Latest news with #specialtycoffee
ABC News
4 days ago
- Business
- ABC News
Australian growers aim for 'specialty coffee' status as price of international beans rises
In homes and cafes around the country, millions of Australians start their day with the same morning ritual: a strong cup of coffee. Over the decades, the culture has shifted towards quality and specialty blends. But still only a tiny fraction of the six billion cups of coffee Australians consume each year is produced at home. Growers believe that can change. "Australia — and tropical north Queensland specifically — has a lot of the variables needed to grow great coffee," Queensland coffee farmer Jemal Murat said. "I think the market has a curiosity about what we're doing now, and they can taste it. "The proof is in the pudding." Far North Queensland accounts for 85 per cent of Australia's coffee production. Mr Murat's 70-hectare Arabica coffee farm is in Mareeba, in the Tablelands region. The Tablelands produces about 800 tonnes of coffee beans a year. To put it in perspective, Brazil — the world's largest coffee-producing nation — grows almost four million tonnes of beans annually. "We're not getting ahead of ourselves. The scale of our production is tiny compared to the level of imports Australia receives," Mr Murat said. The Tablelands grower is working with Griffith University's School of Environment and Science to elevate Australia's domestic coffee industry. Researcher Dr Fawad Ali believes Queensland could become as renowned for its coffee as southern Australia is for its wine. "We need to upgrade the coffee industry to the level of the wine industry, where flavours can play a significant role in broadening the market for Queensland-produced coffee," he said. The project helps local producers improve bean quality to achieve "specialty coffee" status, a shift that could dramatically increase the value of their crop. Although much of northern Australia is within the global "coffee belt" — between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn — the Tablelands has the rich soil, elevation, and reliable rainfall that's ideal for growing coffee. Dr Ali is developing new coffee varieties tailored specifically for this region. He's also looking for less resource intensive ways to grow coffee and enhance its flavour. "We're seeing a serious impact from climate change on major coffee-producing regions around the world, including Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, and Vietnam," he said. As coffee prices rise, Dr Ali believes improving domestic production could make Australian-grown beans more competitive — especially in the specialty market. Rod Greenfield is the CEO of a Melbourne specialty coffee roaster that supplies beans to hundreds of cafes around the country. All their beans come from overseas, but Mr Greenfield can see that changing. "We've been interested in Australian coffee for a long time," he said. "I did my first trip to a coffee farm in northern Queensland over a decade ago … realistically, the coffee wasn't specialty enough at that point." Mr Greenfield's company has been working closely with growers in the project to improve the flavour of their beans. In March, they showcased a small selection from the Tablelands at the Melbourne International Coffee Expo. "They blew people away with the flavour of coffee that's now able to be produced in Australia," Mr Greenfield said. "At that show, we were voted Australia's favourite coffee roaster … and I'm pretty sure that the Australian coffee we showcased had something to do with that."
SBS Australia
24-05-2025
- Business
- SBS Australia
Taking coffee from 'functional beverage' to 'indulgence'
Indonesia, one of the world's largest coffee producers, has just hosted a global event that's turning heads, and turning up the heat, in the specialty coffee world. This is the World of Coffee Jakarta 2025, the first time this prestigious international coffee showcase has been held in a coffee-producing country. And for Indonesia, it's more than just an honour ... it's a statement. From cutting-edge brewing competitions to ethically sourced beans, thousands gathered in Jakarta for a full-bodied celebration of everything coffee. At the heart of it is the Specialty Coffee Association, or SCA, which launched the World of Coffee expo back in 1999. This year, it finally made its way to the farms and forests where so much of the world's finest coffee begins. Yannis Apostolopoulos, the CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association, says the aim is to reframe how we think about coffee. "I think what we're trying to do is to excite consumers in consuming coffee. Coffee is moving away from being a functional beverage to becoming more of an indulgement. And what we want to do is to get consumers through a journey that they find coffee exciting as food or wine, so that people can actually enjoy coffee and maybe understand the value that they bring to the value chain and to the people that are producing coffee all around the world." He's talking about a deeper experience, one where coffee sits alongside wine and fine cuisine, with respect for every hand along the supply chain. One of those hands belongs to Mikael Jasin, the World Barista Champion in 2024. He's a familiar face here, brewing with the same meticulous care farmers use when harvesting cherries. 'At least for me, it's making sure that the approach that I do when I make this coffee is the same standard at least to the approach that the farmers have done to their coffee, the roasters have done to that coffee, and then me as the barista at least maintain the same standard, if not better. So that the customer when they drink it, they can enjoy that coffee to the best potential of that coffee." He says it's about preserving the integrity of the bean, from farm to roast to cup. That sense of duty, he admits, becomes even more intense when he's making coffee for others. 'Coffee, there's still so many people that are involved in the steps and it's very easy to mess it up. So, when I make coffee - and especially when I make coffee for people, when I make coffee for myself, I'm a bit more relaxed - but for people, I want make sure that I'm serving the best of that coffee ." And it all begins with the farmers. On the volcanic slopes of Bandung, West Java, coffee cherries ripen in the sun. This is home to Java Halu Coffee, run by Rani Mayasari. At her booth in Jakarta, she beams with pride. It's taken 15 years to build her farm, empower women, and make it here. And now, she's sharing Indonesia's story with the world. "It's proof that maybe our world is more better. It's our hope in the coffee industry, our hope, our economy, our politics more better in next year. It's like a medicine for us. It's like a painkiller for us, you know? Because a lot of effort that we already doing in 15 years. So it's like a good food, healthy food, or soulful food maybe for us. So our soul happy, our body happy, so we can make it in these three days." She says serving her first harvest to international buyers is more than a sale, it's a celebration of identity, resilience, and the soulful joy of good coffee. Young coffee lovers, too, are finding inspiration here. Among them, 18-year-old Jamie Elijah Yauw. He's just graduated high school but already dreams of joining the industry. 'I think every step of the way at the industry is amazing. It's beautiful, it's inspiring, and to be here, meeting people who've worked with farmers, meeting people who make the tools we use every day, meeting people explain how they roast their coffee and seeing the effort that people put, or see how much they love, how much they put their whole life into coffee, is so inspiring. Where for me to see people like that, it's just making me awestruck, really.' And then, the grand finale, the World Brewers Cup 2025. After three days of intense competition, China's George Jinyang Peng emerged as this year's champion. "I feel so very excited and very happy, and maybe a little bit shocked." With over 50 participants and more on the horizon, the competition mirrors the fast-growing specialty coffee market, especially in producing nations like Indonesia, Brazil, and Vietnam. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the global coffee industry now generates more than $200 billion in annual revenue. In 2024 alone, the price of Arabica surged by 58 per cent. And with growing interest in transparency, sustainability, and quality, events like World of Coffee Jakarta are redefining the bean, not just as a drink, but as a story. For Indonesia, that story is just beginning. And it smells like a fresh brew of national pride and global respect.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Swiss Water Reports Voting Results from Annual General Meeting of Shareholders
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Inc. (TSX : SWP) ('Swiss Water' or 'the Company'), a leading specialty coffee company and premium green coffee decaffeinator, is pleased to announce the following voting results of the Company's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, which was held on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Election of Directors The Director nominees listed in the Management Information Circular for its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders were elected as Directors of Swiss Water. Voting results for individual Directors elected were as follows: Votes For Votes Against Nominee Number Percentage Number Percentage Frank A. Dennis 2,730,967 98.58% 39,302 1.42% Roland W. Veit 2,440,525 88.10% 329,744 11.90% Robert B. Johnston 2,432,875 87.82% 337,394 12.18% Donald J. Tringali 2,723,317 98.31% 46,952 1.69% Nancy L. McKenzie 2,728,667 98.50% 41,602 1.50% Alan C. Wallace 2,732,467 98.64% 37,802 1.36% Eric Yanagi 1,783,335 64.37% 986,934 35.63% Appointment of Auditors MNP LLP was appointed as auditors with 99.93% voting support. About Swiss Water Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Inc. is a leading specialty coffee company and a premium green coffee decaffeinator that employs the proprietary Swiss Water® Process to decaffeinate green coffee without the use of chemical solvents such as methylene chloride. It also owns Seaforth Supply Chain Solutions Inc., a green coffee handling and storage business. Both businesses are located in Delta, British Columbia, Canada. Additional Information A more detailed discussion of Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Inc.'s recent financial results is provided in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis filed on SEDAR+ and Company's website For more information, please contact: Iain Carswell, Chief Financial OfficerSwiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee 604-420-4050Email: investor-relations@ Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements in this press release may constitute 'forward-looking' statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, such statements may include such words as 'may', 'will', 'expect', 'believe', 'plan' and other similar terminology. These statements reflect management's current expectations regarding future events and operating performance, as well as management's current estimates, but which are based on numerous assumptions and may prove to be incorrect. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, risks related to processing volumes and sales growth, operating results, the supply of utilities, the supply of coffee, general industry conditions, commodity price risks, technology, competition, foreign exchange rates, construction timing, costs and financing of capital projects, a potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and general economic conditions. The forward-looking statements and financial outlook information contained herein are made as of the date of this press release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Except to the extent required by applicable securities law, Swiss Water undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any such statements to reflect any change in management's expectations or in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those described in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
21-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Lucky Hills Coffee Showcases Farm-to-Cup Specialty Coffee at Independent Hotel Show 2025
Miami-based specialty coffee company returns to premier hospitality industry event for third consecutive year. MIAMI LAKES, FL, UNITED STATES, May 21, 2025 / / -- Lucky Hills Coffee, a leading brand of specialty coffees to the US food service market, will exhibit at the Independent Hotel Show 2025 in Miami on September 17-18 at booth #423. The company returns for the third consecutive year to the premier event for luxury and boutique hotels, highlighting its commitment to delivering sustainable, farm-to-cup coffee solutions to the hospitality industry. Lucky Hills imports 100% arabica specialty coffee beans directly from a cooperative of 80 coffee growers in Carmo da Cachoeira, Southern Minas Gerais State, Brazil, eliminating middlemen and ensuring quality control and competitive pricing. All beans are roasted to order locally in Florida to maximize freshness before delivery to food service customers throughout the United States. 'We are thrilled to be back at the Independent Hotel Show which provides an invaluable platform for us to connect with decision-makers in the boutique and luxury hotel segment,' said Anne Valdez, Managing Director of Lucky Hills Coffee. 'As hotels increasingly seek authentic, sustainable products with compelling stories, our direct-trade specialty coffee resonates strongly with both hoteliers and their guests who value transparency and quality.' At the show, Lucky Hills will demonstrate how its specialty coffee program can help hotels differentiate their offerings and create memorable guest experiences. The company's exhibit will showcase its ethical sourcing practices, quality control processes, and custom blending capabilities specifically designed for the hospitality industry. Lucky Hills maintains direct relationships with its partner growers, ensuring fair compensation and sustainable farming practices while delivering exceptional coffee with traceable origins. This farm-to-cup approach aligns with the growing demand from independent hotels for authentic, sustainable products that enhance guest experiences. 'Our participation at the Independent Hotel Show reflects our commitment to being a trusted coffee partner for premium hospitality providers,' Valdez added. 'We look forward to strengthening existing relationships and forming new connections with hoteliers who understand that exceptional coffee is an essential element of the luxury guest experience.' Visitors to booth #423 can sample Lucky Hills' specialty coffees and discuss customized solutions for their properties with coffee experts, including world-renowned coffee specialist Anne Valdez, who has over 35 years of industry experience. As Managing Director of Lucky Hills Coffee, she oversees the company's direct trade relationships with 80 coffee growers in Brazil's, ensuring sustainable and transparent coffee sourcing practices. She has dedicated her career to every aspect of specialty coffee, from farm to cup, including cupping, judging, roasting, and barista training. For more information about Lucky Hills Coffee or to schedule a meeting during the Independent Hotel Show 2025, please visit or call +1 (407) 719-2390. ### About Lucky Hills Coffee Lucky Hills Coffee ( ) is a leading supplier of specialty coffees to the US food service market, offering unique varieties of coffee without middlemen, in an ethical, transparent, and completely sustainable way. Based in Miami Lakes, Florida, the company maintains direct relationships with a cooperative of 80 coffee growers in Carmo da Cachoeira, Southern Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Through its innovative direct trade model, Lucky Hills ensures maximum quality and freshness, roasting beans locally in Florida on demand. Notes to Editors: The Independent Hotel Show is the premier business event for the luxury, boutique and independent hotel sector, bringing together thousands of hotel owners, general managers, and key decision-makers with leading suppliers. Lucky Hills Coffee sources its beans exclusively from a cooperative of 80 coffee growers in one of Brazil's finest coffee-growing regions, ensuring complete traceability and sustainability. The company's direct-trade model eliminates intermediaries, allowing for both premium quality and competitive pricing. Anne Valdez, who will be available for interviews during the show, is an international cupping judge, regional barista judge, espresso training station instructor, and craft roasting station instructor. End of Press Release. Anne Valdez Lucky Hills Coffee +1 407-719-2390 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
