Coffee News Recap, 19 Sep: Arabica futures drop sharply from near-record high, speaker applications open for PRF El Salvador on 26 & 27 March 2026 & other stories

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

Editor’s note

Arabica prices approached an all-time high earlier this week following US tariffs and dry weather in Brazil. On Monday 15 September, arabica futures reached US$4.32/lb – close to the record US$4.41 seen in February 2025 – but have since experienced the fourth-biggest decline in the history of the C market, as volatility continues.

Despite alluding to the possibility of an exemption for coffee – pending negotiations for future trade deals – the US administration is holding strong on 50% Brazil tariffs, reshaping trade between one of the biggest global coffee buyers and the world’s largest producer.

According to data from the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council (Cecafé), the country shipped 21,679 60kg bags of specialty coffee to the US in August, representing a dramatic decline of 79.5% compared to the same month in 2024 and 69.6% compared to July 2025.

The Brazilian Specialty Coffee Association also reported that contracts have been suspended, cancelled, or postponed at the request of US importers who can’t afford to cover the steep additional levies.

US supermarket coffee prices are already experiencing their biggest increase since 1997. According to the Washington Post, US lawmakers plan to introduce bipartisan legislation that would exempt coffee products from any tariff imposed after 19 January 2025. But with no real sign of relief, they’re likely to keep climbing in the coming weeks.

As US roasters and importers increasingly turn to other origins for stability, other countries could temporarily plug the gap – potentially creating new market opportunities, but also the possibility of logistical bottlenecks.

Top stories of the week

• Mon, 15 Sep – Black Rock Coffee Bar valued at US$1.27bn after Nasdaq debut. Shares jumped 32.5% above the US$20 offer price, opening near US$26.50. The IPO raised US$294.1mn from 14.7 million shares, which will be used to support the drive-thru chain’s goal of operating 1,000 stores by 2035. (Scottsdale, Arizona, US)

• Tue, 16 Sep – Ethiopia’s coffee exports exceed targets and top US$2bn. In the first ten months of the 2024/25 harvest season, the country’s Ministry of Agriculture said it experienced a 70% increase in export volumes on the same period in the previous harvest, generating US$2.7bn in foreign currency earnings. (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

• Wed, 17 Sep – Brazil specialty coffee exports to the US plunge 79.5%. Shipments fell to just over 21,600 60kg bags in August following 50% tariffs, as US buyers suspended or postponed contracts. BSCA urges Brazil to open talks with the US to restore trade and curb inflation. (Brasília, Brazil)

• Wed, 17 Sep – US supermarket coffee prices experience the biggest increase since 1997. Data from Caffeine Informer shows that the average ground coffee 12-oz container costs have risen 15-25% since mid-2024. Price hikes are especially steep for whole bean, single origin, and RTD coffee products. (Chicago, Illinois, US)

• Thu, 18 Sep – Nestlé chairman steps down after CEO’s departure as company seeks “fresh start”. Following governance concerns, Nestlé named Pablo Isla as its new Chairman, ending Paul Bulcke’s tenure. Investors pushed for reform after criticism of climate and plastics issues, low executive accountability, and a demand for stronger sustainability oversight. (Vevey, Switzerland)

• Thu, 18 Sep – Speaker applications open for PRF’s 11th edition in El Salvador on 26 & 27 March 2026. In addition to a specially curated PRF Voices programme, workshops, and cuppings, PRF El Salvador will host the Global Roasting Contest, the Cold Brew Coffee Championship, the Cacao Master Cup, the Global Cupping Championship, Central America: Soil of Excellence by Belco, the Global Coffee Awards finals, and PRF Matchmaking. You can apply to be a speaker here. Applications will close on 31 January 2026.

• Thu, 18 Sep – Ethiopian coffee fetches record prices at Echoes of the Peak M-Cultivo auction. Alo Coffee’s Cloud Harvest Lot NW2 received US$1,739/kg – the highest price ever paid for an Ethiopian coffee. A total of twenty lots were auctioned, averaging nearly US$625/kg. This marks the second time this year an Ethiopian producer has broken auction records. (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

• Fri, 19 Sep – Arabica futures experience fourth-biggest decline in history after approaching the highest levels since February. On 15 September, arabica futures reached US$4.32/lb – close to the record US$4.41 seen in early 2025 – but have since experienced the fourth-biggest decline in the history of the C market. (New York City, New York, US)

• Fri, 19 Sep – Vietnam anticipates its biggest coffee crop in four years. Bloomberg reports that output is expected to increase to 1.76 million tonnes for the 2025/26 harvest season. This figure is 6% higher than last year’s harvest, creating the potential to ease global supply shortages and stabilise prices. (Hanoi, Vietnam)

• Fri, 19 Sep – US lawmakers plan bill to exempt coffee from tariffs. According to the Washington Post, Reps. Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) and Ro Khanna (D-California) plan to introduce bipartisan legislation that would exempt coffee products from any tariff imposed after 19 January 2025. The exemption would apply to roasted and decaf coffee, as well as coffee husks, skins, and other drinks or substitutes containing coffee. The report does not specifically mention green coffee, however. (Washington DC, US)

• Fri, 19 Sep – The 2025 Grounds for Health auction raises over US$27,500, pending final sales. The highest price received was US$119/lb for Hacienda La Esmeralda’s Washed Special Gesha Guabo 4WB Lot 3, which was purchased by Agro Roasters. 100% of proceeds support cervical cancer prevention programmes in Ethiopia and Kenya. (Williston, Vermont, US)

Industry news

• Mon, 15 Sep – Café Joyeux appoints new general manager and revamps governance. Henry Boulogne will serve as the General Manager for the France division. The company will restructure the board to include worker representatives and external non-executives, which it says will enhance oversight, support social missions, and assist artisan cafés. (Paris, France)

• Mon, 15 Sep – NCA issues guide to combat green coffee theft. The National Coffee Association published practical guidance on preventing and responding to green coffee theft, covering carrier vetting, shipment verification, loss reporting, and industry best practices to protect supply chains as prices rise. (New York City, New York, US)

• Mon, 15 Sep – Dutch Bros and its foundation partner with customers to back local youth programmes. Customer donations will fund community grants, youth programmes, and volunteer efforts, with the Dutch Bros Foundation coordinating awards and local partnerships to expand outreach and support education and mentorship. (Grants Pass, Oregon, US)

• Tue, 16 Sep – App-based coffee orders reach record high. Research from the NCA shows app-based coffee orders have hit record levels in the US, driven by loyalty programmes and contactless payment. Convenience stores report higher drive-thru and mobile sales, rising basket values, and prioritisation of app features to capture repeat business. (Alexandria, Virginia, US)

• Tue, 16 Sep – Pret A Manger eyes drive-thrus to expand UK reach. The chain plans its first drive-thru locations by early 2026, targeting approximately 300-400 travel and roadside sites. This move aims to tap into the demand for grab-and-go options and extend beyond high street spaces. (London, UK)

• Wed, 17 Sep – Nestlé turns used coffee grounds into Nescafé self-serve units. Developed in partnership with UK-based manufacturer Regency, the new board material, known as the Nestlé Recycled Plastic Coffee Board, is made using bespoke materials that combine 70% plastic waste from its Tutbury factory and 30% used Nestlé coffee grounds. (Tutbury, UK)

• Wed, 17 Sep – Reborn Coffee forms Reborn Logistics to strengthen supply chains. The new wholly owned unit, led by Lim Jae Jung, secured contracts with Korean partners Nexen Tire and Han Press, handling over 1,550 units monthly and targeting about US$20mn annual logistics revenue to support retail and F&B expansion. (Brea, California, US)

• Wed, 17 Sep – Victoria Robertson becomes Starbucks UK marketing director. The former SSP UK CMO brings retail and travel sector experience to lead Starbucks’ UK marketing efforts. Her role focuses on store growth, digital engagement, and product innovation ahead of planned format expansions and evolving consumer trends. (London, UK)

• Thu, 18 Sep – Dunkin’ tightens rewards as fall menu debuts. Changes to the loyalty programme raise the threshold for free drinks and alter how points are earned, prompting customer complaints as the chain introduces its autumn menu and adjusts pricing amid cost pressures. (New York, New York, US)

• Thu, 18 Sep – Starbucks is the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games official coffee partner. The chain will supply coffee at Olympic venues, support Team USA, and deliver fan hospitality, with reusable cup programmes running through the 2028 Games. (Los Angeles, California, US)

• Thu, 18 Sep – European Coffee Federation publishes environmental footprint guidelines. The framework standardises lifecycle assessment methods and product category rules for coffee, enabling consistent footprint calculations, more explicit sustainability claims, and aligned reporting across EU supply chains. (Brussels, Belgium)

• Thu, 18 Sep – Colombian coffee leader passes away during Valle Café event. Dr Camilo Restrepo Osorio, aged 76, collapsed after a presentation in Tuluá and later died. He represented Valle del Cauca on the National Federation of Coffee Growers’ board, served the sector for over 40 years, and advocated for roughly 23,000 farming families. (Tuluá, Colombia).

• Thu, 18 Sep – PJ’s Coffee drops vegan milk upcharge. The chain, with nearly 200 locations, has ended extra charges for plant-based milks following feedback from PETA. The change aligns with moves by other chains and responds to demand from vegans, people with intolerances, and customers prioritising sustainability. (New Orleans, Louisiana, US)

• Thu, 18 Sep – Black Rifle Coffee adds RTD specialist to board. Former Reed’s executive Natalie Vickers joins to guide RTD strategy and broader CPG expansion. The board now includes four independent members and emphasises growth in beverage innovation. (Salt Lake City, Utah, US)

• Fri, 19 Sep – Keurig Dr Pepper appoints Olivier Lemire as US coffee president. Previously president of Keurig’s Canadian business and with the group since 2011, Lemire will assume responsibility for the US coffee division. Patrick Minogue will support the handover through 30 Sep, the company said in an SEC filing. (Burlington, Massachusetts, US)

• Fri, 19 Sep – Lavazza restructures group leadership. The group introduced a new organisational model to centralise product development and institutional relations, streamline regional management, and speed product launches, aiming to boost commercial agility and coordinate sustainability efforts across businesses. (Turin, Italy)

• Fri, 19 Sep – Deliveroo CEO to step down after DoorDash takeover. Founder Will Shu will leave once DoorDash’s £2.9bn takeover completes, expected on 2 October. Several non-executive directors will also resign, marking the end of Shu’s 12-year tenure amid Deliveroo’s market struggles and recent return to profit. (London, UK)

Businesses for sale

• Tue, 16 Sep – Owner of Highlands Coffee buys Paris Baguette brand rights in Vietnam. The acquisition includes full domestic rights for manufacturing, franchising, and expansion, signalling growth plans in café-bakery hybrid formats amid rising demand for premium bakery-coffee pairings. (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

• Thu, 18 Sep – Private equity firm acquires 7 Brew franchisee and plans 200 new outlets. Village Coffee Holdings, backed by Levine Leichtman Capital, bought Freedom Energy Investors’ 104-unit 7 Brew franchise in Michigan, Minnesota, and Missouri, aiming to develop 200 more stores by 2028 through both franchising and corporate ownership. (Detroit, Michigan, US)

New launch

• Mon, 15 Sep – Joe & the Juice debuts in Turkey. A franchised Joe & The Juice opened at Istanbul’s Emaar Square Mall as the chain exceeded 350 stores in Europe and MENA. (Istanbul, Turkey)

• Mon, 15 Sep – Starbucks opens its most ambitious flagship store in Madrid. Located in the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the new store features RoastOnDemand, Spain’s first Reserve coffee bar, multi-stage brewing lab, education space, and a coffee-art gallery. (Madrid, Spain)

• Mon, 15 Sep – Coffee Island launches two stores in Pune, expands into Maharashtra. The Greek specialty franchise opened its first dual outlets in Pune with coffee bars and retail sections, targeting regional expansion across Maharashtra through master franchising and local sourcing. (Pune, India)

• Tue, 16 Sep – Onyx and (RED) launch a limited coffee box. Available for pre-order, the East African ONYXRED coffee is sold in collector packaging. A share of proceeds will support (RED)’s health programmes, accompanied by themed merchandise and a timed release to raise awareness. (Rogers, Arkansas, US)

• Tue, 16 Sep – Stumptown launches Sophia Wilson’s pumpkin spice latte. The signature drink, featuring toasted marshmallow whip, debuts this week across Stumptown cafés. The collaboration follows the release of a summer vanilla cream cold brew and is the company’s first co-developed product with a sports star. (Portland, Oregon, US)

• Tue, 16 Sep – Brazil’s The Coffee opens its first Australian outlet. The Brazilian fast-growing chain launched a café in Manly amid aggressive international expansion, targeting 1,500 stores outside Brazil by 2028, following recent Benelux openings. (Manly, Australia)

• Wed, 17 Sep – Starbucks Reserve debuts zero-proof cocktails in Mumbai. Four non-alcoholic coffee cocktails, including an espresso martini, nitro cold brew ale, and tropical gin-inspired serve, are being trialled exclusively at Starbucks Reserve Mumbai to tap growing demand for elevated zero-proof beverages and mixology-style café experiences. (Mumbai, India)

• Wed, 17 Sep – OXBarrier launches licensing for compostable capsule tech. Patented barrier material for single-serve coffee capsules will now be made available through licensing. The programme targets capsule manufacturers and roasters looking for low-waste alternatives with high barrier performance. (Boston, US)

• Wed, 17 Sep – OutIn debuts portable coffee machine at New York Fashion Week. The OutIn Nano portable espresso machine was used to create the “OutIn Espresso Martini” – an exclusive signature cocktail served to all attendees. (New York City, New York, US)

• Thu, 18 Sep – Wandering Bear launches protein cold brew latte. The new RTD range delivers 11g of milk protein, approximately 140mg of caffeine, and around 100 calories per 8 fl oz can, and is available in double latte, vanilla, and mocha flavours. (New York, New York, US)

• Thu, 18 Sep – UK’s Grind debuts at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3. The London-based chain opened a 24/7 takeaway outlet in Terminal 3 departures landside via a franchise with Emirates Retail Leisure, offering specialty coffee and compostable pods. (Dubai, UAE)

• Fri, 19 Sep – Central Perk coffee shop set for NYC flagship. The Friends-inspired café will open in Hell’s Kitchen late 2025 with sitcom-theme décor, Central Perk coffee blends, themed menu items, and live performances inspired by the TV show. (New York City, New York, US)

Milestone

• Mon, 15 Sep – DMCC expands coffee centre as industry tops US$200bn. DMCC will expand its Coffee Centre with extra warehousing, quality labs, and trade services, adding an auction space to capitalise on a global coffee market now worth over US$200bn and to strengthen Dubai’s role in global coffee trade. (Dubai, UAE)

• Tue, 16 Sep – Schaerer hits 100,000 Coffee Soul units. In series production since October 2020, 100,000 units have made Coffee Soul Schaerer’s best selling machine. Key features include select customisation, Best Foam, Twin Milk, three grinders, and two screen sizes. More than 1,500 bespoke variants have been produced so far. (Zuchwil, Switzerland)

• Wed, 17 Sep – Lavazza marks its 130th anniversary with a Paris sensory experience. The immersive showcase presented Lavazza’s 1895 Coffee Designers range, pairing Colombian producer Diego Bermudez with chef Yannick Alléno. (Paris, France)

• Thu, 18 Sep – Paris Baguette breaks ground on US$208mn Texas plant. SPC Group began construction of a 17,000 m² facility set to open in 2027 and expand by 2029, supporting its plan to grow from 250 to 1,000 North American stores by 2030 and boost Central American expansion. (Burleson, Texas, US)

• Fri, 19 Sep – Caffè Nero posts record sales. The Caffè Nero Group reported record sales of £626.4mn for the year to 31 May 2025, with like-for-like sales up 7% and total sales up 12%. The group operates 1,150 stores in 11 countries, added 94 outlets (62 new, 32 via acquisitions), and plans at least 75 openings next year. (London, UK)

• Fri, 19 Sep – Compose Coffee opens 3,000th store in Seoul. The chain opened its 3,000th franchise at Seoul Olympic Park Foreon in Seongnae-dong, Gangdong-gu. The milestone location arrives just over two years after the 2,000th outlet opened, underscoring rapid nationwide expansion and strong franchisee demand. (Seoul, South Korea)

Trade & production

• Mon, 15 Sep – Thai coffee boom strains smallholder supply. Strong domestic and tourist demand has driven rapid growth in specialty cafés. Yet, harvests are shrinking as climate change, pests, and labour shortages hit smallholders, raising supply concerns and prompting calls for agronomic investment. (Bangkok, Thailand)

• Tue, 16 Sep – Germany earns more from the coffee industry than African producers. Analysis shows that Germany captures a disproportionate share of coffee value through roasting, branding, and exports, while African producers receive low farmgate prices and limited processing income. Experts urge investment in local processing and fairer trade terms. (Berlin, Germany)

• Wed, 17 Sep – Congo coffee farmers fear conflict threatens progress. Growing unrest near the Rwanda and Uganda borders disrupts trade routes and harvests. Farmers worry that violence will undo improvements in quality, contracts, and incomes achieved over recent years through cooperatives and international partnerships. (Goma, DR Congo)

• Thu, 18 Sep – Indonesia announces significant support for coffee and other commodities. The US$978mn package for Q4 2025 includes a replanting programme in 2026 covering 870,000 hectares for commodities, such as coffee. It aims to boost yields, create over a million job positions, and stabilise supply amid global market pressures. (Jakarta, Indonesia)

Research

• Mon, 15 Sep – Coffee linked to lower liver fibrosis in HIV patients study. In a study of 280 people newly diagnosed with HIV, those drinking three or more cups of black coffee per week showed lower markers of liver fibrosis after antiretroviral treatment, compared to those who drank less than that. Few significant effects were found on mood or general health. (Beijing, China)

• Wed, 17 Sep – Caffeine may boost red blood cell quality, small study suggests. A pilot trial found that regular coffee drinkers had more deformable, resilient red blood cells than non-drinkers, a trait that could help improve oxygen flow. Researchers caution, however, that the findings are preliminary and do not prove a long-term health impact. (Oslo, Norway)

Events & competitions

• Mon, 15 Sep – Ljubljana Coffee Festival set for 20 & 21 September with expanded programme. City Museum will host Roasters Village, The Lab panel linking coffee and haute cuisine, workshops by Akademija Stow, Barista Battle, Latte Art Throwdown, sensory room, and a broad exhibitor list. (Ljubljana, Slovenia)

• Mon, 15 Sep – Vienna Coffee Festival draws 8,280 visitors and announces 2025 Austrian Coffee Champions. The three-day event at Marx Halle showcased tastings, talks, and product innovations. Junior Vargas is the 2025 Austrian Barista Champion, while Alina Kirchner placed first at the 2025 Latte Art Championship. The 12th Vienna Coffee Festival will take place from 11 to 13 September 2026. (Vienna, Austria)

• Tue, 16 Sep – SIC2025 to focus on innovation and sustainability. At Expominas, Belo Horizonte, from 5 to 7 Nov, the Semana Internacional do Café will stage 190 stands, panels on COP30, ESG, AI in agriculture, genetics, bioeconomy, regenerative farming and water management, plus cuppings. Organisers expect 25,000 visitors and R$150mn in business sales. (Belo Horizonte, Brazil)

• Tue, 16 Sep – Coffee Week Berlin to run from 24 September to 28 September at various locations across the German capital. Over 100 events will take place during the week-long festival, including more than 50 workshops and cuppings, over ten competitions, and more than 40 tours and talks, as well as the Coffee Week Berlin Awards. (Berlin, Germany)

• Tue, 16 Sep – The fourth edition of Porto Coffee Week will run from 29 September to 5 October 2025. Portugal’s biggest coffee event will feature lectures, workshops, coffee tastings, competitions, immersive experiences, and more. From 3 to 5 October, the Porto Coffee Market will also take place at Oporto Customs House, which will host tastings, competitions, and lectures. (Porto, Portugal)

• Wed, 17 Sep – Slow Coffee Festival moves to ROMEXPO in Bucharest for its biggest edition. Scheduled for 3 to 5 Oct 2025, the ninth edition will host over 100 exhibitors and is expected to attract 50,000 visitors following a tenfold increase in space. The programme includes the Romanian AeroPress Championship, a craft chocolate zone, and an interactive coffee washing station. (Bucharest, Romania)

• Wed, 17 Sep – Monoware exhibiting at the London Design Festival. The British tableware brand is participating in the London Design Festival within TwentyTwentyOne’s Making Sense programme, showcasing work by leading London-based designers, including Ian McIntyre, who will present a selection of his projects, among them work for Monoware. (London, UK)

• Wed, 17 Sep – Wacaco to exhibit Pixapresso at HostMilano 2025. The brand will showcase its first compact electric portable espresso maker, which can also be used for Nespresso capsules, at booth 16P-K44 from 17 to 21 October. (Hong Kong)

• Thu, 18 Sep – NCA announces its new Rising Star Awards and opens 2026 nominations. Accepting nominations for 2026 awards, the NCA introduced a Rising Star Award for professionals under 40 and relaxed nomination rules. Deadline is 7 Nov 2025, and awards will be presented at the NCA Convention in Tampa. (New York City, New York, US)

• Thu, 18 Sep – Lavazza sponsors inaugural North America’s 50 Best Restaurants. The Italian coffee brand will back the first regional awards on 25 September in Las Vegas, where VP Daniele Foti will present an award to reinforce its global gastronomy partnerships. (Las Vegas, Nevada, US)

• Fri, 19 Sep – AVPA presents 2025 Roasted-at-Origin contest entries. The contest aims to spotlight roasters who roast at origin and emphasising quality, traceability, and value retention at origin. Organisers said shortlisted coffees will receive increased international promotion and market visibility. (Paris, France)

• Fri, 19 Sep – Perfect Moose to launch new product at HostMilano. The company will showcase its Next-Gen Moose and a brand new product at Hall 16 booth H32 during the event. (Dendermonde, Belgium)

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

• Wed, 10 Sep – Accademia del Caffè reopens in Verona after renovation. The landmark café reopens with refurbished interiors, a new espresso training lab, expanded barista workshop space, updated offerings including single origin coffees, and improved accessibility. (Verona, Italy)

• Thu, 11 Sep – Farmer Brothers reports 2025 financial results. The company’s gross margin rose to 44.9% in Q4 FY2025, up 6.1% from the same period in fiscal 2024. Net sales growth remained sluggish, with revenue up just 1% from the prior year period. (Northlake, Texas, US)

• Fri, 12 Sep – South Africa’s Bootlegger Coffee inks airline deal with FlySafair. Bootlegger will supply brewed and bean options as well as signature blends on FlySafair flights, boosting brand visibility and air-travel revenue. (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Photo credits: Producer & Roaster Forum

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