illycaffè is the Official Partner of Art Basel Paris for coffee

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October 21, 2024

coffee microbiome — Roasted coffee beans (credits: Ri Butov from Pixabay)

SOUDAH, Saudi Arabia – Soudah Development, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Coffee Company to advance coffee cultivation in the Soudah Peaks project area. This collaboration supports sustainable development and aims to elevate the role of Soudah Peaks in producing high-quality local coffee, by exploring its environmental and agricultural potential of the project area.

The MoU aims to establish a cooperative framework to identify optimal locations for coffee cultivation and select suitable local coffee varieties, while planting coffee trees based on the geographical characteristics of the project area.

Both parties will assess the environmental impact of water usage in coffee farming and implement measures to promote integrated agricultural management, ensuring the preservation of natural resources.

Commenting on the agreement, Eng. Saleh Aloraini, CEO of Soudah Development, said:

“This partnership is an important milestone in our journey toward sustainable agricultural practices and community engagement.

By working with the Saudi Coffee Company, we are not only reaching our goal of planting 1 million trees by 2030 and fostering local economic growth but also preserving the rich cultural heritage associated with coffee cultivation in the region. We are committed to work with the Saudi coffee growing within the project area, offering visitors unique experiences, supporting the Kingdom’s efforts of developing this sector”.

As mentioned by the CEO of the Saudi Coffee Company Khalid Abu Theeb:

“Our collaboration with Soudah Development Company underscores our dedication to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s coffee industry by focusing on sustainability and quality.

By cultivating coffee in Soudah, we not only empower local farmers but also unlock the region’s full agricultural potential. Together, we are shaping the future of Saudi coffee, fostering economic growth, and preserving the cultural heritage that coffee holds in Saudi Arabia.

This agreement is part of Soudah Development’s commitment to achieving sustainable economic development in the region and positioning it as a hub for producing premium Saudi coffee, in collaboration with the Saudi Coffee Company, a leading entity in the development of coffee cultivation in the Kingdom.

Coffee futures markets retreat on rain forecasts from Brazil, dollar index at 2-and-a-half-month highs

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October 18, 2024

The ICE logo

MILAN — Coffee futures markets closed lower yesterday, Thursday 17 October, with the trend being more pronounced on the Robusta side. In London, the contract for January delivery fell $154 (-3.2%) to close at $4,598, the lowest level for the benchmark since the third decade of August.

More modest declines were seen in New York, where the contract for December delivery lost 1.1% to settle at 255.15 cents.

The steeper declines on the Robusta side may reflect some arbitrage business in the coffee futures markets, with some investors selling Robusta and buying Arabica due to an unusual small price gap between the two.

Among the factors affecting market performance were the dollar’s strong recovery – with the greenback at 2 ½ month highs – and new weather forecasts from Brazil, promising rain for the latter part of this week and next.

Forecast models predict a moderate cool and wet front moving in from the southeast, assisting to keep temperatures in the mid-twenties in degrees Celsius.

However, experts in the field note that the rains may have come too late and that the potential of the next harvest is already compromised.

“Next crop won’t be big, we can already expect losses,” said Alysson Fagundes, an agronomist at coffee research institution Fundacao Procafe in Minas Gerais, the top Brazilian coffee-growing state, in an interview with Reuters.

Procafe said that at the end of September soils in the southern part of the state of Minas Gerais- the main coffee area – were lacking 250 millimeters (9.84 inches) of water when compared to ideal levels. That was the second largest soil moisture shortfall on record, says Procafe.

Irrigation, where present, has not been able to alleviate this deficit, as many water streams went dry.

Given the difficulties, many producers are opting for pruning the trees, according to a report from Reuters.

Farmers use this technique to stimulate the recovery of the plant, but that means the trees will not produce beans in the first year after pruning, only getting back to production in 2026, says a farmer quoted in the report.

Rain continues to fall in Vietnam too, where forecasters expect it will continue until at least next week. The situation will be monitored over the coming days, as a prolonged continuation of rainfall may potentially delay and hamper coffee harvesting.

Cimbali Group debuts at Independent Hotel Show 2024 with brands La Cimbali, Faema and Casadio

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October 18, 2024

faema cimbali — Cimbali Group presents The Art of Wonder, its dedicated project for the hospitality sector, showcasing tailored coffee solutions that transform hotel spaces into immersive experiences with a focus on quality, sustainability, and personalisation (image provided)

LONDON – Cimbali Group, leading manufacturer of professional coffee machines and equipment, is excited to announce its participation in the Independent Hotel Show 2024, an exclusive event dedicated to the luxury and boutique hotel sector, hosted at Olympia London from October 15^th to 16^th.

The Group will showcase the Art of Wonder, a project designed to elevate coffee offerings in hotels from a beverage service to a key part of the guest experience. As hotels focus on delivering immersive, curated stays, coffee has become central to indulgence and personalisation. With guests seeking high-quality and tailored experiences, the Art of Wonder ensures that hoteliers can meet these demands by providing innovative coffee solutions that seamlessly integrate into various hotel environments.

Elevating hotel experiences

Cimbali Group will highlight its commitment to elevating the guest experience by showcasing customised coffee solutions specifically designed for the hospitality industry, with an emphasis on how the right coffee equipment can elevate hotel spaces, from breakfast rooms to lounge bars.

At Independent Hotel Show 2024, which will see hoteliers, general managers, and designers gathering to explore cutting-edge innovations and solutions for the hospitality industry, the Group will be represented with Stand 2100, where they will introduce bespoke coffee experiences that align with the distinct needs of luxury hoteliers. The Stand will feature three key zones, each designed to showcase the adaptability of the machines to different hotel environments:

LaCimbali Area – S30 and S-Lite

LaCimbali S30 offers an ideal solution for high-end breakfast areas where a variety of drinks and seamless service are essential. With the ability to produce up to 300 cups daily, the S30 combines advanced milk frothing technology with app-controlled features, ensuring effortless operation in busy environments like conference rooms and breakfast lounges.

Complementing the S-30 will be the LaCimbali S-Lite, a compact and versatile machine tailored for smaller settings such as boutique hotel breakfast rooms or beach bars. Its sleek design and top-tier performance make it perfect for establishments seeking quality without compromising on space.

La CImbali at the Independent Hotel Show 2024 (image provided)

Faema Area – Faema President and Groundbreaker

The Faema President, known for its customisable design, will be featured in a luxurious lounge setting. This machine combines Italian heritage with modern technology, offering hotels the ability to deliver a personalised coffee experience that aligns with the aesthetic and ambiance of their establishment.

Whether in a rooftop bar or fine dining restaurant, the President’s elegant design and cutting-edge performance will captivate guests. The Groundbreaker grinder will also be displayed, known for its compact size and innovative technology like the Perfect Grinding System (PGS), which ensures consistent, high-quality coffee grounds for premium service.

Casadio Area – Nettuno and Enea

For hotels prioritising reliability and practicality, the Casadio Nettuno espresso machine and Enea grinder will be featured. Designed for breakfast areas in mid-range hotels, the Nettuno combines style with functionality, offering easy operation with advanced features like the thermosyphonic system and automatic steam wand.

Expanding design horizons with Faemina

Cimbali Group will also be present with two premium design-focused spaces: the Social Business Space with the S-Lite machine for LaCimbali and the Member Suite for Faema. Here, the Faemina machine will be highlighted as an essential element of upscale hotel interiors. With its sophisticated Italian craftsmanship, Faemina provides both a visual statement and an exceptional coffee experience, making it the perfect addition to lobbies and in-room settings where design meets functionality.

The social business space (image provided)

Louise Felton, Cimbali Group Regional Director, UK & Ireland, emphasises the growing demand for technology and personalisation in the hotel sector. “Hoteliers today are seeking solutions that simplify operations and elevate the guest experience. Whether it’s through ultra-automated machines in high-traffic areas or beautifully designed manual machines in premium lounges, we offer tailored solutions to meet these evolving needs.”

About Cimbali Group

Cimbali Group is one of the leading manufacturers of professional coffee and milk-based beverage machines and cafe equipment. The Group, which includes the brands La Cimbali, Faema, Slayer, and Casadio, operates through three production facilities in Italy and one in the United States (in Seattle, where Slayer-branded machines are manufactured), employing approximately 700 people in total.

The Group’s commitment to promoting espresso coffee culture and valuing the territory materialized in 2012 with the founding of MUMAC – the Museum of the Espresso Coffee Machine, the first and largest permanent exhibition dedicated to the history, world, and culture of espresso coffee machines, located within the Gruppo Cimbali headquarters in Binasco. MUMAC hosts the MUMAC Academy, Gruppo Cimbali’s coffee machine academy, a center for training, dissemination, and research.

The third edition of Canephorum explores canephora coffee in Berlin

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October 18, 2024

BERLIN, Germany – Coffee professionals, scientists, and enthusiasts from across the globe will gather in Berlin for Canephorum on October 18-19 for workshops, cuppings, and discussions led by scientists and industry experts centered on Canephora coffee. Canephorum, now in its third edition, is an educational event that offers a two-day program focusing on Canephora’s role in the coffee industry, covering sensory proﬁles, market potential, and scientiﬁc and technical innovation.

At Canephorum V3, attendees will explore Canephora’s journey from traditional cultivation to Fine Robusta, focusing on quality developments and CQI cupping protocols.

The lineup includes cupping 40+ coffees from 20 countries, deep dives into roasting techniques tailored for Canephora, with genetic and sensory workshops that connect ﬂavor, mouthfeel, and neurological responses conducted by scientiﬁc researchers such as Robrecht Bollen, Dr. Fabiana Carvalho, and Dr. Lukas Macheiner.

Keynotes will address Canephora’s market potential and emerging research. The event also offers plenty of workshops and networking opportunities with industry peers.

Canephorum is an initiative spearheaded by Germany-based trade company cumpa, its CEO Lukas Harbig, and Gloria Pedroza, Head of Quality from NKG Quality and a CQI board member, as co-organizers. In its third version, the event will be hosted by Communal Coffee, Germany’s biggest co-roasting facility and a cultural hub for the coffee community.

“Canephorum is about giving Coffea Canephora the recognition it deserves in the specialty coffee world. While Arabica has long dominated the spotlight, Canephora’s ancient roots and genetic diversity offer incredible potential that’s only beginning to be explored. At Canephorum, we bring together coffee professionals to uncover the exciting possibilities of this often overlooked species—from its rich history to its future in high-quality
production.” – Lukas Harbig, CEO of cumpa.

Full Event Program

Day 1 – Friday, October 18, 2024

10:15 – Keynote: The Future of Canephora Quality – Hannes Fendrich,

Coffee Circle

10:45 – Keynote & Cupping: Canephora Africa – Gloria Pedroza, NKG/CQI
14:00 – Keynote: Canephora Sensory Research – Fabiana Carvalho, The Coffee Sensorium
16:00 – Keynote & Cupping: Canephora Asia – Lennart Clerkx, This Side Up

Day 2 – Saturday, October 19, 2024

09:00 – Keynote: Canephora Genetics in DR Congo – Robrecht Bollen, PhD researcher at Meise Botanic Garden
10:00 – Keynote: Canephora for Milked-based Drinks through the Strada X

– Jake Davis, La Marzocco

10:30 – Keynote & Cupping: Canephora Roasting Science – Lukas Macheiner, 220 Grad
11:30 – Keynote & Cupping: High-End Canephora Roasting – Mikolaj Pociecha, Back to Black
13:30 – Keynote & Cupping: Canephora America – Lukas Harbig, Cumpa
15:30 – Closing Discussion: Gloria Pedroza, NKG/CQI

About cumpa

Cumpa is a coffee trading company that prioritizes transparency and meaningful relationships in the coffee value chain, with a focus on sourcing Canephora coffee. The company is committed to open communication about quality, pricing, and traceability, and to sustainable and fair practices in the coffee industry.

For more details click here.

International Coffee Partners publishes annual report 2023

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October 18, 2024

icp international — International Coffee Partners (ICP) has released its Annual Report for 2023 (image provided)

HAMBURG, Germany – International Coffee Partners (ICP) has released its annual report for 2023, detailing the critical challenges faced by the global coffee sector and outlining the organization’s successes in supporting smallholder farming communities. In a year marked by climate change-induced disruptions, volatile markets, and soaring production costs, ICP worked closely with its implementing partner, Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung (HRNS), to promote sustainable farming practices, income diversification, and resilience-building initiatives across its focus countries.

In 2023, ICP reached 36,306 households in coffee farming communities through its projects, with an 80% adoption rate for Good Agricultural Practices, compared to 71% in 2022, and a 92% adoption rate for climate-smart agricultural practices, a notable increase from 88% in 2022.

Women’s participation in project activities also grew, reaching 42% compared to 35% the previous year, further embedding inclusivity and gender equality across ICP’s focus regions. Through initiatives promoting income diversification and sustainable agricultural practices, ICP helped smallholder farming families stabilize their livelihoods despite challenging conditions.

The report highlights challenging conditions such as the severe impact of extreme weather events on coffee production in key regions such as Brazil, Central America, Ethiopia, and Tanzania.

In Ethiopia, unusual rainfall patterns and even snowfall in some areas were reported, while Tanzania was heavily impacted by El Niño, leading to infestation of pests and diseases, flooding, and soil erosion. On the other hand, there were droughts, which triggered a reduction in yields and compromised coffee quality.

These adversities disproportionately affected smallholder farming families, whose livelihoods depend on coffee cultivation.

With decreased incomes from reduced harvests and volatile market prices, many smallholders faced heightened financial insecurity, hindering their ability to invest in their farms, access resources, and support their families. Such circumstances underscored the urgent need for sustainable practices, resilience-building initiatives, and equitable market mechanisms to safeguard the welfare of coffee-dependent communities worldwide as they are being promoted and fostered in ICP projects.

ICP focused on agroecological practices and income diversification to foster farmer resilience against challenges

In response to these pressing challenges, ICP prioritized promoting agroecological practices and encouraging crop and income diversification to strengthen the resilience of coffee farming households.

Together with their implementing partner HRNS, ICP supported farmers in adopting sustainable practices and diversifying their sources of income, which not only mitigates financial risks but also enhances food security and economic empowerment. The organization also emphasized the importance of gender equality and youth involvement in all farming families to promote equitable and inclusive development.

For example, in Brazil, ICP introduced income diversification strategies like beekeeping and soybean cultivation, reaching 536 farmers through training, while improving coffee quality for access to specialty markets. In Honduras, over 2,400 families benefited from crop diversification with 67 plots and 170 household gardens, and 153 new businesses were created, 80% led by women.

In Tanzania, youth entrepreneurship saw 56 launched businesses, while women’s participation in training rose to 57%, up from 46% in 2022. In Uganda, coffee yields improved from 1kg to 1.8kg per tree thanks to better farming practices introduced through the ICP project, and 400 farmers were trained in nutritional gardening. In Indonesia, women embraced activities like mushroom farming, boosting household cash flow, and in Ethiopia, joint family decision-making and financial literacy helped families strengthen resilience.

Since ICP’s founding in 2001, over 118,582 households have been reached across 13 countries, with 23 projects implemented to date. With an investment of €20.9 million from ICP shareholders since 2001, the organization has consistently focused on addressing the needs of smallholder coffee farmers while building long-term resilience through sustainable agricultural practices, income diversification, and inclusive community development focusing on gender equality and perspectives for youth.

Looking ahead to 2024, ICP remains focused on expanding its efforts to promote climate-smart practices, income generation, and food security, especially among vulnerable groups such as female-headed households.

Read the full report here.

Cropster and Verdane partner to accelerate coffee industry innovation and growth

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October 18, 2024

INNSBRUCK, Austria – Cropster, the leading software platform for the coffee industry, and Verdane, the European specialist growth investor, have announced a partnership. The partners will build on Cropster’s successful development and long-standing customer relationships, further expand the company’s software offering, accelerate growth and consolidate Cropster’s global market-leading position as the operating system for the coffee industry.

Cropster’s software tools address the business-critical needs of coffee professionals who produce, buy, roast and sell coffee through wholesale and retail channels, both online and offline.

The company’s tightly integrated suite of tools and real-time data analytics help coffee farmers, traders, roasters, and cafes to improve quality, consistency and efficiency from crop to cup to deliver the best coffee taste to their customers. As B-Corp certified businesses, Cropster and Verdane are united in driving the coffee industry’s transition into a more socially fair, economically sustainable, and environmentally responsible model. Together, they will continue to advance their commitment to reducing waste, ensuring fair trade practices, and promoting responsible production throughout the global coffee value chain.

With the partnership, Verdane acquires a majority stake and will support Cropster on its growth path, which includes both M&A and organic growth. Cropster identifies growth opportunities in the rising presence of specialty coffee in conventional coffee markets like the US and Europe, along with the trend of tea-drinking countries across Asia gradually substituting tea with coffee. Cropster and Verdane share a vision of creating equitable growth opportunities across the coffee industry.

Prior to founding Cropster in 2008, Andreas Idl, Norbert Niederhauser, and Martin Wiesinger collaborated closely with coffee farmers in Colombia to improve their supply chain integration. The founders aimed to enhance the living conditions of coffee farmers not just in Colombia, but globally.

From this strategic vision, Cropster was born. Since that day, Cropster has expanded its global presence in recent years and works with well-known coffee companies in all market segments in over 100 countries. Customers include US supermarket Whole Foods, Starbucks and Blue Bottle.

As a B-Corp certified company and software developer of ESG features for the coffee industry, Cropster helps companies reduce their environmental impact. By using Cropster software, efficiency gains can be achieved at all stages of the value chain, raw materials can be used more efficiently, and waste volumes and CO2 emissions can be reduced. For example, the Cropster software uses artificial intelligence during the roasting process to significantly reduce the amount of over-roasted bean waste.

In addition, Cropster’s software tools help market participants navigate emerging regulatory environments, such as the EU’s forthcoming deforestation regulation to promote the consumption of deforestation-free products and assist them in managing the resulting administrative complexity.

Verdane’s partnership with Cropster is its eleventh investment in the DACH region in the last 12 months and its fourth transaction in Austria, signaling the strong growth potential for businesses in the region.

Dominik Schwarz, partner at Verdane, commented: “Andreas, Norbert and Martin as well as the entire Cropster team have demonstrated how to develop a successful software tool for the benefit of their customers and how to adapt it to the needs of more and more market participants along the value chain in the coffee market. From day one, we have been impressed by the customer love, loyalty and community Cropster has built in the global roaster and coffee ecosystem as well as the strong value driven culture within the company.”

Ralph Karg, Director at Verdane, added: “We look forward to working with the team, contributing our in-house functional specialists, ecosystem, and expertise to build on Cropster’s achievements evidenced by its sustainable market-leading position, and to jointly write the next chapter of this remarkable growth story.”

Andreas Idl, CEO and co-founder at Cropster, said: “Verdane outshines the market. We are extremely happy to have found a new partner that shares our same values and who will join us as we take Cropster to the next level. We are confident of their expertise in software and their ability to work in international markets, as demonstrated by their excellent buy-and-build track record. Also, they fell in love with coffee really quickly.”

As both Cropster and Verdane continue to lead in their respective fields, they invite others in the coffee industry and beyond to join them in building a more sustainable, fair, and responsible future for everyone. To learn more about their journey and how your business can contribute to positive social and environmental impact, visit www.cropster.com and www.verdane.com.

About Verdane

Verdane is a specialist growth investment firm that partners with tech-enabled and sustainable European businesses. Verdane can invest as a minority or majority investor, either in single companies or through portfolios of companies, and looks to deploy inside two core growth themes: digitalisation and decarbonisation.

Verdane has over €7.7 billion in assets under management and its funds have made over 400 investments in fast-growing businesses since 2003. Verdane’s team of over
140 investment professionals and operating experts, based out of Berlin, Munich, Copenhagen, Helsinki, London, Oslo and Stockholm, is dedicated to being the preferred growth partner to tech-enabled and sustainable businesses in Europe.

Verdane is also a certified B Corporation, the most ambitious sustainability accreditation globally. The firm only backs businesses that pass its 2040 test, which indicates whether the company can thrive in a more sustainable future economy.

Verdane is partly owned by the Verdane Foundation, which is focused on two areas: climate change and more equitable and inclusive local communities.

About Cropster

Founded in 2008 by computer scientists Andreas Idl, Norbert Niederhauser and Martin Wiesinger, Cropster is the leading software platform and IoT backbone across the entire coffee value chain.

Cropster’s products are purpose-built to address the mission-critical needs and pain points of coffee professionals who produce, buy, roast and sell coffee through wholesale and retail channels. Cropster’s customers use the company’s tightly integrated suite of tools and real-time data analytics to improve quality, consistency, efficiency and profitability.

Every day, the company supports thousands of users throughout the supply with easy-to-use and flexible software tools that help to raise quality and productivity from origin to roast to cup.

Lumo unveils coffee has become the most popular purchase on its trains

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October 18, 2024

Lumo logo

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, Scotland – British Train operator Lumo yesterday released new data to coincide with UK Coffee Week, revealing that coffee has become the most popular purchase on its trains and is now the number one refreshment of choice, exceeding all other items onboard.

Lumo data shows in 2023 alone, the operator sold an impressive 53,998 cups of its locally sourced coffee onboard and in 2024 sales climbed even higher, with 39,020 cups of coffee sold to date.

This growing trend among Lumo customers suggests that coffee is no longer just a quick pick-me-up but a travel essential, enhancing the comfort and enjoyment of the journey for many rail passengers across the country.

The data also highlights a consumer shift toward supporting local suppliers, as Lumo’s onboard coffee is sourced from the Newcastle-based, Ringtons, a company with a long-standing commitment to both sustainability and community in the North East of England.

The rise in sales is a win not only for coffee lovers but for regional businesses that emphasise sustainability – a trend that continues to gain traction across the UK transport sector.

Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of Lumo, said: “Our data show just how important a quality cup of coffee is for our customers. It has become more than just a drink – it’s now part of the overall enjoyment of the Lumo travel experience.

“It’s particularly rewarding to see that our customers value not only the convenience but also the high quality of product we offer, especially as it’s sourced from a local, sustainable business like Ringtons who also supply our tea which is our second-best selling item.”

Lumo was recently Highly Commended for ‘Passenger Operator of the Year’ at the National Rail Awards and is short-listed in the British Chamber of Commerce Buisness Awards for Green Innovation Business of the Year.

UK- based Peabodys Coffee acquired by Compass One

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October 18, 2024

Peabodys Coffee logo

MILAN – Compass One – part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, , the UK’s largest food and support services provider – has acquired Peabodys Coffee, the well-respected provider of quality food and beverages within healthcare environments.

Led by Claudia Mascino, MD, Peabodys Coffee started its journey in 1997 in London hospitals, with food that is freshly prepared daily. It currently operates across England, at 10 sites within the NHS, employing 55 people.

Recognised for its strong sustainability ethos, fantastic fairtrade organic coffee and thoughtful artisan food offering, the acquisition will support its growth, with plans to launch new cafes at 7 hospital sites in the coming months. Peabodys Coffee is a much-loved brand amongst NHS staff, as well as visitors and patients.

Commenting on the acquisition Mark Webster, CEO, Compass One said:

“We have long admired the ethos of Peabodys Coffee. With a fantastic reputation for great coffee and food, along with an unwavering commitment to sustainability, while supporting the NHS, Peabodys Coffee possesses strong and admirable values that align with our own.

We are excited about the opportunity to support their growth, bringing Peabodys Coffee to many more NHS sites in the future, for NHS staff, patients and visitors to enjoy.”

Claudia Mascino, MD, Peabodys Coffee added:

“We are really excited about the opportunity joining Compass presents. Bringing the Peabodys Coffee offer to more NHS hospitals has long been an ambition of mine. Our values around sustainability, great food and coffee are entrenched in our business and what makes us special. I am passionate about supporting our NHS and delighted to be able to grow and invest further in our business.”

Peabodys Coffee, will be joining Compass One, which specialises in many sectors including healthcare retail.

Fazer opens new Fazer Cafés in Jumbo and Tripla shopping centres in Finland

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October 18, 2024