The EU's deforestation-free regulation (EUDR), introduced last June, is facing strong backlash from the coffee industry. The European Coffee Federation (ECF) recently wrote to the European Commission requesting a delay to the implementation deadline for large companies, originally set for the end of 2024, warning that the regulation could impose an unbearable burden on millions of smallholder farmers. ECF members include giants such as Lavazza, Illy, Nestlé, and Starbucks, and their joint letter directly points to inadequate regulatory preparation. Meanwhile, companies such as JDE Peet's have already begun taking action, but analysts worry that passing on compliance costs will disrupt the coffee market. This article will sort out the sequence of events and include relevant observations from Front Street Coffee. [more…]

The EU plans to postpone the deforestation regulation (EUDR) originally scheduled to take effect at the end of 2024, and intends to classify countries by risk level, giving producers and traders more time to adapt. The regulation requires traders to prove that their product supply chains do not involve deforestation after December 30, 2020, otherwise imports will be banned. As an industry closely linked to deforestation, the coffee sector will be significantly affected in producing countries such as Vietnam, Brazil, Indonesia, and Colombia, with export costs likely to rise substantially. The European Coffee Federation previously wrote to the European Commission requesting a postponement of implementation. The EU is currently discussing classifying exporting countries into three risk levels—low, standard, and high—with high-risk countries facing stricter scrutiny. Industry insiders worry that the classification system lacks flexibility, may unfairly penalize compliant exporters, and that small farms also face the risk of losing market access. Front Street Coffee will continue to monitor the progress of this regulation and its impact on the coffee industry chain. [more…]

A report released by the European Coffee Federation (ECF) shows that Europe remains the world's largest coffee market, accounting for about 28% of global coffee consumption. The ECF accounts for about 90% of the EU's total coffee imports. The report also found that the coffee industry directly created about 15 [more…]

Brazil's coffee exports suffered a severe setback in January, with export volumes falling by about 10% year-on-year, driven by a customs clearance standstill caused by strikes by customs brokers at the Port of Santos and Guarulhos Airport. At the same time, coffee stocks at major European ports are rapidly dwindling, with inventories in December 2023 down 37.9% from the start of the year. The pressure of the EU Deforestation Regulation transition period combined with the Red Sea shipping crisis is creating a compounding effect, prompting traders to scale back imports, container freight rates on Asia-Europe routes have soared by 150%, and coffee deliveries from Asian producing regions are facing delays of up to three weeks. Multiple factors are reshaping the global coffee trade landscape, and supply chain pressures are unlikely to ease in the short term. [more…]

Colombia, with its exceptional geographical conditions and diverse climate, has become an important producer of high-quality Arabica coffee. Many coffee enthusiasts notice that Colombian coffee beans are generally larger than beans from producing regions such as Ethiopia, Costa Rica, and Brazil, and this is closely tied to Colombia's unique grading system. This article, from the perspective of Front Street Coffee, systematically introduces the standards by which Colombian green beans are graded according to screen size, including the specific specifications of common grades such as UGQ, EP, and Supremo, explains the meaning of the Excelso export grade, and introduces the key role of the FNC (Colombian Coffee Growers Federation) in the industry's development. Finally, it includes the brewing parameters and flavor description of Front Street's Huila everyday drinking beans, helping readers gain a comprehensive understanding of Colombian coffee from grading to tasting. [more…]

For more specialty coffee knowledge, please follow: Front Street Coffee (Frontsteet Coffee). When Colombian coffee beans are mentioned, the delicate berry-like sweet acidity, the aroma of roasted nuts, and the caramel-like finish, with a balanced coffee flavor, make many newcomers to pour-over coffee can't help but exclaim: This is just too [more…]

Global coffee bean prices continue to climb, with New York Arabica futures and London Robusta futures both hitting record highs, and Italy—this stronghold of espresso culture—is facing unprecedented pressure to raise prices. Since 2021, the price of espresso in Italy has risen by about 15%, with multiple factors such as climate change, energy costs, and Red Sea shipping disruptions intertwining, potentially pushing a cup of coffee that once cost 1.2 euros to 2 euros. Consumer associations and industry federations each hold their own views, and small family-run cafes are struggling to survive between profit margins and social pressure. This article will take you through the ins and outs of this coffee price storm and how it affects Italians' daily ritual. [more…]

Colombian coffee, with its soft berry acidity, roasted nut aroma, and caramel sweetness, has become a favorite among many pour-over beginners. As the world's second-largest Arabica producer, Colombia's volcanic soil and high-altitude microclimates give its coffee beans a full, solid mouthfeel. This article will systematically sort out the grading system for Colombian green beans—how many screen sizes Supreme, EP, and U.G.Q correspond to respectively, clarify the common misconception that Excelso is not a grade but an export standard, and introduce the flavor profile of washed beans from the Huila region along with Front Street Coffee's recommended V60 three-pour brewing method, helping coffee lovers experience the unique charm of Colombian coffee at an affordable cost. [more…]

Recently, Arabica coffee bean futures climbed for three consecutive days, hitting their highest point in nearly half a year. The May contract surged 12.5% during the week, settling at $2.12 per pound, the strongest weekly performance since July 2021. Meanwhile, the International Coffee Organization's composite price index rose to 186.36 cents per pound, an 18-month high; Robusta prices even reached their highest level since October 1994. The main driver was a heatwave and drought in Vietnam, which tightened Robusta supply and indirectly pushed Arabica higher. Vietnam's output is expected to drop by 20%, with exports declining in tandem, and coffee exports from Asia and Oceania as a whole falling 17%. The EU's deepening reliance on Vietnamese Robusta, combined with the Red Sea situation driving up shipping costs, has given coffee prices room for continued gains. [more…]

What exactly is the flavor of Colombian coffee? Its soft dark chocolate notes and balanced taste have won the hearts of many seasoned enthusiasts. This article begins with the history of how Colombian coffee spread, sorts out the background behind the founding of FNC, and then focuses on the Huila washed beans in Front Street Coffee's everyday drinking series, as well as the much-talked-about Sakura coffee beans from Finca El Paraiso in recent years. You will learn about the high-altitude advantages of the Cauca region, the unique qualities of the double anaerobic washed processing method, and how Front Street's roaster uses medium roasting and brewing parameters to bring out the captivating expression of basil, rosemary, and strawberry jam in these Sakura beans. [more…]

Decaf coffee has gradually entered the public eye, becoming a new choice for people who want to enjoy coffee flavor while controlling their caffeine intake. However, many people still have questions about the production principles of decaf coffee, decaffeination methods, and how it differs from regular coffee. This article starts from the Colombia Huila Swiss Water Process decaf coffee listed by Front Street Coffee, and systematically sorts out the definition of decaf coffee, caffeine content standards, and the operating mechanisms of mainstream decaffeination processes, while also providing an in-depth analysis of the specific procedures of the Swiss Water Process. At the same time, it explores the real reasons why decaf coffee often tastes poor, and, combined with the varieties, grades, and cupping performance of the Colombia Huila producing region, provides coffee enthusiasts with a comprehensive cognitive framework for decaf coffee. [more…]

How many grams of Ceylon black tea should you use? This seemingly simple question is connected to the entire ecosystem of Sri Lanka's tea industry. This article starts with brewing ratios, traces the history of Ceylon black tea's introduction into China, and takes a deep look at how small tea farmers in Sri Lanka carve out a path of organic fair trade in the cracks between large tea estates. From IFOAM and Codex Alimentarius organic standards, to international certification systems such as Bio, USDA, and JAS, and to the protection of workers' rights by international fair trade organizations, you will see the strict checks a cup of Ceylon black tea goes through from cultivation to export, and you will also understand why the related products recommended by Front Street Coffee are worth paying attention to. [more…]

Colombia's coffee grading system is more complex than that of most Central American producing countries. It is based not only on altitude, but also on a set of export standards built around defect rates and screen size. The Excelso grade adopted by the FNC is the highest export grade for Colombian green coffee. The burlap sacks are marked with "Excelso-Café de Colombia" and accompanied by a quality certificate. This article covers everything from the grading logic, screen size requirements, and defect deduction rules to the three most common export grades, and uses a washed Caturra from the Huila region as an example to explain green coffee traceability and cupping flavor performance, helping coffee enthusiasts understand the meaning behind Colombian green coffee labels. [more…]

Drip bag coffee, with its portability and ease of use, has become the top choice for many people drinking specialty coffee daily. But the seemingly simple four steps—tear, hang, pour, remove—actually hide many details that are easy to get wrong. Based on Front Street Coffee's hands-on experience, this article systematically sorts out the correct brewing process for drip bag coffee and four common operational mistakes, and shares three key techniques for enhancing flavor: pouring water with a narrow-spout kettle, controlling the coffee-to-water ratio, and managing water temperature. At the end, it lists ten representative drip bag products under Front Street, covering regional flavors such as Panama Butterfly, Kenya Little Tomato, Yirgacheffe Red Cherry, Mandheling, and Brazil Cerrado, with options ranging from acidic, full-bodied, to winey, making it easy to choose according to taste. [more…]

Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and Yirgacheffe is the country's flagship specialty coffee region. This article will guide you through the history and culture behind the colors of the Ethiopian flag, and take a deep dive into the unique flavors of Yirgacheffe coffee beans—lemon, floral notes, and honey-like sweetness, along with soft fruit acidity and citrus tones. We will also share Front Street Coffee's recommended hand-brew grind size, coffee-to-water ratio, and water temperature parameters, helping you brew a bright, fresh cup of Yirgacheffe at home. Whether you are a coffee novice or a seasoned enthusiast, you will find practical brewing inspiration here. [more…]

Colombian coffee occupies an important place in the world of specialty coffee, and its green bean grading system is based primarily on defect rates and bean screen size. When buying Colombian coffee, what exactly do the words "Supremo" and "Excelso" commonly seen on burlap sacks mean? This article will systematically sort out the grading rules for Colombian green coffee beans from multiple angles, including export standards, defect scoring, and screen-size classification, and explain the specific differences among the three grades UGQ, EP, and Supremo. At the same time, the article will also introduce common Colombian coffee bean brands on the market, including product information recommended by Front Street Coffee, to help coffee lovers more clearly understand the grade and quality of the bag of beans in their hands. [more…]

On July 10, the vehicle normally used by Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez was shot at in the southwestern region of Cauca. Fortunately, she was not in the vehicle, and no one was injured in the incident. Nevertheless, the attack once again laid bare the long-standing violent conflict and complex security situation in the departments of Cauca and Valle del Cauca. Of particular concern to the coffee industry is that these two departments are not only important coffee-producing regions in Colombia, with a combined annual output of about 140,000 tonnes, but are also home to well-known estates such as Finca El Paraiso, Finca Inmaculada and Finca La Esperanza, making them destinations for many traders and coffee hunters. If the government escalates military operations and triggers large-scale conflict, both local coffee production and export routes via the port of Buenaventura could be severely affected. Front Street Coffee will continue to monitor the subsequent impact of the incident on Colombia's coffee supply chain. [more…]

When purchasing Colombian coffee, what exactly do Supremo and Excelso, commonly seen on burlap sacks, represent? What is the relationship between the two? This article will systematically sort out the grading system for Colombian green coffee, interpreting one by one the specific requirements of grades such as UGQ, EP, and Supremo, from defect rates and screen sizes to FNC export standards. It will also introduce derivative grades such as Extra, Premium, and Minama, as well as the use of Product of Colombia for coffee that does not meet export standards. The article also includes an actual naming example of Front Street Coffee's Huila daily drinking beans, helping readers understand the compositional logic and traceability methods of Colombian green coffee names. [more…]

Colombia is the world's second-largest producer of Arabica coffee after Brazil, but coffee cultivation there is not native to the land. As early as the beginning of the eighteenth century, coffee seeds crossed the ocean to this land aboard the ships of Spanish missionaries. From scattered plantings during the colonial period, to becoming a major export product by the end of the nineteenth century, and then to the rise of the smallholder model and the birth of the FNC after the Thousand Days' War, Colombian coffee has traversed a winding and distinctive path of development. In Front Street Coffee's everyday-drinking bean series, a washed Colombian bean from the Huila region showcases the authentic character of this classic producing region with its rich dark chocolate notes and gentle fruit acidity. [more…]

Different coffee-producing countries have developed their own unique quality grading systems due to their distinct cultivation histories and processing traditions. Some focus on defect ratios, some measure bean size, and others rely on cupping to make judgments. This article focuses on Colombia, outlining the Excelso export standard in its green bean grading system, the defect scoring rules, the screen size classification method, and the flavor profile of Supremo-grade Huila beans. It also includes the brewing parameters and taste description of Front Street Coffee's Huila everyday drinking beans, making it suitable for enthusiasts who want to systematically understand Colombian coffee. [more…]