NCA Next Gen

For this installment (PART 2) of our NCA Next Gen Spotlight series, we had the pleasure of connecting with María Paz Lobo Zeledón , Sustainability Manager at The Coffee Source, to gain insights into her dissertation titled "Assessment of Potential Livelihood Transformations for Coffee Farmers in Amazonas, Peru due to Unintended Consequences of the EUDR." Q: Are there ways the industry could get involved to better support farming communities in Amazonas knowing that the EUDR implementation deadline is approaching? A: I would first highlight the difference between ensuring compliance by a set deadline and ensuring that communities have the information and agency to adopt and align these actions with their local contexts. It’s one thing to reach these farms and map them using our own technologies and systems, but it’s another to share information, empower local governments and civil society, and support transitions that create win-win outcomes for all stakeholders. We need to go beyond compliance and work to bridge the power gap between legislation being drafted and prescribed in Europe and the coffee farmers required to comply. The EUDR has the potential to bring many positive changes to communities. For example, in my study, I highlight how in Amazonas, the traceability requirements of the EUDR could encourage more farmers to join associations, cooperatives, or farmer organizations. However, we risk missing out on these opportunities if we focus solely on collecting geolocation points. The Amazonas region presents unique challenges that amplify the difficulties other communities worldwide are facing with the EUDR—due to its remote location, history of neglect, and heavy reliance on coffee production. I can also imagine that there are regions where these challenges are even more severe. This underscores the need to analyze the EUDR’s impacts at national, regional, and local levels to ensure the regulation leads to genuinely positive outcomes. Local approaches, of course, require time and resources, but I see a significant opportunity for more collaborative work among all types of stakeholders—collaboration that has the potential to drive truly transformative action. --- Thank you Maria, for sharing your research with us! #NationalCoffeeAssociation #NCA #NextGen #coffee #NextGenSpotlight #GreenCoffee #CoffeeTrading #sustainability #EUDR #Amazonas #Peru

For this installment (PART 1) of our NCA Next Gen Spotlight series, we had the pleasure of connecting with María Paz Lobo Zeledón , Sustainability Manager at The Coffee Source, to gain insights into her dissertation titled "Assessment of Potential Livelihood Transformations for Coffee Farmers in Amazonas, Peru due to Unintended Consequences of the EUDR." Q: Could you briefly summarize the findings of your dissertation for us? A: I’ll start with a quick disclaimer that as a sustainability professional working in coffee for some years now, I have always been (and still am) a strong believer in regulatory approaches. I see them as necessary among a broad range of actions needed to address some of the biggest and most complex challenges our industry faces. That said, the main goal with this study was to elevate the voices of farmers from Amazonas, Peru, a particularly marginalized coffee region, bringing them into the discussion around the impacts of EUDR—especially considering that many of these farmers and local stakeholders had likely not heard about the EUDR at that point. What I found along the way was highly indicative of significant power imbalances that could potentially hinder the positive impact of regulatory actions aimed at reducing deforestation. There were many unintended consequences that seemed highly likely to occur, and some that were already happening—such as a significant increase in administrative and financial burdens on coffee cooperatives and companies, misattributions of deforestation, and the exclusion of coffee farmers from supply chains. On the other hand, one of my biggest takeaways from the study was how, as an industry, we often misunderstand the drivers, motivations, and attributions of deforestation. These are far from straightforward and are deeply intertwined with historical socio-economic marginalization and existing power dynamics. I believe recognizing this complexity is a crucial first step—one that is often overlooked and could ultimately obstruct our broader goal of halting deforestation. A summarized version of some of these findings can be found in my LinkedIn post (https://lnkd.in/etEjiyFb), and very soon, in an article I wrote for 25 Magazine (stay tuned!). Finally, I want to be fully transparent about the study's limited scope and the speculative nature of trying to understand how livelihoods will be transformed. With this in mind, I believe this is the perfect moment to invest in further research—to better prepare for different scenarios and to examine how these challenges and unintended consequences might disproportionately affect more vulnerable groups, such as women and Indigenous populations in coffee regions.

For this installment of our NCA Next Gen Spotlight series, we spoke with Gabriel Noguera, Vice President at Coffein Compagnie. Gabriel helped bust myths about decaf and shared advice on becoming a successful coffee professional. Q: Are there any common myths about decaf coffee that need to be addressed? A: Decaf offers benefits for everyone, not just those with caffeine restrictions. It preserves coffee's health benefits and allows enjoyment beyond caffeine tolerance.? Decaf is ideal for those who appreciate coffee's sensory and social experience without overstimulation.? As a bonus, decaf allows for more liberal enjoyment of coffee cocktails like Espresso Martinis and Carajillos. While decaf has many advantages, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice. Common myths about decaf include that it's not "real coffee" and that it's of poor quality.? If you drink coffee only for the energy boost, fair enough. However, if you appreciate coffee for its aroma, flavor, and ritual, decaf can be just as "real" as regular coffee.? Quality in decaf, like regular coffee, depends on bean selection, roasting, and preparation. For proof, check out James Hoffmann's recent YouTube series on Decaf or try the decaf version of your favorite coffee – you will be pleasantly surprised.? Don't let myths deter you from enjoying decaf's benefits. Q: What career advice would you offer someone who wants to get involved in the coffee industry? A: Beyond talent and a strong work ethic, a successful career in the coffee industry requires two essential ingredients: deep, specific knowledge of the subject matter, and a robust professional network. Both elements can only be acquired through experience. Therefore, my advice to aspiring coffee professionals is straightforward: start at the bottom and immerse yourself in work that will expand your understanding of the craft, from logistics to quality and from futures to sustainability. Simultaneously, focus on building meaningful connections with colleagues, mentors, and industry peers. The coffee world is small, and anyone could be your next boss, customer, or supplier. By doing so, you'll gradually develop the comprehensive expertise and supportive network that are fundamental to long-term success in coffee. In essence, embrace every opportunity to learn; no task should be beneath you. Cultivate every relationship; everyone has something valuable to offer. Your career in coffee will be shaped not just by what you know, but by the connections you make and the experiences you accumulate.. Thanks Gabriel, for sharing your insights! #NationalCoffeeAssociation #NCA #NextGen #coffee #NextGenSpotlight #Commodities #Trends #Decaf #Decaffeination #DecafCoffee #CoffeeIndustry #CoffeeLovers

Join the NCA Next Gen at the 2025 NCA Convention for a discussion on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and its far-reaching implications for the global coffee industry. The panel will offer diverse perspectives on how the EUDR is shaping coffee production, trade, and compliance. The panelists will delve into the evolving nature of the regulation, its challenges, and the long-term consequences for coffee growers, exporters, traders, and U.S. businesses. They will also answer questions prepared by the NCA Next Generation community. Register for the 2025 NCA Convention: ncausa.org/convention ?#NationalCoffeeAssociation #NCA #coffee #specialty coffee #trends

Join the NCA Next Gen for a fun night out at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo! First make sure you are registered to attend the 2025 NCA Convention, then use the link below to register for the event. Tickets are limited, so don’t delay! https://lnkd.in/eCnTAVHC #NationalCoffeeAssociation #NCA #NCAHouston25 #coffee #rodeo #houston #networking?

Over the last several years, consumption share has been shifting between the hot and cold coffee categories in a big way. ???? How has this impacted your sales mix?? How have your customers’ preferences changed? Join us for the next National Coffee Association webinar, “Cold Coffee Continues to Heat Up,” for cold coffee trends that are hot off the press, utilizing data from the most recent National Coffee Data Trends (NCDT) report. ?? In this webinar, we will be joined by Samantha E., Director of Insights at Dig Insights, who will use her focus on quantitative methodologies to offer insights around: ? A snapshot of the current coffee market and how cold coffee beverages fit in? ? Consumption preferences and areas for customization? ? Consumer attitudes and preferences towards cold coffee, including the impact of health benefits and flavor profiles on consumer purchase decisions Join us February 19, 2025, at 1:00pm EST to get the most up-to-date data on the hottest trend in coffee.? (Available exclusively for NCA members) Register here today: https://lnkd.in/eQ6fkr-G #NationalCoffeeAssociation #NCA #webinar #coffee #specialtycoffee #NCDT #coffeetrends #coffeeinsights #coldcoffee

What do you know about Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)? The next National Coffee Association webinar, “Understanding Extended Producer Responsibility: implications for the Coffee Industry,” takes a look at how these new state laws could affect your coffee business. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Paper and Packaging is a policy approach enacted by several states, which holds manufacturers and producers responsible for the end-of-life management of packaging materials that are ultimately discarded or recycled in a state with an EPR law. Whether your company manufactures hot coffee in a paper cup, cold coffee in a plastic one, or roasted coffee in a bag, it is likely that you will have reporting and fee obligations in several states. For this webinar, we will be joined by Thayer Ellis, Associate at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP - who will leverage her experience advising domestic and international food and beverage brands in all aspects of regulatory compliance, to answer questions such as: What states are enacting EPR laws? ??? How do you know if you are responsible for reporting and fees? ?? What kind of packaging (cups, bags, etc.) triggers a responsibility? ?? What do you need to do to be in compliance with these laws, and by when? ??? Join us February 12, 2025, at 1:00pm EST to ensure you get the information you need to keep your business compliant!? (Available exclusively for NCA members) Register here today: https://lnkd.in/ex8xwmPK #NationalCoffeeAssociation #NCA #webinar #coffee #specialtycoffee #EPR #extendedproducerresponsibility #compliance #regulation #coffeepackaging

Thanks to everyone who joined for the first NCA Webinar of the year, “U.S. Coffee Outlook 2025!” ?? This webinar provided valuable insights into the state of the industry and the trends that will shape the coffee landscape in 2025.?? Big thanks as well to our presenter, Matthew Barry, Insight Manager, Food & Beverage Americas with Euromonitor International, who gave us a peek into his world of hot beverage trend analysis, and some great ideas around what to expect from the industry this year. ?? For those that missed it the first time, NCA members can access the recording on demand here.? https://lnkd.in/ePTK9UEF #NationalCoffeeAssociation #NCA #webinar #coffee #specialtycoffee #2025 #coffeetrends #data&insights #coffeeprices #wellness

Temperature check! Hot coffee might be the traditional choice, but we’ve all heard about cold coffee’s rise in popularity. Which do you prefer? #NationalCoffeeAssociation #NCA #NextGen #Coffee #SpecialtyCoffee

2025 National Coffee Association USA Annual Convention March 6 - 8, 2025 | Houston, TX Join NCA Next Gen at the premier event of the year for coffee industry executives and decision makers. Each March, nearly 800 individuals representing over 200 companies across the coffee industry gather for the NCA Convention. 86% of prior Convention attendees were presidents/chief executive officers, vice presidents, directors, or managers. Register today and be part of the action. ncausa.org/convention #NationalCoffeeAssociation #NCA #NCAConvention2025