The Rise of Beanless Coffee: A Sustainable Shift in the Beverage Industry** **

July 25, 2024, 11:29 am
Financial Times
Financial Times
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Location: United Kingdom, England, City of London
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Founded date: 1888
** The coffee industry is facing a storm. Climate change is threatening the very existence of coffee as we know it. With rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns, the future of arabica coffee is uncertain. Enter Voyage Foods, a Californian startup that has introduced a revolutionary product: beanless coffee. This innovative beverage is not just a trend; it’s a response to a brewing crisis.

Voyage Foods has crafted a coffee alternative that is 40% cheaper than traditional options. Made from roasted chickpeas, rice hulls, and natural flavors, this beanless coffee is designed for cafés, restaurants, and consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands. It’s a lifeline in an industry plagued by supply chain volatility and climate-related challenges.

The coffee market is in turmoil. Arabica coffee, the most popular variety, could face extinction by 2080. Extreme weather events have already halved suitable farmland for coffee cultivation. Prices are skyrocketing, with arabica futures up 34% this year alone. The average consumer is feeling the pinch, with coffee prices expected to rise by 20-25% in the UK over the next year. In this landscape, Voyage Foods offers a beacon of hope.

Voyage’s beanless coffee comes in various formats: ground, liquid, concentrate, and instant. It’s designed to mimic the taste and experience of traditional coffee while being kinder to the planet. The company’s secret lies in its production process, which closely resembles traditional coffee roasting. This method ensures that the final product delivers the rich flavors coffee lovers crave.

The environmental impact of coffee production is staggering. It’s one of the most carbon-intensive foods, with a single cup requiring 140 liters of water. The footprint is heavy, and the consequences are dire. As climate change continues to threaten coffee crops, alternatives like Voyage’s beanless coffee are not just innovative; they are necessary.

Voyage Foods is not targeting specialty coffee drinkers. Instead, it aims to capture the mass market, which primarily consumes commodity coffee. This strategic focus allows the company to make a significant impact. By providing an eco-friendly, ethically made alternative, Voyage is addressing the needs of foodservice operators and manufacturers who are increasingly concerned about sustainability and cost.

The startup has already secured a commercial deal with Cargill, a major player in the food industry. This partnership positions Voyage Foods for growth and stability in a volatile market. With $94 million in total investment, the company is poised to expand its reach and influence.

Critics of beanless coffee often raise concerns about its impact on traditional coffee farmers. After all, 80% of coffee is grown by smallholder farmers, and millions depend on this industry for their livelihoods. However, Voyage Foods emphasizes that its products are not meant to replace traditional coffee. Instead, they aim to buffer the market against supply shortages and price spikes.

Voyage Foods is part of a larger trend in the food industry. As climate change reshapes agriculture, companies are innovating to create sustainable alternatives. Other startups, like Atomo and Prefer, are also exploring beanless coffee options. Meanwhile, industry giants like Starbucks and Nestlé are developing climate-resilient coffee varieties to support farmers and ensure a stable supply.

The beanless coffee movement is more than just a response to climate change; it’s a shift in consumer behavior. As awareness of environmental issues grows, consumers are seeking products that align with their values. Voyage Foods is tapping into this demand, offering a product that meets the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit.

The journey of beanless coffee is just beginning. As more consumers and businesses embrace sustainable practices, the potential for growth is immense. Voyage Foods is at the forefront of this movement, redefining what coffee can be in a changing world.

In conclusion, the rise of beanless coffee is a testament to innovation in the face of adversity. Voyage Foods is not just selling a product; it’s offering a solution to a pressing global issue. As the coffee industry grapples with the realities of climate change, alternatives like beanless coffee may very well become the new norm. The future of coffee is uncertain, but with pioneers like Voyage Foods leading the charge, there is hope for a sustainable and delicious tomorrow.