Coffee News Recap, 22 Nov: C price exceeds US $3/lb, speaker applications open for PRF Honduras & other stories

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

Editor’s note

As the industry gears up for the 2025 competition and events season, the SCA announced its updated rules for next year’s World Brewers Cup, which will take place at World of Coffee Jakarta from 15 to 17 May. Among several changes, the competition will be divided into two or three rounds based on the number of competitors. Brewers will also be allowed to spray their coffee with water prior to grinding – a method often used to reduce static.

Zooming out, market volatility continues to show no signs of slowing down this week. Shortly after the EU voted to delay deforestation regulations on 14 November, the C price climbed to a 13-year high, while robusta futures reached their highest level in months. Compounded by ongoing difficult weather conditions in Brazil and Vietnam, the C price briefly traded over US $3/lb on 21 November. Given that the one-year EUDR delay is still to be approved, it’s unlikely that coffee prices will fall significantly in early 2025.

Despite the highest C price in 13 years, many producers are still struggling to improve their economic resiliency. Providing them with a platform to share their experiences and include them in industry-wide conversations is crucial to addressing these challenges. On 27 & 28 March 2025, PRF will host its biggest-ever event in Honduras, inviting small producers from across Latin America to engage with international roasters and traders.

At a time of unstable market conditions, it’s never been more important for coffee professionals to voice their perspectives. Speaker applications are now open for PRF Honduras, where industry leaders are invited to share their knowledge, experiences, and visions for the future of the coffee industry.

Top stories of the week

• Mon, 18 Nov –ICE delays changes to contracts amid uncertainty over EUDR delay. The Intercontinental Exchange will delay changes to coffee and cocoa contracts until the end of 2025 following the European parliament’s vote to postpone the EUDR by one year. Contract changes included EUDR-compliant proof for deliveries and a discounted transition stock for futures contracts. (Atlanta, Georgia, US)

• Mon, 18 Nov –SCA releases updated rules for 2025 World Brewers Cup. Some of the biggest changes include a two or three-round format based on the number of competitors and a rule update permitting competitors to spray coffee with water before grinding. (Irvine, California, US)

• Tue, 19 Nov –Nestlé to raise coffee prices and reduce bag sizes. As the company seeks to restore growth and profitability, it said it will focus on its soluble and capsule coffee products, which are impacted less by commodity price fluctuations. Nestlé also stated it is leveraging new technology to optimise extraction yield per serving. (Vevey, Switzerland)

• Wed, 20 Nov – Speaker applications open for PRF’s biggest-ever event in Honduras on 27 & 28 March 2025. To celebrate its tenth anniversary, PRF will host a major event in San Pedro Sula, Honduras on 27 & 28 March 2025, showcasing its significant impact on the coffee industry. To apply, please fill out the speaker application form in English here and in Spanish here. Applications are open until 15 January 2025.

• Thu, 21 Nov –Starbucks reportedly considering sale of Chinese operations. According to Bloomberg, Starbucks is allegedly exploring selling its stake in Chinese operations to boost growth amid rising competition from brands like Luckin Coffee and Cotti Coffee. (Seattle, Washington, US)

• Thu, 21 Nov –C price briefly trades over US $3/lb following supply concerns in Brazil and Vietnam. Following the European parliament’s vote to delay the EUDR, the C price spiked to a 13-year high and has continued to steadily climb. Unfavourable weather in Brazil and Vietnam is also driving up market prices. (London, UK)

Industry news

• Mon, 18 Nov –Panera Brands names ex-Starbucks executive Patrick Grismer as board chair. Panera Brands, backed by JAB Holding, appointed Grismer to lead its next growth phase, citing his extensive restaurant industry expertise. A board member since 2022 and Audit Committee Chair since 2023, Grismer previously held CFO roles at Hyatt Hotels, Yum! Brands, and Starbucks, where he served as a senior advisor to the CEO before leaving in 2021. (Sunset Hills, Missouri, US)

• Mon, 18 Nov –Masan Group names Patricia Marques as CEO of Phuc Long Coffee & Tea. Former GM of Starbucks Vietnam, Marques helped grow the brand from one to 100 stores. She now holds a part-time role at Maxim’s Group. Phuc Long Coffee & Tea, which Masan owns 84% of, saw revenue of VND 1.53 trillion (US $62.9 million) in 2023, returning to growth in 2024. The chain operates 174 outlets. (Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam)

• Tue, 19 Nov –Starbucks names Marika McCauley Sine as chief sustainability officer. McCauley Sine, previously Global Vice President of Sustainability at Mars, will lead Starbucks’ global sustainability, social impact, and ESG goals. These include certifying 10,000 Greener Stores worldwide and achieving resource positivity by 2030. She succeeds Michael Kobori, who will retire at the end of 2024 after a transition period. (Seattle, Washington, US)

• Wed, 20 Nov – Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters aims to triple revenue by 2027. CEO Matt Chitharanjan stated that healthy sales would make the company an attractive IPO candidate, though market conditions are not a priority for investors. The company plans to grow to 350 outlets, focusing on Hyderabad and Chennai for domestic expansion. (Gurgaon, India)

• Wed, 20 Nov –Löfbergs appoints Eja Tuominen to Board of Directors. Tuominen, with over 30 years of senior management experience, joins the board of the Swedish roaster. She previously led SAMS Norway and held senior roles at IKEA and Kesko, focusing on commercialisation and international growth. (Karlstad, Sweden)

• Wed, 20 Nov –Third Wave Coffee sees sales rise and growing losses amid expansion. The Indian roaster reported 67% revenue growth in FY 2023-24, reaching US $28.6 million, but losses more than doubled to US $13 million due to high expansion costs. The chain opened 15 new stores during the period, bringing its total to 119, and plans to reach 160 outlets in six months, aiming for up to 80 new locations annually from 2025. (Bengaluru, India)

• Wed, 20 Nov – Reunion Coffee Roasters’ founder Peter Pesce receives the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Coffee Association of Canada. With over 50 years of experience, Pesce has influenced the North American coffee market, including buying Fair Trade and organic-certified coffee and using renewable energy to roast coffee in 1995. (Toronto, Canada)

• Thu, 21 Nov – Toddy taps into seasonal beverage trends with new dulce latte recipe. The cold brew equipment manufacturer’s latest recipe includes cold brew concentrate, milk, and chocolate or caramel syrup. (Loveland, Colorado, US)

• Thu, 21 Nov – Ally Coffee appoints Alexandre Cyril D. as Finance and Risk Manager. Following Davide Bombonato’s departure as CFO, Cyril D. will lead the green coffee trader’s division with his extensive experience in financial planning and risk management. (Greenville, South Carolina, US)

• Fri, 22 Nov – Loring Smart Roast featured on Fox Business News’ Manufacturing Marvels. The US news segment highlighted the history of the roaster manufacturer and its facility in California, where it produces all of it machines supplied to 60 countries. (Santa Rosa, California)

New launch

• Mon, 18 Nov – Atomic Coffee Roasters unveils new packaging and brand identity. The comprehensive brand refresh includes bold colours and updated artwork. Key elements like the atom motif and astronaut icon have been reimagined to reflect the roaster’s mission of spreading positivity. (Peabody, Massachusetts, US)

• Tue, 19 Nov –Digital beverage gifting platform BEVUP debuts in Portugal. The launch took place in venues in Lisbon and Porto, including a partnership with SO Coffee Roasters. BEVUP is also developing a brand ambassador programme, with three ambassadors already onboard. (Sofia, Bulgaria)

• Tue, 19 Nov – Goodboybob launches winter signature beverages and Ugly Sweater blend. The roaster’s new drinks range will debut on 29 November, and will include eggnog flash brew, a Brown Butter Latte, and a Fruitcake Tonic. The medium roast Ugly Sweater combines Brazilian, Guatemalan, and Kenyan coffees, with notes of cocoa powder, tart cherry, cranberry preserves, marshmallow, and roasted chestnut. (Santa Monica, California, US)

• Tue, 19 Nov – OutIn launches new electric portable grinder. The OutIn Fino is designed for precise and consistent grinding, specifically optimised for espresso. Equipped with a 420 stainless steel heptagonal conical burr and contractable bean hopper, it delivers uniform grind distribution. (Denver, Colorado, US)

• Wed, 20 Nov –TurtleTree partners with MAD Foods to launch LF+ coffee line in mid-2025. The collaboration aims to offer a healthier, functional beverage that supports immune function, gut health, and iron regulation. TurtleTree has tackled lactoferrin’s supply challenges by using precision fermentation to meet rising demand across multiple health sectors. (Sacramento, California, US)

• Wed, 20 Nov –STōK Cold Brew launches limited-edition peppermint mocha-themed swimwear. To complement its seasonal drink, the brand has launched a Holiday Swimwear Collection featuring matching designs with the bottles. The collection includes a one-piece swimsuit, swim trunks, bucket hat, hydro slides, and a beach towel. (Louisville, Colorado, US)

• Thu, 21 Nov – TiiRHINO launches titanium portafilter baskets and puck screens on Kickstarter. The bespoke 54mm and 58mm lightweight portafilter baskets and puck screens feature up to 4,000 ultra-small holes to stabilise water flow and improve extraction efficiency. (Taoyuan City, Taiwan)

• Thu, 21 Nov – SOVDA unveils its new Precision Silo. The new product is designed to improve roasting efficiency by reducing physical labour and automating manual processes. With a capacity of 4,800kg, the Precision Silo dispenses 70kg in under five minutes, enhancing staff safety and productivity. (Bentonville, Arkansas, US)

• Fri, 22 Nov –Sri Lanka’s Department of Coffee makes international debut with Oman store. The outlet in the Sabco Shopping Centre in Muscat serves single origin beans from Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, and local Lakparakum coffee. (Muscat, Oman)

• Fri, 22 Nov – Chobani releases new coffee creamer winter flavour range. The limited-edition Apple Pie and Peppermint Mocha creamers are available in stores across the US. (New York City, New York, US)

Milestone

• Mon, 18 Nov –Braun’s MultiServe Plus Coffee Maker receives SCA Home Brewer certification. The award recognises the machine’s ability to meet rigorous brewing standards. Features include BrewChoice Plus for customisation, a fast cold brew system in under 13 minutes, and a pod-free design for sustainability. (Kronberg, Germany)

• Tue, 19 Nov – UK’s Lincoln & York invests £1 million in roastery to celebrate 30th anniversary. With the investment, the roastery aims to double its production by 2026, building on over £4 million in upgrades over the last decade, including a coffee lab for bespoke blends and quality control. (Brigg, UK)

• Tue, 19 Nov – illycaffè marks 50 years of E.S.E. pods with new machine launch. Fifty years after launching the first pre-dosed coffee pod, illycaffè has unveiled the new professional ILLY X2.2 E.S.E. machine designed by Luca Trazzi. The machine meets the growing demand for coffee pods, which saw a 10% increase in Italian household purchases in 2023. (Trieste, Italy)

• Wed, 20 Nov – Well Grounded and Alpro celebrate latest graduates from employment initiative. The social enterprise runs free specialty coffee training academies for adults looking for careers in coffee. The latest cohort was sponsored by plant milk brand Alpro, which has supported the programme since 2022. (London, UK)

• Wed, 20 Nov –Scott Berman awarded 2024 Coffee Legend of the Year. Berman received the title from the National Automatic Merchandising Association. With over 40 years in the coffee industry, Berman is celebrated for his innovation, mentorship, and significant contributions to the office coffee services sector. (Arlington, Virginia, US)

• Fri, 22 Nov – Sucafina recognises and celebrates first graduates of its IMPACT ambassador programme. A total of 15 ambassadors took part in the programme, which included trips to Kenya and Rwanda to meet partner producers. (Geneva, Switzerland)

Trade & production

• Mon, 18 Nov –Tropical Storm Sara may impact coffee production in Honduras. The storm has so far caused severe flooding along Honduras’ northern coast, forcing over 1,000 residents into shelters as heavy rains continued. With 50 mph winds, the storm is expected to strengthen and move northwest toward Belize, potentially causing life-threatening floods and landslides across Central America. Up to 35 inches of rain is forecast in parts of northern Honduras. (Tela, Honduras)

• Tue, 19 Nov –Luckin Coffee secures four-year supply deal with Brazil. The Chinese coffee chain has agreed to buy 4 million 60kg bags of Brazilian coffee beans from 2025 to 2029. China, now the sixth-largest market for Brazilian coffee, saw exports exceed 1.3 million bags in 2023. This deal follows a previous agreement for 2 million bags by 2024, with further announcements expected during President Xi Jinping’s G-20 visit to Brazil. (Beijing, China)

• Fri, 22 Nov – International Coffee Partners welcomes potential one-year EUDR delay, but stresses need to support smallholder producers. The group, which includes Neumann Kaffee Gruppe, Lavazza, Löfbergs, and Tchibo, says it agrees with the decision to extend the phasing-in time for the EUDR, but emphasises that smallholders still risk being excluded from the EU market without proper support. (Hamburg, Germany)

Research

• Wed, 20 Nov – New Global Coffee Platform study finds 73% of coffee from nine biggest buyers meets the sustainability baseline. GCP reported a rise in sustainable coffee purchases in 2023, up from 70% in 2022. Yearly comparisons remain complex due to varying participant data and evolving sustainability criteria. GCP’s sustainability framework includes third-party certifications like Rainforest Alliance and in-house schemes via an equivalence mechanism. (Genève, Switzerland)

• Wed, 20 Nov – New US report shows rising home coffee consumption amid inflation. A 2024 report reveals 80% of US residents drink a daily cup of coffee at home, driven by a 23% coffee shop price hike in three years. Cappuccinos (55%) and milk-based drinks (77%) dominate preferences, while black coffee consumption has declined to 18%. Sustainability, iced coffee, and social media trends like dalgona coffee and espresso martinis are also becoming increasingly popular.

• Thu, 21 Nov – Research shows the Middle Eastern branded coffee shop market grew 11.2% in 2023, reaching 11,163 outlets. According to Project Café Middle East 2025, Saudi Arabia leads with 5,130 outlets, while the UAE is a hub for innovation. Emerging markets like Morocco and Jordan also show strong growth. Despite geopolitical challenges, the market remains resilient, with an expected 8.1% annual growth through 2029.

• Fri, 22 Nov – StoneX releases first estimates for Brazil’s 2025-26 production. The commodities trader’s team travelled over 20,000 km across various growing regions to gather data, and predicts the country’s arabica harvest will decline, while robusta production is likely to increase.

Events

• Mon, 18 Nov –SIGEP World 2025 announced in Berlin. The Italian Embassy in Berlin hosted the presentation of SIGEP World 2025, which will take place from 18 to 22 January in Rimini, Italy. The event highlighted opportunities for industry professionals, including new additions like a pizza segment. Organisers emphasised SIGEP World’s role in tracking trends and fostering global connections in food service. (Rimini, Italy)

• Mon, 18 Nov – IMF showcases full range of roasters at 2024 Taiwan International Coffee Show. The Italian roaster manufacturer exhibited at the event, which took place from 15 to 18 November in Taipei, to showcase its range of RM commercial and shop roasters. (Occhiobello, Italy)

• Wed, 20 Nov – Brazil International Coffee Week is expected to generate US $5 million from 20 to 22 November. The 12th edition of the event, taking place at Expominas in Belo Horizonte, anticipates a 9% increase in closed deals from last year and expects 20,000 attendees from 40 countries. (Belo Horizonte, Brazil)

• Wed, 20 Nov – Dalla Corte exhibits at 2024 SIC to showcase espresso machines. The Italian professional coffee equipment manufacturer will exhibit its leading espresso machines at its own booth. (Milan, Italy)

• Thu, 21 Nov – The 2025 Roast Revolution DC to take place on 10 April. Hosted by ifinca, the competition will bring together leading farmer-roaster teams in North America, with the grand prize of a trip to Medellín, Colombia. The event showcases coffee craftsmanship and fosters discussions on the future of the specialty coffee industry. (Washington, DC, US)

• Thu, 21 Nov – AluSense showcases new home compostable pods at PLMA’s US Private Label Trade Show. The Nespresso capsule manufacturer exhibited at the event, which was held from 17 to 19 November in Chicago, to showcase its latest range of home compostable pods. (Londerzeel, Belgium)

• Fri, 22 Nov – Ceado to host two Dexterity of Extraction events on 28 & 29 November in Greece. In partnership with Eurogat and Ireland’s 3fE roaster, the Italian grinder manufacturer will co-host two events in Athens and Thessaloniki to explore the potential of coffee flavour development.

• Fri, 22 Nov – Marco Beverage Systems to exhibit new MilkPal and other products at 2025 NAFEM Show. The beverage solutions manufacturer will exhibit at the event, taking place from 26 to 28 February, and showcase a range of products for coffee businesses, including the new MilkPal dispensing system. (Dublin, Ireland)

Competitions

• Mon, 18 Nov –Brazil’s Fazenda Serra do Boné wins Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award 2024. Matheus Lopes Sanglard’s Fazenda Serra do Boné won the 2024 Ernesto Illy Best of the Best award for its despulpado coffee. Nicaragua’s SMS Cluster ECOM claimed the Coffee Lovers’ Choice award following international consumer tasting results. (Trieste, Italy)

• Tue, 19 Nov –Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Farm and Inn win 2024 Global Recognition Award. The farm is carbon neutral, holds an “Elite” sustainable tourism rating, and has won multiple awards for its organic coffee, including Best Coffee in Central America at the 2023 World Coffee Challenge. It also offers educational experiences on permaculture and coffee production. (New York City, New York, US)

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

• Fri, 18 Oct –Oatly expands range through partnership with Black Sheep Coffee. The UK roaster will use Oatly’s latest 1.5l oat milk pack as the default option across all locations. (London, UK)

• Sat, 16 Nov – 7-Eleven marks 60th anniversary with US 60 cent coffee Mondays. The convenience store’s reward schemes now include small coffees for 60 cents every Monday through year-end at 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes stores. A limited-edition 60th-anniversary reusable mug and the new Birthday Cake Cappuccino are also available at select locations. (Irving, Texas)

Photo credits: Producer Roaster Forum

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