MARKET REPORT

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And just like that, it’s a wrap for January… time flies when you’re constantly under fire, right? It was quite the start to the year, as record after record tumbled on the daily for both the arabica and robusta coffee markets. And all this was happening with the backdrop of a new administration taking power in the US, a looming global trade war between the Americans and neighbours near and far, and the AUD looking weaker than the coffee we’ll have to be drinking in the not-too-distant future to make ends meet if things don’t improve real soon!  

Arabica futures prices have been setting consecutive new all-time highs for the last 9 sessions running (and counting), with the current record sitting at 388.95 US cents/lb for the March-25 contract. A week earlier the settlement price was 345.20, which illustrates the breakneck pace of this current rally…  

Arabica NY C Graph 

As far as we can tell, the current move is mostly being driven by managed money (i.e. “The Specs” – Dun Dun Duuuun!), who are making the most of a situation in which physical stock exists, but is not where it needs to be… Yes, there is going to be less coffee produced this crop year, but there have been no unexpected surprises appearing in the form of official crop estimates in Brazil – bullish, bearish, or otherwise. At this stage, the market reaching 400c/lb is all but a done deal, and frankly one would be a bit disappointed if it didn’t get there after all this hullaballoo!  

The Robusta “I’m a real boy” Coffee market also posted multiple new records last month, peaking at an eye-watering 5861 USD per Tonne by the end of January before seeing a sizeable correction. While most this was on the back of Arabica’s rally, it should also be noted that Brazil’s conilon production is expected to be a bit subdued once again, which was supportive of prices.  

Robusta London Market Graph

There are some whispers already in the trade that Brazil’s upcoming crop size may actually not be “that bad”, so as the crop reports start coming in, and farmers return to work post-Carnaval, we may start seeing some relief… may…. However, we are not out of the woods just yet, as there are still the not-so-small matters of unpredictable shipping times (and costs), as well as our moribund AUD to contend with. Securing physical stock will be key to getting through this unprecedented situation. 


A WORD FROM THE CUPPING ROOM - RWANDAN MICROLOTS

Rwanda, often referred to as the "Land of a Thousand Hills," has become a rising star in the world of specialty coffee. Its high-altitude terrain, volcanic soil, and dedication to quality processing make it an ideal origin for vibrant and distinctive microlots. We’re excited to introduce a new range of Rwandan microlots, each offering a unique expression of the country’s renowned coffee-growing regions. These coffees are produced in various regions all situated between 1700-1900 metres above sea level. Furthermore, all producers have a joint focus on working to better their equipment and processing techniques, for continual improvement and development of their coffees.

Here’s a closer look at our latest offerings:

• Rwanda Gitwe Gr1 Washed: Expect lively notes of plum, apple, nectarine, and grape upfront, with a full body and stone fruit acidity that evolves into a long, nutty finish of almond, hazelnut, orange, and delicate berries.
• Rwanda Mushaka Gr1 Washed: Offering a sweet burst of plum, red apple, and white nectarine upfront, this coffee’s malic acidity and coating body lead to a rich finish of almond, toffee, and apple.
• Rwanda Nyungwe Gr1 Washed: Sweet and smooth, with notes of brown sugar, toffee, and orange upfront. A medium to full body and lime acidity give way to a long finish of walnut, spice, and soft plum.
• Rwanda Horizon Supreme Natural: A complex natural process coffee with notes of berry, plum, and a soft boozy wine character. A full body and winey acidity flow into a finish of whiskey, almond, and lime.
• Rwanda Kageyo Natural: Bursting with bold plum, wine, blueberry, and dark chocolate upfront. This coffee’s winey acidity and coating body lead into a long finish of almond, toffee, strawberry, and plum.
• Rwanda Mutovu Natural: This natural lot brings deep notes of plum, date, dark chocolate, and red wine, with a full body and winey acidity that extend into a rich finish of almond, toffee, and soft berries.

Whether you're drawn to the delicate balance of washed profiles or the bold complexity of naturals, these Rwandan microlots offer something for every palate.

If you would like to secure your lot today – please get in contact with your Bennetts Account Manager Today!