Comunicaffe International

Exports of green coffee rose by 4.2%, to 2,728,267 bags. However, shipments of Arabica remain significantly lower (-11.9%) than a year ago, standing at 2,126,511 bags. Exports of Robusta, on the other hand, are soaring, exceeding 600,000 bags and reaching levels almost triple (+193%) those of May 2025. Overseas sales of processed coffee are also slowing, down slightly (-0.5%) to 360,610 bags, mostly instant coffee

Climate factors are once again at the heart of market dynamics, with confirmation from sources including the Japan Meteorological Agency of an El Niño pattern forming in the equatorial Pacific. This could lead to extreme weather events such as droughts, floods and sharp temperature swings in the coming months, affecting production areas in Asia and South America

Why does coffee taste bitter? A new study published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology has provided the clearest molecular explanation yet, revealing how specific compounds found in coffee activate a human bitter taste receptor known as TAS2R43. The research, led by scientists from the University of North Carolina and Stanford University, used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the receptor at near-atomic resolution. The findings help explain not only how humans perceive coffee bitterness, but also why bitterness varies among different coffee compounds and brewing profiles.

Nestlé is embarking on one of the largest reorganisations in its recent history. The Swiss group has announced a global plan to cut 16,000 jobs over the next two years, equivalent to around 6% of its total workforce. This decision marks the beginning of the new strategy of CEO Philipp Navratil, who took the helm of the company with the aim of boosting efficiency and growth.

According to the ICO, the “market appeared to weigh two opposing forces: the closure of the Strait of Hormuz since 4 March, which pushed up the crude oil price by 55.8% and shipping freight costs by 43.6% between 27 February and 30 April, and a continued improvement in the global supply outlook. On balance, the latter factor appeared to have outweighed the former. This change in perspective may reflect the market having already factored in the war, while news related to supply and demand fundamentals continued to evolve”

The brand strengthens its presence in India with a new immersive retail pavilion in Mumbai, its third store in the country

Women Brewing Change: Voices from Kenya’s Coffee World, written by Katarina Polojaz and Vittoria Moretti, explores the evolving role of women within Kenya’s coffee sector, from farming and cooperative leadership to barista training and international promotion. Through the personal stories of Annet, Iddha Rose, and Susan, the article highlights how initiatives supported by Italian cooperation are creating new opportunities and transforming local communities. It offers readers an insight into the people, cultures, and realities behind one of the world’s most appreciated coffees. The article also reflects on the social and economic impact of projects such as ARABIKA and Caffè Corretto in empowering women and youth across the coffee value chain.

Overall, the Lavazza model highlights a structural transformation. From a strongly domestic company to a global group, with growing geographical diversification and an increasingly integrated presence across production, retail and distribution. This trajectory confirms an established trend in the coffee sector: growth increasingly relies on international expansion and the ability to adapt the product range to local markets without compromising brand consistency

The collaboration with Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner, brand ambassador since 2019, and the company’s role as Platinum Partner at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin since 2021, confirm that tennis is a strategic communication asset for Lavazza

The underlying picture remains unchanged, with the prospect of a strong production recovery in Brazil continuing to exert downward pressure on the markets, while risks related to the crisis in the Middle East are helping to support prices. Meanwhile, ICE Arabica certified stocks have fallen below the half-million-bag threshold again, settling yesterday at 497,926 bags, of which 132,747 consist of coffee of Honduran origin