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Coffee News Recap, 18 Jul: Scooter’s Coffee reportedly considering US $1bn sale, China to remove all tariffs on African coffee-producing countries & other stories

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wpadmin

On July 19, 2025

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

Editor’s note

Amid US President Trump’s seemingly endless tariff threats, China will remove all import levies on 53 African countries, including coffee-producing nations.

In recent years, Africa’s exports to China have been steadily increasing, playing a crucial role in boosting the development of the continent’s agricultural sector.

According to data from the Chinese government, the country imported over US $165 million worth of coffee products from Africa in 2023. Imports from Ethiopia have notably increased, as the two countries have invested heavily in enhancing trade operational efficiency.

But as Uganda reportedly overtakes Ethiopia as Africa’s top exporter, it could present an opportunity for the country to capture a larger market share in China.

Key players, such as Luckin, Cotti, and Lucky Cup, are rapidly expanding, strengthening trade ties with major Brazilian producers and exporters. Uganda could also be a notable contender, especially as the country faces 10% US tariffs, potentially reshaping global coffee trade dynamics.

Coffee News Recap, 18 Jul: Scooter’s Coffee reportedly considering US bn sale, China to remove all tariffs on African coffee-producing countries & other stories

Industry news

Wed, 16 Jul – Starbucks requires a four-day in-office workweek. Starting 29 September, support centre staff in Seattle, Toronto, and regional North America offices must work onsite Monday through Thursday, up from three days, to strengthen collaboration and culture under CEO Brian Niccol’s turnaround plan. (Seattle, Washington, US)

Wed, 16 Jul – Sri Lanka and Australia sign MoU on specialty coffee roadmap. At the fourth Sri Lanka Coffee Festival in Kandy, the Department of Export Agriculture and Australia’s Market Development Facility agreed to co-develop a national roadmap outlining the market status, quality improvements, training modules, and action points to strengthen Sri Lanka’s specialty coffee sector. (Kandy, Sri Lanka)

Thu, 17 Jul – Starbucks bets on cold foam to speed service in turnaround push. The chain is accelerating the rollout of cold-foam beverages and store redesigns, including mobile order lanes, dedicated pickup drawers, protein foams, and drive-through enhancements, to reduce wait times and increase orders under its “Back to Starbucks” strategy. (Seattle, Washington, US)

Thu, 17 Jul – Balance Coffee to expand retail presence across Russia. The Russian coffee chain plans to invest US $1.5 billion to expand its network from 1,800 to 10,000 outlets by 2035, aiming to enhance accessibility through compact store formats in supermarkets and transportation hubs. (Moscow, Russia)

Fri, 18 Jul – Typica Holdi ngs signs direct trade deal in Brazil. Japanese green coffee trader Typica Holdings has formalised a direct sourcing agreement with the Cerrado Coffee Growers Federation, aiming to boost transparency, traceability, and sustainable connections with producers. (Patrocínio, Brazil)

Fri, 18 Jul – Korea’s Compose Coffee appoints new CEO. The Busan-based chain named Kim Hong-Seok, formerly global marketing lead at Samsung Electronics and Cheil Worldwide, as its new CEO. He will succeed Kim Jin-sung in driving international expansion following Jollibee’s acquisition. (Busan, South Korea)

Fri, 18 Jul – Reborn Coffee signs US $1.7 mn master license with Arjomand Group. Arjomand will develop Reborn-branded outlets and product lines across the Middle East, Europe, and the MENA region under a milestone-based fee structure, including a flagship Abu Dhabi drive-thru and distribution to 17 hotels, to accelerate global expansion. (Brea, California, US)

A metal scoop filled with green coffee beans.

Businesses for sale

New launch

Mon, 14 Jul – Bacha Coffee to debut in Saudi Arabia. The Moroccan luxury coffee brand will open its first Saudi outlet in Riyadh’s Solitaire Mall in Q4 2025, under a master franchise agreement, extending its MENA footprint alongside existing locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Kuwait City. (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)

Tue, 15 Jul – Starbucks adds secret menu to mobile app. Four custom drinks – including Cookies on Top Cold Brew, Dragonfruit Glow‑up, Lemon Tea & Pearls, and Add White Mocha – are now in the app’s Offers tab. A secret menu contest runs until 20 July, with four finalists winning US $5,000 each, and fans voting for a US $25,000 grand prize. (Seattle, Washington, US)

Wed, 16 Jul – Acaia and Artisan launch Cosmo scales for roasteries. The Cosmo 10 and Cosmo 100 offer capacities of 10kg and 100kg, respectively. They feature wireless data feed into Artisan roasting software, auto-bucket recognition with auto-tare, automatic pre-blending ratio support, and a “Magic-Eye” display animation for final 1% precision. (Vancouver BC, Canada)

Thu, 17 Jul – Greek roaster maker IRM rolls out AI-powered roast control. IRM launched PRO-AI at World of Coffee Geneva, introducing software that analyses temperature and Rate of Rise against approved profiles to adjust heat, airflow, and drum speed in real-time. The system integrates with Kai-Zen and is available as an upgrade or retrofit option. (Thessaloniki, Greece)

Thu, 17 Jul – Espressolab opens first stores in Palestine. Turkish coffee chain Espressolab has launched operations in Palestine with two new outlets in Ramallah, marking its continued expansion across the Middle East. (Ramallah, Palestine)

Farm workers dry coffee on raised beds in Brazil.

Trade & production

Mon, 14 Jul – Trump’s 50% Brazil tariffs risk upending coffee trade. The administration’s threat of a 50% levy on Brazilian imports could halt roughly one‑third of the US coffee supply, forcing roasters to source from other origins and drive up wholesale prices. (Washington, DC, US)

Wed, 16 Jul – Rwanda and CVCD Authority sign MoU to enhance support for coffee smallholders. The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board and the Coffee Value Chain Development Authority signed a memorandum to expand training, quality control labs, digital traceability, and market access initiatives, aiming to benefit over 50,000 smallholders with improved yields and price premiums. (Kigali, Rwanda)

Thu, 17 Jul – Coffee prices surge on Brazilian drought and tariff risk. September ICE arabica futures climbed to US$3.13/lb, and robusta prices rose 1.19%, as excessive dryness in Brazil accelerated harvest pressures. Looming 50% US tariffs on Brazilian imports added to market tensions. (New York City, New York, US)

Fri, 18 Jul – Nestlé to plant 11 million trees in Brazilian coffee and cocoa regions. Nestle, in collaboration with re.green and Barry Callebaut, will restore 8,000 ha by planting 3.3 million native Atlantic rainforest trees in Bahia over 30 years and convert 6,000 ha in Bahia and Pará into cocoa agroforestry, aiming to boost ecosystem resilience in sourcing areas. (São Paulo, Brazil)

Research

Mon, 14 Jul – EFSA study confirms caffeine improves endurance sports performance. The European Food Safety Authority found caffeine consumption increases endurance capacity and reduces perceived exertion in both aerobic and anaerobic exercise, endorsing benefits for athletes and recreational exercisers with safe single doses up to 200 mg. (Parma, Italy)

Fri, 18 Jul – Journalists are the top consumers of coffee, according to a survey. A Pressat poll of 20,000 UK professionals found that journalists and media staff consume an average of 3.62 cups of coffee daily, ahead of healthcare workers at 3.60. Eighty-five percent of respondents drink at least three cups of coffee a day, and 70% report reduced productivity without their morning coffee fix. (Manchester, UK)

Events & competitions

Mon, 14 Jul – Level Up barista education programme to debut in Minneapolis. Level Up will take place from 27 to 29 September at Mill City Roasters, offering non-competitive, community-rooted workshops, café service, guest speaker sessions, and hands-on training for working baristas from diverse backgrounds. (Minneapolis, Minnesota, US)

Tue, 15 Jul – Brighton Coffee Festival returns to All Saints Hove. The specialty coffee event will feature over 50 exhibitors on 9 & 10 August, showcasing live talks, cupping sessions, panel discussions, and latte art competitions, while also welcoming baristas, roasters, and coffee enthusiasts to network and learn. (Brighton, UK)

Tue, 15 Jul – Anuga Drinks and Hot Beverages to run 4 to 8 October. The event hosts 530 beverage exhibitors, with Anuga Hot Beverages featuring 140 coffee, tea, and cocoa exhibitors showcasing organic coffee, plant-based milks, and sustainable drink innovations alongside a vibrant Start-up Area. (Cologne, Germany)

Wed, 16 Jul – Honduran Coffee Expo set for 21 to 22 August. The event will take place at Expocentro in San Pedro Sula, aiming to bring together baristas, buyers, and industry professionals for business matchmaking, conferences, a green coffee auction, competitions, children’s cupping, and a trade show. (San Pedro Sula, Honduras)

Wed, 16 Jul – MICE2026 to introduce Trip to Origin and night sessions. The Trip to Origin will invite coffee farmers, green bean traders, boards, and embassies to a dedicated show-floor space featuring panel discussions, interactive tastings, and educational stages, recreating origin experiences to bridge the gap between growers and attendees. The event will also feature “MICE at Night”, extending show floor hours into the evening to suit busy café owners. (Melbourne, Australia)

Thu, 17 Jul – Malaysia F&B Trade Fair highlights regional coffee via Café Expo. Running until 19 July at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the MIFB features the Malaysia Café Expo, which showcases 150 exhibitors, as well as coffee championships, trade show displays, and sustainable packaging showcases. (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Thu, 17 Jul – Café Show China 2025 returns to Beijing. The China International Coffee Exhibition will take place from 29 to 31 August at the China International Exhibition Centre, featuring over 300 exhibitors across the coffee chain, as well as barista tastings, roasting and cupping contests, and a boutique carnival showcasing more than 100 cafés. (Beijing, China)

Fri, 18 Jul – Guatemala Cup of Excellence 2025 crowns top Gesha lots. La Gran Manzana’s Gesha led Exotic Washed with 91.15 points, Las Macadamias’ Geisha topped Natural & Honey at 91.04, and El Nazareno’s multi‑varietal blend won One Of A Kind with 89.26. (Guatemala City, Guatemala)

Fri, 18 Jul – La Marzocco unveils nature‑inspired machine at Tomorrowland festival. The one‑off espresso machine blends sustainable timber, LED accents, and modular panels to reflect Tomorrowland’s aesthetic. It debuted on  16 July at the festival site in Boom, Belgium, featuring live coffee demonstrations and interactive brand experiences. (Boom, Belgium)

Fri, 18 Jul – Grounds for Health coffee auction set to take place on 18 September. Money raised will be used to support the non-profit’s programmes, which offer cervical cancer screening, treatment, and education in coffee communities, supporting women’s health and wellbeing. The spring 2024 auction raised over US $14,970, with over US $1 million raised since 2009. (Seattle, Washington, US)