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IN BRIEF

EU greenlights deforestation regulation delay

On December 17, 2024, the EU gave its final approval to delay
its anti-deforestation law by 12 months, meaning the
postponement will now become law.

The sign-off cements a December 2025 start date for the
landmark policy, which had been initially scheduled to begin
this month.

While some consider the delay a blow to the EU's green agenda, it undoubtedly relieves
companies and trading partners concerned about compliance. For many in the coffee
industry, the final approval could not have come at a more pertinent time as arabica and
robusta futures continue to climb – exacerbating market conditions and tightening

already slim margins. The discourse around passing additional costs onto the consumer
continues, with mainstream news outlets reporting how coffee drinkers "must prepare"
for rising prices.
As 2024 ended, it remained an uncertain time for roasters and traders. Consumers are

undoubtedly concerned about how much more they will need to start paying for a cup of
coffee or a bag of beans, so roasters must address these worries head-on. Explaining the
complexities of the C price and market fluctuations in layman’s terms is by no means

simple, but with increased transparency comes better consumer trust and loyalty – both
of which have never been more important for roasters.

How convenience could crush barista culture
From high-end espresso machines to automated milk frothers,
technology has streamlined coffee preparation, offering faster,

more consistent results.
While this evolution improves efficiency, it raises questions

about its impact on barista culture – an integral part of specialty
coffee.
Could automation overshadow the artistry and community that have long defined the

craft, and risk eroding barista culture?
In modern coffee shops, automation is taking centre stage. Tools like automated frothers
and espresso machines are simplifying complex tasks, ensuring consistent quality even in JANUARY/FEBRUARY. 2025 | ISSUE 40

high-traffic venues.
You can read the full article by Jordan Montgomery in an edition of Coffee Intelligence
written on the 2nd of January 2025.

www.beveragestandardsassociation.co.uk