Weekly Coffee News: Specialty Coffee amid new varieties, emerging origins & socio-economic pressures

Originating from the Cusco Highlands – once the heartland of the brilliant Inca civilization, Inca Gesha coffee variety was shaped through the convergence of indigenous knowledge, the distinctive terroir of the Andes, and farming traditions preserved across generations. Enduring the passage of time, each Inca Gesha bean today continues to embody the pride of an ancient civilization, reflecting a way of life rooted in harmony between humans and nature while honoring the land’s pure and elemental values.

Emerging from the verdant volcanic slopes of Huila, Colombia, Ombligon has ascended rapidly from an agronomic curiosity to a centerpiece of World Barista Championship (WBC) routines and a coveted fixture on the menus of elite roasters from London to Kuala Lumpur. Distinguished by a peculiar morphological trait – a navel-like protrusion at the base of the bean – and a flavor profile that marries the structural intensity of high-altitude Arabica with the confectionery sweetness of modern processing, Ombligon represents the apex of the current trend toward “fruit-forward” and “tactile-rich” coffees.

Unlike its neighbors – Vietnam, which dominates the global Robusta market, or Indonesia, renowned for both Arabica and Robusta – Malaysia is carving out a unique niche by reviving the Coffea liberica species. This renaissance is driven by advanced processing methods, genetic research, and the emergence of a new generation of “specialty” producers.

Through detailed case studies of pioneers such as My Liberica, Sabarica, and Earthlings Coffee Workshop, this article illuminates how Malaysia is not only preserving a heritage crop but is effectively rewriting the sensory dictionary of the coffee world.

In this edition of Weekly Coffee News, XLIII Coffee takes a step back to examine the broader landscape of the Specialty Coffee industry as new coffee varieties and growing regions continue to emerge, alongside increasingly visible socio-economic pressures. From stories of origin, heritage, and varietal innovation to shifts in consumer behavior amid global uncertainty, this issue offers a multidimensional perspective on how Specialty Coffee is adapting, redefining itself, and seeking sustainable value in a constantly changing world.

Liberica is stepping out of the margins to become a new focal point of the coffee world. In this early-2026 edition of Weekly Coffee News, we explore the rise of this “giant” coffee species through comparative analysis, roasting and brewing techniques, and the lens of future climate scenarios. Alongside that, discover rare specialty coffee gems from two acclaimed producers: Finca Soledad and Ninety Plus.

Ninety Plus Juliette emerges like a “princess” of the world of flavor – pure, composed, and nurtured by the most pristine natural conditions. From the mineral-rich volcanic soils of Gesha Estates, through a meticulously controlled Honey processing method, to an extremely-light roast that honors its original character, Juliette delivers a coffee experience that is transparent, refined, and rich in depth.