What is the current state of the coffee industry?
It’s very tough for the coffee farmers as prices are being pushed down and there is huge volatility in demand. Many coffee shops were forced out of business, and thousands of baristas have lost their jobs. I believe the impact on specialty coffee producers has been acute.
What are the forecasted coffee trends?
I expect that people will appreciate their coffee subscriptions, and brewing at home will remain a habit for consumers. At-home consumption might not stay where it is today, however, as people will definitely go back to coffee shops to socialize or indulge in the experience.
What role does SCA have in helping its members?
What role does SCA have in helping its members? Our primary objective during the pandemic has been to provide resources for specialty coffee professionals to support each other and learn. We have released two surveys over the past year to chart the experiences of professionals and businesses and have worked on a series of articles, videos and webinars to provide critical information for how to operate during the pandemic.
About author
Rita Ghantous
Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.
