Market
Spain is an import-dependent niche consumer market for cascara (dried coffee cherry pulp/husk) used to prepare cascara infusions and related flavored beverages. As an EU Member State, Spain’s market access is primarily governed by EU novel food rules, including the Union list entry authorising coffee cherry pulp (cascara) and its infusion as a traditional food from a third country. Commercial uptake is typically linked to specialty coffee and beverage innovation rather than conventional tea sourcing. The main success factors for suppliers are regulatory fit-to-authorisation (definition/specifications/conditions of use), correct consumer labelling (including caffeine warnings where applicable), and auditable traceability.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (EU-regulated novel food/traditional food from a third country)
Domestic RoleSpecialty beverage ingredient for infusions (including ready-to-drink beverages) and flavored drinks
SeasonalityYear-round availability via imports; availability timing is influenced by coffee harvest and processing cycles in origin countries rather than Spanish seasonality.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with EU novel food/Union-list conditions for coffee cherry pulp (cascara) and its infusion (including product definition, specifications, permitted uses, and any required caffeine-related labelling) can block market placement in Spain and trigger border holds, withdrawal, or relabelling.Validate the product against the Union-list entry (including specifications and conditions of use), run a pre-shipment COA/testing plan aligned to those specs, and complete an EU labelling review (including caffeine warning triggers) before dispatch.
Food Safety MediumAs a dried plant-derived infusion ingredient, cascara can carry mould/mycotoxin and microbiological risks if drying, storage, or humidity control is weak; EU authorisation references specification controls (e.g., microbiological criteria and contaminant limits) and EU pesticide MRL compliance is relevant for herbal infusion-like uses.Implement supplier HACCP, humidity-controlled storage, moisture-barrier packaging, and routine testing for key contaminants/microbiology consistent with the authorised specification and EU contaminant/MRL expectations.
Sustainability MediumCoffee is a regulated commodity under the EU deforestation-free products framework; depending on product scope and classification, additional deforestation and legality due diligence obligations may apply when placing relevant products on the EU/Spanish market, with application delayed to late 2026 for large operators per EU communications.Confirm whether the specific cascara product falls under in-scope categories and HS/CN codes, then prepare origin traceability (including geolocation where required) and due diligence documentation ahead of the applicable compliance date.
Logistics MediumMoisture ingress during sea freight and warehousing can degrade sensory quality and elevate mould/mycotoxin risk for dried cascara, increasing rejection likelihood even when regulatory authorisation exists.Use sealed liners, desiccants, humidity monitoring, and importer SOPs for dry storage and rapid intake inspection upon arrival.
Sustainability- Deforestation-risk and legality due diligence readiness for coffee-related supply chains under EU rules (where in-scope, depending on classification and product coverage)
- Byproduct valorisation narrative (waste reduction) can be commercially positive but does not replace compliance evidence on safety and traceability
Labor & Social- Upstream coffee supply chains in some origin countries have documented child labour and forced labour risks; Spain/EU buyers may require origin-specific due diligence and traceability evidence beyond basic supplier attestations.
Standards- HACCP-based food safety management
- ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000
- BRCGS Food Safety (where requested by buyers)
FAQ
Is cascara (coffee cherry pulp/husk) authorised for sale as a food in Spain?Spain follows EU rules. The EU has authorised Coffea arabica and/or Coffea canephora dried cherry pulp (commonly called “cascara”) and its infusion to be placed on the EU market as a traditional food from a third country under specified conditions, which Spain applies as an EU Member State.
What does the EU authorisation mean by “cascara” for beverage use?In the EU authorisation, “cascara” refers to dried, unroasted coffee cherry pulp/husk remaining after the beans are removed, and it is intended to be used to prepare infusions (including in ready-to-drink beverages) and flavoured drinks under the authorised conditions.
When is a caffeine warning required on cascara-based beverages in Spain?EU labelling rules require a high-caffeine warning for certain beverages (except those based on coffee/tea where the name includes “coffee” or “tea”) when caffeine exceeds 150 mg/L, or when concentrates/dried products exceed that level after reconstitution. The specific beverage presentation and naming should be reviewed to determine whether this requirement applies.