsability

The fourth component of our program is Social Responsibility. We have therefore installed a Quick Relief Social Fund. This enables us to immediately react and reach out to our partners in case of natural disasters (such as hurricanes) or other circumstances (e.g. Covid-19) and bring efficient help directly there where it is most needed.

5. L+B Work Culture

We are aware that our operations produce Greenhouse Gas emissions. Hence, we reduce our L+B Inhouse & Logistic GHG emissions wherever possible and impactful with a mix of different mitigation and reduction tools.

Additionally we welcome an open and inclusive working culture. We are a young and very international workforce with more than ten different nationalities in the team, covering multiple languages and cultures from north to south and east to west.

Through this foundation, we aim to improve farmers' livelihoods, reduce CO2 emissions, and create and distribute knowledge across all levels of the supply chain. We invite you to learn more about our efforts in our latest Sustainability Manifesto.

Download the Sustainability Manifesto 2023/24 here.

When assessing the physical quality of green coffee, there are many factors to take into consideration. Bean density, moisture content, color and smell, bean size, uniformity, and the presence of defects, to name some. In the spirit of Halloween, we will focus on the beans that might scare you: green coffee defects!

Green coffee defects refer to beans that may have been negatively impacted at various stages—during harvesting, processing, storaging, or transporting. These defects can affect green coffee appearance or may lead to off-flavors, however, let's not demonize them.

Coffee is a natural product, and even with the best agricultural practices— such as soil management, plant nutrition, and pest control — coffee cannot be produced at a 0% defect rate. Additionally, the "ticking time bomb" of quality starts right after the cherries have been harvested. Further defects can occur during the post-harvest processes. For example, when washing the coffee, beans can unintentionally over-ferment.

It is crucial for wet- and dry-mills to detect all those defects and sort them out at various points during the processing and milling phases, allowing us to have certain qualities, e.g. Grade 1 and Screen +15 coffees. Despite cleaning and sorting, coffees are not 100% defect-free.

In green trading businesses, dealing with green coffee defects is part of our daily routine. In our lab, Berni and Luis go through every sample, counting and classifying defects. This is part of our quality control protocols, and helps us determine whether we can accept or reject certain coffees. This is a crucial step, as a single defectuous bean can spoil a cup or even a whole badge of coffee, and impact the roasting behaviour of coffee.

The classification and grading of defects varies from country to country. However, generally speaking, beans can be classified based on the quantity and type of defects found in a 300g sample.

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has categorised them into primary and secondary defects. Let's take a look at what they are, where they come from, and how they impact the cup.

Adapted from: The Washed Arabica Green Coffee Defect Guide

Full black/Partial black

Black beans are identified by their dark, opaque color, often due to fermentation pigments from microorganisms. They become apparent after the parchment has been removed, and are typically smaller and less dense. They can be sorted out either manually, mechanically through sieving machines and densimetric sorters, or with a color sorting machine.

→ A tip to correctly spot them: with a small knife cut the black bean open. If it is not black on the inside, it cannot be classified as a full black bean. Instead, the bean could have discoloration problems.

Black Beans.

Their effect on the cup? They can lead to earthy or musty notes and sometimes moldy, sour, or phenolic flavors.

Full sour/Partial sour

Sour beans are recognized by their yellowish to brownish and reddish color and can often have a vinegary smell. They result from fermentation caused by microbial contamination, often due to harvesting overripe or fallen cherries. Sometimes they can be produced during an unwanted prolonged fermentation in the production process of washed parchment.

These defects can be managed at the farm level and also with proper maintenance and process monitoring at the washing station. In terms of cup quality, sour beans may introduce flavors that are sour, fermented, or acetic.

Dried cherry

In washed coffees, a dried cherry may result from poor depulping and failure to remove the cherry skin or selection of floaters. In natural coffees, they result from improper hulling and sorting. This affects the appearance of green coffee beans and may result in fermented, moldy, and phenolic flavors.

Fungus damage

These are commonly caused by different fungi and can affect the bean at any point of harvesting, processing, and storage if the temperature and humidity levels are optimal for fungus growth. The effect on the cup is fermented, musty, dusty, moldy, and phenolic flavors.

Foreign matter

Can be in the form of sticks, stones, metallic objects, insects, plastic, or any other non-coffee items. They are the result of poor sorting and inspection and can damage roasting equipment and cause health issues. They may also cause off-flavours in the cup. Despite all efforts, however, it is not possible to have 100% foreign matter free coffee.

Severe/Slight insect damage

Often caused by the coffee berry borer, these beans are marked by tiny dark perforations left by the insect. They can produce earthy, sour, or moldy flavors, particularly in beans with numerous perforations. Depending on the amount of perforations, a bean can be considered to have severe (primary defect) or slight insect damage (secondary defect). For classification within secondary defects, a bean is considered to have slight insect damage when it shows at least one perforation.

Floater

Floaters result from improper storage or drying. These beans appear distinctly white, pale, and faded and are also less dense. As their name suggests, they float in water (because of their low density) and can be removed using density sorters.

Their presence in a cup can lead to fermented, herb-like, hay-like, musty, moldy flavors.

Immature/Unripe

These defects occur at the farm level and refer to beans that haven't fully developed, often due to factors such as improper picking of green or unripe cherries or uneven ripening. When roasted, these beans are referred to as "quakers."

They can be identified by their pale, yellowish color and the presence of silverskin still attached to the bean. In the cup, they typically contribute fresh, hay-like, or unripe herbal flavors and are often a source of astringency.

Withered beans

Withered beans are primarily caused by insufficient water during the bean development stage. These beans are usually smaller, malformed, and have a wrinkled appearance, resembling raisins.
In sufficient quantities, they may introduce herbal or hay-like flavors.

Shells

These are malformed beans with a seashell shape, consisting of either the inner and/or outer part of a bean. This natural phenomenon is caused by genetics, and the beans can be removed using a density sorter. Sometimes, very large beans can be squeezed during pulping and break. Once the parchment is dried and further processed in the dry mill the bean splits and shells emerge.

Their presence may lead to uneven roasting, resulting in smoky or ashy flavors.

Broken/Chipped/Cut

This can occur during the pulping process or at the dry mill when equipment is not correctly adjusted and end up damaging and cutting the beans. They can lead to musty, earthy, dusty, sour, or fermented flavors.

Hull/Husk

These are fragments of dried pulp, typically of dark red color. They may appear due to insufficient cleaning of natural coffees or the improper calibration of the depulping machine. In sufficient amounts,they can introduce musty, dirty, earthy, and phenolic flavors.

Classification of defects during a course at our L+B Cupping Studio.

How do you green grade?

Green coffees are graded and classified before being exported. In order to validate that the grade and quality fully match the contract, they are also inspected by the buyer prior to shipment.

For us, green grading begins by measuring the humidity of the green coffee, followed by an olfactory and visual inspection.

It's important to note that some defects carry more weight than others. For instance, black beans can lead to moldy, dirty, and even phenolic flavors. As indicated in the table above, a single black bean counts as one defect, while for an insect-damaged bean, you need at least five or ten beans—depending on the severity of the damage—to constitute one green coffee defect. According to SCA standards, for a sample to be classified as specialty:

• 0 Category 1 defects are allowed
• A Maximum of 5 Category 2 defects are allowed

Even though the appearance of green coffee might give you a hint of its quality, decisions are made during the sensory evaluation of the coffees. In this crucial step, cuppers analyse how the coffees perform in the cup and evaluate their profiles and specifications.

If you would like to learn more about green coffee defects, how to recognize them and grade them, get in touch. We frequently offer green grading courses at our L+B Cupping Studio, where we dive deep into the "dark side of coffee". While it might not be the nicest sensory experience, it is an undeniably essential aspect in evaluating coffee quality.

For more information on our courses, reach out via events@list-beisler.de

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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!

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!