Every Friday, Perfect Daily Grind rounds up the top coffee industry news from the week. 

Editor’s note

The Ethiopian government’s growing focus on its coffee sector appears to be paying off.

It recently reported a record US$2.65bn in export earnings for the 2024/25 harvest. The country exported some 470,000 tonnes of coffee during this period, driven by various government initiatives. These included improved supply chain efficiency, large-scale planting initiatives, and new international market access.

Ethiopia’s Deputy PM recently announced plans to secure US$3bn in export earnings by increasing annual volumes to over 600,000 tonnes, challenging Uganda’s recent dominance of the African coffee sector.

Meanwhile, in China, as coffee price wars continue, Lucky Cup has become the country’s third chain to surpass 10,000 stores. Luckin is the leader with close to 30,000 outlets globally, while Cotti operates more than 15,000, but Lucky Cup is now expanding faster than both of them.

China’s coffee market continues to diversify and segment. While brands like Luckin, Cotti, and Lucky Cup focus on undercutting each other’s prices and scaling rapidly, the number of boutique, experience-driven, stylish, and innovative high-end coffee shops also grows.

The world is watching as the Chinese coffee market becomes more dynamic, often inspiring imitation.

Top stories of the week

• Mon, 24 Nov – Brazil fears losing its share of the US instant coffee market amid some remaining tariffs. The Brazilian Instant Coffee Association (ABICS) warns that a retained 50% duty risks ceding 20% of Brazil’s instant exports to rivals, causing lasting damage across the supply chain. Specialty coffee shipments previously fell 55% after earlier tariff measures. (São Paulo, Brazil)

• Mon, 24 Nov – Panther Coffee and Mawby launch caffeinated sparkling wine. The Panther Cuvée is a multi-vintage, méthode champenoise sparkling wine blending Chardonnay and Riesling with Panther’s Wonderland coffee. It has a crisp, fruit-forward profile with a subtle coffee aroma, according to the two brands. (Miami, Florida, US)

• Tue, 25 Nov – New Swiss and Australian Barista Champions crowned. Mathieu Theis won the Swiss Barista Championship, marking his fifth win, while Gabrel Tan won the Australian Barista Championship. At the Australian Coffee Championships, Simon Gautherin won the Brewers Cup, and Amy Zhang secured the Latte Art title. (Melbourne, Australia)

• Tue, 25 Nov – Cup&Cino Group acquires professional coffee equipment brand Tone. With Tone, the Cup&Cino GROUP now comprises four brands: Cup&Cino, the coffee concept provider in Germany and Austria; automated milk systems provider Latte Art Factory; coffee machine solutions provider BaristaOne; and brewing technology brand Tone. (Hövelhof, Germany)

• Wed, 26 Nov – Ethiopia credits green development for record coffee export earnings. The government of Ethiopia reported export earnings of over US$2.65 billion from 470,000 tonnes of coffee in fiscal year 2024/25, attributing growth to the Green Legacy initiative, supply chain reforms, and farm-level empowerment. (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

• Wed, 26 Nov – Lucky Cup becomes the third Chinese chain to surpass 10,000 stores. Mixue-owned budget chain Lucky Cup reached the milestone following rapid franchise growth, aided by low prices and Mixue’s supply network. Recent expansion included a first overseas outlet in Malaysia and tighter competition with rivals Luckin and Cotti. (Zhengzhou, China)

• Thu, 27 Nov – The Barista League reveals 2026 season calendar. The competition announced a six-stop world tour, starting in Prague (28 Mar), followed by Mexico City (8 May), Tokyo (11 Jun), Atlanta (3 Sep), Johannesburg (3 Oct), and concluding in Brisbane (13 Nov). Rancilio will sponsor the events, supplying RS1 and Invicta espresso machines. (Gothenburg, Sweden)

• Fri, 28 Nov – European Parliament votes in favour of another one-year delay to EUDR. The EUDR was initially set to come into force at the end of 2024, but was delayed by a year to give companies more time to prepare for compliance. If approved by EU governments, the new delay would push implementation back to the end of 2026 for large companies, and to mid-2027 for smaller operators. Parliament also voted in favour of simpler due diligence requirements for some operators and traders. (Brussels, Belgium)

Industry news

• Mon, 24 Nov – Knoops hires former Starbucks executive to lead RTD strategy. Daniel Haberfield, a long-serving Starbucks executive, will lead Knoops’ at-home and ready-to-drink strategy, accelerating upcoming RTD launches and expanding the brand’s off-premise distribution. (London, UK)

• Mon, 24 Nov – Ireland’s Java Republic returns to profit after coffee cost crunch. Gross margin improvement drove a near €592,000 profit in 2024, reversing the previous-year loss after roasting efficiencies and pricing moves reduced coffee price pressures. (Dublin, Ireland)

• Tue, 25 Nov – Ireland’s 3FE named official coffee partner of Leinster Rugby. The Dublin roaster will supply coffee to the team’s UCD headquarters and home matches. Founded by Colin Harmon, the business is set to launch co-branded merchandise and digital content. This partnership complements the company’s existing supply deal with the Irish Rugby Football Union. (Dublin, Ireland)

• Tue, 25 Nov – Dear Green boosts capacity fivefold with new roastery. The Glasgow roaster moved to a 13,500 sq ft warehouse in Bridgeton that houses modern roasting equipment, training areas, and cupping spaces, supporting the company’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030. (Glasgow, UK)

• Tue, 25 Nov – Shanghai’s Minhang District targets the development of the coffee industry. The district is boosting the city’s status as a global hub by developing the Hongqiao International Coffee Harbour. It aims to attract entrepreneurs and businesses by creating a comprehensive “seed to cup” ecosystem and fostering international cooperation. (Minhang, China)

• Tue, 25 Nov – Greek chain Coffee Lab opens large production facility in Egypt. The new 4,000 sq m facility in Cairo will support the Greek chain’s rapid expansion across the MENA region. The company plans to open 80 new stores in the area over the next three years, bringing its total to 170 global outlets. (Cairo, Egypt)

• Tue, 25 Nov – Leon axes unlimited coffee subscription after 18 months. The healthy fast food chain will discontinue the scheme in December 2025. The programme offered unlimited coffee for a fixed monthly fee but was reportedly unprofitable, reflecting challenges faced by UK subscription models and sustained high coffee prices. (London, UK)

• Wed, 26 Nov – Keurig Dr Pepper names Anthony DiSilvestro Chief Financial Officer. Sudhanshu Priyadarshi will serve as senior advisor through 7 Apr 2026. George Lagoudakis was also named deputy CFO. DiSilvestro, former CFO at Mattel and Campbell Soup, will lead finance and technology as KDP readies the JDE Peet’s acquisition and planned split. (Burlington, Massachusetts, US)

• Wed, 26 Nov – J.M. Smucker trims profit outlook as coffee inflation hits margins. Company forecast annual profit below analysts’ expectations after coffee costs and tariffs hit margins. J.M. Smucker said it absorbed about $75mn of tariff-related costs while keeping retail prices steady. (Orrville, Ohio, US)

• Wed, 26 Nov – Costa extends UAE franchise to 2040. Costa renewed its long-term license with Dubai franchisee Emirates Leisure Retail for a further 15 years. ELR has opened 160 stores since 1999, reinforcing Costa’s presence across malls and travel hubs. (Dubai, UAE)

• Thu, 27 Nov – Starbucks Malaysia sees slow recovery after boycotts. Berjaya Food said first-quarter net loss more than halved to RM14.8mn while revenue rose 3.3%. Store count fell to 320 from 400 after closures. The CEO said recovery is slow but visible, and the company still backs the Starbucks brand as it plans selective expansion. (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

• Thu, 27 Nov – Pret A Manger to cut self-serve coffee machine network. The chain will remove 110 Pret Express self-serve units from retail and convenience sites by February 2026, refocusing investment on store growth and in-store formats to boost footfall and simplify operations. (London, UK)

• Thu, 27 Nov – Strauss Coffee International posts 30% Q3 sales growth. EBIT jumped 139.8% to US$49.8mn, nine-month sales rose 33.4%. Gains were driven by higher pricing, market share growth in key regions, and operational efficiencies. (Petah Tikva, Israel)

• Fri, 28 Nov – Provision Trade Federation says UK sugar levy extension “unwelcome, but expected”. The federation said the expansion of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy to milk-based drinks, including frappes, was unwelcome but expected. Members welcomed a 4.5g/100ml lactose allowance and warned of wider cost pressures from wages, packaging, and fuel despite some mitigating measures. (London, UK)

• Fri, 28 Nov – Well Grounded and Alpro mark the latest graduation of 12 trainees. Alpro-sponsored Well Grounded programme delivered free specialty coffee training, barista tuition, job coaching, and mentorship. Since 2022, Alpro funding has enabled 59 people to complete the course, many securing sector roles and some opening businesses. (London, UK)

• Fri, 28 Nov – Pickup Coffee plans up to 20 new stores per month as part of an expansion drive. Turkish chain Pickup Coffee aims to grow rapidly by opening up to 240 outlets annually, targeting domestic and global markets to scale its brand quickly. (Istanbul, Turkey)

New launch

• Mon, 24 Nov – Solo launches ready-to-drink espresso at Tesco. Solo’s 500 ml “Ready-to-Go Espresso” is a concentrated, barista-quality coffee with no added sugar or flavourings. It is now available in over 400 Tesco stores and can make up to 10 iced lattes per carton. (London, UK)

• Tue, 25 Nov – Keurig launches Coffee Collective for its first-ever branded coffee line. The new collection, developed by five in-house experts, targets the premium single-serve segment. It uses the Refined Grind technique to add 30% more coffee grounds into each K-Cup pod, according to the company. (Burlington, Massachusetts)

• Wed, 26 Nov – Hario and PAC-MAN unveil dual anniversary collaboration. A limited-edition co-branded pour-over kit and merchandise will pair HARIO’s V60 dripper with PAC-MAN motifs, sold via select retailers and online, along with themed events and collectable packaging to mark both brands’ milestone anniversaries. (Tokyo, Japan)

• Thu, 27 Nov – Schaerer launches redesigned website. The platform centralises product specs, service, and spare parts access, a blog, a chatbot, a machine configurator, and a dealer locator, with improved navigation and localised pages to support operators, after-sales, and sales teams while highlighting Swiss coffee expertise. (Zuchwil, Switzerland)

• Thu, 27 Nov – Expocacer launches a platform to connect producers and buyers. The cooperative launched Coffee Chain, a digital platform using blockchain and AI to provide full traceability and direct access between Cerrado producers and international buyers, with an online auction on 11 & 12 December to trade specialty coffee lots. (Patrocínio, Brazil)

• Thu, 27 Nov – Pacific Foods adds pistachio Barista Series to café offerings. New line features a pistachio-flavoured almond-oat blend designed for use in café espresso and milk-based drinks. (Portland, Oregon, US)

• Thu, 27 Nov – Dekáf launches sample packs for low-caffeine and decaf coffee options. New sampler boxes allow consumers to explore different decaffeinated and low-caffeine blends before committing to a full bag, aiming to expand accessibility and appeal of milder coffee varieties. (Berlin, Germany)

• Fri, 28 Nov – Brazil’s The Coffee to debut in the US in December 2025. The Brazilian chain will launch in the US as part of a push to reach 1,500 international stores by 2028. Its small-format, Japan-inspired model has expanded across markets and targets the US branded coffee sector for growth. (Curitiba, Brazil)

• Fri, 28 Nov – Nowwa Coffee makes international debut in Australia. Shanghai’s Nowwa Coffee chose Australia for its first overseas venture, opening a local outlet and exploring expansion into Singapore and Thailand after raising significant investment in September 2024. (Melbourne, Australia)

• Fri, 28 Nov – Joe & the Juice launches in Mexico City. The brand aims to open 100 licensed stores across Mexico by 2035 with franchisee Grupo Allux-Dinar, leveraging a small-format, lifestyle-led model to accelerate expansion into Latin America. (Mexico City, Mexico)

• Fri, 28 Nov – Rocket Espresso introduces three new grinders. The Italian brand added Stelvio, Spluga, and Gravo models to its lineup, offering features aimed at precision grinding, consistency, and compactness to appeal to home baristas and small cafés alike. (Milan, Italy)

Milestone

• Mon, 24 Nov – Highlands Coffee posts its most substantial profit in two years ahead of IPO. The Vietnamese chain reported Q3 EBITDA of PHP 666 million (US$11.3mn), up 17.1% year-on-year, driven by strong same-store sales. It plans to launch an IPO within the next 18 to 24 months. (Hanoi, Vietnam)

• Tue, 25 Nov – TGE plans L’OFFICIEL COFFEE expansion with NYC coffee shop. The group announced the opening in Lower Manhattan, scheduled for early 2026. This third site, following locations in Tokyo and Macau, is part of a strategic plan to establish 15 to 20 additional L’OFFICIEL COFFEE stores worldwide over the next two to three years. (New York City, New York, US)

Trade & Production

• Mon, 24 Nov – Colombian coffee sees rapid demand growth in China. Production rose 17% to 14.87 million 60kg bags while imports expanded by 130,800 tonnes from 2020-24. China’s market is heading toward 1 trillion yuan, with roasters favouring clean, floral Colombian microlots. (Shanghai, China)

• Wed, 26 Nov – Fairtrade International to overhaul standards for coffee and other crops. The organisation says the initiative aims to support farmers and workers by embedding human rights, improving traceability, tightening deforestation rules, streamlining requirements, and boosting climate and social resilience. Revised standards will be phased in from 2026-28. (Bonn, Germany)

• Thu, 27 Nov – Kenya urges China to remove tariffs on coffee and other crops. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe met with Chinese customs officials in Beijing to advocate for zero-duty status for Kenyan coffee, tea, and avocados. He highlighted the tariffs as export barriers, noting that Kenya imported approximately US$4.5bn from China in 2024 but exported only around US$290mn. (Beijing, China)

• Fri, 28 Nov – High coffee prices likely to persist despite US tariff cuts. Tariff reductions offer limited relief as tight Brazilian supply, dry weather, low inventories, and sustained global demand keep arabica and robusta prices elevated. Traders expect price volatility to continue, and importers may face higher costs. (New York City, New York, US)

• Fri, 28 Nov – Gangs reportedly target Colombia coffee region where Starbucks and Nestlé operate. Bloomberg reported that armed gangs are escalating robberies and extortion in Nariño and Cauca, threatening farms that supply coffee to Starbucks and Nestlé, disrupting harvests and transport, and forcing police-escorted convoys, raising supply and quality risks. (Bogotá, Colombia)

Research

• Tue, 25 Nov – Luxembourgers ranked the world’s top coffee consumers. The country leads global consumption, averaging 5.31 cups per person daily. This high per-capita rate is partly due to the inclusion of its large cross-border commuter workforce in the national total. (Luxembourg)

• Thu, 27 Nov – Researchers flag widespread misclassification of smallholder coffee farms as forest land. Sample Earth, an open-access reference from the Alliance and CIAT, aims to correct maps that label smallholder coffee and cacao farms as forest, warns that such errors could bar farmers from EU markets under the EUDR, and urges expanded high-quality land-cover data. (Rome, Italy)

• Thu, 27 Nov – Coffee intake linked to longer telomeres in severe mental disorders. A study of 436 adults with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or psychosis-associated depression found that consuming three to four cups of coffee daily was associated with longer telomeres. This was roughly equivalent to a biological age five years younger than that of non-drinkers, but the benefits disappeared at higher intake levels. (London, UK)

Events & competitions

• Mon, 24 Nov – Koelnmesse and IFEMA launch Anuga Select Ibérica food event. The new trade fair, premiering in Madrid in February 2027, is a strategic alliance aimed at strengthening the Iberian food market. It features the ‘Bake & Ice Attraction’ area, which focuses on the bakery, ice cream, and coffee sectors. (Madrid, Spain)

• Tue, 25 Nov – Warsaw Coffee Festival attracts thousands of attendees. The two-day festival brought together hundreds of local and international roasters and industry professionals, confirming the city’s growing role in European specialty coffee culture. (Warsaw, Poland)

• Tue, 25 Nov – De Jong DUKE wins EcoVadis gold medal for sustainability 2025. The award recognises performance on environment, labour, ethics, and sustainable procurement, placing the company among EcoVadis’ highest-rated firms. De Jong DUKE cited progress in emissions reduction, supplier assessments, and circular product design. (Rijssen, Netherlands)

• Wed, 26 Nov – Alimentaria+Hostelco to return to the Gran Via venue of Fira de Barcelona from 23 to 26 March 2026. Organisers predict a 41% increase in international exhibitors compared to the previous edition. Of the more than 3,300 companies exhibiting at the event, nearly 1,000 will be international, representing over 70 countries, with a strong presence in European, Asian, and Latin American markets. (Barcelona, Spain)

• Thu, 27 Nov – coffee&climate toolbox wins Red Dot Best of the Best. Digital e-learning app offers climate-resilient coffee practices, multilingual offline access, and trainer tools. Designed with Melting Experience for Initiative for coffee&climate and Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung to strengthen smallholder resilience. (Berlin, Germany)

• Thu, 27 Nov – Specialty Coffee Association of Ethiopia launches plans for Best of Ethiopia programme. The association aims to spotlight Ethiopia’s top coffees through professional cuppings, competitive tastings, and incentives for farmers. The initiative targets improved quality, traceability, and market visibility for Ethiopian coffee producers. (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

• Fri, 28 Nov – La Marzocco and Joshua McFadden team up for espresso carbonara brunch series. Collaboration pairs baristas using La Marzocco machines with chef Joshua McFadden to serve espresso carbonara dishes in limited-time brunch pop-ups, blending specialty coffee and culinary creativity for a unique dining experience. (Portland, Oregon, US)

• Fri, 28 Nov – IWCA announces 2026 Global Convention in Bali from 12 to 14 May. The event at Bali Beach Hotel in Sanur will bring together women and allies from across the global coffee value chain under the theme “Strength in Every Connection: Building Bridges of Leadership, Opportunity, and Change”. The 2026 Convention will spotlight the transformational impact of women’s leadership, cross-border collaboration, and shared commitments to a more equitable and sustainable coffee future. (Bali, Indonesia)

Here are a few coffee news stories from previous weeks that you might find interesting. Take a look:

• Tue, 18 Nov – Panera Bread unveils “Panera RISE” turnaround plan. The initiative rests on four pillars: revamping the menu with high-quality, abundant ingredients, boosting value with more accessible price points, enhancing the guest experience through “Panera Warmth,” and scaling cafés through new builds and modernisation. (St Louis, Missouri, US)

• Wed, 19 Nov – Starbucks and Tata launch farmer support partnership. The programme will train and connect farmers to global agronomy, set up model farms and online modules, donate 1 million high-yield arabica seedlings over five years, and reach 10,000 farmers by 2030 to boost quality, productivity, and climate resilience. (Mumbai, India)

• Wed, 19 Nov – Kelachandra Coffee appoints Coffee Board veteran to lead R&D. J.S. Nagaraja, former Joint Director of Research at the Coffee Board of India, will head sustainability and R&D, focusing on soil and leaf analysis, fertiliser use, carbon sequestration studies, and genetic fingerprinting to validate microlots. Kelachandra farms 6,500 acres in Karnataka and Kerala. (Bengaluru, India)

• Thu, 20 Nov – Nestlé executive Sanjay Bahadur to retire in December. He leaves at the end of December after more than 40 years at Nestlé. As executive vice president and head of group strategy and business development, he oversaw portfolio management, M&A, venture funds, and partnerships. M&A will report to CFO Anna Manz following his retirement. (Vevey, Switzerland)

Photo credits: Keurig

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