August Market News & Arrivals
What's happening in the market:
July began with trading of the September (KCU23) position at 160. The price of coffee stayed within the range of 160-155. Dry conditions in Brazil allowed for a speedy start to the harvest season. A strong harvest in Brazil fueled optimism for supply and was bearish to coffee prices. A strong Brazilian Real was bullish on coffee prices, as it discourages producers from selling. On July 21, ICE monitored arabica coffee inventories were reportedly at a 5-month low of 527,942. This reflects the commodity coffee that has been tendered for grading. These numbers are generally correlated to a global supply of spot coffee. When the numbers are low, it indicates that supplies of available spot coffee are also low. After the report on July 21 of global supplies, the market rose to 167 by the end of the month. In the beginning week of August, the market moved back down to the 160 range as the Brazilian Real weakened against the dollar, encouraging selling by producers.
Outside of Brazil, Colombia reported on July 7 that exports for June were down 20% y/y. Honduras exports were up 63% for June, y/y. Lower production estimates for Brazil and Colombia have caused international organizations, such as Rabobank, to cut their overall production estimate for 2022/23. Expectations for the 2023/34 crop are neutral, with an expected surplus in Arabica and a shortage in Robusta.
News & Arrivals:
We've just received a new shipment of Vietnam Coffee - come and check it out!
The highly anticipated Vietnam coffees have arrived! Considered one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful countries, Vietnam is renowned for its lush mountains, bustling cities, and gold sand beaches. Since Arabica beans grow best in high altitudes, the beautiful mountains in the central highlands and the Lang Biang plateau provide fertile ground for growing.It’s Never Too Early To Start Thinking About Your Holiday Blends
It's that time of year to start thinking and planning for your holiday blends. Luckily, the Mercon Specialty team is here to help! We're working on curating a Holiday Blend Box as a source for our clients to learn more about some of the specialty green coffees our team has selected as recommendations for fantastic foundational coffees for your holiday blends. Connect with us and let us know if you would be interested in our Holiday Blend Box!
NEW Fresh Crop Arrivals of Central American Coffees
We are delighted to announce the fresh crop arrival of specialty green coffee from Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Our Central American specialty green coffee has been carefully selected from top growers in various regions, making them a truly unique and delicious experience. We are confident that our customers will enjoy the flavor profiles of each of these beans, which have been carefully selected and processed to perfection.
Meet Noah-Briannon Martin, Quality Control Assistant
While working as a barista, Noah discovered their love for coffee and decided to pursue it as a career. They have worked in various cafes, became a barista trainer at Mr. West Café Bar, and obtained their Green Coffee Foundation certification during their seven-year coffee career. They aim to continue expanding their knowledge of the coffee universe and obtain their Q-Grade Certification. Learn more about Noah!
Neil's Monthly Picks
Green Coffee Quality Specialist Neil Oney is sharing his recommendations, and this month, women-produced coffees have been his favorites!
Huehuetenango Aldea Q’om Women’s Group LIFT
This coffee is excellent every year. It started with a small group of 19 women from our Huehuetenango LIFT cluster and has since grown to 68 members. This year the coffee is extraordinary, with bright lemon, floral notes, and lots of complexity. We’ve loved this lot since it landed. Plus, it’s available in 69 or 30-kg bags for the first time!
Vietnam Da Lat LIFT Women Produced
Our partners in Vietnam identified five wholly women-owned and operated farms from within the Da Lat LIFT cluster, and we are proud to be able to offer this coffee for the first time. This lot has the bright acidity and spicy herbal notes high-quality Viet arabicas are known for but with a pleasant complex floral aspect.
Honduras Finca La Cuesta Bernardina Sanchez LIFT Natural
Dona Sanchez has been a member of the Lempira LIFT cluster since the beginning, and we have been purchasing coffee from her farm since then. This is the first year we have been able to bring in a natural process from her farm, and we love the result. Complex ripe fruits, cherry, and red berries throughout. This coffee just landed, and it’s fantastic.
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact our team at support@merconspecialty.com.
To explore our coffees and see pricing, you can create an account here. Happy green coffee shopping!