Coffee News Recap, 12 Sep: Coffee is exempt from US tariffs, Conab cuts Brazil 2025 arabica estimates by 5% & other stories

2025.09.16

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

Editor’s note

The Trump administration has exempted coffee from US tariffs, providing some much-needed relief for American businesses and producers worldwide.

Whispers of tariff protection for coffee started in early August, and the industry pinned its hopes on a victory. The additional import taxes, as much as 50% for Brazil, threw roasters, traders, and producers into disarray, forcing them to renegotiate contracts, reformulate dependable blends, or temporarily pivot away from Brazil as an origin.

But now, products not grown in the US in commercially-viable quantities – including coffee – qualify for zero tariffs. The announcement comes at the same time as the NCA’s latest report, which finds that 66% of Americans drank coffee in the past day. For consumers, the exemption also potentially eases the tension of rising retail prices.

Although the decision is welcomed by many, some remain cautious. The order states that exemptions will be contingent on factors such as “the scope and economic value” of a trading partner’s commitments to the US under reciprocal trade agreements and the “national interests” of the country.

We’ve seen many of the US administration’s decisions on tariffs stem from political retaliation, so coffee’s exemption is unlikely to be set in stone. For now, it provides temporary relief, but it exposes the underlying vulnerability of the global supply chain.

A producer rakes drying green coffee on a patio.

Industry news

Mon, 8 Sep – European coffee demand rises despite price inflation. Consumers continue to buy premium and at-home products, boosting specialty, single-serve, and RTD sales. Retailers are expanding private label and promotions to protect volume while roasters pass on higher green coffee costs. (London, UK).

Mon, 8 Sep – Ireland’s O’Briens targets 70 cafés across Asia-Pacific.CEO Brian Pua announced that the chain, currently with 37 stores, aims to expand to 60 to 70 outlets within two years through both corporate and franchise formats. A potential listing on Bursa Malaysia would enhance regional growth and strengthen network expansion. (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Tue, 9 Sep – Austrian bakery Martin Auer secures ten-year Soho lease for US debut. The Graz-based chain, famed for organic sourdough rye, will open its first US outlet in Manhattan’s SoHo, marking its entry into international retail expansion. (New York City, New York, US)

Tue, 9 Sep – Python tutorial details coffee machine simulation coding logic. The educational resource outlines programming concepts for beverage selection, payment processing, and inventory management using object-oriented design. (San Francisco, California, US)

Wed, 10 Sep – Global organic coffee market set to reach US$30.5bn by 2033. Verified Market Research projects an 8.5% CAGR from 2026 to 2033, driven by health and sustainability demand, premium single-serve and RTD innovation, and stronger consumption in Europe and North America. (London, UK)

Wed, 10 Sep – Pret A Manger to double UK outlets after post-pandemic sales rebound. The chain plans to grow its UK footprint from around 500 to 1,500 stores, driven by a 10% rise in global revenue and a 36% increase in core earnings last year. Currently, a quarter of revenue comes from international markets. (London, UK)

Wed, 10 Sep – Romania’s 5 to go targets 150 Bulgarian locations via Minimart deal. The country’s largest coffee chain has partnered with Minimart’s roughly 200 outlets to expand its franchise footprint in Bulgaria. Already operating two cafés in Ruse, 5 to Go aims to launch its franchise model nationally, reaching 150 coffee shops in the coming years. (Bucharest, Romania)

Wed, 10 Sep – Starbucks CEO reports turnaround ahead of schedule after one year. Brian Niccol cites improved same-store sales and operational efficiency, with mobile order enhancements driving growth. The chain has accelerated store remodels and digital integration since his appointment in 2024. (Seattle, Washington, US)

Thu, 11 Sep – Löfbergs appoints Tomasz Gruszczynski to head Poland growth. Gruszczynski brings retail experience from Coca-Cola’s Costa Express, Tchibo, and energy drink brands. He will support the roll-out of Löfbergs’ ICE coffee range and drive commercial development as the Swedish roaster expands in Poland. (Karlstad, Sweden)

Thu, 11 Sep – Blue Bottle Coffee targets Asia expansion under CEO Karl Strovink. About a third of the brand’s cafés are located in Asia. Blue Bottle will pursue selective city openings across Japan, South Korea, and Greater China, prioritising product-led growth and quality while leveraging Nestlé resources for retail and wholesale scale. (Tokyo, Japan)

Thu, 11 Sep – Death Wish Coffee appoints Steve Gardiner as CEO. Formerly CEO of Nature’s Bakery and with 24 years at PepsiCo, Gardiner will lead the brand’s next growth phase, focusing on retail expansion, innovation, and scaling its Fair Trade and organic portfolios. (Saratoga Springs, New York, US)

Thu, 11 Sep – India’s branded coffee shop market is poised for strong growth, forecast to reach 4,500 outlets by 2028. The market is expanding at 9% CAGR, led by Starbucks and Café Coffee Day, with per-capita consumption remaining low but rising in urban centres. (Mumbai, India)

Fri, 12 Sep – BiBeCoffee tech to debut at 2025 World Barista Championship. BiBeCoffee’s extraction-control system will be used at this year’s competition enabling competitors to monitor shot curves, manage acidity levels, and improve consistency. (Milan, Italy)

Fri, 12 Sep – Taco Bell advances Live Más Café roll-out. Two cafés open 16 Sep in San Diego and Irvine, offering over made-to-order drinks by Bellristas and a limited Caramel Apple Empanada Chiller. The new format drove a 40% sales uplift and targets 30 sites by end-2025. (San Diego, California, US)

Fri, 12 Sep – Coffee raves draw Gen Z crowds in India. The events combine live DJ sets, immersive brewing, and specialty coffee served late-night in cafés and pop-ups, leveraging social media and influencers to create experiential communal spaces. Organisers note strong demand for novelty while neighbours raise noise and safety concerns. (New Delhi, India)

Baristas behind the counter at a Kopi Kenangan store.

Businesses for sale

Wed, 10 Sep – Kopi Kenangan backers explore stake sales. Early investors are weighing secondary share sales, with a potential valuation of US$1.2–1.4bn reported. Advisers are reportedly sounding out strategic and financial buyers as Peak XV and other backers consider partial exits. (Jakarta, Indonesia)

Thu, 11 Sep – Taiwan’s Louisa Coffee plans 2026 IPO and US launch. The Taipei-based group aims to list on the OTC by mid-2026 and form an LA joint venture, with plans to double revenue, grow to 600 Taiwan stores, open its first US outlet this year, and invest in automation. (Taipei, Taiwan)

New launch

Mon, 8 Sep – La Marzocco unveils Officine Fratelli Bambi Strada series. Available in X and S series with one-to-three grouphead options, the OFB Strada pairs CNC stainless legs, hand-machined panels, a mirror-finish drip tray, and custom metal or glass finishes. The machine, produced in Florence, is limited in volume and is due to debut at Out of the Box Milan. (Florence, Italy)

Mon, 8 Sep – Cambio Roasters launches world’s first recyclable aluminium K Cups. Led by Kevin Hartley, the former Chief Innovation Officer at Keurig Green Mountain, Cambio Roasters utilises Waldner North America’s specially designed filling and sealing equipment to package the K Cups. (Isle of Palms, South Carolina, US)

Mon, 8 Sep – Chobani whips up Cookie Butter coffee creamer after fan demand. The limited-edition flavour channels speculoos biscuit notes and lands in stores in time for the fall season. Developed in response to consumer requests, it joins Chobani’s lineup of dairy-based creamers made with real milk, cane sugar, and natural ingredients. (New York City, New York, US)

Tue, 9 Sep – Sproud launches matcha alternative milk. The pea-protein, low-sugar ready-to-drink matcha includes spirulina, and is foamable for hot and cold drinks. The 1L cartons are available to buy online in the UK. (London, UK)

Tue, 9 Sep – Maxim’s launches Seine X intelligent semi-automatic espresso machine. The Seine X offers three-in-one variable pressure profiling, Brew-by-Weight technology, an infrared steam wand, and a built-in conical burr grinder with 70 fineness levels and three dosing modes. Intelligent extraction records and anti-static technology improve consistency. (Paris, France)

Tue, 9 Sep – Bulletproof launches high-protein iced coffee. The ready-to-drink protein-enriched iced coffee is aimed at functional-beverage shoppers. The formula complements Bulletproof’s performance portfolio and is sold in single-serve cans online and at US retailers. (Seattle, Washington, US)

Wed, 10 Sep – Blue Bottle Coffee launches membership programme. The new digital-first membership enables users to earn points with every purchase, offering access to surprise perks, Morning Notes coffee brewing tips, sneak-peeks at new menu items, and members-only offers. (Oakland, California, US)

Wed, 10 Sep – Tim Hortons unveils 2025 fall menu with pumpkin spice and new apple-themed items. Seasonal offerings at participating US restaurants now include the returning Pumpkin Spice Latte, Iced Capp, and Muffin, as well as new items like Cinnamon Caramel Apple Latte, Iced Coffee, Berry Apple Crisp Refresher, and a baked Apple Cider Timbit. (New York City, New York, US)

Wed, 10 Sep – Fore Coffee opens its first Fore Donut outlet. The new brand debuts inside Supermal Karawaci, offering artisanal donuts like Pistachio Dreamin’, Berry Matcha, Butterscotch Than Never, and local-inspired Ayam Pop. Fore plans to launch three outlets in total by year-end as part of its expansion strategy. (Tangerang, Indonesia)

Thu, 11 Sep – Jetinno to debut flagship commercial coffee machines at HostMilano 2025. The Chinese manufacturer will showcase the JL60 and JL38, new automated espresso systems designed for high-volume settings, targeting the European market through the Milan exhibition. (Milan, Italy)

Thu, 11 Sep – Nescafé Dolce Gusto introduces NEO system in Japan and Korea. The new machine features SmartBrew technology, offering espresso, americano, and drip-style coffees and works with sustainably designed, home-compostable paper pods. The NEO also includes barcode recognition and smartphone connectivity for personalised brewing. (Vevey, Switzerland)

Fri, 12 Sep – ITC releases EUDR handbooks to support coffee businesses. New practical guides help coffee business operators and traders navigate the EU Deforestation Regulation, offering step-by-step due diligence templates, examples of compliance with legality, and guidance on leveraging voluntary sustainability standards. (Geneva, Switzerland)

Milestone

Mon, 8 Sep – Blackbird Coffee raises US$4.7mn to scale workplace coffee across Europe. The seed capital-backed Danish startup will expand its full office coffee service beyond Denmark, targeting corporate clients across Europe and accelerating roll-out of equipment, servicing, and supply contracts to capture workplace demand. (Copenhagen, Denmark)

Tue, 9 Sep – DVG De Vecchi marks 60 years with coffee break stories campaign. A six-episode social series uses archive images, interviews, and testimonies from founders, staff, customers, and partners to trace the company’s evolution in coffee machine components and engage its global community. (Cornate d’Adda, Italy)

Wed, 10 Sep – Costa Coffee marks 20 years in India with an expansion drive. Footprint tops 200 stores with bespoke formats across high streets, airports, and multiplexes. A new store design and seasonal flavour drops, plus partnerships with PVR INOX and major sporting platforms, aim to deepen café culture. (New Delhi, India)

Fri, 12 Sep – South Africa’s Tashas signs US$27mn joint venture for UAE expansion. The venture will fund rapid openings across the Emirates, targeting premium malls and tourist hubs, while leveraging local partners for operations and supply chain management. The move is part of a broader international expansion from South Africa. (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Trade & production

Mon, 8 Sep – Costa Rica growers hit by currency pressure despite global price boom. Policy-driven colón strength since 2023 has reduced farmer payouts below 2021–22 levels, despite high arabica prices. Both coffee-growing areas and family producers have declined, with 2025-26 output forecasted to be down by ~10%. (San José, Costa Rica)

Tue, 9 Sep – Vietnam reports record coffee export value. Vietnam exported 1.2 million tonnes in the first eight months of 2025, earning US$6.42bn, an 8.7% increase in volume and a 59.1% increase in value year-over-year. The average export price reached US$5,580/tonne, as processors and instant specialists boosted robusta demand across Germany, Italy, Spain, and rapidly growing Mexico. (Hanoi, Vietnam)

Tue, 9 Sep – Ethiopia expands coffee sector through coordinated platform. The government launched a National Coffee Platform led by a newly formed steering committee, bringing together farmers, exporters, civil society, government, and private sector to guide growth, reforms, and collaboration for one of the country’s most vital industries. (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

Wed, 10 Sep – Brazil exports 3.144 million bags in August, down 17.5%. Cecafé attributes the decline to lower post-harvest availability and a US 50% tariff that redirected buyers to Germany and stoked price volatility. Export revenue rose to US$1.101bn, and Cecafé joins a CNI delegation to Washington to seek dialogue and avert retaliation. (Brasília, Brazil)

Thu, 11 Sep – Brazil reroutes coffee exports following US tariffs. August exports to the US fell 46% to 301,000 bags after a 50% tariff. Exports rose to Germany, Mexico, and Colombia, while instant coffee shipments to the US dropped by 60%. Rerouting via third countries proved unviable. (Brasília, Brazil)

A person scoops roasted coffee beans into packaging.

Research

Tue, 9 Sep – Study finds that polyphenol loss in specialty coffee depends on packaging and heat. Research examined the degradation of food over time and found that different packaging methods affect its shelf life, and concluded that valve packs provide the best protection for keeping food fresh. The results showed that vacuum-sealed green coffee beans lasted 27.16 months, vacuum-sealed roasted coffee lasted 3.14 months, and ground coffee in trilaminate packaging with a valve lasted 40.21 months. (Cajamarca, Peru)

Wed, 10 Sep – Research investigates antioxidant levels in roasted coffee. The study shows that light-roasted beans retain higher levels of antioxidants, such as chlorogenic acids, which peak at this roast level. In contrast, dark roasts have fewer antioxidants, although they can still provide some benefits due to the compounds formed during the roasting process. (Paris, France)

Events & competitions

Mon, 8 Sep – Grounds for Health Coffee Auction will take place on 18 September. The annual online auction offers rare green coffee lots from origin regions, including Panama’s record-breaking Hacienda La Esmeralda, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, and Guatemala. 100% of proceeds support cervical cancer prevention in Ethiopia and Kenya. (Williston, Vermont, US)

Tue, 9 Sep – Porto Coffee Week 2025 to return with immersive, week-long coffee programme. The fourth edition of the event will take place from 29 September to 5 October, featuring city-wide workshops and a large Coffee Market at Alfândega do Porto over the weekend. Highlights include the 2025 Portuguese Barista Championship, a latte art throwdown, talks, tastings, and networking opportunities. (Porto, Portugal)

Wed, 10 Sep – ASIC Coffee Science Conference returns to Lisbon in October. The 30th ASIC Conference will take place from 27 to 31 October 2025 at the University of Lisbon. The programme will include sessions on coffee and health, sustainability, plant science, spatialomics, and disease dynamics, featuring keynote speakers such as Dr. Richard Stadler and Prof. Rodrigo Cunha. (Lisbon, Portugal)

Thu, 11 Sep – Evolved Q Grader course to be held following HostMilano. The six-day SCA course runs from 24 to 29 October for experienced professionals. It includes lessons on the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) and awards Evolved Q Grader certification. Instructors include Roukiat Delrue and Davide Cobelli. (Milan, Italy)

Fri, 12 Sep – The 11th annual Pittsburgh Coffee Week will run from 28 September to 4 October 2025. This year’s theme, “Pittsburgh Pours”, celebrates the city’s unique coffee scene, honouring local coffee brands and the specialty coffee community. The event will host coffee tastings, hands-on brewing workshops, latte art throwdowns, collaborations, and storytelling activations. (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US)

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

Fri, 29 Aug – Indonesia’s Toko Kopi Tuku to open first European outlet in Amsterdam. The Jakarta-based chain will debut in the Netherlands after testing Indonesian-style coffee through successive Amsterdam Coffee Festival exhibitor appearances, aiming to convert festival interest into a permanent retail presence when the outlet opens in September. (Jakarta, Indonesia)

Mon, 1 Sep – Horizon Egypt to open Shot London flagship in New Cairo. The partnership marks Horizon’s first food-and-beverage project and targets a 2026 opening. Shot London will bring its luxury specialty menu and rare bean selections, extending its global footprint. (New Cairo, Egypt).