The Rancilio iSteam + Smithsonian on StenophyllaDaily Coffee News by Roast Magazine
Welcome to DCN’s Weekly Coffee News! Subscribe here for all the latest coffee industry news. Also, check out the latest career opportunities at CoffeeIndustryJobs.com.
Rancilio Rolls Out the iSteam Pro
Italian espresso machine manufacturer Rancilio recently rolled out the new iSteam Pro automatic steam wand for its traditional Rancilio Classe 20 and Rancilio Specialty Invicta machines. Through the machines’ touchscreens, users can customize temperature and froth levels, with up to 10 saved recipes. The wand is activated with a simple tap.
MTPak Launches Single-Serve Pourover Package Called UFO
Coffee packaging company MTPak Coffee just came out with a new line of single-serve pourover coffee bags and filters under the name UFO, a reference to their flying ring shape. Each UFO coffee bag and filter is individually packaged with a single serving of ground coffee. Users place the ring around their vessel of choice, then pour hot water over the grounds. The company is offering customs designs along the ring’s top for wholesale buyers.
Smithsonian on Stenophylla
A feature in Smithsonian magazine by Marta Zaraska explores the recent emergence of the stenophylla coffee species as a potential market alternative to arabica or robusta, especially given its resistance to heat. The piece features coffee plant scientist Aaron Davis, who was recently part of a study that explained how, chemically, stenophylla might offer some arabica-like cup characteristics.
SCA Launches New Edition of Equitable Value Distribution Survey
The Specialty Coffee Association recently launched the 2025 edition of its Equitable Value Distribution survey, building on the success of the previous survey and report. The trade group is asking individuals and organizations to share insights on value in the specialty coffee sector. The 2025 survey is open to responses until July here.
Cafe Imports Brings Back Legendary Coffee Exchange
Minneapolis-based specialty coffee importing company Cafe Imports is bringing back its Legendary Coffee Exchange to the SCA Expo in Houston later this month. To participate, roasters can bring a bag of roasted coffee and two business cards to booth #1236. One lucky participant will win an Ikawa Pro 50 Sample Roaster.
Reuters: Global Demand Plus Drought Leading to Irrigation in Brazil
In an effort to keep up with global coffee consumption while dealing with changing climatic conditions such as drought, coffee farmers in Brazil are investing in costly irrigation systems, according to a new Reuters report.
Hardtank Upgrades RTD Facility for Functional Beverages
Polish private-level ready-to-drink coffee specialist Hardtank said it recently upgraded its facilities for expanded production capacity, as well as new capabilities to create “functional” RTD products, such as adaptogenic, probiotic and nootropic-infused drinks.
Dutch Bros. Looking to Expand into the Consumer Packaged Goods Market
Drive-through coffee chain Dutch Bros. recently announced its intention to enter the consumer packaged goods market. The company has a plan to release a line of Dutch Bros. packaged coffee and related products in partnership with Trilliant Food & Nutrition, one of the largest coffee manufacturers of single-serve cup and RTD coffee in the U.S.
Everette’s Fresh Roast Gains New Partner and New Headquarters
Family-owned-and-operated Chicagoland coffee roaster Everette’s Fresh Roast Coffee announced that John Everette, the brother of founder and head roaster Rob Everette, as a new partner and head of sales. According to the announcement, the company is also moving its headquarters and roastery to Addison, Illinois.
New Mexico Piñon Coffee Announces Major Rebrand
New Mexico Piñon Coffee Co. and the Piñon Coffee Houses have recently unified as New Mexico Piñon Coffee as part of a major rebranding. “We’ve always been one family behind the scenes; now our brand tells that same story,” company president Matthew Bregar said in an announcement shared with DCN.
ICYMI
Here are some of DCN’s top stories from the past week…
Column: Let’s Reject the False Dichotomy of Aid or Trade
Before the specialty coffee associations of the United States and Europe merged to form SCA, I spent a few years as a volunteer on the SCAA Sustainability Council… read more
Barista Glove, Savory Toast Latte, Creed Cold Brew and More April 1 Headlines
Per DCN tradition, we’ve rounded up some of the top April 1 headlines of the year, because, after all, who couldn’t use a bit of levity these days — even if it comes from brands?… read more
Hutsul Coffee Factory Carries Ukrainian Quality to London, Ontario
A new cafe by startup roasting company Hutsul Coffee Factory is sharing the culture and coffee style of Western Ukraine with Canadians in London, Ontario… read more
With Small-Scale Solution, Researchers Suggest Everybody Must Destone
Since the dawn of commercial coffee making, stones, rock fragments, shards and other detritus have been the mortal enemies of grinder burrs… read more
Xanadu Coffee Closed ‘Until Further Notice’ as Founder Sentenced for Attempted Sex Trafficking
A day after its founding owner was sentenced in a Maricopa County courthouse for attempted sex trafficking with a minor, Phoenix-based Xanadu Coffee announced it is “closed until further notice.”… read more
Fairtrade International Names Lisa Prassack CEO, Revises Executive Model
Bonn, Germany-based Fairtrade International this week announced the appointment of longtime corporate sustainability advisor Lisa Prassack as its new chief executive officer… read more
Flexnet Offers Some Business Software Muscle for Roasteries
Cloud-based coffee software provider Flexnet is making its official United States launch at the SCA Expo in Houston next month… read more
