The Future Cup: Why Excelsa Could Define Coffee in 2035

For decades, Arabica has been coffee’s golden child. It dominates speciality menus, makes up around 60% of global production, and carries the prestige of complexity and heritage. Yet Arabica is also fragile. A landmark study predicted that by 2050, suitable Arabica-growing land could shrink by half under climate change.

The question is: what comes next?

The answer may lie in the rediscovery of Excelsa, a rare coffee once overlooked, now confirmed to be its own species. With fresh scientific recognition, remarkable resilience, and a flavour profile unlike anything else in the cup, Excelsa may well be the coffee we’re all drinking in 2035.

A Scientific Turning Point

Until recently, Excelsa was officially classified as a variety of Liberica (Coffea liberica var. dewevrei). That changed in August 2025, when a genomic study led by Dr. Aaron Davis and colleagues reclassified it as a distinct species, Coffea dewevrei. The research showed clear genetic and morphological separation between Liberica, Excelsa, and a newly identified species, Coffea klainei.

This discovery matters because it widens the coffee family tree. Excelsa offers a rare combination of hardiness and flavour, making it a practical and delicious answer to climate change.

Why Excelsa Stands Out

1. Climate Adaptability
Excelsa thrives where Arabica struggles. It tolerates higher temperatures, irregular rainfall, and a wider range of soils. Its deep roots help it endure drought, while its natural pest and disease resistance means fewer chemicals are needed.

2. Longevity and Sustainability
Excelsa trees are tall, long-lived, and productive for decades. For farmers, this means lower replanting costs and more stable income across generations.

3. A Distinctive Cup Profile
Excelsa is a flavour fireworks. We, and other cuppers, describe:

Sweet-tart fruit reminiscent of tamarind and blackcurrant
Pleasant oak-like depth
A winey, lingering finish
Sweetness that holds even in dark roasts — a rare trait among coffees

For consumers, this translates into a sensory experience that is both familiar and surprising. Excelsa bridges the gap between Arabica’s elegance and Robusta’s strength, while adding its own vivid personality.

The Consumer’s Guide to Excelsa

So what does this mean for the everyday drinker?

Brew Methods: Excelsa shines in filter brews, where its layered acidity comes through. But it also makes a bold, fruity espresso that stands out in milk-based drinks.
Roast Levels: Unlike Arabica, Excelsa maintains sweetness and clarity even at darker roast levels.
Pairings: Try Excelsa with dark chocolate, berry desserts, or strong cheeses, foods that complement its tart-sweet and oaky notes.

Drinking Excelsa isn’t just trying a new coffee. It’s a tasting preview of where coffee is headed.

Café 2035, Today

Industry bodies like the Specialty Coffee Association and World Coffee Research highlight the need to diversify beyond Arabica. Many talk about 2035 as the horizon for this shift. But at Coromandel Coast, we’ve been building that future for years.

Kadamba (Arabica + Excelsa) – bridging the familiar with the future. Kadamba is the first Arabica-Excelsa blend ever brewed in coffee shops, offering a unique flavour experience while introducing drinkers to Excelsa’s distinctive character.
Climate Change blend (Excelsa + Robusta) – a pioneering non-Arabica two-species blend, combining resilience in both flavour and farming. This award-winning blend has been recognised with a Great Taste Award, highlighting its innovation in the speciality coffee world.
Mara (100% Excelsa) – a pure expression of this newly recognised species, sourced from the Mooleh Manay estate in Karnataka. Mara showcases Excelsa at its most distinctive, giving drinkers a glimpse of the coffee of the future.

While much of the industry is still debating what the café menu of 2035 might look like, we are already serving it.

Why This Matters

The reclassification of Excelsa as a distinct species is more than a scientific footnote. It signals:

Greater Biodiversity: The coffee gene pool is wider than previously thought, providing farmers and breeders with more tools to combat climate stress.
New Flavour Horizons: Consumers can experience cups that are truly different, not just variations of Arabica.
Resilient Futures: By embracing species like Excelsa now, we safeguard coffee’s role in culture, livelihoods, and daily rituals for decades to come.

Looking Ahead

The coffee industry stands at a crossroads. One path clings to a fragile monoculture of Arabica. The other embraces diversity, resilience, and discovery. Excelsa shows us what the second path looks like- vibrant, sustainable, and delicious.

By drinking Excelsa today, you’re not just enjoying a rare coffee. You’re tasting the future cup, a glimpse of 2035, already here in your hands.