Coffee News Recap, 21 Jun: SCA Panama rejects infused coffees at 2024 BoP, US Supreme Court backs Starbucks in unionisation case & other stories

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

Here are this week’s stories – the word of the week is launch.

Mon, 17 Jun

• US Supreme Court backs Starbucks over firing of pro-union workers. This decision nullified a judicial order for the chain to rehire seven Memphis employees who were fired after looking to unionise. The ruling could make it harder for courts to block perceived unfair labour practices contested under federal law. (Washington DC, US)

• Westrock Coffee opens North America’s largest RTD manufacturing facility. The US $315 million 570,000 sq ft plant includes a beverage development lab and advanced production capabilities, as well as end-to-end automation for roasting, grinding, brewing, bottling, and packaging. (Conway, Arkansas, US)

• ICO and UNIDO outline unprecedented global coffee fund. The proposal for a global fund includes addressing challenges such as climate change, price volatility, and income gaps in production. The organisations’ “global funding mechanism” seeks participation from various stakeholders, including financial institutions and governments. (London, UK)

• Huggs Coffee launches new Sojourner coffee concept brand. The new concept store embodies a more holistic approach, and includes unique interior design, single origin and blend offerings, and fine tea selections. (Singapore)

• ILO field visits lay groundwork for revitalizing Yemeni coffee sector. Yemen’s renowned coffee industry has faced challenges related to conflict since 2005, which has led to decreased production. The International Labour Organisation’s new programme seeks to revive Yemeni coffee farming through working with key industry stakeholders, private companies, and governments. (Sana’a, Yemen)

• New research reveals how milk proteins interact with caffeine in espresso. Researchers found that milk proteins retain their structure and flavour when mixed with coffee, which impacts the drink’s overall mouthfeel. Using 2D infrared spectroscopy, scientists investigated how this interaction also affects caffeine absorption and protein digestion. (Aarhus, Denmark)

• Royal Coffee’s The Crown announces inaugural immersive coffee symposium. The Development Stage event will feature coffee tastings and pairings with local companies – including chocolate makers, chefs, and winemakers – at The Crown: Royal Coffee Lab and Tasting Room from 26 to 28 September. (Oakland, California, US)

• Weber Workshops launches HG2-MK2 grinder. The new model includes an integrated bean feeder, 30% larger capacity, a magnetic dust and anti-popcorning lid, and improved Magic Tumbler to reduce static. (Nevada, US)

• Bellwether Coffee to launch all-electric ventless Shop Roaster at WoC Copenhagen. The small-format, high-throughput automated electric roaster can fit into any retail environment, also allowing to reduce costs by 50% and carbon emissions by 90% per pound of coffee. (Berkeley, California, US)

• Pact Coffee launches special edition coffee to celebrate the 111th Tour de France. The Italian-style dark Gran Fondo is a blend of Colombian and Rwandan beans. (London, UK)

Tue, 18 Jun

• Atomo Coffee launches 50:50 arabica-beanless Remix blend. Atomo’s beanless coffee is made from upcycled ingredients such as date seeds, sunflower, guava, and lemon. According to the company, in blind tests, Remix was preferred 2:1 over traditional blends. (Seattle, Washington, US)

• Pea milk brand Sproud seeks new investment following strong 2023 sales. Expected to close a new investment round in 2024 Q3, Sproud signed its first major coffee chain deal with Joe & The Juice’s 250 European stores last year, and became the first food brand to receive ISO 26000 verification for sustainability in March 2023. (Malmö, Sweden)

• Café Imports launches public interactive Coffee Rose cupping form. The web-based app, which took over three years to develop, features an interactive Check All That Apply digital flavour wheel with over 1,400 descriptors. (Minneapolis, Minnesota, US)

• Hacienda La Esmeralda’s auction to celebrate 20th anniversary on 22 August. Hacienda La Esmeralda rose to fame in 2004 when its record-breaking Gesha won the Best of Panama competition. The auction will feature 20 of the farm’s coffees. (Palmira, Chiriquí Province, Panama)

• DiFluid launches Omix green and roasted coffee analyser. Designed for both producers and roasters, the Omix includes sensors to measure water activity, moisture content, density, screen size, expansion rate, temperature, humidity, altitude, and roast level. Data can also be exported to the DiFluid Café app. (Shenzhen, Guangdong, China)

• New study from Global Coffee Platform, IDH, and Solidaridad finds significant inequities in coffee value chain. The report estimates the distribution of value and costs, taxes, and net profit margins of coffee sold throughout the supply chain, and covers the German market and producing countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Vietnam. The organisations co-hosted a webinar to discuss key findings. (Utrecht, Netherlands)

• Scanomat to unveil grinder, milk foamer, and single-dose bean hopper at WoC Copenhagen. The company’s latest products will be showcased at World of Coffee Copenhagen from 27 to 29 June 2024. (London, UK)

• Slayer to showcase Espresso v3 and Steam LP at WoC Copenhagen. Slayer’s booth will welcome international industry partners to serve coffee using the two iconic machines. (Seattle, Washington, US)

• Hawaii’s Monarch Coffee and Marcus Young launch roasting masterclass. The three-day coffee course at Monarch Coffee’s Learning Centre will cover roasting, costing, marketing, sales, cupping, and quality control, as well as farm-to-table lunches and practical learning experiences for coffee professionals and entrepreneurs. (Kona, Hawaii, US)

Wed, 19 Jun

• SOAS University of London to host EUDR and coffee event. Coffee and deforestation regulations – green and good for all or a new form of unfair trade? will discuss how the coffee chain can evolve to become more accountable and transparent, as well as address concerns that the EUDR reinforces colonial inequities and introduces new hurdles for low-income producers. (London, UK)

• Fairtrade releases 2023 annual report. The Driving the Fairness Agendareport highlights Fairtrade’s work with over two million farmers and workers in 68 countries. Key focuses include empowering farmers, promoting sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, human and environmental rights, and supporting women and youth leadership. (Bonn, Germany)

• Dalla Corte to showcase new Zero Plus and sustainable PlaNet project at WoC Copenhagen. The company’s espresso machine includes patented flow rate control technology. Dalla Corte’s PlaNet project will be key focus of the event – showcasing its carbon neutral espresso machines. (Milan, Italy)

• Astoria to launch new AB200 coffee machine at WoC Copenhagen. The company will debut two versions of the machine at the event, as well as the ASI40 Touch grinder. (Susegana, Italy)

• Expocaccer launches project to encourage family succession in coffee production. The programme, which is targeted at younger people, covers topics such as co-operative principles, coffee history, specialty coffee production practices, and farm management. Participants also gain hands-on experience with farm visits. (Patrocinio, Minas Gerais, Brazil)

• The 2024 WAC to launch first-ever AeroPress Invitational and Roasters Village. Early bird tickets for the world final, which will take place from 19 to 21 September, are available now. The AeroPress Invitational will pit invitees from around the world against some of the most well known coffee professionals in a knock out-style competition, while the new Roasters Village will feature some of Europe’s best roasters. (Lisbon, Portugal)

• The Barista League hosts events in Berlin and Warsaw. More than 210 people attended each event, with the Warsaw edition being the first-ever TBL event in Poland. Attendees were from a number of countries, including the US, Colombia, and Georgia, with over 100 applications to compete for both events. (Berlin, Germany and Warsaw, Poland)

• South Africa’s Genio Roasters announces the 2024 edition of A Shot in The Dark competition. The event will take place in September, and will bring together the country’s best roasters to showcase their skills in roasting and blending. Applications close on 20 July 2024. (Randburg, South Africa)

Thu, 20 Jun

• Oatly unveils “first-of-its-kind” XL Barista Edition cartons. The 1.5 litre cartons will be launched in the UK to cater to coffee shops’ demand for larger sizes. The new cartons will be available to buy on Amazon and from other food service wholesalers in July. (Malmö, Sweden)

• Cropster to host panel and brand relaunch party at WoC Copenhagen. The company’s panel will discuss how brands can integrate more sustainable and transparent practices in their supply chains, while the party will celebrate Cropster’s new look and marketing. (Innsbruck, Austria)

• Coffee drinkers in South Africa experience surge in prices. Robusta shortages have pushed up prices for instant coffee products by 18% – well above the 5.2% inflation rate.

• SCA Panama rejects infused coffees at 2024 BoP competition. In an open letter, the organisation said four coffees submitted to the competition were found to be “altered from their natural DNA expression, likely with the intent to score higher and win by using foreign additives”. SCA Panama claims its decision is to protect the authentic identity of Panamanian coffee and terroir. (Panama City, Panama)

• Sales of whole bean set to outpace roast & ground in Germany this year. According to the German Coffee Association, over the past five years, ground coffee and single serve sales have declined by 22%, while whole bean sales have surged by 39%. (Hamburg, Germany)

• NKG PACE introduces open-access series to advance equity and empower BIPOC coffee professionals. The new open sessions, which were originally part of the annual NKG PACE curriculum, are now available free of charge to expand access to Neumann Kaffee Gruppe’s extensive coffee expertise. (Hoboken, New Jersey, US)

• Fairtrade International announces election of new board members. Laurence Tanty and Rhea Beltrami were reelected for a second term, and join current board members William Barrett, Frank Harnischfeger, Pravakar Meher, and other newly elected members. (Bonn, Germany)

• Robusta futures rebound amid crop concerns. Robusta futures rose above US $4,000/tonne, with a delayed rainy season in Vietnam raising concerns about crop recovery from recent droughts. Brazil, meanwhile, expects favourable weather conditions.

• Dimitra and Arasco Food partner to support Cameroon’s coffee EUDR compliancy. The partnership leverages blockchain technology to streamline farming processes and comply with the EUDR starting December 2024 for medium and large-sized EU businesses. The pilot project aims to simplify data management for 5,000 farmers in the country. (Vienna, Austria)

Fri, 21 Jun

• G7 recognises coffee as key strategic sector in historic milestone for ICO. The ICO welcomed outcomes from the G7 Summit which addressed climate change, economic recovery, international relations, and the future of the coffee sector. In April 2024, G7 ministers recognised challenges in the coffee sector and endorsed a public-private partnership for more sustainable, resilient coffee value chains. (London, UK)

• Win Win Coffee develops platform to connect African coffee farmers to potential buyers. The black-owned roaster’s new CoffeePLUG platform was developed in partnership with engineers from Ghana and the University of Pennsylvania. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US)

• Snapchill recalls all coffee products due to risk of toxic growth. The company issued a public FDA warning after recalling products from 150 roasters and retailers following a potential risk of toxic clostridium botulinum growth. No illnesses have been reported, but the affected products were distributed nationwide through roasters and Snapchill’s direct sales. (Green Bay, Wisconsin, US)

• The Barista League Barcelona to take place on 28 September. The event has been rescheduled after coinciding with the Barcelona Coffee Awards. The competition will take place at Hidden Coffee Roasters, with tickets available now. (Barcelona, Spain)

• Keurig Dr Pepper publishes 2023 sustainability report. The company’s latest report outlines its climate action, energy efficiency, water use, and packaging and circular economy efforts. By 2023, KDP aims to support regenerative coffee farming and conservation on 250,000 acres of land. (Frisco, Texas, US)

• First-ever SIGEP Asia to begin on 26 June. The event will run until 28 June 2024 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, and will be co-hosted with the 2024 Speciality Food & Drinks Asia and Speciality Coffee & Tea Asia expos. The events will host the 2024 Singaporean Barista, Brewers Cup, Latte Art, and Cup Tasters Championships.

• Barista Attitude to exhibit at WoC Copenhagen and spotlight Pilot, Gara & Storm FRC espresso machines. Booth visitors will be able to use the machines, including the World Barista Championship Sponsor Gara. Barista Attitude will also debut its new Faro grinder at the event. (Susegana, Italy)

• This year’s Athens Coffee Festival to take place from 28 to 30 September at Technopolis. The festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year, and will host the 2024 Hellenic Coffee Championships and the Hellenic AeroPress Championship. (Athens, Greece)

• US government asks EU to delay deforestation regulation. In a letter to the European Commission, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack, and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said US producers are struggling to prepare to comply with new legislation. (Brussels, Belgium)

• Phil & Sebastian to host award-winning coffee tasting with producers for WoC Copenhagen. The coffee tasting will be co-hosted with Ratibor Hartmann and Mauricio Shattah at Coffee Collective Carlsberg Byen on 26 June. (Calgary, Canada)

• Hemro Group to showcase Sync grinder system at WoC Copenhagen. The company – which manufactures Mahlkönig, Ditting, Anfim, and HeyCafé equipment – will demonstrate its latest technology that shares data between espresso machines and the E80W Grind-by-Sync, resulting in automatic grind size adjustment. (Zürich, Switzerland)

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

• Thu, 13 Jun – New study finds coffee roasting waste can be high-value food ingredient in baked products. Using by-products from the coffee industry can reduce environmental impact by 73% and halve disposal costs for companies. The research focused on the economic and environmental benefits of repurposing silverskin, the main organic waste from coffee roasting, which is typically converted into compost. (Naples, Italy)

• Fri, 14 Jun – World Coffee Research releases 2023 annual report. Operating across 17 countries, WCR focused on science-based solutions amid climate challenges and R&D gaps in the global coffee sector. Last year, the organisation shipped and germinated 5,000 genetically unique arabica seeds to partners in six countries, among many other achievements. (Portland, Oregon, US)

• Sat, 16 Jun – Lavazza launches new line of RTD iced coffees. The new drinks are available Espresso & Milk, Caffè Latte, and Cappuccino flavours. A limited-edition Cappuccino Protein variant is also exclusively available via direct-to-consumer channels. All drinks are made with 100% arabica and semi-skimmed milk. (Nationwide, UK)

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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 about why Luckin Coffee’s MoU with Brazil reveals a new major partnership.

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