Latest news with #Arabica
Edinburgh Reporter
3 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Scotland's Strongest Brew? Meet ‘Black Heather' – the Highland Roast with a Kick
It's bold, it's brooding, and it's brewed in the heart of Scotland – say hello to Black Heather, the new coffee turning heads and waking up sleepy mornings across the UK. Forget sugary syrups and lukewarm lattes – this is a no-nonsense roast with serious attitude. Launched this month by British coffee stalwarts Caffia Coffee Group, Black Heather is a rich, full-bodied blend designed to channel the rugged spirit of the Scottish Highlands. Think stormy skies, windswept heather, and a brew strong enough to put hairs on your chest – or at least keep you alert through a 9 am meeting. A nod to Scottish roots The name Black Heather is more than just branding. It's a proud tribute to Scotland's wild beauty and Caffia's deep roots north of the border. The company, which supplies coffee machines and beans to businesses across the UK, has long championed Scottish craftsmanship, and this new roast is no exception. 'We wanted something unapologetically Scottish,' says Andrew Hardwick, Director at Caffia. 'Black Heather is bold, earthy and complex – it's the kind of coffee that doesn't mess about. Just like the people who inspired it.' Crafted using hand-selected Arabica and Robusta beans, the result is a dark roast with hints of dark chocolate, smoky undertones, and just the right amount of bite. It's robust enough for your morning cafetière, smooth enough for espresso, and guaranteed to make instant coffee look like a bad joke. A hit with baristas (and their customers) Already, Black Heather has gained fans among baristas and hospitality pros alike. From boutique hotels in the Borders to sleek cafés in Shoreditch, it's becoming the go-to blend for those looking for something distinctive, memorable, and seriously caffeinated. And in typical Caffia fashion, the packaging doesn't disappoint either: a sleek, modern black bag adorned with a subtle Scottish thistle. Understated, elegant, and just a little bit wild – just like the coffee inside. Where to get it If you'd like to add a touch of Highland grit to your morning routine, Black Heather is now available for direct order from Whether you're a café looking to upgrade your blend or just a sleep-deprived commuter with taste, this is one brew that won't let you down. So if you like your coffee strong, Scottish, and a little bit fierce, Black Heather might just be your new best friend. Like this: Like Related
India Today
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- India Today
Is coffee adulteration for real?
It started with a video that went viral and grabbed a lot of attention online (including mine).In May 2025, a popular finfluencer likened the future of coffee to the infamous controversy around analogue paneer, claiming that, due to skyrocketing prices, coffee is now ripe for mass adulteration. In the reel, he pointed to chicory as the likely 'filler' that will see a rise in use, warning viewers to be cautious of what ends up in their morning is that something backed by facts or just another case of alarmist internet content? To understand what's really going on and whether your coffee is indeed being compromised, we spoke to people who live and breathe coffee: a certified Q-grader and leading roasters who are shaping India's speciality coffee scene. Their insights tell a more nuanced story, one that separates marketing myths from real quality concerns and explains why chicory isn't necessarily the villain it's being made out to define the word 'adulteration' firstAccording to industry experts, coffee adulteration is not about what's being added, but what is being kept from us or hidden as an ingredient.'If a brand promises 100% Arabica but mixes in Robusta, or claims a higher grade of beans than they actually use, that's adulteration,' says a prominent third-wave coffee roaster, Mithilesh Vazalwar. 'It may not always be harmful, but it's misleading. And that's where the issue lies, in lack of transparency.'advertisementNow, that would also include those who blend low-quality or even stale coffee into fresher batches to cut costs. Even this is adulteration because it violates consumer trust, even if it doesn't pose a direct health about chicory? Is that an adulterant?Not at all, calling it one is absolutely incorrect.'Chicory has been part of India's coffee culture for decades, especially in South Indian filter coffee,' says Pratyush Sureka, founder of Vita Nova Gourmet and Coffee Island. 'It's not an adulterant when used transparently and in moderation.'Chicory is a Mediterranean plant with edible leaves, blue flowers, and a thick taproot that. When dried, roasted, and brewed, it creates a thick, dark drink with notes of chocolate, nuts, and caramel. Which is where it gives the feel of real coffee. It gained popularity during shortages. Some even consumed it for its medicinal benefits (which it had none) but even then, it has remained a beloved part of traditional blends ever since. Chicory gained popularity during shortages. (Photo: Unsplash) 'There are even regulations in place,' adds the third-wave roaster. 'There's a cap on how much chicory can be added, around 45-50%. Anything above that must be disclosed. And most quality brands do exactly that.'advertisementIn fact, the very presence of this labelling is a sign that chicory use is regulated, not hidden. 'If it were truly an adulterant, brands wouldn't be openly printing 70:30 or 80:20 blends on their packaging,' he where does the confusion come from?'We need to stop amplifying voices that don't know what they're talking about,' says Vazalwar bluntly. 'Calling South Indian filter coffee, with its iconic 80:20 coffee-chicory blend, 'adulterated' is not just ignorant, it's disrespectful to an entire cultural tradition.'There's a growing frustration within the coffee community about how misinformation can damage consumer trust and derail conversations that should be about quality, sourcing and sustainability, not rising prices pushing bad practices?There's no denying that coffee prices have surged in recent years due to the problems with harvests, first in Vietnam and then in Brazil. There's also the climate change impacts on production, global demand shifts, and supply chain issues. But according to Sureka, this isn't necessarily a reason for quality to drop. Coffee prices have surged in recent years. (Photo: Unsplash) advertisement'Responsible brands operate with stringent quality standards that leave no room for compromise,' he says. 'At Coffee Island, we offer 100% pure Arabica with zero chicory, ethically sourced and traceable back to origin. Every batch is about consistency, not shortcuts.'Vazalwar agrees. 'Yes, margins are tight. But there's still space for doing beautiful coffee and beautiful margins, without compromising trust. The Indian coffee culture has matured. We've embraced speciality coffee, and with that comes a responsibility to stay honest.'The bottom lineIt is not that there is no scope for coffee adulteration, but it is not the same as blending. What truly matters is clarity and honesty: Are brands telling you what's in your cup? Are they sourcing ethically? Are the labels truthful?If the answer is yes, there's little to worry about. Chicory isn't the enemy — dishonesty is.- EndsMust Watch
India.com
6 days ago
- Business
- India.com
India's Coffee Exports More Than Double In Last 11 Years
New Delhi: India's coffee exports have more than doubled to $1.8 billion in the last 11 years, with the country becoming the 5th largest exporter, according to the government data. India's coffee exports stood at $800 million in 2014-15 and have been rising steadily since then. The top export markets for Indian coffee are Italy, Germany, Russia, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the US. India is the seventh largest producer and the fifth largest exporter of coffee in the world. Prices of coffee are ruling at record levels following an adverse weather-induced supply crunch in the largest producing countries of Brazil and Vietnam. India exports over two-thirds of the over 3.5 lakh tonnes produced in the country. The country's coffee exports have grown significantly due to the increasing global demand for its rich and unique flavours. Approximately three-fourths of India's coffee production consists of Arabica and Robusta beans. These are primarily exported as unroasted beans. However, there is a growing demand for value-added products like roasted and instant coffee, further fuelling the export boom. India's coffee is primarily grown in the ecologically rich Western and Eastern Ghats, areas famous for their biodiversity. Karnataka leads in production, contributing 248,020 MT in 2022-23, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. These areas are home to shaded plantations that not only support the coffee industry but also play a vital role in preserving the natural environment, helping to maintain the ecological balance of these biodiversity hotspots. Meanwhile, due to the rise of the cafe culture, higher disposable incomes and a growing preference for coffee over tea, coffee consumption in India is also steadily increasing. This trend has been observed particularly in both urban and rural areas. Domestic consumption has increased from 84,000 tonnes in 2012 to 91,000 tonnes in 2023. To enhance coffee production and meet growing domestic and international demand, the Coffee Board of India has launched several important initiatives. Through the Integrated Coffee Development Project (ICDP), the focus is on improving yields, expanding cultivation in non-traditional regions and ensuring the sustainability of coffee farming. These measures are part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen India's coffee industry, increase productivity and improve its global competitiveness.
Miami Herald
20-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Waffle House is testing an exciting new product
Depending on what part of the country you live in, you may already understand customers' love for Waffle House - especially if you're one of the people who feels a fondness for the chain. Waffle House is known for its fast service, reliable menu staples, and low prices. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter But another thing that makes the chain special is its friendly attitude toward customers. Visit just about any Waffle House, and you'll be greeted with a smile and offered consistent, friendly service with a personal touch. It's the same formula that makes lines wrap around your local Chick-Fil-A, so it's no surprise that Waffle House inspires a similar level of devotion, especially in the South, where it was founded. While Waffle House does introduce new items to its menu, it does so at a very different pace than other quick-service restaurants. Much like McDonald's, Waffle House leans on its classics. But now, Waffle House is debuting a new menu item that taps into trends - a very unusual move for a chain that relies on the tried and true. Imag source:If you live in the Atlanta area, you can now try something new if you go to the right Waffle House: Waffle House-branded cold brew coffee. The cold brew uses 100% Arabica beans roasted by Royal Cup Coffee, which is the same supplier you're sipping when you get a hot coffee in those comforting white cups. The new cold brew, which is blended with sweet cream, comes in a can and retails for $3.95. Waffle House got its start in 1955 in Avondale Estates, Georgia, so it's no surprise that the chain has decided to focus on its home state with this test run. Related: Waffle House menu adds something new for customers If you want to make sure the Waffle House you're planning to visit has the new coffee in stock, make sure to visit one of these nine locations. 2812 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta2264 Cheshire Bridge Road NE, Atlanta5071 Peachtree Ind Blvd, Chamblee4065 Peachtree Road, Atlanta3735 Roswell Road, Atlanta3016 Piedmont Road, Atlanta2581 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta4532 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Atlanta3916 Flat Shoals Pkwy, Decatur While Waffle House has not confirmed that the new cold brew will roll out nationwide, it has said the current test will help determine future availability, per Fox 5 Atlanta. It seems as if Waffle House is considering selling its products in a new way, based on some of the choices it's made this year so far. Aside from the new cold brew offering, Waffle House also announced on social media last week that it now sells its cult-classic sweet cream waffle mix on Amazon. The mix is available in single, two-pack, and four-pack options. While the single pack is sold out, you can still get the double for $24.99 and the four-pack for $44.99. Waffle House also offers a gift box option that comes with a four-pack of the waffle mix and Waffle House-branded waffle syrup for $48.99. The chain has also leaned into branded merch, offering shirts and hats, mugs, tumblrs, and even a night light that looks like the iconic Waffle House sign. Related: Waffle House menu adds a surprising new item The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
ISRO, Coffee Board tie up to assess coffee's carbon footprint
The Indian Space Research Organisation ( ISRO ) is helping the Coffee Board of India to quantify the carbon footprint of coffee and assess the carbon sequestration potential of the crop. 'Collaborative studies with Isro have been initiated to quantify carbon sequestration in shaded coffee plantations in India,' said M Senthil Kumar, director of research, Coffee Board, adding that Isro is collecting data. The aim is to quantify the carbon footprint of coffee in the backdrop of the EU's Deforestation Regulation, which requires firms to ensure that products exported to the EU have been grown on land which has not been deforested after December 31, 2020. The regulation has implications for India's coffee, cocoa, soya, wood products, rubber and its products, and leather goods exports. For non-compliance, it prescribes fines up to 4% of a firm's annual turnover in the EU and confiscation of products and revenue gained from a transaction. Senthilkumar said that nutrient formulations and organic supplements have been evolved for sustainable coffee nutrition, and these initiatives have led to India's coffee exports in FY25 rising by 40% year-on-year to $1.8 billion. India's coffee production reached 363,000 tonnes in FY24. 'We have come out with a formulation to improve yield and increase the number of berries and retention of berries. There are three high yielding varieties on which the Coffee Board is doing multi location trials,' he said. The board has released 13 Arabica and 3 Robusta varieties of coffee and will be applying for geographical indications for two varieties. At present, GI tags are granted for Coorg Arabica, Bababudangiri Arabica, Chikmagalur Arabica, Araku Valley, and Wayanad Robusta coffees. Officials said that 490,000 hectares of land is under coffee plantation across 12 states, of which 30% is Arabica variety and 70% is Robusta.
