Coffee News Recap, 17 Jan: ICE arabica rose 1.7% following reduced rainfall in Brazil, Starbucks revokes open-door policy in the US & other stories

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

Editor’s note

After weather reports estimated a drop in rainfall levels below historical averages, the Intercontinental Exchange contract for arabica climbed 1.7%. Over the past few weeks, arabica futures have remained steady, slightly above the US $3.2/lb mark; however, market analysts predict unpredictable market conditions will persist for the remainder of the year.

This isn’t new information to producers, traders, and roasters, many of whom were already braced for a challenging 2025. A new report from the Brazilian bank Itaú BBA, however, anticipates that market volatility will continue into the first half of 2026 – forcing supply chain actors to keep adapting to difficult conditions.

Shortly after introducing the cortado (albeit a large 8oz version) to its core espresso-based drinks line-up, Starbucks revoked its open-door policy in the US. This means that only paying customers can sit in-store, whereas prior, anyone could stay in its cafés or use the bathrooms.

Just like adding the cortado to its US menus, the chain’s decision to turn away non-paying guests is part of its turnaround strategy to revive its coffeehouse culture and recover from persistent sales slumps. While the cortado is unlikely to prove popular among US coffee drinkers, rescinding the open-door policy will be effective.

Some have criticised the move, saying it could impact vulnerable groups such as disabled people, pregnant women, and people who are homeless. But ultimately, it means the chain can prioritise and retain paying customers.

As it faces increasing competition from other brands like Luckin and Dunkin’, Starbucks will likely need to continue making tough decisions to regain the market share it once had.

Top stories of the week

• Mon, 13 Jan – ICE arabica rose 1.7% following reduced rainfall in Brazil. Arabica futures climbed 535 points to US 323.85 cents/lb, supported by weather concerns in Brazil and a forecast of market challenges through to mid-2026. Robusta futures dropped US $13 to US $4,966/tonne. Brazil’s green coffee exports fell 17.1% in December, though export value increased. (London, UK)

• Mon, 13 Jan – Starbucks revokes open-door policy in the US. As part of its continued efforts to revive its coffeehouse culture, Starbucks has reversed its 2018 open-door policy and will enforce a code of conduct to prioritise paying customers. Staff will be allowed to ask non-paying guests to leave, which the chain says will create a “more welcoming” atmosphere. The chain has also extended free refills to non-reward members. (Seattle, Washington, US)

• Tue 14 Jan – SIGEP returns to Rimini, Italy from 18-22 January 2025. More than 180,000 people and 1,200 exhibitors from 160 countries attended the 2024 event, making it one of the biggest in the industry. The 2025 edition is expected to be even bigger, and will include a coffee arena, a micro roastery village, a fully automated bean-to-bar experience, and more. (Rimini, Italy)

• Wed, 15 Jan – Hosts announced for 2025 US Coffee Championships. The 2025 competition season begins with the US Coffee Roasting Championship at Roastronix in Houston, Texas in early February. The Brewers Cup, Latte Art, and Coffee in Good Spirits Championships will be held in Durham, North Carolina at The Fruit from 20 to 23 February. Black & White Coffee Roasters in Raleigh, North Carolina will host the Barista Championship from 6 to 9 March.

• Thu, 16 Jan – Brazil’s Expocacer sees record breaking 41% increase in exports during 2024. The cooperative’s revenue reached US $138 million from over 550,000 60kg bags exported last year. Expocacer expanded its global presence with offices in South Korea and the UK and a logistics hub in the US. The cooperative also launched the ECO By Expocacer certification and achieved EUDR-compliant shipments. (Patrocínio, Brazil)

Industry news

• Mon, 13 Jan – TOUS les JOURS announces plans to re-enter Malaysia with a new franchise partner. The coffee and bakery chain will return to the Malaysian market in 2025 in partnership with Stream Empire Holdings, opening stores at Sunway Pyramid Mall and Sunway Velocity Mall. CJ Foodville aims to replicate its Indonesian success, where the brand achieved strong growth, to establish itself as a premium bakery and expand further in Southeast Asia. (Seoul, South Korea)

• Tue, 14 Jan – Pret a Manger partners with Voici La Mode for 2025 expansion into Cyprus. Cyprus will be the UK-based chain’s 19th international market. The franchise deal with Nicosia’s Voici La Mode targets high streets and shopping centres for expansion. This follows its recent launch in Greece and is part of Pret’s strategy to double its business by 2026. (London, UK)

• Wed, 15 Jan – Keurig Dr Pepper reshapes executive leadership team to support growth strategy. Eric Gorli is the president of US Refreshment Beverages, overseeing the US $9 billion business, which sells coffee products. Sean Cronican has been appointed Chief Customer Officer, while Drew Panayiotou has expanded his role as Chief Marketing Officer. Additionally, Justin Whitmore is the new president of KDP Energy. (Burlington, Massachusetts, US)

• Thu, 16 Jan – Paris Baguette UK appoints a former Starbucks executive to lead outlet expansion. Paris Baguette appointed Belinda Remarczyk as UK franchise director to spearhead its expansion, following the recent opening of its first franchised store in London. With extensive experience at Starbucks, Paul UK, and Wendy’s, Remarczyk will oversee the chain’s goal of reaching 200 UK stores by 2036. (London, UK)

• Fri, 17 Jan – Dutch Bros removes non-dairy surcharge, joining other US coffee chains. The Oregon-based chain eliminated its US 50 cents surcharge for dairy alternatives at its 950 locations, aligning with a broader trend towards customisation. This follows similar moves by Starbucks, Gregory’s Coffee, and others, reflecting a growing demand for dairy-free options and equal pricing in the coffee sector. (Grants Pass, Oregon, US)

• Fri, 17 Jan – Pope Francis says Costa Rica’s coffee is the best in the world for a second time. Coffee, first consumed in 15th century Yemen, faced early resistance in Europe, where it was dubbed “Satan’s drink.” Pope Clement VIII famously embraced it, calling it “delicious” and baptising it. Recently, Pope Francis praised Costa Rican coffee, calling it the best in the world for a second time. (Vatican City)

• Fri, 17 Jan – Compass Coffee co-founder sues company owners, claiming fraud. Harrison Suarez is suing the company and two current owners, Michael and Robert Haft, over allegations of fraud, misuse of Covid-19 relief funds, and contract violations. The lawsuit claims Suarez was misled about ownership stakes and accuses the Hafts of using pandemic funds for personal gains. (Washington, DC, US)

New launch & milestone

• Mon, 13 Jan – SSP Group appoints a new CEO for its SSP America subsidiary. Pat Murray was appointed as CEO of its SSP America subsidiary, effective immediately. Murray, who joined in 2007 and became Deputy CEO in 2022, succeeds Michael Svagdis. His leadership is seen as crucial to capitalising on North America’s growth, with the region’s sales up 22% year-on-year. (London, UK)

• Mon, 13 Jan – Ediya Coffee names a new CEO to lead its brand revamp efforts. The South Korean chain appointed Jo Gyu-dong as CEO to strengthen its position in the country’s competitive market. The company plans a brand revamp, franchisee support, and international expansion, starting with Malaysia. (Seoul, South Korea)

• Wed, 15 Jan – Farmer Bros appoints Brian Miller as Vice President of Sales. Miller brings extensive experience from Custom Ink, Primo Water, and Mars Drinks. CEO John Moore highlighted his leadership skills. The company also promoted Tom Bauer to Chief Field Operations Officer. (Northlake, Texas, US)

• Wed, 15 Jan – Caravan Coffee Roasters announces a new head of coffee. The roaster appointed Jamie Strachan, formerly of Hackney’s Dark Arts Coffee, as its new head of coffee. Strachan brings extensive expertise and strong producer connections to the B Corp-certified UK specialty coffee group. (London, UK)

• Wed, 15 Jan – La Colombe releases limited edition draft latte strawberry mocha cans. The third wave roaster celebrates the launch with ‘Love Over Lattes’ events in New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago. The drink, featuring natural strawberry and cocoa flavours, offers a sweet, frothy experience with 50% less sugar and added fibre. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US)

• Thu, 16 Jan – NCA unveils “About Coffee”, its new consumer-focused website. The new platform offers data-backed information about coffee’s origins, health benefits, brewing methods, and storage. It aims to educate consumers with verified research, including studies linking coffee to health benefits, following recent FDA updates on “healthy” definitions. (New York City, New York, US)

Trade & production

• Mon, 13 Jan – Brazil’s Expocacer launches its own international ESG certification protocol. The cooperative announced the ECO (Expocacer Control Origin) protocol, providing coffee producers with a self-verification system for sustainable ESG practices. Recognised by the Global Coffee Platform, the initiative ensures transparency and compliance with international standards, helping farmers access global markets. (Patrocínio, Brazil)

• Fri, 17 Jan – Coffee Holding Co. sues Texas broker over missing coffee shipment. The company filed a lawsuit against Ryaan Logistics Group after a coffee shipment worth over US $84,000 went missing. The shipment, which was supposed to be transported to Washington, was diverted by a fraudulent driver. Coffee Holding seeks damages for breach of contract and negligence. (New York City, New York, US)

Research

• Tue, 14 Jan – New study highlights US cities with the highest-rated independent coffee shops. OnDeck’s research found the top independent coffee shop destinations are Knoxville, Tennessee, leading with an average rating of 4.59, followed by Bentonville, Arkansas, at 4.58. The highest-rated café nationwide was The Espresso Bar @ Taos Valley Lodge in New Mexico (4.93). New Orleans boasts the most indie cafés per capita, according to the study. (New York City, New York, US)

Events

• Mon, 13 Jan – The 2025 Qatar World Coffee Expo will be held from 23 to 25 January. QWCE, hosted by the Qatar Specialty Coffee Association, will take place at the Qatar National Convention Centre. The event will feature the Roasters Village, a brew and espresso bar, and cupping rooms, offering opportunities for coffee professionals to network. (Doha, Qatar)

• Mon, 13 Jan – Wega to highlight Nova and J-65 Touch coffee machines at SIGEP. Nova, designed for ease of use and ergonomics, features a touch-screen display, spacious work area, and LED lighting. The J-65 Touch grinder, with a 3.5″ display, micrometric adjustments, and enhanced cooling, ensures consistent performance. (Treviso, Italy)

• Tue, 14 Jan – The Coffee Science and Education Summit 2025 set for 6 & 7 February. The event will be held at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences. Focused on bridging science and education in coffee, it features research, workshops, and tastings, targeting professionals, scientists, and educators. Attendance is limited to 140 seats. (Zurich, Switzerland)

• Wed, 15 Jan – La Spaziale to display the S11 Aria at SIGEP. The espresso machine is designed for high-volume coffee shops and features a 3-litre boiler, over 5-litre internal tank, and adjustable temperature control for individual groupheads. (Bologna, Italy)

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

• Wed, 8 Jan – Italy’s Zicaffe challenges Zara over Zacaffe coffee shop trademark. The Sicilian coffee roaster has challenged Inditex’s trademark application for its Zacaffe coffee shops, claiming the names are too similar and could cause confusion, unfair advantage, and brand harm. Inditex’s first Zacaffe opened in Madrid, with the EU trademark decision process ongoing. (Madrid, Spain)

• Fri, 10 Jan – Starbucks parts ways with WPP as US Creative Agency of Record. The coffee giant appointed Anomaly as its new US creative marketing agency. The agency will manage creative campaigns while WPP retains a role on Starbucks’ agency roster. This shift is part of Starbucks’ broader strategy to refresh its marketing and brand. (Seattle, Washington, US)

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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 Dunkin’ and Sabrina Carpenter’s new ad campaign positions it as the “fun” brand.