Category: News

Brazil’s Dryness Continues to Fuel Global Coffee Price Surge

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Dubai, September 12, 2025 – Qahwa World – Global coffee markets surged sharply on Friday, with December arabica futures climbing +10.75 cents (+2.78%) to a four-month high and November robusta futures rising +$80 (+1.77%) to a one-and-a-half-week peak.

The rally is being driven primarily by ongoing drought in Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer. Weather agency Somar Meteorologia reported that Minas Gerais, Brazil’s largest arabica-producing state, received no rainfall during the week ending September 6 — a critical period just ahead of the flowering stage for coffee trees.

A stronger Brazilian real added further bullish momentum, rallying to a 15-month high against the US dollar on Friday. A stronger real typically discourages coffee exports, as producers are less incentivized to sell abroad.

In the United States, concerns over tighter supplies are mounting as buyers cancel new contracts for Brazilian beans following the imposition of 50% tariffs on imports. Roughly one-third of America’s green coffee supply comes from Brazil, making the tariffs a significant disruptor for the US market.

Tightness in ICE-monitored inventories has also supported prices. Arabica stocks fell to a 16-month low of 669,251 bags, while robusta inventories declined to a two-week low of 6,557 lots.

Adding to the bullish outlook, Brazil’s crop forecasting agency Conab cut its 2025 arabica production estimate by -4.9% to 35.2 million bags from its May forecast of 37 million. Total Brazilian coffee output for 2025 was also revised lower by -0.9% to 55.2 million bags.

On the trade side, the International Coffee Organization (ICO) reported that global exports in July fell -1.6% year-on-year to 11.6 million bags. Cumulative exports from October to July slipped -0.3% year-on-year to 115.6 million bags.

Brazil’s July shipments added more pressure to the supply side. The Trade Ministry reported that unroasted coffee exports dropped -20.4% year-on-year to 161,000 metric tons. Exporter group Cecafe confirmed a steeper fall, with green coffee exports plunging -28% to 2.4 million bags. Arabica exports dropped -21% while robusta exports plunged -49%. Cecafe added that total July shipments fell -28% to 2.7 million bags, while cumulative January–July exports fell -21% to 22.2 million bags.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s harvest is nearly complete. Cooxupé, the country’s largest coffee cooperative, reported that 97% of its members’ harvest was completed by September 5. Separately, consultancy Safras & Mercado noted that the national 2025/26 harvest reached 99% by August 20, including 100% completion of robusta and 98% of arabica.

In Vietnam, the world’s second-largest producer, 2023/24 coffee output fell -20% year-on-year to 1.47 million metric tons, the smallest crop in four years. Exports in 2024 fell -17.1% to 1.35 million metric tons. However, the General Statistics Office reported that January–August 2025 exports rose +7.8% to 1.14 million metric tons.

Looking ahead, the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) projected on June 25 that global coffee production in 2025/26 will rise +2.5% year-on-year to a record 178.68 million bags. The forecast includes a -1.7% decline in arabica to 97.02 million bags and a +7.9% increase in robusta to 81.65 million bags. Brazil’s 2025/26 crop is expected to rise +0.5% to 65 million bags, while Vietnam’s production is forecast to grow +6.9% to 31 million bags, a four-year high. Global ending stocks are forecast to rise +4.9% to 22.8 million bags, up from 21.7 million in 2024/25.

However, trader Volcafe has issued a more cautious outlook, projecting a global arabica deficit of -8.5 million bags in 2025/26, compared with a -5.5 million bag deficit in 2024/25. This would mark the fifth consecutive year of deficits for arabica, underscoring structural supply concerns.

The combination of Brazil’s drought, lower exports, shrinking inventories, and global trade pressures highlights the fragility of the balance between supply and demand — setting the stage for further volatility in one of the world’s most important agricultural commodities.

Black Rock Coffee Bar Raises $294 Million in Nasdaq Debut, Surpassing Expectations

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Dubai – 12 September 2025 – Qahwa World – Black Rock Coffee Bar, the Arizona-based café chain, has made a strong entrance into the public markets with its initial public offering (IPO) on the Nasdaq Global Market, raising $294.1 million — above its original $265 million target.

The chain sold 14.7 million shares at $20 each, higher than the marketed range of $16–18, securing a market valuation of $956.3 million, compared to the $861 million it had projected earlier this month. Trading begins today under the ticker symbol BRCB, with underwriters also holding an option to purchase up to 2.2 million additional shares at the same price.

Founded in 2008, Black Rock Coffee Bar has grown steadily to operate 160 company-owned stores across seven US states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. The company intends to use the IPO proceeds to fuel its ambitious expansion plans, aiming to grow its network to 1,000 outlets by 2035.

The chain has demonstrated strong financial performance. In 2024, revenues rose 21% to reach $161 million. By August 2025, revenue for the first half of the year climbed 24% year-on-year to $95 million, with like-for-like sales growing 10.1%.

With its IPO success and solid growth trajectory, Black Rock Coffee Bar positions itself as a rising force in the US coffee market, aiming to challenge larger competitors through rapid expansion and a focus on company-owned outlets.

Starbucks Loses Coffee Battle in China and Prepares to Sell Its Unit

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Beijing – September 11, 2025 – Qahwa World – Reuters has revealed that Starbucks, the world’s largest coffee chain, is preparing to sell a controlling stake in its China operations in a deal valued at around $5 billion. The decision marks one of the most dramatic turns in the company’s history as slowing sales and intensifying competition from local rivals force the Seattle-based giant to rethink its strategy in its second-largest market.

According to sources cited by Reuters, Starbucks has drawn up a shortlist of five investment firms: Carlyle Group, EQT, HongShan Capital Group (HSG), Boyu Capital, and Primavera Capital. These firms are expected to submit binding bids in early October, with a final agreement anticipated by the end of next month. Financial analysts estimate that Starbucks China will generate between $400 million and $500 million in EBITDA this year, which supports a valuation close to $5 billion.

For years, China was considered the crown jewel of Starbucks’ international growth, with the company expanding to nearly 7,800 stores, representing almost 20% of its global footprint and around 8% of group revenues. But the tide has turned. Data from Euromonitor shows the company’s market share plunged from 34% in 2019 to just 14% in 2024, as local players like Luckin Coffee, Cotti Coffee, and Lucky Cup captured millions of consumers with lower prices, digital apps, and aggressive promotions.

Despite this decline, Starbucks has no plans for a full exit. The company intends to retain a minority stake in its Chinese unit while keeping its coffee roasting facility to safeguard quality standards. This strategy will allow Starbucks to share financial and operational risks with local partners while maintaining a foothold in a market with immense long-term potential.

The shortlisted bidders bring strong experience in food and beverage operations. HSG owns a stake in Heytea, China’s 4,300-store tea chain. Carlyle Group operates South Korea’s 1,700-store A Twosome Place and previously held a stake in McDonald’s China. Primavera Capital has invested in Yum China, EQT formerly owned global foodservice operator SSP, and Boyu Capital is a backer of e-commerce giant Alibaba.

The sale of a controlling stake in Starbucks China represents more than just a financial transaction—it is a strategic turning point. Once viewed as a symbol of Western modernity in China, Starbucks now finds itself forced into a restructuring move to secure its survival in a market where domestic brands are growing at breakneck speed. For investors, the deal offers a rare chance to gain access to a multibillion-dollar coffee market that continues to expand, though marked by fierce competition and price-sensitive consumers.

Binding offers are due in early October, with a final decision expected by the end of the month. Whatever the outcome, one fact is clear: Starbucks is losing the coffee battle in China and entering a new phase of forced partnerships and strategic recalibration that could reshape not only its presence in the country but also the global coffee landscape.

Dubai to Host Public Cupping of Best of Yemen 2025 Coffees

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DUBAI – 11 September 2025 – Qahwa World – Coffee enthusiasts in Dubai are invited to a unique public cupping showcasing the Best of Yemen 2025 auction coffees, curated by Qima Coffee.

The event will take place on 12 September 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at The Roasteria, offering attendees the chance to taste some of Yemen’s rarest and most celebrated coffee lots. Organized in collaboration with Toga Coffeehouse and Biru Roast, the session highlights the cultural and agricultural legacy of Yemeni coffee under the theme “Living Legacy.”

Yemeni coffee, considered one of the most prized origins in the world, has long been treasured for its distinct flavors and deep heritage. This year’s Best of Yemen edition promises an exceptional line-up of coffees, sourced directly from Yemeni farmers and brought to global audiences through Qima Coffee’s auction platform.

The cupping aims to connect Dubai’s coffee community with Yemen’s centuries-old coffee tradition, while allowing participants to experience firsthand why Yemeni coffee continues to captivate connoisseurs worldwide.

“Come and taste rare gems of coffee by Qima Coffee,” the organizers announced, extending an open invitation to all who appreciate specialty coffee.

India’s Coffee Shop Market Rises as Homegrown Brands Gain Ground

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New Delhi, 11 September 2025 – Qahwa World – India’s branded coffee shop sector is undergoing remarkable growth, highlighting both the strength of global players and the rise of domestic champions. New industry data shows the market expanded by 12.7% over the past year, adding more than 600 new outlets to reach a nationwide total of 5,339 branded coffee shops. This surge underscores the growing appetite for café culture in the world’s most populous nation.

Market leaders and shifting dynamics

At the forefront is Tata Starbucks, which operates 480 outlets across India, securing its position as the market leader. It is closely followed by Barista with 465 stores, while Café Coffee Day remains in third place with 425 stores, though it continues to shrink in scale due to financial pressures.

India’s branded coffee landscape is not just defined by large chains. Among the 104 branded operators currently active, nearly four in five are homegrown, demonstrating the growing dominance of domestic brands. Boutique names such as Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, Third Wave Coffee, and Subko have built reputations by spotlighting India’s coffee-growing heritage, while affordable brands like Nothing Before Coffee, abCoffee, and First Coffee attract younger professionals seeking value-driven options.

Fastest movers in the market

Two local chains stand out for their rapid expansion: Third Wave Coffee and Café Buddy’s Espresso. Each grew by 56 outlets in the past year, bringing their store counts to 172 and 145 respectively. Their rise reflects the strong momentum of Indian-owned businesses as they capture consumer loyalty.

Consumer preferences: social and experiential

Unlike in many Western countries, takeaway culture remains limited in India. Coffee shops are primarily social spaces where family and friends gather, with nearly one-third of visits taking place after 5 p.m. The experience comes at a premium: average spending per visit, including food, is ₹660.86 ($7.53), while beverage-only visits average ₹426.22 ($4.85).

Beyond coffee shops, coffee also plays a growing role in restaurant culture, with nearly 75% of surveyed consumers reporting that they ordered coffee in restaurants over the past year. This has encouraged international players to adapt, with UK-based Pret A Manger launching its first-ever full-service restaurant format in India earlier this year.

A market with global potential

India’s demographics provide fertile ground for future growth. With a population of 1.45 billion, more than half of whom are under 30, and a strong base of coffee-growing regions, the country is poised to become a key global hub for coffee commerce.

Projections indicate that the branded coffee shop market will exceed 6,100 outlets by 2026, and is on track to cross 10,000 outlets by 2030. Analysts forecast a 13.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next five years. Coffee-focused chains are expected to expand at 15% CAGR, surpassing 8,050 outlets, while food-led operators will grow at around 7% CAGR, reaching nearly 1,860 stores.

Coffee’s future in India

India’s shift from a tea-first nation to a thriving coffee culture is unmistakable. While global chains such as Starbucks and Costa Coffee initially brought premium café experiences to the country, domestic brands are now setting the pace. By blending modern hospitality with local roots, these operators are shaping India’s evolving identity as a coffee destination.

With rising incomes, urbanization, and a new generation of coffee drinkers seeking aspirational experiences, India is set to become one of the world’s most dynamic coffee markets. From metropolitan hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to second- and third-tier cities, coffee culture is spreading fast — and the momentum shows no signs of slowing.

Milan to Host First Evolved Q Grader Course After HostMilano 2025

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Milan, 10 September 2025 – (Qahwa World) – Milan is preparing to host a landmark event for the future of specialty coffee in Europe. From 24 to 29 October 2025, immediately after the HostMilano international trade fair, the first Italian session—and one of the very first in the world—of the Evolved Q Grader course will take place.

The event, to be held in English, will be hosted by Sevengrams, a leading name in Milan’s specialty coffee scene. Founded by the Mauro sisters and enriched by the expertise of Chiara Bergonzi, Sevengrams is one of the city’s most accredited training centers. The course will be conducted at their Lot Zero Roastery, located next to Coffee Studio 7Gr on Via Valparaiso.

This six-day intensive training and certification marks a major step forward in the field of sensory evaluation. It will be led by two prominent international figures: Roukiat Delrue and Davide Cobelli. The Evolved Q Grader certification, the latest innovation from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), introduces the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA), a system that moves beyond a single score to analyze coffee’s value in multiple dimensions.

Designed for experienced professionals, the course aims to shape a new generation of coffee experts able to evaluate beans with a modern, scientific approach. Participants will engage in a rigorous program of theory, practice, and exams, focusing on mastering the CVA, refining sensory self-awareness, enhancing discrimination and flaw analysis skills, and applying these tools strategically in professional contexts. Those who successfully complete the program will earn the prestigious Evolved Q Grader license, an international milestone of excellence.

Guiding this advanced training will be two world-renowned instructors. Roukiat Delrue, with more than 14 years of experience in the global coffee sector, has held leading roles at the Coffee Quality Institute and World Coffee Events, and contributed directly to the development of the CVA. Davide Cobelli, founder of the Coffee Training Academy, Italian Roasting Champion in 2020, and SCA Italy National Coordinator from 2022 to 2024, is an established trainer, consultant, and international judge.

This course offers a unique opportunity for Italian and European professionals to access the highest level of training in coffee evaluation. For details on pricing and registration, contact the instructors directly: [email protected], [email protected], or via the official registration link here.

Iraq’s First AeroPress Championship to Take Place in October

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Baghdad, October 3, 2025 (Qahwa World) –Iraq will host its first-ever AeroPress Championship on October 3, 2025, organized by Jubran Coffee Roastery in collaboration with Colab Ltd. The event marks the country’s entry into the international network of coffee competitions.

The championship will follow a knockout format, with competitors preparing coffee within five minutes using the original or clear AeroPress device. Beverages will be presented anonymously to the judging panel for blind tasting, and any competitor exceeding the time limit will be disqualified.

Rules require at least 150 grams of brewed coffee with a maximum of 18 grams of ground coffee. Paper, metal, or cloth filters are permitted if compatible with the original filter cap. Organizers will provide competition water prepared to official specifications, along with grinders such as the Mahlkönig EK43 and Omnia on stage.

Participants will receive a 225-gram bag of coffee for training and a 20-gram bag during the competition. Entry is open to all, and the national winner will qualify to represent Iraq at the World AeroPress Championship 2025.

The judging panel will feature international figures, including Ali Reza, a champion with over a decade of experience, who has achieved first place at the 2024 Turkey Roasting Championship and top rankings at world-level Brewers Cup and Cezve/Ibrik competitions.

Registration is set at 50,000 IQD and opens on Friday via the official account @aeropress.iraq. Inquiries and complaints can be directed to [email protected].

The championship will be held as part of the Coffee and Tea Festival.

Registration Dates Announced for UAE AeroPress Championship 2025

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Dubai, September 10, 2025 (Qahwa World) – The organizers of the UAE AeroPress Championship 2025 have announced the official registration dates for the regional competitions, ahead of the highly anticipated event taking place over three days, from November 6 to 8, at the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Coffee Centre. The championship is one of the UAE’s most prominent coffee events, bringing together professionals and enthusiasts, and will determine the competitor who will represent the country at the World AeroPress Championship in South Korea.

Registration Dates

🔹 Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain: September 22, 2025, from 9am to 5pm.
🔹 Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah: September 25, 2025, from 9am to 5pm.

According to the updated World AeroPress Championship guidelines, competitors may register in any Emirate of their choice, provided they hold permanent residency in the UAE and a valid Passport or Emirates ID. Applicants must upload a copy of the required documents during online registration. Only one registration per person is allowed, and duplicate submissions will result in automatic disqualification.

Requirements and Conditions

Each Emirate will host a maximum of 36 competitors on a first-come, first-served basis. Successful applicants will receive an official confirmation email no later than October 6, 2025. Confirmed competitors must pay a non-refundable registration fee of AED 150 in cash upon collecting practice coffee between October 8 and 10 at Mokha 1450, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.

Championship Schedule

🔹 November 6–7: Regional rounds across the Emirates.
🔹 November 8: The grand finale featuring the top competitors from each Emirate, where the UAE AeroPress Champion 2025 will be crowned.

Road to the World Stage

The winner crowned in Dubai on November 8 will go on to represent the UAE at the World AeroPress Championship, set to take place in Seoul, South Korea, on December 5–6, 2025.

2024 Recap

The 2024 edition crowned Sonam Sherpa of Kranti Coffee as the UAE Champion, with John Patric Elazegui of Amongstfew in second place and Alfred Samson in third. Organized by Mokha 1450, the event attracted more than 400 participants and spectators. It featured Yemeni coffee sourced from the Talooq Women’s Association in Jabal, Taiz Governorate, under the theme “Breaking Boundaries.” The program also included coffee tastings, AeroPress giveaways, and strong sponsorship support from Slayer, Coffee Desk, TSAK Trading Company, and Coffee Market Innovations.

Registration Links

The organizers confirmed that registration links will be shared on Instagram and on the official website to ensure accessibility for all competitors.

One Year Into Change: What’s Happening at Starbucks?

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DUBAI, September 10, 2025 (Qahwa World) – One year after taking over as CEO of Starbucks, Brian Niccol says the global coffee chain is “ahead of schedule” in its ambitious turnaround efforts. The company is moving faster than anticipated in reshaping its business through aggressive store redesigns, a revamped rewards program, and the introduction of new food and beverage options, as it works to recover from declining traffic and financial pressures seen in recent years.

Niccol, who became the third CEO of the company in just two years, inherited a business under pressure from unionization drives and falling store visits. He stressed that his first task was to focus on strengthening the fundamentals before building new layers of innovation. He added that Starbucks is now well positioned to move forward with changes to its menu, improvements to the digital rewards program, and investments in technology to enhance the customer experience.

In remarks reported by Fox News, Niccol explained that the redesign efforts are not limited to aesthetics but also intended to enable the company to open more locations with greater efficiency and lower costs. Starbucks has already begun rolling out its “Green Apron Service” model, which uses tools such as the Smart Queue system to sequence orders across mobile pickup, drive-thru, and cafés, reducing wait times and ensuring a smoother flow of service.

According to Niccol, 80% of beverages are now being prepared in under four minutes, compared with just 60% before the changes were introduced, while mobile orders are surpassing a 95% completion rate within the same time benchmark. The company is also set to launch a new protein-focused menu at the end of September, alongside additional food choices designed around snacking, gluten-free products, and protein-forward options.

Niccol emphasized that the company’s plan to redesign thousands of U.S. stores by 2026—out of more than 17,000 nationwide—is central to its transformation. By 2027, he hopes the pace will accelerate further to avoid falling behind on updates. The refreshed look will feature oversized chairs, couches, high-tops, and regular tables, designed to provide “a seat for every occasion.” He also noted that the goal is not to limit how long customers stay but rather to create an environment that encourages them to spend more time in the stores, reflecting the essence of the coffeehouse culture.

He added that the company is reassessing store sizes and equipment needs to bring down operating costs. In the past, Starbucks had invested in larger buildings and unnecessary equipment, but Niccol argued that what truly matters is having “a great coffeehouse with good seats, the right staffing levels, and partners in the right place at the right time to serve customers.”

Despite ongoing economic headwinds that have made consumers more cautious in their spending, Niccol insisted that Starbucks’ value lies in its distinctive mix of high-quality coffee and unique store atmosphere. He highlighted the company’s access to top beans, its advanced Clover Vertica brewing system that ensures freshly ground and brewed coffee for every cup, and the personal connections between baristas and customers.

A new version of the company’s loyalty rewards program is also planned for early 2026. Still under development, the revamped program is expected to strengthen the value proposition for customers and become another driver of growth. Niccol concluded by expressing confidence that Starbucks would finish the current fiscal year on solid footing and enter 2026 “from a position of strength,” closing the first year of change on an optimistic note for one of the world’s most recognized coffee brands.

Rainforest Alliance Launches First Regenerative Agriculture Certification for Coffee

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Dubai, 9 September 2025 (Qahwa World) – The Rainforest Alliance has announced the launch of the world’s first dedicated regenerative agriculture certification for coffee, a milestone that seeks to transform farming practices from simply reducing harm to actively restoring ecosystems and improving farmer livelihoods. The new “regenerative” seal is expected to appear on consumer coffee bags starting in 2026.

This initiative follows the release of version 1.4 of the Sustainable Agriculture Standard, which will take effect in October 2025. The revised standard reduces the number of requirements from 221 spread across seven categories to 148 requirements consolidated into three, making certification more straightforward for farmers while maintaining its credibility. Alongside this streamlining, certificate holders now have the option to add 17 regenerative requirements to their existing certification, or to pursue a standalone regenerative certification consisting of 119 requirements focused on soil health, biodiversity, water management, climate resilience, and farmer livelihoods.

The Rainforest Alliance has framed regenerative agriculture as a shift beyond a “do no harm” mindset toward one of repair and restoration. The new certification aims to make coffee part of an ecological recovery process that benefits both the land and the farming communities that depend on it. The organization emphasized that every future cup of coffee should give back more than it takes. A recent report by TechnoServe supported this view, finding that the transition to regenerative agriculture in key coffee-producing countries could significantly increase exports and raise farmer incomes.

Implementation of the new certification has already begun in coffee farms across Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Nicaragua. The first coffees carrying the regenerative seal are expected to reach international markets in 2026, targeting consumers who increasingly demand sustainable and credible products. The launch also coincides with sector-wide initiatives such as RegenCoffee, introduced by the Global Coffee Platform to create a common language around regenerative agriculture, further strengthening Rainforest Alliance’s leadership in this field.

Beyond the environmental and social dimensions, the development comes at a critical moment as the European Union’s deforestation-free supply chain law (EUDR) is set to take effect on 30 December 2025. The law will require companies to prove that commodities entering EU markets are not linked to deforestation. Observers note that the regenerative certification could provide companies with an essential tool to comply with these new requirements, especially in the coffee sector, which faces growing regulatory scrutiny.

Despite the enthusiasm, there are concerns that additional certification layers could impose extra burdens on smallholder farmers who already struggle with limited resources. The Rainforest Alliance has responded by stressing that the new standard was developed over years of research and consultation with farmers, companies, and civil society groups. The goal, it said, is not to increase burdens but to build long-term resilience and open new opportunities for market access.

By combining the streamlined Sustainable Agriculture Standard with the launch of the first regenerative certification for coffee, the Rainforest Alliance is signaling a strategic shift in its vision. The initiative goes beyond traditional sustainability frameworks, aiming to create a new agricultural model that balances environmental protection, agricultural economics, and social development. With this step, the global coffee sector enters a new chapter in which every cup of coffee is not just a beverage, but a contribution to restoring the planet and securing a more sustainable future.

Specialty Coffee Consumption in the United States Reaches Record High

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Washington, September 9, 2025 (Qahwa World) – The Fall 2025 National Coffee Data Trends report, published by the National Coffee Association, shows that specialty coffee consumption in the United States has reached its highest level on record. Fifty-seven percent of Americans reported drinking specialty coffee at least once in the past week, a figure that matches the highest level ever recorded and confirms that specialty coffee has become a central part of everyday life across the country.

The report also highlights the strong role of younger generations, with forty-six percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 saying they consumed specialty coffee on the day before the survey was conducted, the highest daily rate since 2020. Analysts attribute this trend to the integration of younger consumers into modern coffee culture, their preference for higher quality and innovative experiences, and the growing popularity of coffee-related social events that encourage sharing and discovery.

The study notes that new preparation methods are fueling this growth. Cold brew consumption rose to seventeen percent, an increase of three percentage points compared with the start of the year, while ready-to-drink coffee beverages reached nineteen percent, up four points. These figures reflect the American consumer’s attraction to options that combine convenience and freshness, particularly during warmer months.

Industry observers say the expansion of specialty coffee consumption opens new opportunities but also presents challenges. Large chains are benefiting from the growth of app-based orders and drive-thru services, while independent cafés and roasters are finding their strength in providing higher quality products, origin transparency, and stories of sustainability. This balance between convenience and authenticity is expected to shape the future of the U.S. coffee market.

The significance of this growth is underscored by the size of the overall industry, valued at 343 billion dollars. Specialty coffee is no longer just a matter of personal taste or social trend but a powerful economic sector in its own right. With rising consumer awareness of origin, production methods, and environmental certifications, specialty coffee is expected to continue strengthening its position both domestically and internationally.

The findings suggest that the United States has moved beyond the so-called third wave of coffee, which focused on artisanal preparation, and is entering a new phase that blends quality with convenience and social experience. For a new generation of consumers, coffee is no longer simply a morning beverage but an evolving lifestyle choice that reflects broader shifts in consumer culture.

Pret A Manger Aims to Double UK Stores Following Strong 2024 Growth

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Pret A Manger is preparing for a major expansion across the UK after reporting robust growth in 2024.

The London-based coffee and food-to-go chain, which currently operates 500 stores in the UK and another 200 across 20 international markets, achieved 10% year-on-year revenue growth in 2024, reaching £1.2bn ($1.6bn). Adjusted EBITDA rose 36% to £98m ($133m).

Chief Executive Pano Christou, who has led the JAB Holding-backed business since 2019, said Pret aims to double its UK footprint to 1,000 outlets by focusing on city centres and transport hubs. “Customers love the brand on the go. Our travel business has really exploded in recent years. We have eight locations at Heathrow and will add two more next year,” he told reporters.

Pret ended 2024 with 717 outlets across 21 global markets. Alongside its expansion plans, the chain will introduce new value-driven offerings, including a £6-£7 ($8.14-$9.50) lunchtime meal deal trial in the UK. The initiative, already successful in France, is expected to boost sales and afternoon footfall.

The company has also launched a premium ‘Super Plates’ salad range in 250 UK stores and overhauled its Club Pret subscription, scrapping its five-coffees-a-day offer for £30 ($38.99). Additionally, a new store format targeting dine-in and family groups has been unveiled in its home market.

Beyond the UK, Pret is seeking significant growth in the US, where it operates 70 stores generating approximately $100m annually, mainly in New York. Christou highlighted transport hubs along the East Coast as the primary focus for expansion. In October 2023, Pret signed a joint venture with franchise partner Dallas International to triple its US footprint by 2029, and in July 2025, it appointed former Tim Hortons executive Felipe Athayde as President of its North America business.

“2024 was another year of growth for Pret, where we took disciplined decisions to protect sales despite intense pressures on the hospitality industry. Our priority now is to drive transactions and sustainable growth by offering great value for Pret customers,” Christou said.