Olive Oil: Liquid Gold for Health and Culture

Olive oil, often called “liquid gold,” is one of the world’s most treasured natural products. Known for its health benefits, rich flavor, and cultural significance, olive oil has been a cornerstone of Mediterranean life for thousands of years—and today, it is enjoyed worldwide. A History Rooted in Tradition The history of olive oil dates back […]

Venezuelan Cocoa from Sur del Lago

When it comes to fine flavor cocoa, few regions in the world compare to Sur del Lago, Venezuela. Known as one of the birthplaces of cacao cultivation, this area produces some of the most aromatic and high-quality cocoa beans treasured by chocolatiers worldwide. The Rich Heritage of Sur del Lago Located near Lake Maracaibo in […]

History of coffee

The history of coffee dates back centuries, first from its origin in Ethiopia and Yemen. It was already known in Mecca in the 15th century. Also, in the 15th century, Sufi Muslim monasteries (khanqahs) in Yemen employed coffee as an aid to concentration during prayers.[1]Coffee later spread to the Levant in the early 16th century; it caused some controversy on whether it was halal in Ottoman and Mamluk society. Coffee arrived in Italy in the […]

The Ancient Origins of Coffee

Although coffee beans originated in the mountainous regions of Western Ethiopia, the earliest written evidence of cultivation appeared in 12th century Yemen. There is, however, historical arguments that Ethiopia was the origin of cultivation as well as propagation, but no written records exist of that. Records for Yemenese cultivation do. This does tip the scale slightly […]

Coffee Market Report of 2025

July 2025 Decreasing I-CIP reflects uncertain global economic climateGreen Coffee Price The ICO Composite Indicator Price (I-CIP) averaged 259.31 US cents/lb in July 2025, an 11.8% decrease from June 2025. The Colombian Milds’ and Other Milds’ prices both decreased by 10.5% and 10.4% compared to June 2025, averaging322.37 and 325.50 US cents/lb, respectively, in July […]

Cocoa in the World

Cocoa, often called the “food of the gods,” is one of the most important agricultural products in the global economy. From rich chocolate bars to soothing hot cocoa drinks, this humble bean has shaped cultures, economies, and traditions around the world. The Origins of Cocoa Cocoa’s story began thousands of years ago with the Maya […]

Cocoa’s Business Features Globally

Cocoa is more than just the key ingredient in chocolate—it is a global business powerhouse. From farming communities in Africa to chocolate factories in Europe, cocoa drives international trade, supports millions of livelihoods, and shapes consumer markets worldwide. 1. Global Production Hubs Cocoa grows best in tropical climates, making West Africa, Latin America, and Southeast […]