Welcome to the second instalment of DR Wakefield’s monthly newsletter: a round-up of our own news plus insights on the wider coffee industry. Both at DR Wakefield and beyond, there’s been plenty going on in the world of coffee over the last month, as you’re about to find out…
DR Wakefield: Where we’re going, and where we’ve been…
Another month, another packed schedule of trips and events for us here at DRW. Will, Priscilla and MT represented at the SCAE World of Coffee in Gothenburg on 16-18 June. You can read our full report on that here.
Santi and Henry are off to Peru at the end of this month to visit the co-operatives we source our coffee from. Simon and Priscilla are going out to visit the Daterra farm later this month, and finally, we’re off to Peru from the 31 July – 9 August. Look out for our in-depth reports on our blog, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter too.
Could climate change spell the end for coffee?
There’s no denying that climate change is a massive threat both environmentally and economically, and In early June the Guardian ran a piece which touched on the implications that climate change could have on the coffee industry if we don’t all get our collective act together – and the effects are already being seen. Vietnamese coffee farmers are suffering a drought so bad that they are no longer exporting coffee overseas, while droughts in Brazil and floods in Honduras are causing huge issues for coffee growers in these countries too. For the coffee industry – and for many others – something needs to be done… and soon.
Japanese coffee industry booming…
The results of a recent survey released by the All Japan Coffee Association show that the nation is consuming, on average, its highest amount of coffee per week since the study began back in 1983. The average Japanese citizen consumed 11.13 cups of coffee each week throughout 2014: a figure that has increased from 10.73 in 2012.
The tea-loving nation still has a long way to go to catch up with many European countries and the US, though, in terms of its coffee culture. The majority of these coffees are drunk at home or work, with only 0.2 cups per week on average enjoyed at a cafe or coffee shop. With Starbucks now present in all 47 prefectures of Japan, though, and Blue Bottle Coffee opening its first Japanese branch earlier this year, Japan could well be one to watch…
2015 World Champions of Coffee announced…
In mid-June we attended the Nordic World of Coffee event in Gothenburg: we were among the 1,000 or so exhibitors at the event, which was attended by in excess of 4,000 people. In addition to interactive exhibitions, talks, cupping events, seminars and plenty of networking opportunities, the event was also the setting for various competitions and the announcement of a number of awards.
Five new World Champions were announced at the event, with three of these hailing from Europe. The full list of new World Champions and award winners can be seen here.
Americans drinking less coffee thanks to single serve pods…
The latest biannual coffee report from the US Department of Agriculture shows that while Americans are now spending more money on coffee than they have before, the amount of coffee that they actually drink is falling. Across the globe, demand for coffee is rising but the amount of coffee consumed in the US is predicted to fall from 24 million bags in the year ending in September to 23.7 million bags in the 2015 to 2016 season.
The reason for this decline is the rise in popularity of single serve coffee pods: US coffee drinkers now prefer to make a single serving of coffee rather than a whole pot, meaning that they are buying less coffee than before.
New arrivals:
Indian Premium Robusta: Kaapi royale
We just landed this excellent coffee which shone on the cupping table. It was the very first Fine Robusta or ‘R’ coffee certified by the Coffee Quality Institute. It has a big, buttery body and a delicate and refined acidity. A firm favourite here at DRW, our premium robustas really are a pleasure to cup.
Kenya AA Kathima:
Kathima is a primary cooperative from Embu county on the rich green slopes of Mount Kenya. Typical of the origin, this coffee has a sparkling acidity and juicy blackcurrant flavour notes.
Coffees to get excited about:
Ethiopia Wild Forest Organic Coffee:
We’re really happy about this coffee landing on our shores. We’re the first importer to bring this coffee into the UK and we’re very excited to share it with you! It’s a super sweet coffee with summer fruits in abundance. It has a full body with a gentle acidity and we think it would be perfect for cold brew. insert link to Phil’s interview
Guatemala Finca San Guayaba microlot:
Finca San Guayaba is the farm of Juan de la Cerda and is located in Palencia, Guatemala. This special microlot has everything you would associate with a top Guatemala. The cup is complex with sweet apple and chocolate, leading on to a creamy hazelnut finish. It has a rich body which is coupled with a crisp acidity. San Guayaba have won the Cup of Excellence twice and this year placed 11th in CoE 2015!
Thailand Doi Chaang Semi Washed PB Fairtrade Organic:
We have been working with Doi Chaang in Thailand (link to previous DRW blog article) for 5 years now. When cupping the pre shipment samples, the semi washed PB really jumped out at us. It had a lemon acidity and was very fruity. We’ll certainly be putting some on our filter pot in the office when it arrives!
We have been working with Doi Chaang in Thailand (link to previous DRW blog article) for 5 years now. When cupping the pre shipment samples, the semi washed PB really jumped out at us. It had a lemon acidity and was very fruity. We’ll certainly be putting some on our filter pot in the office when it arrives!
