Spring is here, and with it comes a fresh batch of coffee news, community stories, and exciting arrivals. In this month's newsletter, we're sharing the latest market insights, celebrating a fundraising milestone achieved by Grounds for Health, and showcasing three exceptional Kenyan microlots from Kirinyaga County. We also reflect on our Fairtrade Fortnight event and invite you to our upcoming Beans & Banter, where we will host three special cupping and auction fundraising across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to support our friends and partners in Colombia following the recent earthquake.

Enjoy your September Newsletter!

MARKET REPORT

If any of these terms in the market report are confusing, we urge you to use Investopedia to make sense of them. We have found it to be a brilliant tool when learning about all things trading, futures and currency.

Arabica NY C Graph

Coffee markets remained highly volatile throughout August, driven by extremely low certified stock levels, tight nearby availability, and uncertainty around producer selling. The market experienced a significant short squeeze during the September contract expiry period, pushing nearby prices sharply higher as certified inventories fell to some of the lowest levels seen in decades. Physical markets remained firm, particularly washed Arabicas, with buyers continuing to compete for limited nearby supply.

A key market highlight came towards the end of the month, as Arabica futures came under pressure following an unexpected revision to Brazilian export data from Cecafé. August month-to-date exports were revised higher from 1.71 million bags to 2.94 million bags, an increase of more than 1.2 million bags in just a few days. The timing of the revision surprised the market and was interpreted as a potential signal that Brazilian coffee exports are running stronger than previously thought. This triggered selling in the futures market as traders reassessed supply expectations.

Looking forward, the key question remains whether Brazil's large crop ultimately reaches consumers quickly enough to ease current tightness. While global supply is still expected to be comfortable, certified stocks remain historically low and premiums for higher quality washed Arabicas continue to hold firm. Weather also remains a focus, particularly in Central America where below average rainfall could impact next season's crop if conditions do not improve during September and October. Markets are likely to remain sensitive to Brazilian export data, producer selling activity, and weather developments across Latin America, as these factors will largely determine price direction through the remainder of the year.

Colombia Update

A major focus during August was the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia, impacting several key coffee producing regions including Caldas and Risaralda. While damage to coffee farms appears to have been limited, the immediate impact was felt across the country's export infrastructure. Operations at Buenaventura, Colombia's primary coffee export port, were temporarily suspended, while road closures and transport disruptions created congestion throughout the supply chain.

Rubble from buildings damaged by the earthquake in Colombia

Although port operations have since resumed and logistics are gradually returning to normal, the event highlighted the vulnerability of Colombian exports to infrastructure disruptions. Most exporters currently expect shipment delays of approximately one month, contributing to continued tightness and firm differentials for Colombian washed Arabicas. Our thoughts are with all Colombians affected by this disaster.

GROUNDS FOR HEALTH

Together with the Grounds for Health Team, we are pleased to share some fantastic news. Their recent fundraising campaign raised an incredible USD$126,611, surpassing its target and unlocking the full matching contribution from Royal Coffee in the USA. This effort has generated more than USD$250,000 to support the expansion of cervical cancer prevention programs in Ethiopia and soon, Guatemala. What this means is, more women will now have access to cervical cancer screening, treatment, education, and ongoing care, helping to build healthier futures for farming families and their communities.

As a long-term supporter of Grounds for Health, Bennetts congratulates the entire team and everyone who contributed to this outstanding result. We look forward to sharing more stories of the program’s impact in the months ahead as this support is put into action. If you want to contribute to this great program, check out the GfH website here.

A WORD FROM THE CUPPING ROOM – KENYAN MICROLOTS

Fresh off the boat and now available, we’re excited to introduce three outstanding Kenyan microlots from Kirinyaga County. Behind each coffee is a community of dedicated producers whose commitment to quality shines through in every cup.

Beautiful scenery at Gakuyuini Washing Station, Thirikwa Cooperatives

Kenya AA Thirikwa FCS Gakuyuini

Thirikwa Cooperative works with more than 3,700 active members and is one of the few cooperatives in Kenya operating a single processing station. This allows for detailed oversight of production, helping them consistently produce high-quality coffees while delivering competitive returns to their members. Here the highest-graded parchments go through an additional 16-hour soaking stage to further enhance cup clarity and complexity.

Kenya AA Rungeto FCS Kiangoi

Rungeto Kiangoi Factory, situated between 1,600 and 1,800 metres above sea level, receives cherries from over 1,400 smallholder farmers. Continuous investment in infrastructure, including tiled washing channels, water recycling systems and durable metal drying tables, reflects their ongoing focus on quality and sustainability.

Kenya AA Inoi FCS Thaita.

Last but not least, to the western part of Kirinyaga and nestled on the foothills of Mount Kenya, Thaita Washing Station benefits from some of the most fertile soil in the country. The station works with around 800 farmers growing coffee at elevations up to 1,800 metres, producing coffee known for their vibrancy, depth and expressive character.

These microlots are a true showcase of what Kenyan coffee does best, bursting with notes of plum, orange, blackcurrant candy and more. Keen to taste them yourself? Reach out to your Bennetts Account Manager and place your order before they sell out!

Thirikwa Cooperatives – Gakuyuini Washing Station

BEANS & BANTER – FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT RECAP

Two weeks ago, we welcomed coffee professionals and members of the wider community to a special Fairtrade Fortnight edition of Beans & Banter. Here we enjoyed a selection of Fairtrade coffees on batch brew (with the Ethiopia Yirgacheffe quickly becoming a crowd favourite), alongside not one but multiple cheese boards. The highlight of the evening, was undoubtedly, Georgia’s delicious coffee cocktails (please see photo attached)!

We then heard from Sam Platt (Fairtrade Australia & New Zealand), our Director Scott Bennett, and our valued customer partner Jeremy from Jasper Coffee. Drawing on decades of combined experience, they explored the impact Fairtrade continues to have across the coffee supply chain, from providing better trading conditions and community investment opportunities to helping farmers build greater economic resilience. The conversation held particular significance given Bennetts' commitment to Fairtrade for more than 20 years and Jasper Coffee's position as Australia's first Fairtrade-certified roasters.

Our presenters - Jeremy, Scott and Sam (left to right)

To wrap up the afternoon, attendees put their knowledge to the test in a Fairtrade online quiz, with winners taking home a range of prizes including certified chocolate, vouchers and a set of Bennetts espresso cups!

Quiz and Feast at our August Beans & Banter

More than just networking, the event served as a reminder of the real impact behind every cup of coffee. We hope attendees left with fresh perspectives and a deeper appreciation for the role Fairtrade continues to play around the world.

Inspired by the momentum of Fairtrade Fortnight, we're excited to start planning our next Beans & Banter. Stay tuned to our social channels for updates!

UPCOMING STOCK TAKE WAREHOUSE CLOSURES & PUBLIC HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSURE

Lastly, please be advised that due to our scheduled quarterly Stock Take, our warehouses will be closed on

       Friday 18^th of September (Melbourne & Perth)

       Friday 25^th September (Sydney & Brisbane)

There will be no orders processed, despatched or delivered on these days. To avoid any delays, we kindly ask that you place your orders as early as possible.

Additionally, our office will be closed on Friday 25^th September for the AFL Grand Final Public Holiday - so there will be no orders processed on this day.  

If you have any queries, please contact your Bennetts Account Manager, or our office on (03) 9853 0328.