Coffee News Recap, 15 Nov: EU confirms one-year delay to deforestation regulation, Italy’s espresso prices set to rise by two-thirds & other stories

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

Editor’s note

On Thursday 14 November, the EU confirmed a one-year delay to its landmark deforestation regulation – poignantly coinciding with COP29 taking place in Azerbaijan.

For the coffee industry, this means medium and large-sized farms, traders, and roasters will now have until 30 December 2025 to prove compliance, whereas smaller companies have an additional six months on top of the deadline.

In addition to the postponement, EU lawmakers also voted to introduce a “no-risk” category – meaning countries that the bloc considers to pose no threat of deforestation won’t need to comply. NGOs and charities have criticised both decisions, claiming they undermine environmental efforts and could create “dangerous loopholes” that allow trade bans and hefty fines to be avoided.

Many producers, roasters, and traders are likely to be relieved about the decision to delay, granting them much-needed time to prepare and organise for what is one of the biggest changes to the coffee trade in its history.

Shortly after the vote results were announced, the C price reached over US 270 cents – its highest level since early October. Just how the EUDR delay could further influence prices remains to be seen.

Rising coffee prices are being felt around the world, but the impact on Italy has been particularly significant. This week, consumer groups in the country voiced their concerns that the cost of espresso could rise by as much as two-thirds following price spikes.

For a traditional market like Italy, this could have major implications for the country’s coffee consumption. Considered a “daily essential” for many Italians, an increase in the price of espresso could push more people to drink coffee at home – fundamentally changing the country’s traditional coffee culture.

Top stories of the week

• Mon, 11 Nov – Italy’s espresso prices set to increase by two-thirds as coffee prices rise. As a result of supply shortages in Vietnam and droughts in Brazil, the price of espresso in Italian coffee bars may rise by up to 66%, with espresso potentially costing €2. Consumer groups worry this could impact the country’s traditional coffee culture, prompting more people to brew coffee at home or reduce their consumption. (Rome, Italy)

• Tue, 12 Nov –Coffee Holding acquires private label US roaster Empire Coffee. After Empire’s sales struggled to recover following the pandemic, Coffee Holding acquired the company for 60% of its market value. Coffee Holding has taken over Empire’s day-to-day operations. (New York City, New York, US)

• Wed, 13 Nov – Oddlygood acquires UK’s dairy alternative brand Rude Health. The acquisition reflects the Nordic dairy alternative brand’s plans to expand its presence in the European plant-based market. Oddlygood, backed by Valio, launched in the UK in 2023 and aims to compete with established brands like Alpro and Oatly. (Helsinki, Finland)

• Thu, 14 Nov –EU votes to delay deforestation regulation by one year, pushing arabica futures to 13-year high. The European Parliament voted to delay its deforestation-linked import ban until December 2025 and introduced a “no-risk” category for countries that it deems to pose no threat of deforestation. The decision has been met with criticism from environmental NGOs and key players in the coffee industry. (Brussels, Belgium)

• Thu, 14 Nov –Winners of the 2024 European Coffee & Hospitality Awards announced. This year’s European Coffee Symposium hosted the awards to celebrate pioneers, visionaries, and innovators in Europe’s coffee and hospitality sectors. Winners included Cimbali for Europe’s Best Fully Automatic Espresso Equipment Manufacturer, Lavazza for Europe’s Best Commercial Coffee Roaster, and WatchHouse for Europe’s Best Coffee Shop Chain. Löfbergs ranked in the top three for Europe’s Best Coffee Roastery and Most Sustainable Brand. (Berlin, Germany)

Industry news

• Mon, 11 Nov – Good Housekeeping unveils winners for 2024 Kitchen Gear, Coffee & Tea Awards. Some 300 products were tested for performance, ease of use, and innovation, as well as consumer feedback from over 1,000 surveys and at-home evaluations. Among the winners are:
  • Chobani Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer
  • Bruvi’s single-serve Coffee Brewer
  • Guayakí Yerba Mate

• Tue, 12 Nov – Fairtrade International publishes statement on proposed EUDR amendments. Ahead of the vote on 14 November, Fairtrade International urged the EU to reject the European People’s Party’s proposed amendments to the EUDR, which included a 24-month delay and reduced due diligence for traders. Fairtrade warned these changes risked undermining environmental protections and prior investments. (London, UK)

• Tue, 12 Nov –JNP Coffee and USAID partner to boost cash crops and economy in Burundi.The partnership aims to create 600 jobs and increase the value of Burundi’s coffee exports to the US by US $400,000 by 2026. Over 23 months, the exporter will establish a micro-lot dry mill and the Coffee Academy of Burundi, focusing on employment for women and youth. The academy, located in Bujumbura, will train 100 individuals in the country’s coffee sector according to the Specialty Coffee Association’s standards. (Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, US)

• Tue, 12 Nov – Krispy Kreme reports lower Q3 sales but remains positive on US expansion. Krispy Kreme reported a 7% drop in global revenue in Q3 2024, attributed to the US $127 million sale of its Insomnia Cookies stake and consumer softness in the US and UK. US revenues fell 12% to US $228.4 million, though growth is expected in Q4 following the expansion of its doughnut distribution partnership with McDonald’s, set to reach 12,000 locations by 2027. (Winston-Salem, North Carolina, US)

• Tue, 12 Nov – Luckin Coffee partnership boosts Oatly’s strong third quarter sales in China. Oatly reported 11% year-on-year revenue growth in Q3 2024, reaching US $208 million. Greater China sales rose 14% to US $29 million, driven by its partnership with Luckin Coffee and a RMB 9.9 Oat Milk Series. The region now accounts for 14% of Oatly’s revenue, with 72% from foodservice. North America saw an 18% revenue increase to US $69 million, while Europe and international revenue grew 6% to US $110 million. (Malmö, Sweden)

• Wed, 13 Nov –Café Amazon reports strong outlet growth in Q3. The Thai chain is on track to meet its goal of 300 new stores in 2024, with 69 net openings in Q3, bringing the total to 4,749 across 12 markets. Most of the 289 new stores in 2024 are in Thailand, where it now operates 4,339 outlets, largely within PTT OR petrol stations. Internationally, Café Amazon runs 310 stores in 11 markets, including China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam. (Bangkok, Thailand)

• Wed, 13 Nov –Nespresso partners with Brazilian cosmetics brand Natura to recycle aluminium from used pods. The initiative aims to use the material as a source for sustainable packaging for the brand’s hand moisturisers. Over two tonnes of capsules can be reused every year as a result of the partnership. (São Paulo, Brazil)

• Wed, 13 Nov –Biggby Coffee climbs Franchise Times Top 400 for 2024. The community-focused franchise chain has been recognised for its rapid growth and commitment to empowering franchisees. President John Gilkey highlighted the brand’s strong franchise network as key to its success. (Lansing, Michigan, US)

• Wed, 13 Nov –Westrock Coffee reports a robust Q3 2024 performance. Westrock’s third-quarter 2024 net sales rose 0.6% to US $220.9 million, with gross profit increasing to US $37.1 million. However, the company reported a net loss of US $14.3 million. CEO Scott T. Ford anticipates stronger performance in 2025, driven by new customers and the Conway plant. (Little Rock, Arkansas)

• Wed, 13 Nov –Critter Cafe’s success represents the growing presence of coffee in the gaming sector. Cosy gaming, often set in cafés, lets players act as baristas, crafting drinks and latte art. Games like Critter Café and Coffee Talk focus on coffee-making, while Persona 5 teaches brewing to create rare in-game items. (Leamington Spa, UK)

• Thu, 14 Nov –New geospatial tool helps coffee businesses meet compliance and sustainability goals. Picterra Tracer streamlines land plot analysis using satellite and drone imagery, which helps ensure compliance with environmental regulations like the EUDR, validates carbon credits, and monitors deforestation. (Chavannes, Switzerland)

• Thu, 14 Nov –WatchHouse opens its 21st location in Fitzrovia, London. The new space offers a coffee experience inspired by Kandinsky’s abstract art. Featuring a circular layout, stainless steel counters, and dark oak booths, WatchHouse Fitzrovia’s design aims to create a vibrant yet inviting atmosphere. (London, UK)

• Thu, 14 Nov –Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Short n’ Sweet’ café pops up at Verve Coffee Roasters. The LA roastery will host US singer Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet Café from 15 to 17 November as part of a fintech app promotion. Inspired by her latest album, the pop-up features an all-blue design, heart motifs, and photo ops. (Los Angeles, California, US)

• Thu, 14 Nov –Compose Coffee acquisition boosts Jollibee Food Corp’s Q3 earnings. Jollibee Foods Corporation’s Q3 2024 revenue rose 10% to P67.7 billion, driven by the acquisition of South Korea’s Compose Coffee. International sales grew 20.5%, with EBITDA up 12% to P9.6 billion and net income rising 18% to P3 billion. (Manila, Philippines)

• Thu, 14 Nov –Coffee Island will debut in India in December 2024. Following the New Delhi outlet, a local production facility is planned for 2025. Coffee Island will be the first continental European coffee chain in India, joining other international brands like Tim Hortons, Pret A Manger, and Bagelstein, all targeting India’s growing coffee market. (Athens, Greece)

• Thu, 14 Nov –La Marzocco accounts for 60% of De’Longhi’s coffee revenue in Q3. The company’s revenue reached €2.23 billion, up 11.6%, with net profit rising 22.2% to €173.8 million. The group’s profitability improved, driven by the La Marzocco acquisition in December 2023. (Treviso, Italy)

• Thu, 14 Nov –Italian coffee equipment manufacturer Caffitaly finalises debt deal. The company is securing a deal to source €40 million from its owners, Alpha Group and Compagnie Nationale a Portefeuille. Banks led by BNP Paribas will convert half of the €150 million debt into equity. The company has faced losses and rising costs, along with competition and operational issues. (Bologna, Italy)

New launch

• Tue, 12 Nov – Pact Coffee introduces brewing equipment to Waitrose coffee aisle. Pact Coffee will launch its V60 filter kit, made in collaboration with Hario, in 242 Waitrose stores from 17 November. (London, UK)

• Tue, 12 Nov – Mahlkönig and La Marzocco launch joint Sync System. Available in the US and Australia, the new system connects Mahlkönig’s Grind-by-Sync espresso grinders (E65W GbS and E80W GbS) with La Marzocco espresso machines using IoT data. This integration allows baristas to set precise recipes, adjusting dose, time, and yield. (Hamburg, Germany)

• Wed, 13 Nov –WMF Professional unveils new website. It offers visual brand experience with target-specific industry pages and success stories. WMF’s website now also has AI features, including a product finder and interactive chatbot that assists customers. (Geislingen an der Steige, Germany)

• Thu, 14 Nov –West Coast releases the Yeah, No… Yeah blend in collaboration with Relative Coffee Co. Yeah, No…Yeah is a coffee collaboration between Bryant Banker-Scannell of Relative Coffee Co. and Ryan Woldt, founder of Roast! West Coast. Drawing inspiration from the US Midwestern phrase “Yeah, No, Yeah,” which means “yes,” the brands celebrate their love for coffee and the region’s colloquialisms. (Minneapolis, Minnesota, US)

• Thu, 14 Nov –I’m Not A Barista and Timemore launch the Global Coffee Alliance for Good initiative to support farmers and build connections. The pilot programme in Colombia, which will officially launch at Hotelex Shenzhen from 12 to 14 December, will support smallholder farmers by providing training and resources. (Shenzen, China)

Milestone

• Tue, 12 Nov – 200 Degrees opens its 22nd location in the UK. The new store will feature Eversys E4 Extra Wide coffee machines capable of producing 350 espressos per hour. (Castleford, UK)

• Wed, 13 Nov –Devyani International opens over 200 Costa Coffee stores in India. The Gurugram group opened 15 new Costa Coffee stores in Q2 2024, reaching 207 outlets, with a 41% revenue increase to Rs. 490 million (US $5.8 million) and 8.7% like-for-like growth. (Gurugram, India)

• Wed, 13 Nov –Starbucks partners with DoorDash to offer in-app delivery for the first time. Customers will be able to choose between pickup and delivery, with orders fulfilled within the delivery radius. The new feature, available both in DoorDash and Starbucks apps, is part of DoorDash’s Commerce Platform, offering merchants personalised digital experiences and engagement tools. (San Francisco, California, US)

• Fri, 15 Nov – Expat. Roasters opens newest location in Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport. The new store in the domestic arrival hall includes an immersive setup where customers can interact with baristas. (Bali, Indonesia)

Trade & production

• Mon, 11 Nov – Vietnam reports record coffee export revenue despite low production in 2023/24. The country exported 1.45 million tonnes of coffee in the 2023/24 season, earning US $5.32 billion, a 30% rise despite a 12.7% drop in volume. The EU was the top market, with exports valued at US $2 billion. Robusta prices surpassed arabica, reaching over US $5,000 per tonne and setting record highs. (Hanoi, Vietnam)

• Mon, 11 Nov – Global green coffee exports grew 11.8% in 2023/24, while October prices fell 3.2% from September. The I-CIP averaged US 250.56 cents/lb in October 2024. Prices for Colombian milds, other milds, and Brazilian naturals also declined slightly, while robusts dropped 8.3%. The European Commission’s update on the EUDR and a weaker Brazilian Real contributed to the decline, with the I-CIP closing the month of October at US 242.25 cents/lb. (London, UK)

• Wed, 13 Nov –Chapada Diamantina becomes the new Denomination of Origin for Brazilian coffees. The Brazilian Patent Office granted a Denomination of Origin for coffee from Chapada Diamantina in the state of Bahia. The region’s unique environmental conditions give the coffee a full body, sweet citric acidity, nutty and chocolate notes, and a prolonged aftertaste. (Brasília, Brazil)

• Wed, 13 Nov –Brazil sets new export record with 4.9 million 60kg bags in October. Brazil’s coffee exports are up 11.6% year-on-year, with earnings rising 62.6% to US $1.39 billion. Green coffee exports increased by 0.5%, while processed coffee grew by 27.1%. For the first ten months of 2024, total exports reached 41.46 million 60kg bags, a 35.1% rise. Key growth markets included Germany, the US, Belgium, Mexico, Vietnam, and India. (São Paulo, Brazil)

Research

• Tue, 12 Nov – New ICO report highlights income opportunities for coffee industry. The Beyond Coffee report highlights how coffee processing waste, like husk and spent grounds, can be used in industries such as health and renewable energy. It offers policy recommendations for integrating circular economy practices, focusing on collaboration, innovation, and supporting small businesses in coffee-growing regions. (London, UK)

• Wed, 13 Nov –Brazilian study shows bees are linked to improved coffee production, quality, and value. A study conducted by Embrapa, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, confirms that bee pollination boosts coffee productivity by 16.5% and improves quality, with caffeine content dropping to 2.78% and cup scores increasing. If applied across all Brazilian arabica crops, producers could see an annual turnover increase of over US $3.5 billion, according to researchers. (São Paulo, Brazil)

Events

• Tue, 12 Nov – SCA and Cup of Excellence to host Cup the World to present the top CoE award-winning coffees of 2024. The event will be held on 23 November in Portland, Oregon at Buckman Coffee Factory, and on 7 December in London at Forest Hill Coffee. Attendees can sample premium coffees, learn about the new Coffee Value Assessment, and network with coffee professionals and enthusiasts.

• Tue, 12 Nov – The 2024 Taiwan International Coffee Show to take place from 15 to 18 November.The event will feature leading companies from the Asian and global coffee markets. Organised by Taiwan’s Chan Chao International, the previous expo featured over 320 exhibitors and 1,470 booths, with participants from various countries, including Germany, the US, and Brazil. (Taipei, Taiwan)

• Wed, 13 Nov –First roasters announced at MICE2025 Roasters Playground. This year’s line-up includes renowned brands like Clark St. Coffee, Small Batch Roasters, Double Roasters, Change Coffee, Kindred Coffee, Boston Bean Coffee Co., Parallel 36 Coffee Roasters, Gypsy Espresso, Prodigal Coffee Roasters and more. (Melbourne, Australia)

• Thu, 14 Nov –NCA announces full 2025 convention programme. Speakers and sessions at the 2025 NCA Annual Convention will be hosted by industry leaders, including Neumann Kaffee Gruppe, Massimo Zanetti Beverage, Starbucks, and StoneX. The convention will be held from 6 to 8 March. (Houston, Texas, US)

• Fri, 15 Nov – Manchester Coffee Festival 2024 to take place from 16 to 17 November. The event will be held at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre, featuring a trade show, talks, panels, tastings, and the first-ever MCF Latte Art Championship. Organised by Husky Events, the festival is part of the company’s line up of specialty coffee events across the UK and Ireland, including in Brighton and Dublin. (Manchester, UK)

• Fri, 15 Nov – Middle East Organic & Natural Products Expo 2024 will be held from 18 to 20 November.The event is expected to attract over 20,000 visitors from 73 countries and will coincide with the Arabian Tea & Coffee Expo. It will also feature 35 panel discussions and 65 international and regional speakers, providing a key platform for organic and natural brands, including coffee products, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. (Dubai, UAE)

Competitions

• Tue, 12 Nov – The Barista League will head to Sydney on 23 November.Mecca Coffee Roasters will host this year’s event, with Moccamaster and Baratza will host a brew bar. Guest judges include Aum Phithakphon from Udon House, Dan Yee from Artificer Specialty Coffee Bar & Roastery, Charles Babinski from Café 143, and Jibbi Little from Jibbi Coffee Roasters. (Sydney, Australia)

• Tue, 12 Nov – Panarabica Luxury Blends by Bazzara wins first prize at the Luxury F&B Awards. The blends were awarded the best selection coffee at Golosaria Milano on 4 November, chosen by a jury of renowned Italian chefs. The 100% arabica blends include coffees from Central & South America, Africa, and Asia. (Trieste, Italy)

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

• Wed, 6 Nov – Nescafé launches new range of soluble coffee that can be used for both hot and cold beverages. The new product comes in caramel and hazelnut flavours and is currently available in Central and Eastern Europe. (Vevey, Switzerland)

• Thu, 9 Nov – The Coffee Club teams up with Luqman Petroleum for 2025 Kenya launch. The companies are investing KES 646 million (US $5 million) to open a café in Nairobi, with plans to expand to Tanzania and Uganda. The move targets East Africa’s growing café culture and rising middle class. (Brisbane, Australia)

Photo credits: The Barista League

Sign up to our weekly coffee news recap to get a summary of all the biggest stories in the sector, delivered straight to your inbox every Monday.

Want to keep up with current affairs in the coffee industry? Check out last week’s coffee news stories and make sure to read the latest Coffee Intelligence News & Opinion piece on how Nero Group’s acquisition of FCB Coffee signals a shift in the UK coffee market.

The post Coffee News Recap, 15 Nov: EU confirms one-year delay to deforestation regulation, Italy’s espresso prices set to rise by two-thirds & other stories appeared first on Perfect Daily Grind.