Introduction

The newsletter is about 850 words.

Estimated reading time: 3–4 minutes.

In this newsletter:

• A quick summary of coffee news from the last month
• See us at the Winelands Expo this weekend
• Five new coffees now available

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Coffee Market

Supply

Global coffee supply remained tight this month. Key producers like Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, and parts of Central America shipped less coffee than normal due to smaller crops, slower harvest progress, and farmers holding back stock for better prices. Brazil’s robusta (Conilon) was heavily absorbed by strong local demand, and Colombia’s production continued to come in lower than last year. With several origins unable to build meaningful export flow, the world market saw reduced availability, especially of arabica.

Shipping

Tensions in the Middle East caused major problems along the Red Sea and Suez Canal, forcing many vessels to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope. This added time, cost, and delays to shipments from Africa and Asia. Countries like Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, and Vietnam struggled with longer lead times, while importers in Europe and the U.S. reported consistently low inventories. These disruptions made it harder for roasters to rely on predictable arrival schedules.

Sentiment

Market mood stayed nervous. With supply tight and shipments unreliable, traders became more active, which added volatility. Even modest news about weather, logistics, or export pace tended to move prices quickly. Buyers were more willing to pay up for prompt coffee, and speculative activity increased as fundamentals turned supportive.

Arabica

Arabica prices rose steadily throughout the month. Starting from the high‑270s Usc/lb range, prices pushed into—and at times above—the 300 Usc/lb level. The rise reflected genuine concern about limited washed arabica supply, ongoing shipping issues, and active speculative buying.

Short Term

In the short term, the market is likely to stay supported. Shipping delays will not resolve quickly, and many producing countries are still working with reduced stocks. Although a larger Brazilian crop is expected later in the year, that coffee is months away from harvest and shipment, meaning it won’t ease tightness immediately. Until then, buyers may stay cautious, spot availability should remain thin, and arabica prices could continue to trade at elevated levels unless weather turns negative or producer selling increases unexpectedly.

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Expo

We will be at the Winelands Coffee Festival/Expo this weekend at the Mistico Equestrian Centre, Paarl Farms, Paarl. You’ll find us at the La Marzocco stand, where we’ll be offering our latest coffees (see below) along with a few additional options.

You can read more about the event here: Winelands 2026 – info

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New Coffees

We have several new coffees this month, replacing some and adding variety to some regions.

Brazil Eagle Monte Carmelo Fine Cup Arabica

This coffee comes from the Cerrado Mineiro and is blended from local estates to keep the profile steady from season to season. Expect roasted nuts, brown sugar notes, and a medium body.
Read more: Brazilian Eagle Mt Carmelo…

Costa Rican La Isla Honey

This honey‑processed Villa Sarchí from Costa Rica’s West Valley offers berries, light cocoa notes, and a juicy finish. Slow drying and careful picking create a sweet, clean cup with a round texture.
Read more: La Isla Honey…

Colombian Fincamigos Typica Washed

This washed Typica from Colombia brings peach and honey sweetness with a gentle nutty finish. It has a medium body and presents a balanced, easy‑drinking profile.
Read more: Fincamigos info…

Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Eva Gotiti Organic Washed

This washed heirloom lot from Gedeb shows blueberry, brown sugar, and a hint of vanilla. The high altitude supports clarity and structure in the cup.
Read more: More on Eva Gotit…

Kenyan Karia‑Ini Peaberry (Fully Washed)

This bright Kenyan Peaberry from Kirinyaga brings peach notes, honey sweetness, and a clean nutty finish. Slow maturation at 1,600 m gives the coffee definition and a steady flavour line.
Read more: about karia-ini…