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Paulig press release photo.
Paulig Switches to Mostly Biofuel for Green Coffee Ocean Freight
Finnish coffee roasting and production giant Paulig recently coordinated with multiple logistics carriers to use biofuel for the majority of the shipments of its green coffee and spices, which represent about 80% of the volume of Paulig’s inbound cargo shipments. The company said that while not all shipments will actually run on biofuels, as opposed to traditional natural gas, it will “purchase the equivalent amount under a mass balance system.” Paulig expects the change — part of a broader corporate environmental sustainability program — to reduce previous emissions by 90% while sparing about 10,000 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere annually.
New York Times Explores Coffee Prices Under Lens of Climate Change
A feature this week in the New York Times (paywall) takes a nuanced look at the current high coffee prices and how they may affect farmers in the long term. The story notes that forces such as climate change are helping drive high prices, while simultaneously creating an existential threat to coffee farming. “Whoever benefits from rising prices today may be destroyed by the next calamity tomorrow,” the piece states.
Coffee Quality Institute CEO Michael Sheridan on the ‘F-Word’
Michael Sheridan, CEO of Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), wrote a piece this week regarding the currently high coffee prices affecting the coffee industry. In it, he addressed the “f-word:” the four-dollar market. The piece explores the risk that higher prices pose to long-term coffee quality, as many producers may turn to “negative coping strategies” in the current market.
JDE Peet’s Notes High Green Prices in 2024 Results
Coffee conglomerate JDE Peet’s released its full 2024 results, noting the difficulties presented by high green coffee prices. “Green coffee prices have, on average, more than doubled, compared to a year ago, and are not expected to decline in the near term,” the company wrote. “To mitigate this impact, we will continue to be disciplined on pricing, while also implementing a range of productivity and efficiency measures to absorb as much of the cost inflation headwind as possible, passing on only what is unavoidable while maintaining affordability for our consumers.”
Coffee Watch Head Says Companies May Be Readier for EUDR Than They Say
Etelle Higonnet, founder of the industry watchdog group Coffee Watch, offered fresh commentary in Mongabay on the forthcoming European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Higonnet suggested many large European roasting and trading companies may be more prepared for enforcement than they have claimed to be up to this point. EUDR implementation, designed to reduce deforestation in supply chains, has already been delayed for one year, with enforcement now scheduled to begin at the end of 2025.
Olam Agri Sells to Saudi Arabia for $1.78 Billion; Ofi Not Included
A report from Reuters this week outlined Saudi Arabia’s recent agreement to purchase a 44.58% stake in Singapore-based Olam Agri, Olam Group’s agricultural products business, for $1.78 billion. Olam Group’s green coffee umbrella company, Ofi, is a separate business unit, and was not part of the transaction. “With this transaction, we can now focus our attention on seeking strategic options to unlock value for the remaining Olam Group businesses and ofi, including the pursuit of an IPO,” Group CEO Sunny Verghese said in a press statement.
Expocacer Opens London-based Logistics Hub
The Cerrado Coffee Growers Cooperative (Expocacer) announced the launch of its second international logistics hub, in London, England, promoting direct trade to Europe. The Brazilian producer cooperative launched its inaugural international hub last year, in Delaware.
Phoenix Woman’s Coffee Trailer Was Stolen Just Before Launch
Twenty-three-year-old Jayde Greer’s 1966 vintage Aloha trailer was stolen from her home’s front yard in Phoenix, according to numerous local sources. Greer had been rebuilding the trailer as a mobile coffee shop for months. Family members launched a GoFundMe to support the young entrepreneur.
Motörhead Launches ‘Speedfreak’ Coffee with Concept Cafes
The English heavy rock band Motörhead is releasing its own branded coffee today, Feb. 28, through a partnership with the roasting company Concept Cafes. Blabbermouth has more on the release of the Motörhead “Speedfreak” blend, which coincides with Daytona Beach’s Bike Week.
Quarrelsome Coffee Closes After Two Years
After two years of serving high-quality and experimental coffees in St. Louis, Missouri, Quarrelsome Coffee announced it was shutting down on Feb. 2. “We can’t thank you enough for your endless enthusiasm and support that helped make our dreams a reality,” the company said on Instagram. “We have loved being a part of the neighborhood and your everyday coffee routine.”
New from CoffeeIndustryJobs.com
- Master Roaster — Lucky Goat Coffee
- PRODUCTION ROASTER — Denim Coffee Company
- Technical Support Team Member — La Marzocco
- Sustainability Reporting Coordinator — Westrock Coffee Company
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Design Details: A Soaring Glass Dragon at The Duo in Queens
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