Sip – Your Weekly Roundup of the Most Important News in Coffee
Issue 1
Coffee is more than just a drink—it’s an industry filled with evolving trends, innovations, and challenges. Sip brings you the five most important coffee stories of the week, keeping you informed in just a few minutes.
This week, we cover the highly anticipated World of Coffee Dubai, a groundbreaking coffee auction, rising coffee prices, expert insights on drinking black coffee, and a study on why some people perceive coffee as more bitter than others. Let’s dive in.
World of Coffee Dubai 2025 Set to Be the Largest Yet
The fourth edition of World of Coffee Dubai kicks off on Monday, February 10-12, with record-breaking participation. With 1,980 exhibitors—50% more than last year—the event highlights the MENA region’s growing role in the specialty coffee trade. Saudi Arabia leads regional coffee shop growth, accounting for 46% of all new outlets. The event will feature 10 national pavilions, industry panels, workshops, and competitions, including the UAE National Championships. Organizers expect more than 13,500 visitors, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global coffee hub. Read more.
Dubai to Host Historic Auction of the World’s Rarest Coffees
For the first time, the World of Coffee Dubai 2025 will feature the DMCC Specialty Coffee Auction, where 20 rare coffee lots scoring 92+ on the Specialty Coffee Association scale will be up for bidding. With Dubai emerging as a major player in the global coffee trade, the auction could set record prices. Past auctions have seen coffee sell for over $10,000 per kilogram, underscoring the growing demand for ultra-premium beans. The auction will take place both in person and via a digital platform, attracting buyers worldwide. Read more.
Coffee Prices Hit Record $4 per Pound Amid Supply Concerns
Arabica coffee futures surged to $4 per pound in New York on February 5, marking a historic high as fears over global supply mount. A prolonged drought in Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer, has raised concerns about future yields, with farmers selling more of their crop earlier than usual, leading to questions about remaining export volumes. Vietnam, the top producer of Robusta, has also suffered weather-related setbacks, with global coffee stockpiles projected to hit a 25-year low, according to the US Department of Agriculture. Market analysts predict continued volatility until the next harvest. Meanwhile, declining inventories in exchange-monitored warehouses suggest tightening supply, though rising coffee volumes pending grading could offer some relief. Read more.
Should You Drink Black Coffee on an Empty Stomach? An Expert Weighs In
While black coffee is often praised for its antioxidants and metabolism-boosting properties, wellness expert Luke Coutinho warns against drinking it first thing in the morning. He argues that consuming coffee on an empty stomach can spike cortisol levels, potentially impacting thyroid function and increasing stress hormones. Instead, he recommends waiting 90-120 minutes after waking up before having coffee and suggests drinking water or eating a light meal first. His advice contradicts the popular trend of fasting with coffee, sparking debate among health-conscious consumers. Read more.
Some People May Be Genetically Wired to Taste More Bitterness in Coffee
Ever met someone who insists coffee is too bitter—no matter the brew? A new study suggests that genetics play a significant role in how people perceive bitterness. Researchers at the Technical University of Munich identified a gene, TAS2R43, that makes some individuals far more sensitive to certain bitter compounds found in coffee, particularly mozambioside—a substance 10 times more bitter than caffeine. Interestingly, about 20% of Europeans lack this gene entirely, making them less likely to find coffee bitter. The study sheds light on why some people struggle to enjoy coffee, while others appreciate its natural sweetness. Read more.
Final Sip
That’s it for this week’s Sip! Whether it’s rising coffee prices, groundbreaking auctions, or new insights into coffee science, the coffee world never stands still. If you found this issue interesting, share it with a fellow coffee lover. Have a topic you want us to cover? Reply to this email or reach out at sip.news.
See you next week for another dose of coffee news!
— The Sip Team