An Interesting Bit of Research on Wild Coffee – 103 species of coffee then...how many now?

An annotated taxonomic conspectus of the genus Coffea (coffee) researched and written by Davis, Govaerts, Bridson and Stoffelen was published in the Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society in 2006 (152, 465–512). This article provided a comprehensive overview of the taxonomic history of wild Coffea species, including an enumeration of 103 distinct species and seven infraspecific taxa, focusing on their distribution, diversity, and extinction risk.

Some Key Findings:

• Diversity and Distribution: The study identified 41 species in Africa, 59 in Madagascar, and three in the Mascarenes (a group of islands in the Indian Ocean, including Mauritius, Réunion and Rodrigues), confirming that these are the only regions where Coffea species occur naturally. This represents a higher species count than previous estimates. Madagascar, with its diverse forest types, is identified as a major center of Coffea diversity, along with Cameroon and Tanzania. Notably, no species are shared between these three regions, highlighting high levels of endemism (100% in each area). While some species like C. liberica and C. canephora (robusta coffee) have wider distributions, most are narrowly endemic, confined to small geographic areas. Species inhabiting riverine habitats tend to have broader distributions than their non-riverine relatives.

• Extinction Threat: A significant finding was that 72 of the 103 species (almost 70%) are classified as "Threatened" according to IUCN criteria. This includes 14 Critically Endangered, 35 Endangered, and 23 Vulnerable species. While no species were confirmed extinct, C. fragilis has not been relocated, and C. heterocalyx was considered to be on the verge of extinction.

• Conservation Challenges: The study emphasized the lack of a coordinated conservation strategy for Coffeagenetic resources. Both ex situ (e.g., seed banks) and in situ (e.g., protected areas) conservation efforts faced significant challenges:

  • Ex situ limitations: Existing field genebanks are declining due to financial difficulties. While collections exist for commercially important species like C. arabica, C. canephora, and C. liberica, their genetic diversity is limited compared to wild populations. Furthermore, Coffea seeds exhibit recalcitrant or intermediate storage behavior, making long-term preservation difficult. Alternative methods like in vitroslow growth and cryopreservation were expensive and required further research.

  • In situ absence: Critically, there are no established genetic reserves specifically designated for wild Coffeaspecies (except maybe in Costa Rica where there is a collection of African coffee species managed by CATIE). This lack of in situ conservation is attributed partly to a lack of awareness among land managers and decision-makers about the presence and importance of these resources.

    

    Coffea leroyi? in central Trinidad

• Focus on Narrow Endemics: The study highlighted the urgent need to conserve narrowly endemic species, particularly those in Madagascar, the Mascarenes, and eastern Africa, especially those located outside existing protected areas.

• Call for Action and Resource: The study provided a baseline for future conservation efforts. It emphasized the need to prioritize threatened species and suggested using the IUCN Red List categories and regional checklists for conservation planning. While the commercially important species deserve attention, the study stressed the importance of conserving the broader genetic diversity of wild Coffea for long-term sustainability.

As of May 2024, further work by other researchers on the genus Coffea have increased the number of coffee species identified from the 103 species documented in 2006 by Davis et al, to 124 recognized species. The discovery of these new species, particularly in regions like Madagascar and other parts of Africa and ongoing research and exploration continue to enhance our understanding of Coffea diversity, which is vital for conservation and the development of resilient coffee cultivars.

Increased Prices of Coffee Beans on the Global Market Seems Likely to Continue

Robusta coffee berries in Trinidad and Tobago

Recent Pricing

In October 2024, the highest recorded price for Robusta coffee futures on the global market was US$5,003 per metric ton, observed on October 15, 2024. By comparison, in October 2024, Arabica coffee prices reached a peak of approximately US$6.102 per kilogram. This translates to about US$6,102 per metric ton. This surge was influenced by factors such as adverse weather conditions in major coffee-producing regions and supply chain disruptions.

Trend in Robusta Coffee Prices Over the Past Decade

The price of Robusta coffee on the global market has experienced notable fluctuations over the past 10 years, driven by a combination of climatic, economic, and agricultural factors. Here’s a summary of the key trends:

1. Periods of Stability and Growth

• Early 2010s to Mid-2010s: Robusta prices remained relatively stable, supported by consistent production from major producers like Vietnam and Indonesia.

• 2016–2017: Prices peaked due to lower global stock levels caused by adverse weather in Vietnam, the world’s largest Robusta producer. This period marked a temporary supply shock.

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2. Decline and Recovery

• 2018–2020: Prices fell as global stocks recovered and production in key regions stabilized. This decline was further exacerbated by subdued demand during the COVID-19 pandemic's early phase.

• Late 2020: As the world emerged from pandemic-induced lockdowns, Robusta prices began to rise again, driven by increasing demand for instant coffee, which primarily uses Robusta beans.

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3. Recent Surge in Prices (2021–2024)

• 2021: Severe frosts in Brazil and erratic weather patterns in Vietnam led to reduced output, driving prices higher. Supply chain disruptions and rising shipping costs further exacerbated the price hikes.

• 2023–2024: Persistent weather issues, including drought in Vietnam and shifts in agricultural practices (such as the replacement of coffee trees with durian crops), have significantly reduced Robusta supply. Reports from Vietnam suggest domestic stocks are now completely depleted.

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Key Drivers of the Trend

1. Weather Extremes: Unfavorable climatic conditions in major producing regions like Vietnam and Brazil have repeatedly disrupted production.

2. Land Use Changes: Vietnamese farmers are shifting away from Robusta coffee cultivation to more lucrative crops like durian, tightening supply further.

3. Rising Demand: The global demand for instant coffee and lower-cost alternatives to Arabica has sustained upward pressure on prices.

4. Logistical Challenges: Recent geopolitical disruptions, such as delays in the Suez Canal, have added to costs, indirectly impacting prices.

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Outlook

With demand continuing to outpace supply and climate-related risks persisting, the upward trend in Robusta coffee prices is likely to continue in the near term. However, long-term stabilization will depend on improved farming practices, better supply chain management, and addressing climate challenges in key producing regions.

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Coffee in Full Bloom!

Coffea canephora also known as Robusta coffee, in full bloom 20th January, 2024.

Bees hard at work doing their thing.

Sometimes it can get crowded on those flowers.

This bee has a lot of pollen to take back to the hive.

‘Tis The Season!

Cafe Vega coffee ready for the Christmas rush!

It’s that time of year again when lots of requests come in (on short notice) for locally produced coffee as gifts for family, friends and clients. This year, the demand was even higher than in previous years, likely due to the increased awareness on the superior flavour of Cafe Vega coffee and the recommendations from our ever expanding clientele. To all our friends, clients and well-wishers, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support over the years and wish you and yours a happy, safe and bountiful Christmas Season!

Coffee Production in 2024

The weather in the past few years has been quite different from the normal pattern of previous decades, but especially so in 2023...the intense rains followed by a period of intense heat (in the rainy season), showing record elevated, ambient air temperatures have confused lots of fruit bearing trees. Some trees, for example mangoes, have borne ripe fruits twice in the same year, in the same physical location...early in February and again in August.

Coffee trees in central Trinidad, seem not to have kept much of the flowers produced earlier in the year, with three distinct flowering periods observed...February, March and April. The Robusta crop usually harvested from January to March of each year, seem rather poor for 2024. A similar low production was observed elsewhere in the country.

Historical Observations

Historical records on coffee growing in Trinidad have noted that there is a multi-year cycle of very low production among coffee trees...in the period 1869 to 1880s it was noted as a nine-year cycle of drought like conditions. However, other observations in the late 1800s indicated that there may also be a 3-4 year low bearing cycle...no explanations in the historical records were offered for this cycle. Perhaps it was related to an EL Niño/La Niña event, which was not known in those days!

We will see what the New Year brings and what the actual production will be at the end of the harvesting season. But rest assured...there will be adequate supplies for our regular customers!

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Cafe Vega at UN Day Event in Port of Spain

Occasionally, Cafe Vega is invited to participate in local events to showcase our products. United Nations (UN) agencies in Trinidad and Tobago celebrated UN Day on 30th October, 2023 by hosting a display and sampling of locally grown or locally sourced food products from small scale entrepreneurs.

 

Cafe Vega Display at UN Day, Trinidad & Tobago

Minister Beckles-Robinson at our display

The event was attended by staff of the UN agencies, diplomats and government ministers. Eight entrepreneurs were present to introduce the participants to their products. A high level of interest was shown in these local products with many people expressing a desire to procure some of these high quality food products in the near future.

Robusta Coffee – dispelling negative perceptions.

Perceptions

For those who believe that arabica beans make the best coffee in the world and is the only coffee worth drinking and think that all Robusta coffee is inferior...they have been sadly misled. These people have denied themselves the chance to experience the many fine qualities of Robusta coffee. 

A prized variety of Robusta coffee just before harvest, January 2023

I really do not know how those perceptions originated or when they were first promoted among the coffee drinking industry as the best choice to base the industry. But you can find negative taste descriptors widely repeated on the internet and I suspect from people who have not had properly processed, roasted and brewed, high quality, superior flavoured Robusta beans. A stigma also perpetuated by coffee drinkers who have probably never tasted Robusta coffee but just went along with the hype.

Culture and influence

An implication of the perceived superiority of arabica beans suggests that all arabica coffee tastes really good. However, it is likely that many serious coffee drinkers have at one time or another, tasted some really bad arabica brew. The reality is that people, across the many cultures of the world, have different preferences in taste, and in the type of brew that they enjoy. Depending on where you live, internet access and search results are often dominated by western views and preferences, which may influence the opinions of the uninformed who seek objective, evidence based information. In other words, market perceptions are often influenced by bias and sometimes established, unfounded beliefs. Fortunately, there appears to be a slowly emerging recognition of the quality and appreciation of Robusta coffee as an unblended brew.

Robusta flavour notes

Just as is the case for arabicas, not all Robusta’s are created equal. In Trinidad and Tobago, we have at least 21 varieties of Robusta coffee, some of them having been introduced by the British colonial government in the early 1900s. Of these 21 varieties, at least nine have superior flavours as determined by a group of coffee connoisseurs using the Speciality Coffee Association’s Cupping Protocol. 

Robusta coffee...ready to please the palate

Key flavour notes detected included: cocoa/chocolate, nutty, and spicy with low acidity. Psychological notes on these coffees were: ‘heart warming’, ‘brings a smile after the second sip’, ‘relaxes the soul’ and ‘bring more!’. These former arabica only coffee drinkers, are now devotees of these Robusta coffee beans!

The uninitiated

However, there are some people who prefer to stay with only arabica...and that is fine...whatever pleases them. So, Cafe Vega has introduced a specially selected micro-lot, high quality arabica coffee from a small community in Colombia to meet the needs of those who prefer that type of coffee. This flexibility on our part will help expand our market share and satisfy the uninitiated.

2023 Coffee Crop

To all of my clients, readers and well wishers...may 2023 bring all that you need!

Rain like peas!

From June to November 2022 we have had far more rain here in Trinidad and Tobago, than I could remember over the past 40 years! Flooding in many parts of the country were considered excessive and repeated. Even places not accustomed to floods got their dose of silt-laden water. 

So, how did that situation affect the 2023 coffee crop? From my observations over several decades, I believe that our Robusta coffee is a climate resilient crop...it can tolerate short periods of drought and even longer periods of repeated flooding...as long as the flood water goes away within 2-3 days. 

Repeated heavy rains and excessive water in the soil will tend to cause yellowing of leaves, leaf loss and maybe some loss of fruit. A major problem is the reduction in soil nutrition, particularly nitrogen, and excessive growth of weeds (which out compete the coffee plants for nutrition)...in some cases, these weeds can reach up to your ears in two-three months if not controlled.

Harvesting started earlier

Despite the ‘dread’ rainy weather last year, the 2023 coffee crop seems reasonable and ripening of the berries started a few weeks earlier than in previous years. We began picking during the first week of December 2022 and will likely continue until March of this year...early and late ripening varieties. 

We usually get at least two pickings per tree...each tree yielding from about 1.5 kg to 5 kg of ripe berries. The estate currently has 8 varieties of the superior flavour Robusta coffee.

Ripe Robusta coffee berries.

First picking of the season...Cydney in action.

Aarya and Evvy's first coffee picking experience.
The future of the coffee empire is safe!

First batch of coffee berries in the drying chamber.

Marketing boost

Recently, a short documentary on local coffee was produced by one of Trinidad and Tobago’s famous and talented Chef, Wendy Rahamut. The link to that video is provided below and will give you some insight into our local coffee.

This video soon led to a swift and high demand for Cafe Vega coffee from among the uninitiated and continues to receive favourable comments. Thank you Wendy!