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Understanding Decaffeination: Methods, Logistics & Quality Impacts
Article Summary  There are two main types of decaffeination processing, indirect and direct solvent. Indirect solvent method uses Green Coffee Extract (GCE) which draws out caffeine through diffusion. GCE molecules then become saturated with caffeine while the...
Understanding The IEEPA Tariff Refund Process: What Coffee Roasters Need to Know

Recent court rulings around tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) have created understandable confusion across the coffee industry. In this article, we break down what the Supreme Court ruling actually means, where the government refund process stands today, and what coffee roasters should realistically expect as the situation develops.

Scoring Specialty Coffee – What do the Numbers Mean? 

This article outlines how coffees are graded and scored under commonly used systems, and works to define “specialty” coffee while examining the nuance and complexity of cup score values. Sections of note include definitions of individual attributes, a breakdown of what cup scores mean, and a discussion of recent, controversial updates to the tools professional graders use to evaluate a coffee’s quality. 

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Green Coffee Tariff Updates & Customer FAQs

Green Coffee Tariff Updates & Customer FAQs

Updated November 20, 2025  TL; DR  On Nov 20 2025, the U.S. signed an order that removes the 40% additional duty on certain Brazilian agricultural imports, including coffee.  The relief is effective for goods entered/withdrawn for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. ET on Nov 13, 2025. Tariffs on...

Royal Coffee 2025 Holiday Ordering Info

Royal Coffee 2025 Holiday Ordering Info

Dear Royal Coffee Customer, As the busy holiday season approaches, we want to help you prepare for successful shipments. During the holiday season, carriers always experience higher than normal volume, and driver and dock staffing shortages tend to accumulate. We have seen recent delays due to...

Excerpt: Additive Fermentation: “Infused” Coffee is Gaining Popularity and Sparking Industry Debate”

Excerpt: Additive Fermentation: “Infused” Coffee is Gaining Popularity and Sparking Industry Debate”

Co-fermented coffee is a new processing approach where producers add natural ingredients like fruit, hops, or spices during fermentation to enhance flavor complexity. Unlike flavored coffee, these additives interact with the beans before drying, creating unique taste profiles while sparking debate over labeling, transparency, and authenticity within the specialty coffee industry.

Celebrating 30 Years of Royal New York

Celebrating 30 Years of Royal New York

We are proud to celebrate an important milestone for our sister company, Royal New York. For 30 years, they have been a trusted partner in specialty coffee and tea, known for their dedication to quality, service, and education.  Coffee, Tea, and The Lab  Royal New York operates across three...

Market Update: Brazil Rains Shift Coffee Prices 

Market Update: Brazil Rains Shift Coffee Prices 

Article Summary: Coffee futures plunged. The sharpest drop in 17 years with arabica down 7.6% and robusta down 10% as rains return to Brazil. Improved weather may boost the 2026 crop, but short-term volatility remains. U.S. imports from Brazil are falling while Vietnam’s shipments surge. Freight...

Brazil Weather Update

Brazil Weather Update

Editor's Note August 19th: StoneX estimates frost losses at about 424,000 bags in Cerrado Mineiro, with damage across roughly 3.9% of the region’s area. That figure could climb even where leaves look fine: cold at this stage can trigger flower bud drop, cutting future yield. We saw this after the...

Empowering Women at Origin: Ethiopia

Empowering Women at Origin: Ethiopia

By Lauren Cropper, Junior Trader & Certifications Manager, with Caitlin McCarthy-Garcia, Trader Article Summary: Royal Coffee highlights two women-led Ethiopian exporters, Ephtah and Dumerso, that are transforming the country’s coffee industry through equity, quality, and community impact....

July 2025 Crown Jewel Updates

July 2025 Crown Jewel Updates

Explore July 2025 Crown Jewel coffee arrivals from Sumatra, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and more. Bold flavors, innovative processing, and standout producers.

Tariff Updates: What’s Changing and What to Watch

Tariff Updates: What’s Changing and What to Watch

Editor's Note August 20th: Brazil: A 50% tariff on green coffee takes effect August 6, with no exemption granted. The increase is tied to recent political tensions and was confirmed by Commerce Secretary Lutnick, who also stated no extension will be offered. Indonesia: Officially at 19% for...

Mycotoxin, My Condolences

Mycotoxin, My Condolences

Article Summary: Coffee is safe to drink and not a meaningful source of mycotoxins. While molds can occur in agricultural products, roasting significantly reduces ochratoxin A (OTA) to levels well below global safety standards. Industry-wide efforts led by the ICO and UN since 2001 have further...

The Second Annual Development Stage

The Second Annual Development Stage

Article Summary: Royal Coffee will host its Second Annual Development Stage Symposium on September 12–13, 2025, at The Crown: Royal Coffee Lab & Tasting Room in Oakland, CA. This multi-day event brings together innovators from across the coffee industry and beyond. The 2025 theme centers on...