KAFFA INVESTS ON INNOVATION TO GROW IN THE GLOBAL COFFEE MARKET
KAFFA CHRISTMAS DINNER
Year after year, Kaffa has reaffirmed its position as a leader in the coffee sector, focusing on innovation, sustainability and expanding its market. Despite the challenges that mark the global coffee industry, the company has consolidated its presence at a national and international level.
The year 2024 was particularly challenging – due to the difficulties resulting from the rise in green coffee prices caused by logistical constraints, climate change and diplomatic tensions.
However, thanks to a strong team spirit and strategic investments in innovation and quality, Kaffa has managed to strengthen its position and diversify its offering, ensuring the availability of numerous products of exceptional quality on the national and international markets.
Reinforcing its commitment to excellence – by raising the standards of its processes and the qualifications of its professionals – Kaffa is proud to be one of the few Portuguese companies to have a Q-Grader certified professional.
This qualification is awarded by the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) that recognizes specialization in the sensory analysis of coffee.
Hugo Riou, one of the seven Portuguese professionals certified by Q-Grader, has worked with Kaffa since 2013 and this year renewed the distinction that certifies him as one of the Portuguese professionals with the greatest mastery of taste and smell.
With a production capacity of 500 million capsules per year and 5 million kilos of coffee, Kaffa currently operates with 16 production lines, two roasters, automatic packaging systems for beans and grounds, and ultra-modern grinding and degassing systems.
Innovation and Efficiency mark Kaffa's production
Kaffa has invested significantly in optimizing its production, investing in cutting-edge equipment that guarantees efficiency, quality and reproducibility. Among the most recent advances is one of the most modern fully automated systems on the market (for comprehensive production management, from green coffee to storage of roasted and ground coffee) and a significant investment in modernizing the roasting process.
The new drum roaster integrates an intelligent roasting profile control system, allowing the entire process to be monitored and the standard profile to be accurately replicated. With an innovative air circulation system that provides greater versatility in roasting, the new equipment allows for fast roasting (with greater aroma and acidity) and slow roasting (which promotes caramelization).
The new production equipment, which ensures the production of capsules developed by Kaffa, has not only increased production capacity, but also ensures superior quality control at highly competitive prices. The strategic focus on efficiency and production effectiveness, combined with a firm commitment to sustainability, has generated a very significant and positive impact, both economically and environmentally.
The most recent investments, focused on optimizing the resources allocated to production, have made it possible to significantly reduce execution times and energy costs, while simultaneously increasing sustainability gains. The focus on supplying coffee in bulk – eliminating the need to use burlap sacks – and the introduction of advanced green coffee cleaning equipment – which allows for the selection of a wider range of beans – are just some examples of the initiatives that Kaffa has been implementing on the path to innovation and efficiency.
In 2025, the Cabra Figa factory unit will continue to be the target of strategic investments, with new financial resources expected in the order of 4 million euros. This investment includes the acquisition of three new production lines and three new mills. In addition to significantly increasing production capacity, these new infrastructures will allow the continuous development of new capsule versions, ensuring constant and regular improvement of Kaffa products, in line with market demands and best sustainability practices.
Sustainability: An Essential Pillar
Kaffa has a strong commitment to sustainability, reflected in all stages of its production chain. Currently, 92% of the green coffee purchased is certified for sustainability (Rainforest Alliance or Organic) and 85% of the cardboard packaging is certified by the FSC.
At the Cabra Figa manufacturing unit, all waste is fully separated, allowing for the recovery of around 58% of the materials discarded annually. Kaffa's commitment to the circular economy and building a more sustainable future has been a reality since 2021, thanks not only to the numerous innovations implemented, but also to the joint work developed with a specialized partner, which has allowed it to reduce the amount of common industrial waste by 40%, giving 'new lives' to its by-products.
All the materials that make up the capsules – coffee grounds, plastic and aluminum – are carefully separated and sent for recycling, with the grounds being transformed into organic compost. Capsules rejected during the production process also undergo a rigorous process of separating their components, enabling them to be revalued and reintegrated into new value chains.
Kaffa's commitment to the environment is present in all of its daily practices. Reducing water consumption, adopting more efficient technologies and using more environmentally friendly materials are examples of initiatives promoted by the company to minimize its ecological footprint and make its operations more responsible and sustainable.
Employees, who receive ongoing and regular training, also benefit from a set of measures that ensure their well-being and the creation of a healthy and safe working environment. In addition to modernizing equipment and optimizing production processes, which contribute to reducing the physical effort of factory workers, Kaffa implements rigorous control of environmental conditions throughout the factory and surrounding area.
Continuous monitoring of carbon monoxide levels is carried out and advanced filtration and coffee powder extraction systems have been installed, ensuring air quality and promoting a safer and more comfortable working environment. Finally, Kaffa’s commitment to sustainability also extends to raising consumer awareness, encouraging greener choices, promoting recycling and the conscious use of resources.
In this way, Kaffa reaffirms its mission to offer high-quality coffee, respecting the environment and contributing to a more sustainable future.
International Expansion
Kaffa's international presence has been growing steadily and significantly.
In 2024, the company strengthened its sales team by hiring three new professionals dedicated exclusively to the international market and, with a young, dynamic and multilingual team, it strengthened its relationships with global clients, becoming more agile and effective in developing new projects. The company's proximity to the international market has been fundamental to consolidating Kaffa's global expansion, reflected not only in its presence at some of the most prestigious events in the sector, such as SIAL Paris, Anuga Cologne and PLMA Amsterdam, but also in the diversification of its portfolio.
Demonstrating its availability and ability to adapt to the preferences of different markets, it adjusted its offer and, in 2024, it focused on entering the roasted coffee market (a category with great tradition and demand in Latin American countries and Spain). The new roasting method (which involves the addition of sugar and/or carob extract, giving the coffee a unique sensory profile, with more intense notes, a distinctive bitterness and greater shelf life) has shown great potential, with significant investment being made in training and the acquisition of specialist equipment to ensure a differentiated, high-quality product.
The focus on innovation and adapting the offer to the needs of each market has been accompanied by careful prospecting and acquisition of strategic knowledge, strengthening the brand's presence across borders.
As a result, Kaffa has gained new customers in seven countries, with particular emphasis on Europe (Spain), Eastern Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom and Angola, and has strengthened its focus on the Iberian market by opening a branch in Spain, thus consolidating its presence in the neighbouring country with a presence in more than 400 stores of a major international retail chain.
Kaffa's position in the international premium segment has been further strengthened by the growing demand for capsules compatible with the main coffee systems on the market, as well as by the increasing relevance of roasted and ground coffee beans.
Distinguishing itself as a 360º partner, Kaffa presents itself on the international market not only as a coffee roaster and capsule producer, but also as a specialist in the creation of products and brands. This approach allows it to offer premium quality coffee (ensuring a sustainable balance between excellence and value) in various international markets.
As a specialist in coffees (both Arabica and Robusta), Kaffa has the ability to adapt and respond to the demands and specificities of each international market, establishing itself as a global supplier that brings the quality of its coffee to more and more cups around the world.
In 2025, Kaffa intends to continue this growth, using the knowledge acquired to consolidate its international presence, attract new customers and expand its own brand projects.
Kaffa Office – Coffee solutions for companies
Kaffa has been consolidating its presence in the B2B market, focusing on the Office Coffee segment, a coffee supply model designed for companies.
Providing a complete solution, Kaffa not only guarantees direct delivery of coffee to companies but also provides machines on a loan basis with technical support included. Distinguished by its close and personalized customer service, the brand also offers complementary accessories such as cups, sugar and stirrers.
The brand is currently present in more than 200 national companies, with around 600 machines installed.
With this investment, Kaffa strengthens its presence in the business sector, keeping up with the growing demand for coffee capsules, valued for their convenience and ease of use, and responding to the demands of an increasingly competitive market.