Coffee Intelligence

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The USAID aid freeze has jolted the #coffee industry, halting critical projects that support farmers and supply chains. Many coffee growing countries rely on #foreignaid – USAID alone funded over $45M in coffee projects from 2020-2024. This exposes coffee’s dependency problem and structural flaws. Sarah Charles speaks with Andrew Michael Maxey (Marie Maxey Foundation) about the potential impact of losing USAID funds for the coffee industry. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eyBFEXBa

Regenerative #agriculture has quickly become the darling of the #coffee industry. 63% of 79 agri-food giants call it a climate fix, but only 4 back farmers financially. Sarah Charles speaks with Martin Mayorga (Mayorga Coffee) about how ironically, the smallholder farmers who pioneered this indigenous practice risk being sidelined by trends and certifications. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eNm8Dptg

Some insights from Coffee Intelligence's latest articles:  ● Italian coffee culture is evolving. Simonelli Group’s investment in 3TEMP shows that Italian brands are interested in expanding beyond espresso as demand for specialty coffee grows.  ● Global coffee consumption is projected to grow 4.3% annually through 2028 - with significant opportunity for brands who can capitalise successfully on younger consumers' behaviour.  ● Dupe culture is disrupting retail. Around 71% of Gen Z and 67% of Millennials regularly buy "imitation" products, raising questions about the line between inspiration and imitation.  ●  Dunkin’s Sabrina Carpenter campaign shows the power of influencer marketing while keeping it funny. Its drinks are already 20–30% cheaper than Starbucks -- so could it be a reason to switch? 

In recent months, the global #coffee market has experienced an unprecedented surge in prices, with #arabicafutures reaching record highs. Coffee prices hit a record high, breaking $4/lb for the first time. Trump’s recent tariff threats on Colombian coffee have exacerbated the situation. With arabica stocks down 100,000 bags, roasters face soaring costs, and retail prices could rise 20-25%. Sarah Charles speaks with Javier Blas, Bloomberg opinion columnist covering energy and commodities, and Daniel Covarrubias, Ph.D., Director of the Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development at Texas A&M International University, about what the underlying factors are and what we can expect in the short and long term future. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eQBXDBe6

In recent years, a growing number of #coffeeroasters – ranging from small artisanal operations to multinational corporations – have ventured into owning #coffeefarms. Green coffee export value accounts for less than 10% of the US$250 billion of revenues generated in coffee retail. Soaring costs, climate risks, and cultural gaps make coffee farming a losing bet for new entrants. Sarah Charles speaks with Nico Herr, Chief Operations Officer at Mountain Harvest Coffee, and Denis Twinamatsiko, CEO of Now Africa Initiative about how roasters acquiring coffee farms isn’t just risky and difficult, it also stands to harm coffee-growing communities. Read more: https://lnkd.in/esHPJXvz

Bialetti, the iconic Italian brand behind the world-famous Moka Express, is on the verge of a buyout by Nuo Capital, a company founded by Stephen Cheng of the Hong Kong-based World Wide Investment Company (WWIC). Drowning in €90.3M debt, the #mokapot maker faces a buyout by Hong Kong’s WWIC as #coffeecapsules surge. Coffee pods saw a 63% profit jump, while moka pot sales decline – convenience is winning. Sarah Charles speaks with Massimo Battaglia (Accademia del caffè espresso) about how Bialetti joins Pirelli and Ferretti in Asia’s growing portfolio of iconic Italian brands. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eNiWRmSv

The days of a simple "black #coffee, no sugar" being the hallmark of sophistication are giving way to a bolder, sweeter, and more colourful wave of caffeinated preferences. 75% of 18-34-year-olds customise their out of home coffee orders with syrups. Sarah Charles speaks with Keely Wade (Lincoln & York), Heather Perry (Klatch Coffee, Inc.), and Jake Leonti (Gregorys Coffee) about how Gen Z has turned “basic” drinks into proud indulgence, making caramel swirl & #matcha #lattes the new cool. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eg63FNGe