Coffee News Recap, 20 Mar: ICO reports a 10% drop in coffee prices for Feb, BUNN acquired by Ali Group & other stories

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

Editor’s note

Recent forecasts of a bumper 2025/26 crop for Brazil have weighed on the coffee market, as the ICO’s latest report shows prices fell by 10% in February. StoneX predicts a record 75.3 million bags for the next harvest, a 20.8% increase from the previous year.

At the recent annual NCA convention, industry analysts discussed potential market swings for this year. Many questioned whether coffee could follow the same downward trajectory as cocoa, which plummeted by 70% after rising above US$12,000/tonne in December 2024.

Several market analysts assert that arabica futures could fall as low as US$1.80/lb by year-end. But with conflict escalating in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz still effectively closed, the coffee industry faces rising costs for logistics, shipping, and energy.

The price of Brent crude oil rose to US$116 a barrel on Thursday morning, approaching the highest level since the conflict started at the end of February. Many are claiming that it could climb as high as US$200 per barrel unless cargo vessels are permitted to pass through the Strait in the coming weeks.

Coffee is not an isolated industry. What happens in one corner of the world can have a profound effect on producers, traders, roasters, and consumers in another. With no clear end to the war in sight, the coffee industry must stay vigilant and well-informed.

BUNN coffee machine in diner.

Top stories of the week

  • Mon, 16 Mar – Ali Group completes acquisition of BUNN. The family-owned commercial brewing equipment manufacturer joins the Italian foodservice giant’s portfolio. The deal strengthens Ali Group’s position in the coffee market while preserving BUNN’s heritage identity. Financial details of the transaction are undisclosed. (Chicago, Illinois, US)
  • Wed, 18 Mar – Robusta prices hit seven-month low. Futures dropped in London as traders anticipate a strong harvest from Brazil starting next month. Favourable weather conditions in the top-growing regions have boosted expectations of a higher global supply. (London, UK)
  • Thu, 19 Mar – IWCA opens Canadian chapter. Founded by Isabelle Huard, Elsa Ouagmi, and Muna Mohammed, with support from Cheryl Hung and Cynthia Elie, this is the organisation’s 37th chapter. IWCA Canada’s mission is to connect the national coffee community and support women at every stage of the supply chain, while building sustainable bridges to the global IWCA network. (Springfield, Illinois, US)
  • Fri, 20 Mar – Alexandru Marin is the 2026 UK Roasting Champion. Marin scored 559 points, with Rifqi Maulana placing second. The event tested 12 finalists on grading, sampling, and roasting skills. The World Roasting Championship will take place at WoC Brussels in June. (London, UK)
Espresso being extracted into two cups.

Industry news

  • Mon, 16 Mar – Pickup Coffee expands rapidly in the Philippines. The startup has launched over 400 locations in three years to compete with major international chains. This growth highlights a surge in the local branded market. (Manila, Philippines)
  • Mon, 16 Mar – Tim Hortons signs long-term deal for UK and Ireland expansion. The Canadian coffee chain agreed to a 20-year master franchise partnership with SK Group. This move secures the brand’s presence for two more decades. Since entering the local market in 2017, the company has grown to over 75 locations. (London, UK)
  • Mon, 16 Mar – Biggby Coffee partners on new Michigan sports complex. The chain is teaming up with Black Bear Sports Group to create a multi-use facility featuring ice rinks and a new café. This project aims to support local youth athletics and increase the brand’s visibility through venue-naming rights. (Kalamazoo, Michigan, US)
  • Tue, 17 Mar – Bitty & Beau’s Coffee marks World Down Syndrome Day. The US chain highlights its expanding workforce of disabled staff across 19 states. Each shop creates an inclusive environment that changes the way people see those with disabilities. (Wilmington, North Carolina, US)
  • Tue 17 Mar – Tchibo appeals to German Federal Court over Aldi pricing. The company is challenging the discount chain’s strategy of selling branded products at significantly lower prices. This legal battle focuses on fair competition and the protection of brand value. A final ruling could impact how supermarkets price premium coffee. (Karlsruhe, Germany)
  • Tue, 17 Mar – Authorities confirm cause of death for Frinj Coffee founders. Officials stated that carbon monoxide poisoning led to the passing of the Californian coffee pioneers. The industry is mourning the loss of the influential figures known for growing high-quality coffee in the US. (San Luis Obispo, California, US)
  • Wed, 18 Mar – Ramallah’s coffee culture endures as a symbol of resistance.A New Internationalistreport explores how local cafés serve as vital communal hubs despite ongoing movement restrictions. These spaces maintain Palestinian social fabric and heritage by blending traditional brewing with modern urban life. (Ramallah, Palestine)
  • Thu, 19 Mar – Sintercafé announces new Board of Directors for upcoming term. Peter Sachs of Panamerican Coffee Trading will serve as President, leading a team focused on strengthening the coffee sector. The organization also confirmed its next major event is scheduled for 11-14 November at Marriott Los Sueños. (San José, Costa Rica)
  • Fri, 20 Mar – Starbucks expands Nashville corporate presence. The coffee giant is shifting several key departments and hundreds of roles to Tennessee. While maintaining its Seattle base, the move aims to tap into new talent pools and reduce operational costs starting in 2026. (Nashville, Tennessee, US)
  • Fri, 20 Mar – Louis Dreyfus coffee volumes rise in 2025. Despite a 4.6% drop in overall group profit to US$966m, the merchant saw strong performance in its coffee segment. Increased shipments and resilient margins helped offset lower global prices for other agricultural commodities throughout the year. (Rotterdam, Netherlands)
  • Fri, 20 Mar – Joe & The Juice appoints first Chief Culture Officer. The Danish coffee and juice chain named former HR head Kasper Garnell as the CCO. This move aims to strengthen the brand’s people-first focus and internal community as it expands its global presence. (Copenhagen, Denmark)
  • Fri, 20 Mar – Luckin Coffee reports record 2025 revenue and global expansion. The company posted a 43% surge in total net revenue, reaching 49.29 billion yuan. With 31,048 stores worldwide, the group is prioritising market share in 2026, amid reports that its major shareholder acquired Blue Bottle Coffee for US$400m. (Beijing, China)
Dua Lipa and George Clooney.

New launch

  • Mon, 16 Mar – Dripos launches automatic cash rounding for coffee shops. The new POS feature streamlines transactions by rounding totals to the nearest nickel following the 2025 end of US penny production. Each adjustment appears as a separate line item on receipts to simplify daily drawer reconciliation. (New York City, New York, US)
  • Tue, 17 Mar – Tuni G2 launches in North America with 40mm conical burrs.The new grinder features 70 adjustment steps designed for high-quality home brewing from espresso to cold brew. Its compact design and consistent particle size distribution aim to bring professional barista results to the consumer market. (Wilmington, Delaware, US)
  • Wed, 18 Mar – Dua Lipa joins Nespresso as Global Ambassador. The partnership focuses on lifestyle and sustainability, targeting a younger demographic through digital and TV campaigns. This marks a major shift in the brand’s visual identity. (Lausanne, Switzerland)
  • Thu, 19 Mar – Nguyen Coffee Supply launches Ground Espresso. This is the brand’s first product, both sourced and roasted in Vietnam. The launch aims to elevate global perceptions of Vietnamese robusta by showcasing premium darker roast products. (New York City, New York, US)
  • Fri, 20 Mar – Flair Espresso launches Flair 49 Pro. The manual machine features a 49mm portafilter and a full stainless steel brew path. It offers a streamlined workflow with a traditional design for home baristas. (Irvine, California, US)
Coffee drinks and a canelle pastry in a South Korean coffee shop.

Milestone

  • Tue, 17 Mar – Oatscoffee enters the European market with Berlin branch. The Korean specialty brand brings its signature creamy oat milk creations to the German capital. This opening marks a major step in the global expansion of Seoul’s unique cafe culture. It focuses on minimalist design and high-quality brewing techniques. (Berlin, Germany)
  • Wed, 18 Mar – Asda recycles 20 million coffee pods in first year of new initiative. The UK supermarket achieved the milestone through the Podback partnership, which allows customers to drop off used aluminium and plastic pods at the chain’s nearly 600 stores. The collected materials are repurposed for new cans and garden furniture. (Leeds, UK)
  • Fri, 20 Mar – Dean’s Beans earns exceptional B Corp Impact Score of 168.5. The high rating reflects the woman-owned company’s commitment to social and environmental accountability during a period of leadership transition. The score places the roaster among the top tier of ethical businesses globally. (Orange, Massachusetts, US)
  • Fri, 20 Mar – Cocatrel reaches 9,000 members after 8% growth in 2025. Despite a 9.7% drop in the regional arabica harvest, the cooperative achieved its third-largest coffee intake in history with over 1.8 million bags. The milestone reflects high producer trust and expanded operations across its 11 branches. (Três Pontas, Brazil)
A jute bag of green Indian robusta coffee.

Trade & production

  • Mon, 16 Mar – Indian coffee growers expect higher yields after summer rains.Recent showers in key planting regions have helped white flowers bloom, which is essential for a good harvest. Farmers are optimistic that weather will improve the quality of both arabica and robusta. Stable water levels are now supporting the growth of the next crop. (Kalpetta, India)
  • Tue, 17 Mar – StoneX forecasts record Brazilian coffee crop of 75.3 million bags. The financial services firm predicts a 20.8% increase in production compared to the previous year. Favourable weather conditions have significantly boosted the yields of both arabica and robusta. This surge in supply from the world’s top producer is expected to influence global market prices. (São Paulo, Brazil)
  • Wed, 18 Mar – Coffee futures rise on logistics costs and Brazil crop concerns. ICE arabica and robusta prices increased on 17 March due to port congestion and shipping delays. The market remains volatile as traders monitor rainfall patterns in Minas Gerais and supply tightness in Vietnam. (New York City, New York, US)
  • Thu, 19 Mar – Geopolitical tensions lift coffee prices in Brazil, reports Cepea. The 18 March analysis confirms that global instability and logistical bottlenecks have driven local robusta and arabica costs higher. Domestic producers are holding stocks in anticipation of further volatility while monitoring the 2026 crop development. (Piracicaba, Brazil)
  • Thu, 19 Mar – Brazil’s conilon production surges amid climate crisis. While arabica crops struggle with rising temperatures, the more resilient conilion variety is thriving in Espírito Santo. Investments in genetic research and irrigation have significantly improved bean quality, positioning Brazil as a dominant global supplier. (Vitória, Brazil)
  • Fri, 20 Mar – Cooxupé expects coffee exports to drop in 2026. The world’s largest coffee cooperative cites logistical hurdles and lower stock availability as the reasons for the projected decline. The strategy now shifts toward optimising domestic sales to mitigate global market impacts. (Guaxupé, Brazil)
A person holds ground coffee in a metal container.

Research

  • Fri, 20 Mar – Spent coffee grounds used to treat water. Researchers developed a method using biochar from waste grounds to remove heavy metals and pollutants from contaminated water sources. This sustainable filtration technique offers a low-cost alternative for environmental cleanup. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US)
A cupping at PRF Honduras.

Events & competitions

  • Mon, 16 Mar – Jiangmen Coffee Festival highlighted industry growth. The event, held on 8 March, featured over 100 brands to cement the city’s reputation as a key manufacturing hub for brewing equipment. It showcased the rising popularity of specialty coffee and local roasting talent across the region. (Jiangmen, China)
  • Mon, 16 Mar – Third COFFeEAST Festival starts on 20 March. Over 200 exhibitors from more than 15 countries, 150 micro roasteries, artisan businesses, and coffee shops, and 30 Eastern European coffee shops will attend. The event will also host more than 30 workshops, cuppings, and lectures, as well as live music. (Bucharest, Romania)
  • Tue, 17 Mar – Dublin Coffee Festival returns from 10-12 April 2026. Hosted at the Royal Dublin Society venue in Smithfield, the gathering brings together specialty coffee roasters and industry experts. Attendees can participate in tasting sessions, attend technical workshops, and view professional competitions. (Dublin, Ireland)
  • Tue, 17 Mar – The Barista League Europe 2026 shifts focus to service and storytelling. The Prague event, scheduled for 28 March, introduces a format built on three pillars: Concept, Service, and Product. Judges will evaluate the “human experience” and experience design over technical precision, marking a significant shift in its competition format. (Prague, Czech Republic)
  • Wed, 18 Mar – World Tea Expo 2026 to showcase tea and coffee crossover. Scheduled from 23 to 25 March at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, the event introduces a dedicated experience for interactive tastings. It brings together global suppliers and retailers to explore emerging flavour innovations and sustainable sourcing. (Las Vegas, Nevada, US)
  • Thu, 19 Mar – Collaborative CoffeeNetwork announces London tasting events. The first session features an Ecuador Farmers Collection cupping and overstock auction on 24 March. A second collaborative tasting follows on 27 March, showcasing regional blends and rare lots from Colombia, Yemen, and Tanzania. (London, UK)
  • Fri, 20 Mar – Julius Meinl Barista Cup 2026 to run from April to July.National heats in 17 countries will select champions for the Grand Finale in Vienna on 4 September 2026. The competition spotlights baristas from Europe, Asia, and the UAE who serve millions of cups worldwide. (Vienna, Austria)
  • Fri, 20 Mar – Lisbon Coffee Week to return from 23 to 29 March. Portugal’s biggest coffee event returns with an extensive programme that features unlimited coffee tastings, educational sessions, competitions, and pop-up activities across the city. For the first time, the festival will feature a large-scale Coffee Market, hosted at 8 Marvila from 27 to 29 March. Organisers expect over 3,000 visitors for this edition. (Lisbon, Portugal)

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

  • Fri, 13 Mar – Ilaria Cicero takes the lead of the IEG food and beverage division. The appointee now manages a portfolio that includes major coffee and trade events such as SIGEP World. This strategic move aims to enhance the group’s presence in the international hospitality industry. Cicero previously held various management roles within the organisation’s diverse exhibition sectors. (Rimini, Italy)

Photo credits: Producer & Roaster Forum, Nespresso

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