Category: News

‘No Contract, No Coffee’: Why Starbucks Workers Are Striking Across the US

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Unionized employees at Starbucks are intensifying a nationwide strike, warning it could become the largest and longest in the company’s history. Workers are urging customers to avoid stores while contract negotiations remain unresolved.

Since November 13, more than 1,000 baristas in over 40 cities have participated in the strike, which began on Starbucks’ “Red Cup Day”—a key moment marking the start of the holiday season. Discussions over the company’s first union contract stalled in recent months, with both Starbucks and the union attributing the deadlock to the other party.

Starbucks Workers United, representing roughly 11,000 employees at more than 550 stores, has also filed numerous unfair labor practice claims with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging that Starbucks has not negotiated in good faith.

Dachi Spoltore, a striking barista from Pittsburgh, emphasized the stakes: “We take pride in our work, but we are tired of being treated as replaceable. Our livelihoods and jobs are on the line. This strike is about securing fair contracts and ensuring our work is valued.”

The unionization effort began in December 2021, when a Buffalo store became the first to vote in favor of union representation. Since then, hundreds of additional stores have joined, making this one of the most prominent labor movements in recent US history. Starbucks has long resisted unionization, arguing that direct employee engagement is the most effective approach.

A Starbucks spokesperson said the strike has not significantly disrupted operations, noting that more than 99% of stores remained open during Red Cup Day, which achieved record sales. The company also highlighted the benefits offered to employees, including average hourly pay exceeding $30.

Starbucks is also navigating wider business pressures, including rising coffee prices, slower consumer demand, declining stock performance, and leadership transitions. Current CEO Brian Niccol has introduced job cuts and store closures as part of a “Back to Starbucks” initiative.

The union reports that most of the 65 locations affected by the strike have had to close temporarily due to staffing shortages. About 92% of union members voted in favor of the open-ended strike. The “No Contract, No Coffee” campaign could expand if progress in contract talks remains stalled.

Political leaders have publicly backed the striking workers. New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Seattle mayor-elect Katie Wilson both encouraged boycotts, while dozens of US senators and congressional representatives sent letters urging Starbucks to reach an agreement with the union.

Global Coffee Giants Face Slower Growth and Rising Costs

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Leading coffee companies are encountering a slowdown in consumer demand. Poor harvests, trade tariffs, and rising costs have weakened coffee consumption in Western markets, slowing sales growth and putting pressure on company valuations in the $400 billion industry. Expansion into emerging markets like China is seen as the next step, but it will likely be a costly and complex effort.

The modern coffee surge began in the late 1990s, peaking just before the pandemic. Major chains like Starbucks spread rapidly through Western cities, followed by the emergence of numerous specialty coffee shops. Companies such as Nestlé expanded their coffee lines to capitalize on growing demand for a high-margin beverage.

In 2018, Nestlé acquired the rights to sell Starbucks-branded products outside the U.S. for $7 billion. That same year, JAB, owner of JDE Peets, invested $2 billion to acquire a controlling stake in Pret A Manger. Coca-Cola also purchased Costa for $5 billion, describing the chain as a platform to broaden coffee sales from supermarkets to automated vending.

Yet, recent years have seen challenges mount. Coffee prices have surged, making popular drinks like cappuccinos and lattes more expensive for consumers, particularly in inflation-affected regions. In the U.S., ground coffee reached a record $9 per pound, double the price from 2021, and coffee prices increased 9% in the past year, well above overall inflation.

Future production faces risks from extreme weather events—droughts, floods, and frost—in key coffee-growing countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Rising labor costs and other operational expenses now make up roughly 90% of the cost of a cup of coffee. Tariffs on countries producing coffee pods, including Switzerland and Brazil, further strain margins, though recent U.S. agreements with Argentina, Ecuador, Guatemala, and El Salvador may ease some pressures.

The sector is seeing major shifts. Starbucks, valued at $100 billion, has faced profit warnings and is closing about 1% of its stores under CEO Brian Niccol. Keurig Dr Pepper’s $18 billion purchase of JDE Peets is designed to separate higher-margin beverage sales from lower-margin coffee operations. Pret A Manger also recorded a significant write-down, and Coca-Cola has considered divesting Costa due to underperformance.

Nestlé, whose at-home coffee products tend to be smaller and lower in caffeine content, appears better positioned against inflation. Still, the bigger challenge is sustaining growth in already crowded markets. In the U.S., Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts operate nearly 30,000 stores combined, while in the U.K., 98 million cups of coffee are consumed daily, with almost one in five people visiting a coffee shop each day.

To find growth, companies are increasingly turning to China and Latin America. Nestlé’s new CEO, Philipp Navratil, plans to introduce products in these regions, and Starbucks recently announced 145 new stores across Latin America and the Caribbean. However, income levels remain modest in these markets, competition is intense, and marketing costs will likely rise, limiting profitability. Starbucks’ experience in China demonstrates the difficulty of competing with local operators and imitations.

Expanding beyond saturated Western markets is logical, but the path forward may mean slower growth and smaller margins for the coffee industry.

CNN: Rome’s Oldest Café Falls Silent After Bitter Legal Battle

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Dubai – Qahwa World

For more than two centuries, the Antico Caffè Greco stood as a cultural landmark on Via dei Condotti, a gathering place for writers, artists, actors and travelers drawn to the historic charm of Rome’s oldest coffee house. But as CNN reported, the iconic café has now fallen quiet after a long and costly legal dispute.

Last month, the celebrated venue closed its doors. Portraits of illustrious visitors — including Buffalo Bill — were taken down, velvet chairs and wooden booths removed, and gilded tableware packed away. A café once frequented by Rome’s 19th-century elite and the glamorous figures of “La Dolce Vita” now stands empty.

The closure followed years of conflict between proprietors Carlo Pellegrini and Flavia Iozzi and their landlord, the Israelite Hospital of Rome. According to CNN, the dispute began in 2017 when the hospital increased the monthly rent from 17,000 euros to 120,000 euros after an 80-year lease expired, citing comparable prices on the luxury-lined street.

Commercial rents throughout central Rome have surged in recent years, pushing out long-standing businesses — a trend intensified during the Covid pandemic. Pellegrini argued that the proposed increase was impossible to meet.

In 2024, CNN reported that the hospital won the final court ruling to remove the café’s tenants and seek a new operator. Until the closure, the walls still held memories of its famous past: Dickens, James, Keats, Welles, Hepburn, Loren — and even a romantic encounter described by Casanova in his memoir.

Despite premium prices, visitors continued to value the chance to drink from cups once used by figures like Picasso and Princess Diana.

Eviction came in October, with assistance from Italy’s military police. The café was sealed, locks were changed, and a “closed for vacation” sign removed.

CNN noted that staff, citing concerns about a leaking pipe, removed artwork and memorabilia worth an estimated 8 million euros before the eviction. These items were later seized by authorities and placed under the protection of Italy’s Culture Ministry.

The hospital stated that revenue from its properties supports healthcare services and said the rent increase was intended to improve patient care.

According to CNN, the hospital’s special commissioner confirmed that the café will reopen after necessary building work, with its historic character preserved under a new owner. Pellegrini, however, has vowed to continue contesting the outcome.

For now, the once-busy landmark is an empty shell on one of Rome’s most prestigious streets. Tourists peer through windows into the silent interior, where lights remain on but no coffee is brewed.

“It is a tragedy that it had to close this way,” longtime customer Manuel Capponi told CNN. “But the city has weathered worse storms. Another café will come — and its prices will likely reflect the higher rent.”

Countdown Begins for World of Coffee Dubai 2026

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60 days to go until the biggest coffee industry event in the Middle East

Dubai  — Qahwa World

DXB LIVE, the integrated event management and experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), has announced the return of World of Coffee Dubai for its fifth edition, taking place from 18 to 20 January 2026 at Za’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5, and 6 at DWTC.

Organised by DXB LIVE in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the event has rapidly grown into the leading coffee industry exhibition in the Middle East, attracting producers, roasters, traders, and experts from around the globe. The 2026 edition promises to build on this success, further cementing Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for coffee trade, culture, and innovation.

Since its inception, World of Coffee Dubai has quadrupled in size, reflecting the region’s rapidly expanding coffee landscape. International exhibitors now represent approximately 77% of total participants, highlighting the confidence of the global coffee community in Dubai as a key meeting point for business, innovation, and collaboration.

The timing of the event aligns with the strong growth of the UAE’s coffee market, currently valued at over USD 3.2 billion (AED 12 billion) and projected to expand by 8.4% annually, reaching USD 4.5 billion (AED 16.5 billion) by 2029. Across the MENA region, the coffee market is expected to surpass USD 11 billion (AED 40 billion) within the same period. This growth is driven by rising demand for specialty coffee, evolving consumer preferences, and sustained investments in quality, sustainability, and technology—all of which will be reflected in the enhanced 2026 edition of the exhibition.

Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of DXB LIVE, commented: “This exhibition embodies the UAE’s vision to be a global hub for specialty coffee, bridging producing regions and fast-growing markets. With participation expanding each year, World of Coffee Dubai has become an international platform uniting leading experts, brands, and innovators—reflecting Dubai’s spirit of innovation and reaffirming its pivotal role in shaping the future of the coffee industry both regionally and globally.”

Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association, added: “World of Coffee Dubai has become one of the key events where the global coffee community comes together under one roof. Each new edition strengthens its position as an exceptional international showcase, thanks to the outstanding calibre of participants who help define the future of specialty coffee.”

Khalid Al Mulla, CEO of the SCA UAE Chapter, highlighted the event’s educational dimension: “What distinguishes World of Coffee Dubai is its commitment to learning and knowledge exchange. It’s more than a marketplace—it’s a place where ideas are shared, skills are refined, and partnerships are built, creating a sustainable and thriving ecosystem for the coffee industry.”

The 2026 edition will feature the most diverse and inclusive program to date, including three national coffee championships—the UAE National Barista Championship, UAE National Cup Tasters Championship, and UAE National Roasting Championship—alongside the Best Coffee Design Awards, the Best New Product Competition, and two exclusive coffee auctions showcasing some of the world’s rarest beans.

World of Coffee Dubai continues to celebrate coffee culture, foster innovation, and connect tradition with progress. Exhibitors can now secure their spaces, and early-bird tickets for visitors are available through the official website: dubai.worldofcoffee.org

.With just 60 days to go, the countdown is officially on—coffee enthusiasts, professionals, and industry leaders from across the globe are preparing for three days of innovation, competitions, networking, and world-class knowledge sharing in the heart of Dubai.

Vietnam’s Coffee Exports Could Surpass 8 Billion USD in 2025

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment reported that in October 2025, the country’s coffee exports reached 71.9 thousand tons, valued at 403.5 million USD.

Over the first ten months of the year, Vietnam’s total coffee exports amounted to 1.3 million tons, worth 7.41 billion USD, marking a historic record with a 61.8% increase in value compared to the previous year. The average export price reached 5,653 USD per ton, up 42.5% from last year. Some markets showed particularly strong growth, notably Mexico, where export value increased 34.7 times.

The Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association notes that coffee exports in 2025 could exceed 8 billion USD, achieving the target originally planned for 2030 much earlier. Three key factors behind this breakthrough are:

Improved product quality

Increased share of deep processing

Market expansion aligned with long-term strategy

The association also points out that before 2020, low prices forced many farmers to reduce planting areas, limiting supply. At the same time, businesses actively invested in sustainable production chains, improved product quality, and complied with international standards. With supply shortages and rising demand, coffee prices surged, leading to record export value.

Free trade agreements, particularly with the European Union (EU), also encouraged businesses and farmers to adopt standards with lower emissions and higher product quality.

The results of 2025 demonstrate that Vietnam’s coffee industry has developed a responsible production ecosystem — from raw material to processing, strengthening the global position of Vietnamese coffee and laying the foundation for sustainable growth in the coming years.

China Keeps Maximum Lead Limit for Coffee Unchanged Until 2026

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Beijing – Qahwa World

In its recently revised national food safety standard, China has maintained the maximum allowable limit for lead in both green and roasted coffee beans at 0.5 mg/kg, a level that will remain in effect when the new regulation comes into force in September 2026.

The decision is part of the broader “National Food Safety Standard on Maximum Levels of Contaminants in Foods (GB 2762-2025),” jointly released by China’s National Health Commission (NHC) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) on September 25, 2025.

While the updated standard introduces several revisions—including adjustments to nitrite limits in packaged drinking water and the addition of new categories like edible bird’s nest—the lead threshold for coffee beans remains consistent with the previous 2022 standard. This provides continuity for international coffee exporters and domestic stakeholders who rely on the Chinese market.

The standard specifies that the lead limit applies to the edible part of the product. For coffee, this means the beans as consumed or processed, ensuring that safety assessments are based on what is ultimately ingested by consumers.

The finalized GB 2762-2025 will officially replace the current GB 2762-2022 on September 2, 2026, giving producers, exporters, and regulators over a year to adapt to the updated requirements.

Stakeholders are encouraged to review the full standard to assess its comprehensive impact on their operations. An unofficial English translation has been provided by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service in its recent GAIN report.

MOKHA 1450’S LATEST INNOVATION IS A CULTURAL COFFEE EXPERIENCE AT ANDAZ DUBAI THE PALM

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POP-UP OPENS NOVEMBER 23RD ON THE MEZZANINE LEVEL

Dubai — Qahwa World

Starting November 23rd, coffee enthusiasts and creative minds alike are in for a treat as Mokha 1450, Dubai’s acclaimed luxury specialty coffee brand, brings its signature craft and experiential coffee innovations to Andaz Dubai The Palm with an exclusive pop-up experience.

Located within the hotel’s Co-Working Lounge on the Mezzanine Level, the pop-up invites guests to work, connect, and unwind while indulging in Mokha 1450’s bespoke single origin coffees. Designed as a vibrant community space, the venue blends productivity with creativity, offering the perfect backdrop for those who enjoy working in an inspiring and creative atmosphere with great coffee and even better company.

Celebrated for its dedication to authentic sourcing and storytelling, Mokha 1450 curates exceptional single-origin coffees from select regions across the globe. At Andaz, this passion comes to life through a bespoke sensory experience that merges the UAE’s unique coffee culture, aroma, artistry, and design.

Mokha 1450 is named after the ancient Middle Eastern port, the birthplace of the world’s first coffee trade in in the middle of the fifteenth century. The brand is renowned for preserving rare coffee varietals, partnering directly with women owned and operated coffee farmers and cooperatives across the world, and ensuring ethical, sustainable, and traceable sourcing. With a commitment to storytelling and cultural heritage, Mokha 1450 has become one of the region’s, as well as the world’s most respected specialty coffee pioneers, celebrated for its innovations, meticulous roasting profiles, exclusive microlots, and deep-rooted mission to honor coffee’s historical culture and origins.

“Welcoming Mokha 1450 aligns perfectly with the Andaz brand ethos,” says Moritz Frings, General Manager of Andaz Dubai The Palm. “Our brand is deeply rooted in culture and self-expression — each Andaz hotel is an imaginative interpretation of its location, a living reflection of local design, flavors, and lifestyle. Their passion for quality and authenticity aligns beautifully with our vision of offering experiences that are local, creative, and full of personality. This collaboration is about more than coffee — it’s about culture, connection, and craft.”

“Andaz Dubai the Palm is an iconic five-star hotel that is beloved in the world of hospitality for its eclectic blending of luxury, community spirit, and a vibrant, personalized guest experiences,” says Garfield Kerr, CEO of Mokha 1450 Luxury Specialty Coffee Dubai. “The bespoke nature of the hotel’s offerings, wherever they are located sets it apart from its peers and is the reason visitors to Dubai gravitate to Andaz Dubai the Palm in large numbers that are well above the normal occupancy rates in Dubai. For these reasons we very much look forward to working together to showcase Dubai’s rich and unique coffee culture that is now leading the world of Specialty Coffee, to both visitors to Dubai and locals alike.”

Mokha 1450 Launches Cultural Coffee Experience at Andaz Dubai

During the daytime, the Co-Working Lounge will serve as a lively hub for productivity and connection — a place where guests and residents can work, network, or simply enjoy a perfectly brewed coffee that is prepared by a Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) certified professional barista in a relaxed yet creative setting. As the evening sets in, the atmosphere transforms, with Mokha 1450 introducing a selection of coffee-based as well as non coffee mocktails crafted to deliver the same depth and complexity as their single origin coffees. These innovative creations give the space a laid-back lounge feel, inviting guests to unwind, socialize, and wrap up their day over unique 0% mixology and coffee-inspired concoctions.

Guests can look forward to limited-edition coffees, signature cold infusions, and interactive tasting sessions led by Mokha 1450’s expert baristas, all within an intimate, design-led setting that embodies both brands’ shared dedication to creativity and community.

Whether you’re starting your morning with a smooth flat white, taking a break between meetings, or winding down with a hand-brewed pour-over or mocktail, Mokha 1450 at Andaz Dubai The Palm offers an inspired escape that blends taste with experience.

Location: Andaz Co-Working Lounge, Mezzanine Level, Andaz Dubai The Palm

Opening Date: 23rd November 2025

Hours: 9 A.M.–7P.M. Daily

OTHER MOKHA 1450 LOCATIONS:

MOKHA 1450 COFFEE BOUTIQUE

Boutique No. 8, Aswaaq Center, Al Badaa, Al Wasl Road, Dubai, UAE

+971 4 321 6455

MOKHA 1450 COFFEE LOUNGE

Golden Mile, Galleria 8, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE

+971 4 425 4067

MOKHA 1450 COFFEE PRIORISTS

Emirates Towers, Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE

+971 58 583 7674

NEW: MOKHA 1450 x A NORMAL DAY BISTRO

A Normal Day Bistro, Dar Al Wasl, 2D Street, Al Wasl, Dubai, UAE

Instagram: @anormaldaybistro

NEW: MOKHA 1450 x THREE BY EVA

Three by Eva, Villa 53 – Al Wasl Street – 23B St, Dubai, UAE

Instagram: @threebyeva

NEW: MOKHA 1450 x MODORA

Modora, Umm Suqeim Street, Al Barsha Second, Dubai, UAE

Instagram: @modorahome

ABOUT MOKHA 1450

Mokha 1450 is a UAE-based luxury specialty coffee brand known for ethically sourcing coffee primarily from some of the world’s finest women-owned and operated coffee farms. With a focus on sustainability, empowerment of women in the coffee industry, and delivering unmatched quality, Mokha 1450 continues to redefine the coffee experience for discerning clientele. Visit us at The Palm Jumeirah, Al Wasl Road, Emirates Towers, or any of our newest locations and pop ups across the UAE to explore the Heart of Coffee.

Website: www.mokha1450.com

Instagram: @Mokha1450

Contact: Ph- 971 4 321 6455; Email- [email protected]

Panera Bread Aims for $7 Billion in Sales with Turnaround Strategy

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Dubai – Qahwa World

US-based fast-casual and coffee chain Panera Bread has announced a comprehensive plan to raise its sales to $7 billion by 2028, under a new initiative called Panera RISE.

Backed by JAB Holding, the strategy focuses on updating menus, enhancing store efficiency, modernizing café interiors, and investing in staff training. The initiative is designed to address several years of slow sales growth and strengthen the chain’s market position.

According to Panera, the programme will target growth across all dayparts by emphasising fresh ingredients, flavour variety, and a robust beverage offering. The chain also plans to introduce more flexible pricing options to attract price-conscious consumers.

Expansion is another key aspect of Panera RISE, with plans to open new outlets while refurbishing existing bakery-cafés. Currently, Panera operates over 2,200 locations across the US, ranking it as the third-largest branded coffee chain in the country behind Starbucks and Dunkin’.

“Over the past year, we have reinforced our foundation to better serve our customers,” said Paul Carbone, CEO of Panera Bread. “Panera RISE builds on the strengths that have made our brand recognizable for nearly 40 years.”

Founded in 1987, Panera was a pioneer of the fast-casual concept in the US. After peaking at an estimated $6.5 billion in sales in 2023, the chain experienced a modest decline over the past two years due to increased competition from rivals such as Chipotle and Cava, as well as weaker consumer spending.

Since being taken private by JAB Holding for $7.5 billion in 2017, Panera has seen several leadership changes, including three CEOs in five years. Carbone, appointed permanent CEO in March 2025, confirmed that plans for an IPO for Panera Brands will remain on hold until operational improvements and sales growth are achieved.

Panera Brands, established by JAB in August 2021, also includes Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels, forming a fast-casual café group alongside Panera Bread.

Kelachandra Coffee Names Dr. J.S. Nagaraja as Head of Research & Development

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Bengaluru/Chikkamagaluru – Qahwa World

Kelachandra Coffee, one of India’s largest privately held coffee plantation companies, has appointed Dr. J.S. Nagaraja as its new Head of Research and Development (R&D).

Dr. Nagaraja, who most recently served as Joint Director of Research at the Coffee Board of India, brings over 30 years of experience in soil science, post-harvest technology, and sustainable coffee cultivation. His work has included research on soil chemistry, coffee quality improvement, agrochemical analysis, and technology transfer.

At Kelachandra Coffee, Dr. Nagaraja will oversee R&D initiatives across the company’s estates, including soil and leaf analysis, fertilizer optimization, specialty coffee development, disease management, and sustainability projects such as carbon footprint studies.

Speaking on his appointment, Dr. Nagaraja said he plans to focus on soil health, climate resilience, and carbon sequestration, and explore scientific methods to validate the distinctiveness of the company’s coffee varieties.

Dr. Nagaraja holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, and is recognized for developing the DRIS (Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System) norms for Arabica coffee, a nutrient-modelling framework that has influenced fertilizer management practices across India. He has also contributed to advances in post-harvest processing and organic certification evaluation.

About Kelachandra Coffee

Kelachandra Coffee, a division of the historic Kelachandra Group (est. 1786), operates coffee estates in Karnataka and Kerala, producing Arabica and Robusta varieties. The company follows scientific agronomy practices and post-harvest processing protocols and exports to multiple international markets, including Japan, Denmark, Norway, Australia, Germany, and the Middle East.

Trump’s Coffee Tariff Changes Redraw Global Supply Map

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NEW YORK/SÃO PAULO — Qahwa World

Recent adjustments to U.S. coffee import tariffs by the Trump administration are set to benefit American coffee roasters and importers, while Brazil, the world’s top coffee producer, faces ongoing challenges.

Late last week, the administration removed tariffs on most coffee bean imports from nearly all producing countries. However, Brazilian coffee remains subject to a steep 40% duty, despite the elimination of the 10% reciprocal tariff. Analysts and industry officials say this will drive the U.S., the world’s largest coffee market, to source beans from Asia and Latin America, bypassing Brazilian coffee.

“It’s a matter of price adjusting the trade flows,” said Judith Ganes, president of J. Ganes Consulting and senior soft commodities analyst. Most coffee-producing countries in the Americas, except Brazil, previously faced 10% tariffs, now fully removed. Asian producers with higher prior tariffs also gained exemptions, allowing them to supply the U.S. market duty-free.

Dutch bank Rabobank noted that while the changes provide relief for U.S. coffee supply, the 40% tariff on Brazil still makes imports challenging. A California-based coffee importer added, “Without full exemption for Brazil, importing Brazilian coffee remains prohibitively expensive.”

Brazil, which historically supplied a third of U.S. coffee beans, continues to negotiate a separate deal. “The changes distort the market and hurt our competitiveness,” said Marcos Matos, director at the Brazilian coffee exporters association Cecafé. Luiz Saldanha, vice president of the Brazilian Specialty Coffee Association, reported that shipments to the U.S. have fallen 55% over the past three months since the tariffs were imposed, with further declines expected.

President Donald Trump has also taken personal interest in rising coffee prices, which have surged more than 25% since he took office. During a recent trip to Malaysia and meetings with Brazil and Vietnam — the world’s top two coffee producers — Trump discussed trade deals and tariff exemptions to reduce costs for U.S. consumers.

In discussions with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Trump emphasized the potential for mutually beneficial deals. Meanwhile, a trade agreement with Vietnam included exemptions on some agricultural products, including coffee, from the country’s 20% top-line tariff. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed that these exemptions apply to items not produced domestically in the United States.

Together, Brazil and Vietnam account for more than half of global coffee production, highlighting the significance of these tariff and trade changes for both international markets and U.S. consumers.

China’s Manner Coffee Revives IPO Plans

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Shanghai – Qahwa World

Shanghai-based Manner Coffee is reportedly reconsidering an initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong, four years after first exploring the option in 2021.

According to sources cited by Bloomberg, the premium coffee chain — backed by Temasek Holdings and TikTok owner ByteDance — is in early discussions with several investment banks and may seek a listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange as early as next year. The company could be valued at up to $3bn.

A potential listing would likely provide fresh capital to accelerate Manner’s expansion as it competes with lower-priced operators in China’s rapidly growing branded coffee market. Founded in Shanghai’s Jing’an District in 2015, Manner began scaling aggressively after the pandemic and reached 1,000 stores by November 2023. The chain has since doubled its footprint over the past two years, now operating 2,035 fully company-owned outlets across China.

Manner is currently the sixth-largest coffee chain in the country by store count, following Luckin Coffee, Cotti Coffee, Starbucks, Lucky Cup and McCafé.

Hong Kong’s IPO market has regained momentum after a two-year slowdown, with $32bn raised so far in 2025 — the highest total since 2021. Notable F&B listings this year include bubble tea brand Guming and beverage and ice-cream conglomerate Mixue, which secured $232m and $423m respectively in February and March. In May, Shanghai-based bubble tea chain Auntea Jenny raised $35m in its Hong Kong debut.

GCP Recognizes Three More Companies Aligning on Coffee Sustainability

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BONN – Qahwa World

The Global Coffee Platform (GCP) has announced the recognition of three new sustainability schemes as equivalent to the Coffee Sustainability Reference Code (Coffee SR Code), 2nd party assurance. This reflects growing momentum among GCP members to adopt a shared reference for credible, consistent approaches to coffee sustainability.

The newly recognized schemes are:

  • CROP by COFCO

  • VSS Midori Protocol by MITSUI

  • Responsibillyty by illycaffé

“These recognitions reflect our members’ commitment to aligning around a shared vision of coffee sustainability. Each company has demonstrated how their schemes follow the principles of sustainable coffee production, supporting farmers, workers, and landscapes,” said Annette Pensel, GCP Executive Director.

These three join 29 other schemes that have completed GCP’s rigorous Equivalence Mechanism process, which assesses alignment with the economic, social, and environmental principles of the Coffee SR Code, as well as governance, standard-setting, assurance, data management, and claims integrity. With this addition, a total of 32 sustainability schemes are now recognized by GCP under either 2nd or 3rd party assurance systems.

“We welcome these members’ efforts to strengthen transparency and consistency in sustainability initiatives, contributing to a clearer, more comparable landscape for the coffee sector,” added Pensel.

Sector Alignment for Coffee Sustainability

“Recognition reflects a rigorous process requiring deep understanding of the Coffee SR Code and a commitment to continuous improvement in sustainability,” said Gabriel Chavez, GCP Manager, Sustainable Sourcing.

The Equivalence Mechanism assessment was conducted independently in partnership with the International Trade Centre, creator of the Standards Map.

The newly recognized schemes will be eligible for the Sustainable Coffee Purchases 2026 Report, published in 2027. Through GCP’s Collective Reporting initiative, roasters and retailers report sustainable coffee volumes using common metrics to enhance comparability, transparency, and accountability.

Together, the Coffee SR Code, Equivalence Mechanism, and Collective Reporting form a globally aligned framework promoting credible, inclusive, and practical coffee sustainability while supporting members’ own sustainability goals.

“Each new recognition strengthens a more reliable and aligned sustainability landscape. It’s encouraging to see companies invest in robust systems,” said Chavez.

GCP will review and strengthen the Coffee SR Code and Equivalence Mechanism in 2026, inviting members to contribute to shaping a stronger global reference for sustainable coffee. This announcement concludes the current recognition cycle under Equivalence Mechanism 2.0.

Recognized Sustainability Schemes

3rd Party Assurance Systems:

  • 4C

  • Fairtrade International, Small Producer Organization and Coffee Standard

  • Fair Trade USA Agriculture Production Standard

  • Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard

2nd Party Assurance Systems:

  • Agri Evolve’s ACE

  • Comexim’s Green Trace

  • Coocacer’s Café Sustentável

  • Cooxupé’s Gerações

  • COFCO’s CROP

  • ECOM’s SMS Verified

  • Enveritas’ Enveritas Green

  • Expocacer’s ECO

  • Exportadora de Café Guaxupé’s Guaxupé Planet

  • HACOFCO’s CONNECT

  • illycaffé’s Responsibillyty

  • Louis Dreyfus Company’s Responsible Sourcing Program Advanced

  • Minasul’s LEGACY Protocol

  • MITSUI’s VSS Midori Protocol

  • Montesanto Tavares Group’s GMT Green

  • Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program

  • Neumann Kaffee Gruppe’s NKG BLOOM and NKG Verified

  • ofi’s AtSourceV and AtSource+

  • Perhusa’s ARTS

  • Racafé’s CRECER

  • 3E® by RGC Coffee

  • Touton’s PACT

  • Volcafe’s Volcafe Verified and Volcafe Excellence

  • Westrock Coffee Company’s RAÍZ Sustainability™