Processing

October 8, 2026

Can coffee producers "own" a processing method?

Key takeaways Coffee processing innovation has accelerated considerably over the last decade. Many niche processes originate at a single farm or with a single producer. Intellectual property and patent registration are standard when developing new plants, which are often widely distributed. Processing is harder to protect than varieties because outcomes vary widely. Coffee processing has always been evolving. Natural processing, which originated in Ethiopia and Yemen as early as the… read more

Key takeaways Coffee processing innovation has accelerated considerably over the last decade. Many niche processes originate at a single farm or with a single producer. Intellectual property and patent registration are standard when developing new plants, which are often widely… read more

October 8, 2026

Can coffee producers “own” a processing method?

Key takeaways Coffee processing innovation has accelerated considerably over the last decade. Many niche processes originate at a single farm or with a single producer....

August 18, 2026

Why processing is helping push liberica into the spotlight

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes Key takeaways Liberica tolerates heat, drought, and lower elevations better than arabica. Anaerobic and natural processing transform liberica’s flavour and...

August 12, 2026

Producers are increasingly scrutinising every stage of coffee processing

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes Key takeaways Producers are scrutinising every coffee processing stage, from fermentation to milling. Colombia leads processing innovation, with co-fermentation now...

July 8, 2026

Co-ferments are huge – but how will processing change from here?

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes Key takeaways Co-fermentation has become an established but still divisive coffee processing category. Processing methods will continue to diversify, with...

May 21, 2026

The love-hate relationship with co-ferments: What are the real issues?

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes Key takeaways Co-fermented coffees offer bold, obvious flavours that challenge traditionally processed coffees. Some consider co-fermentation as a shortcut to...

April 27, 2026

Co-fermented coffees might be divisive, but there is clearly a market for them

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes Key takeaways Co-ferments have shifted from niche to mainstream within specialty coffee. Consumers treat co-ferments as occasional additions, not daily...

February 4, 2026

Why is Colombia producing so many co-fermented coffees?

Key takeaways Colombia has built a global reputation for consistently clean washed coffees. It is also emerging as one of the world’s largest producers of...

November 5, 2025

Co-ferments vs. yeast inoculation: What’s the difference?

Co-fermented and yeast-inoculated coffees share some similarities that produce flavours beyond the coffee cherry itself. Co-ferments are coffees in which external organic substrates (such as...

September 29, 2025

Producers are pushing for more innovation in coffee processing

Processing has always been innovative in specialty coffee, but it’s only becoming increasingly inventive. We’re seeing more high-end fermentations at coffee events, not just from...

July 29, 2025

Five years on, where does the industry stand on infused coffees?

Infused coffees have been one of the most divisive topics in the specialty coffee industry over the past few years. Some believe they are a...

March 4, 2025

Producers are facing more challenges: Could processing innovation be a solution?

Despite high coffee prices, producers are still facing an increasing number of challenges. The rising cost of inputs, such as fertilisers, and labour fees means...

January 8, 2025

How honey processing is evolving

Honey processing became synonymous with Costa Rica in the late 2000s. Following a major earthquake in 2008, the country’s government imposed water usage restrictions –...

October 21, 2024

Are washed coffees becoming more popular again?

The washed process is one of the most common and revered processing methods in the coffee industry. Often used to showcase terroir and highlight clean,...

September 10, 2024

How much do roasters actually need to know about new experimental processing methods?

Over the last decade or so, advanced processing methods have become a hallmark of specialty coffee. If you have noticed a proliferation of terms like...

July 8, 2024

Washed vs natural processing: Why specialty coffee shouldn’t have a favourite

Washed and natural processed coffees make up the vast majority of the market. Both offer different flavour experiences, and therefore cater to different consumer preferences....

March 13, 2024

Specialty coffee could still learn more from winemaking

It’s no secret that winemaking has had a huge impact on the coffee industry. From shared terminology to similar farming practices, coffee producers have drawn...