During the Specialty Coffee Expo 2025 held in Houston, Vanusia Nogueira, Executive Director of the International Coffee Organization (ICO), addressed key sustainability challenges facing the global coffee sector in an interview conducted by El Mundo del Café La Revista, a Mexican magazine specializing in coffee industry coverage. The interview was published as a video on the magazine’s official Instagram account.
Qahwa World republishes highlights of this conversation, which sheds light on critical issues including climate change, economic sustainability, and innovation in coffee production.
Speaking from the event floor, Nogueira noted the significance of the Specialty Coffee Expo as the largest global gathering for specialty coffee. She participated in the presentation of sustainability awards organized by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), an initiative aimed at recognizing leadership in environmental and social responsibility within the coffee industry.
“This is a fair packed with people and ideas, and it’s a pleasure to discuss the future of coffee here,” Nogueira said.
She explained that the sustainability awards, initiated several years ago, currently recognize two categories: businesses operating for profit, and non-profit organizations. This year, a roaster from India won in the for-profit category, though visa issues prevented their attendance. Fairtrade International, a German non-profit organization, received the award for its longstanding contributions to promoting environmental, economic, and social sustainability.
Turning to climate challenges, Nogueira warned of increasingly severe weather patterns disrupting coffee production across major producing countries since 2021.
“We are witnessing extreme climate events — long droughts, unprecedented heat waves — which are directly impacting harvests,” she said.
To adapt, she emphasized the urgent need for investment in developing heat- and drought-resistant coffee varieties, soil regeneration practices, and more efficient irrigation systems.
Nogueira also highlighted the ICO’s collaboration with international bodies, including the G7, the European Union, and the World Bank, to secure support for producers adapting to the new realities of climate change.
On the issue of economic sustainability, Nogueira acknowledged recent improvements in coffee prices but cautioned that affordability concerns among consumers must be balanced with fair compensation for producers.
“Consumers may feel that prices at supermarkets and cafés are rising, but it is crucial to recognize that fairer prices are necessary to ensure dignified livelihoods for coffee farmers,” she said.
In her closing message, Nogueira addressed coffee producers, particularly in Mexico, calling for greater innovation and environmental stewardship.
“We must continue seeking alternatives and innovations that respect the environment while ensuring sustainable production that supports farming families,” she said.
The interview was conducted and originally published by El Mundo del Café La Revista, a leading Mexican coffee industry magazine, via its Instagram platform.