In the heart of the Scottish Highlands, tradition and community spirit converge in spectacular fashion—nowhere more vividly than at Thunder in the Glen, a roaring celebration of Harley-Davidson culture that transforms the town of Aviemore into a magnet for visitors, bikers, and local businesses alike.

Events like these are more than entertainment—they are catalysts for rural economic resilience. And powering these experiences, one cup at a time, are local heroes like Coffee Corner, a Blendly customer using decentralised tools to turn coffee into a channel of value, connection, and sustainability.

Thunder in the Glen: A Roaring Opportunity for Local Value

With thousands of bikers descending on Aviemore each August, Thunder in the Glen is a surge of opportunity for hospitality, retail, and food businesses across the Highlands. Yet, behind the noise and spectacle is a quieter economic engine: community-powered entrepreneurship.

Pop-up markets, local cafés, and roadside stalls thrive during the event—but only if they’re prepared. That’s where Blendly’s decentralised coffee supply chain comes into play.

The Decentralised Coffee Economy: More Than Just Beans

At Blendly, we’re not just roasting beans—we’re building infrastructure. Our Platform-as-a-Service (PAAS) model gives local businesses the tools they need to:

• Customise and control their own blends using a global bean inventory
• Access predictive stock ordering so they never run out during peak periods like Thunder in the Glen
• Use local roasting and distribution hubs to cut delivery times and costs
• Sell online or in-store with their own branded blends

This decentralised model flips the traditional coffee economy. Instead of relying on distant suppliers and generic stock, businesses in places like Aviemore become creators of their own products—building local value that stays local.

Spotlight: Coffee Corner – Brewing More Than Coffee

Take Coffee Corner, for example—a café and community hub in a rural part of Scotland that partners with Blendly to offer a signature blend reflecting local taste and identity. During events like Thunder in the Glen, Coffee Corner doesn’t just serve great coffee; they serve local pride in every cup.

By using Blendly’s tools, they:

• Keep supply local and consistent
• Boost margins with higher perceived value
• Offer a unique experience that global chains can’t replicate
• Support their brand with a story that resonates with customers

Their blend becomes more than a product—it becomes a symbol of community craftsmanship, local flavor, and sustainable enterprise.

Rural Resilience Through Local Events

Events like Thunder in the Glen are reminders that localism isn’t about being small—it’s about being smart. When rural businesses use Blendly’s infrastructure, they gain the power to scale up without giving up control. They participate in an ecosystem of mutual value, where farmers, roasters, distributors, and sellers are all part of the same connected network.

This kind of economy doesn’t just survive global market shocks—it thrives in spite of them. It’s resilient, circular, and designed to channel every pound spent into real community impact.

Conclusion: Turning Moments into Momentum

Whether it’s a biker festival, a music weekend, or a village market, events in Scotland’s rural heartlands are powerful moments of economic activation. With the right tools—like those offered by Blendly—local businesses can turn these moments into lasting momentum.

The decentralised coffee network isn’t just about better logistics or smarter sourcing. It’s about building sustainable prosperity, powered by community, technology, and one perfect cup at a time.

So, next time you’re at Thunder in the Glen—or your own local festival—look for the cafés and coffee corners serving something that tastes a little more personal. Chances are, it’s not just coffee—it’s a cup of local economic power.

How Loch Inch Is Creating More Local Value with Supercharged Baristas

In the scenic heart of rural Scotland, where connection to community is as rich as the landscape itself, Loch Inch is redefining what it means to run a coffee business. While many see rural areas as a challenge for growth, Loch Inch sees them as a canvas—powered by innovation, purpose, and people. At the center of this transformation is a powerful tool: Blendly.co.uk’s commercial coffee roasting platform.

Loch Inch is using Blendly’s – Production technology to supercharge its baristas, turning skilled coffee makers into full-fledged creators, entrepreneurs, and community connectors. Blendly’s industry-leading platform gives baristas access to professional-grade roasting tools, digital blend management, and direct-to-consumer e-commerce capabilities. This means they’re not just brewing coffee—they’re crafting custom blends, managing their own product lines, and building customer relationships that extend far beyond the café counter.

For compnaies like Loch Inch, this changes everything. Instead of relying on big distributors or generic products, Loch Inch can now create hyper-local, high-quality coffee experiences—designed, roasted, and branded in-house. Each blend can be tailored to a customer’s taste or a business’s brand identity, with every order tracked and managed through Blendly’s smart backend systems.

And it doesn’t stop at the cup.

With Blendly’s Barista Distributor Program, Loch Inch is empowering local baristas to build their own coffee businesses from the ground up. Baristas can use the platform to develop their own blends, sell them online, and even deliver them directly to customers—bringing new economic opportunities to rural areas where creative careers can sometimes be limited.

This level of access and autonomy means baristas at Loch Inch aren’t just employees—they’re entrepreneurs. They’re building a customer base, telling their own coffee stories, and participating in a global coffee market from right where they live.

What’s truly powerful is that this model keeps value within the local economy. With Blendly’s support, Loch Inch handles everything from sourcing to roasting to distribution—all under one roof. This not only reduces costs and environmental impact, but it also ensures that more of the financial benefit stays in the hands of the people who make it happen.

In a time when personalization, sustainability, and localism matter more than ever, Loch Inch is proving that you don’t need to be in a big city to run a big idea. With Blendly, they’re showing that the future of coffee is not just high-tech and high-quality—it’s deeply local, human-centered, and full of opportunity.

The countdown is on for ScotHot 2025—Scotland’s leading hospitality, tourism, and catering trade show in Glasgow. This year, Blendly is set to make waves with the introduction of its cutting-edge Platform-as-a-Service (PAAS) model, designed to revolutionize coffee management for businesses of all sizes.

Why Visit Blendly at ScotHot?

If you’re a café owner, a hospitality professional, or just passionate about high-quality, sustainable coffee, Blendly’s showcase at ScotHot is a must-see. Here’s what you can expect:

1. The Future of Coffee Management – Blendly’s PAAS

Blendly’s Platform-as-a-Service (PAAS) is redefining the way businesses source, blend, and distribute their coffee​. Unlike traditional supply chains, which involve multiple intermediaries, Blendly’s PAAS gives you full control, allowing you to:

• Create custom blends tailored to your brand
• Optimize your supply chain with predictive ordering technology
• Reduce costs by cutting out unnecessary middlemen
• Ensure sustainability with a low-carbon distribution network​

With Blendly’s PAAS, businesses gain access to a global inventory of coffee beans, while maintaining a hyper-local approach to roasting and distribution, making it a game-changer for independent cafés, hotels, and restaurants​.

2. Live Demonstrations of Custom Coffee Blending

Experience live demonstrations of Blendly’s bespoke coffee blending system. Whether you want to match the flavor of a global brand or develop your own signature roast, Blendly’s team will guide you through the process.

You’ll see firsthand how baristas, café owners, and distributors can use Blendly’s tools to craft coffee that perfectly fits their customers’ preferences​.

3. Sustainability and the Low Carbon Coffee Supply Chain

Sustainability is at the heart of everything Blendly does. At ScotHot 2025, we’ll showcase how our decentralized supply chain model:

• Cuts carbon emissions by reducing transport distances
• Empowers local roasters and distributors
• Supports ethical sourcing and fair trade practices​.

Learn how Blendly is helping businesses reduce waste and carbon footprints while improving their coffee quality.

4. Monetizing Your Coffee with the Barista Distributor Program

One of the biggest advantages of Blendly’s PAAS is that it allows coffee businesses not just to serve coffee, but to sell it. With Blendly, you can:

• Sell your custom blend to customers through an integrated online store
• Expand your brand beyond your café by becoming a coffee distributor
• Generate additional revenue while offering a high-quality, personalized coffee experience​.

5. Exclusive ScotHot Promotions

Blendly will be offering exclusive deals and partnerships for businesses that sign up for our PAAS at the event. Don’t miss out on:

• Special discounts on custom coffee blends
• Free trials of Blendly’s predictive ordering system
• 1-on-1 consultations with Blendly’s coffee experts

Join Us at ScotHot Glasgow 2025

This is your chance to see how Blendly is revolutionizing coffee for businesses. Whether you’re an independent coffee shop, a high-end restaurant, or a corporate hospitality provider, Blendly’s PAAS provides a smarter, more sustainable, and more profitable way to manage your coffee.

📍 Where: Scot Hot 2025, Glasgow
📅 When: (26th 27th Feb )
🔗 Visit: Blendly.co.uk for more details

Join us at ScotHot and discover the future of coffee management with Blendly! ☕🚀

Introduction A Historic Surge in Coffee Prices

The global coffee market is experiencing an unprecedented surge, with New York arabica futures surpassing 400 usc/lb. for the first time in years. On February 10, 2025, the market opened strongly at 415.50 before stabilizing at 412.00. This dramatic rise has been fueled by a combination of technical trade momentum, commercial spread strategies, and macroeconomic pressures, making coffee one of the most volatile commodities in recent times.

A tightening supply chain, shifting speculative positions, and global economic uncertainty have added to the storm brewing in the coffee sector. With commercial players adjusting their short positions and speculative funds increasing their long exposure, the market’s volatility shows no signs of slowing down.

Market Dynamics and Speculative Movements

Recent data from the Commitment of Traders report indicates significant shifts in speculative trading. Non-Commercial Speculative traders reduced their net long position by 5.85%, bringing their total to 50,333 lots, equivalent to 14.27 million bags, leading up to February 4. However, Managed Money funds, known for their short-term trading approach, increased their net long positions by 4.50%, now holding 65,717 lots. Meanwhile, the Index Fund sector, which traditionally takes a longer-term investment stance, slightly reduced its net long position by 0.99% to 37,862 lots.

These adjustments suggest a market responding dynamically to price movements, with speculative funds reacting to the rapidly shifting economic landscape. The reduction in commercial short positions further highlights concerns over the stability of global supply, which could push prices even higher in the coming months.

Macroeconomic Pressures on Coffee Prices

The escalation of global trade tensions is playing a critical role in the volatility of coffee prices. The United States has imposed increased tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting retaliatory measures from Beijing, including tariffs on American coal, LNG, crude oil, and farm equipment. These trade disputes are further complicating global logistics and increasing the costs associated with coffee exports.

In Latin America, Colombia has narrowly avoided new trade restrictions, while Mexico and Canada have been granted a temporary 30-day reprieve from new U.S. tariff actions. These developments create an uncertain environment for coffee exporters who rely on stable trade agreements to maintain their supply chains.

Adding to the economic strain, the U.S. has introduced higher tariffs on imported steel, which could raise production costs for coffee equipment manufacturers. The abrupt closure of USAID has also sent shockwaves through the developing world, particularly in coffee-growing regions where the agency’s programs have supported smallholder farmers. The loss of infrastructure funding and agricultural development initiatives could further strain supply in the long term.

With inflation remaining high and supply chain disruptions continuing to drive up costs, coffee producers and traders face significant challenges in maintaining stable operations.

Challenges in Coffee Production Across Key Markets

Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer, has reported a 1.10% increase in domestic coffee consumption, reaching 21.9 million bags. Despite strong local demand, the country’s green coffee exports in January rose by 9.51% to 4.08 million bags. While this signals a strong production cycle, rising retail prices could begin to impact consumer demand, potentially altering market dynamics.

In contrast, Vietnam, the largest producer of robusta coffee, is experiencing a sharp decline in exports. January shipments fell by 41.10% to 2.33 million bags, largely due to the Tet Lunar New Year holiday, which disrupted interior trading activities. Cumulatively, Vietnam’s exports over the past four months are 38.87% lower than the previous year, with total shipments amounting to just 6.17 million bags. The ongoing supply shortage could further tighten the robusta market, placing additional pressure on global coffee prices.

Looking at broader global trends, the International Coffee Organization has yet to release its official estimates for the 2024-2025 coffee year. However, it maintains its projection that global supply will be 5.83% lower than in 2022-2023, totaling 178 million bags. Meanwhile, consumption is expected to grow by 2.25%, reaching 177 million bags. This narrowing gap between supply and demand suggests that the market will continue to experience volatility in the months ahead.

Fluctuations in Coffee Futures and Price Trends

Coffee futures prices have reflected these global uncertainties, with the New York arabica market seeing steady gains. The March 2025 contract traded at 412.00, with subsequent months showing a gradual decline, highlighting expectations of price corrections later in the year. Meanwhile, the London robusta market is also experiencing a surge, with prices for March 2025 standing at 5,615 USD/MT, up by 50. The sharp decline in Vietnamese exports is a key factor contributing to the strength of the robusta market.

Implications for the Coffee Industry

The surge in coffee prices is expected to have a significant impact on coffee businesses and roasters worldwide. With costs rising, businesses will need to adapt by reassessing their supply chain strategies, diversifying their sourcing options, and implementing forward contracts to hedge against further increases. Consumer-facing brands will also need to navigate pricing adjustments carefully to maintain customer loyalty without eroding profitability.

For consumers, the impact will be felt at the retail level, with higher prices expected for supermarket coffee and café offerings. Many brands may introduce more robusta-heavy blends to offset costs, while premium specialty coffees will likely see even steeper price increases due to supply constraints.

On the production side, higher market prices could offer opportunities for farmers, but the volatility presents challenges for those without financial protections against market swings. Smallholder farmers, in particular, may struggle to capitalize on higher prices due to logistical and financial barriers. Governments and cooperatives will need to play a more active role in stabilizing earnings and ensuring sustainable production.

The Road Ahead for Coffee Markets

The sharp rally in coffee prices, with New York arabica futures crossing 400 usc/lb., underscores the fragile nature of the global coffee supply chain. A combination of speculative trading, macroeconomic challenges, and production constraints has created an environment of heightened volatility.

While Brazil’s strong exports provide some relief, Vietnam’s declining output and geopolitical tensions continue to pose risks. As the world grapples with inflation, trade conflicts, and climate-driven agricultural instability, coffee markets are likely to remain highly reactive in the coming months.

For businesses, adaptability and proactive supply chain management will be critical. For consumers, the rising cost of coffee will serve as a reminder of how deeply intertwined their daily cup is with the broader global economy. The brewing storm in coffee markets is far from over, and the months ahead will determine how the industry navigates these turbulent waters.

Blendly to Showcase Innovation at the Specialty Food and Drink Fair in Glasgow Glasgow, Scotland – January 19–21, 2025

Blendly, the innovative coffee marketplace platform, is thrilled to announce its participation in the Specialty Food and Drink Fair at the Scottish Event Campus (SECC), Glasgow, from January 19 to January 21. At this premier event, Blendly will be showcasing Emilz, a groundbreaking addition to its suite of Marketplace tools designed to bring greater value to coffee lovers and entrepreneurs alike.

Revolutionizing the Coffee Landscape

Blendly is a pioneer in transforming how coffee is accessed, personalized, and distributed. Blendly opens up greater access to green coffee beans—a cornerstone of the coffee landscape—Blendly empowers users of all sizes, from individual enthusiasts to large-scale distributors, to craft and distribute bespoke coffee blends. By leveraging a low-carbon supply chain, Blendly is redefining sustainability in the coffee industry while providing tools that drive creativity and business opportunities.

Introducing ” Emilz ” : A Game-Changer for Coffee Lovers

At the Specialty Food and Drink Fair, Blendly will unveil Emilz, a state-of-the-art AI tool that enhances the coffee experience by enabling users to:

• Create custom coffee blends tailored to personal or business needs.
• Build a brand and distribute products seamlessly on Blendly’s innovative platform.
• Leverage Blendly’s low-carbon supply chain to ensure environmentally conscious production and delivery.

“Emilz represents a major step forward in our mission to empower coffee lovers and businesses to connect with the essence of coffee creation. It’s not just about a cup of coffee; it’s about building a sustainable, personalized coffee journey,” said Mark Wilson , Head of Commercial Coffee Marketplace at Blendly.

Supporting Customers and the Planet

Blendly serves a diverse clientele, ranging from independent coffee shops and restaurants to passionate home baristas. By providing direct access to premium green coffee beans and the tools to customize, roast, and distribute their blends, Blendly offers unmatched flexibility and quality. Its commitment to a low-carbon supply chain underscores its dedication to sustainability, aligning with the values of today’s environmentally conscious consumers.

Join Blendly at the SECC

Visitors to the Specialty Food and Drink Fair are invited to experience the Blendly difference firsthand. Engage with the team, explore the capabilities of Emilz, and discover how Blendly’s tools are revolutionizing the coffee industry.

For more information about Blendly, Emilz, and their presence at the fair, please visit [Insert Website or Contact Information].

As we sip the last few drops of 2024 and welcome the fresh aroma of 2025, we want to take a moment to thank each of you—our incredible Blendly family. This year has been one of growth, innovation, and, most importantly, connection. We couldn’t have done it without you.

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Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Blendly Moments

From baristas crafting their first signature blends to communities coming together over steaming cups of coffee, this year has been filled with milestones worth celebrating:

• New Blends, New Beginnings: Together, we created hundreds of unique blends, each as special as the people who crafted them.
• Sustainability Milestones: Thanks to your support, we’ve expanded our low-carbon supply chains and introduced even more eco-friendly initiatives. Every cup you enjoyed made a positive impact on the planet.
• Growing Communities: Through coffee, we’ve fostered connections—whether in your favorite local café or through our Blendly online platforms. You’ve helped us prove that coffee is about more than just taste; it’s about togetherness.

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Looking Ahead to 2025

As we step into the new year, we’re brewing up even more ways to make your coffee experience unforgettable:

• Exciting Innovations: Get ready for more customization tools, personalized subscriptions, and seamless access to your favorite blends.
• Sustainability Goals: We’re doubling down on our commitment to the planet, with even greener practices and products on the horizon.
• Celebrating You: Watch for new events, collaborations, and opportunities to showcase the incredible Blendly community.

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You’re the Heart of Blendly

Every sip you take, every blend you create, and every connection you make fuels our passion. Blendly wouldn’t be the same without the creativity, warmth, and love you bring to the table. As we welcome the new year, we raise our mugs to you—our loyal customers, our partners, and our friends.

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Here’s to an Amazing 2025!

May your year be filled with joy, success, and, of course, extraordinary coffee. Let’s continue to grow, connect, and blend together in 2025. From all of us at Blendly, Happy New Year!

Cheers,
The Blendly Team ☕

The holiday season often brings thoughts of family, love, and connection. Yet, for many, it’s a time that highlights loneliness. At Blendly, we believe in the transformative power of simple conversations, even with strangers. This Christmas, we’re championing the idea of reaching out and making connections—starting with a cup of coffee.

A Special Invitation: Cupcake Coffee on Christmas Day Inspired by Connection

At Cupcake Coffee, Mike and Jason are inspired by Joe Keohane’s book The Power of Strangers: The Benefits of Connecting in a Suspicious World Talking to strangers isn’t just an act of kindness; it’s a pathway to understanding, growth, and friendship. It’s about bridging divides and fostering a sense of belonging

The Power of Community

Community is the foundation of resilience and joy. In moments of connection, we are reminded that we’re not alone. A single conversation can create ripples that extend far beyond the moment. It’s in the community that we find support, encouragement, and the strength to move forward. Blendly celebrates this collective power by bringing people together over a cup of coffee, creating spaces where everyone belongs and can thrive. This Christmas, let’s rediscover the incredible strength of coming together as a community.

A Catalyst for Change

Blendly believes in the magic of a single cup of coffee. It’s more than a beverage; it’s an invitation to start a conversation. For those who have been away from the world—physically or emotionally—we’re here to help you bounce back with warmth and care. Over a simple conversation, connections can form, ideas can spark, and new beginnings can take shape.

Why Talking to Strangers Matters

Shared Humanity: Engaging with someone new reminds us of our shared experiences and struggles. Fresh Perspectives: Conversations with strangers often open us to new ideas and viewpoints. Emotional Boost: A kind word or listening ear can turn someone’s day around, including your own. This Christmas, let’s make the effort to step out of our comfort zones. For many, the act of speaking with a stranger is a leap, but it’s one worth taking. Who knows? That simple exchange could be the start of something extraordinary.

Its Good to talk Andy’s Man Club

By embracing these obstacles, daughters can find strength within themselves and see that these moments pave the way for resilience and success.

Join Us This Holiday Season

Blendly invites you to celebrate connection this Christmas. Whether you’re stopping by Cupcake Coffee or simply reaching out to someone in your community, remember that kindness and connection are gifts we can all give. A cup of coffee is just the beginning; the real magic is in the conversations that follow.

Cupcake – Christmas Come along and have a chat

Christmas is a time for togetherness, warmth, and compassion. At Cupcake Coffee in Kirkcaldy, the team is going above and beyond to embody the true spirit of the season. This year, they are organizing a hot Christmas dinner for individuals who might otherwise find themselves alone on the day. Their welcoming space, a cherished community hub, is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and connected

A Christmas Dinner with Heart

The team at Cupcake Coffee understands that the holidays can be a difficult time for some. That’s why they’re opening their doors to provide a hot meal to those who might otherwise be spending the day alone. This gesture is about more than just food; it’s about creating moments of joy, warmth, and companionship—a place where everyone can feel like they belong.

Supporting the Community with Blendly Coffee

A Special Welcome for Andy’s Man Club

Join Cupcake Coffee This Christmas

If you or someone you know could benefit from a warm meal and good company this Christmas, head to Cupcake Coffee in Kirkcaldy. Their team is ready to welcome everyone with open arms, delicious food, and the spirit of the season. Together, let’s celebrate community, kindness, and the simple power of human connection.

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Location: Cupcake Coffee, Kirkcaldy
Date: Christmas Day
What’s Happening: hot Christmas dinner for those spending the day alone
Who’s Welcome: Everyone, with a special welcome to groups like Andy’s Man Club