Coffee News Recap, 2 May: Black coffee is “healthy” under new FDA rule, Brazil port delays prevent shipment of more than 630,000 bags of green coffee & other stories

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

Editor’s note

According to data from Cecafé (the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council), ongoing port delays in Brazil have prevented the shipment of over 637,700 bags of green coffee in March 2025. The council’s technical director emphasised the impact on not just the international market, but also on domestic producers, who are already strained by prolonged droughts.

As the C price rises, albeit falling sharply on Friday amid uncertainty over demand, the implications of these delays are likely to drive it even higher. Key consuming markets, such as the US and EU, are already experiencing stockpile shortages. Given Brazil’s leading position in the global market, the situation is likely to worsen following the sharp decline in shipments.

In more promising news, the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision to automatically classify black coffee as “healthy” officially came into effect on 28 April. The ruling pertains to coffee with fewer than five calories per 12oz serving; black filter coffee averages 3.55 calories.

Although it’s a milestone for the coffee industry, the ruling tells us nothing new; black coffee has always been a healthy beverage choice. Free from sugars and fats, and naturally low in calories, black filter coffee also boasts several scientifically backed health benefits, including improvements in cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Nevertheless, the ruling is likely to profoundly reshape consumer behaviour. We can expect more people to move beyond seeing coffee as an energy source and start considering its broader impact on long-term health and wellness, opening up new market opportunities for producers, traders, roasters, and retailers.

Top stories of the week

• Mon, 28 Apr – Brazil port delays prevent shipment of more than 630,000 bags of green coffee. Data from Cecafé shows 637,767 60kg bags of coffee remained at ports in March, costing exporters R $8.9 million in additional fees and US $262.8 million in lost revenue. Since Jun 2024, cumulative losses total R $66.6 million amid chronic infrastructure constraints. (Santos, Brazil)

• Mon, 28 Apr – Vietnamese coffee exporters shift focus from US to EU, China, and Japan. Coffee prices rose by US $480 per tonne after a 10% US tariff, prompting Intimex to diversify into the EU, China, and Japan and improve quality, branding, and cost efficiency. The US remains a key market for Vietnamese exporters, but Brazil, Colombia, and Indonesia have a competitive edge with lower initial US tariffs. (Hanoi, Vietnam)

• Tue, 29 Apr – MTPak Coffee launches sustainable drip coffee bags and filters. The company’s new range of recyclable and compostable drip coffee bags and filters are designed for single-serve pour over brewing. MTPak Coffee offers full customisation, low MOQs, and sample drip coffee bags and filters for roasters to test out the new product. (Shanghai, China)

• Tue, 29 Apr – France’s Mikaël Portannier wins the 2025 World Coffee Roasting Championship. China’s Song Chundan came fourth, while Thailand’s Naruepon Wuttipappinyo placed third. Taiwan’s Ashton Huang was the runner-up. (Houston, Texas, United States)

• Tue, 29 Apr – Lawsuit alleges slavery and trafficking in Starbucks’ Brazilian supply chain. International Rights Advocates filed the lawsuit on behalf of eight Brazilian coffee farm workers, who claim they lived in slave-like conditions and had the costs of their transportation, food, and equipment deducted from their pay.
  • The lawsuit alleges that Starbucks violated US trafficking laws by continuing to buy coffee from a major exporter after claims of trafficking and forced labour violations were repeatedly filed. Starbucks said it only purchases coffee from a small number of Cooxupe’s members, and that the claims are “without merit”.
  • Watchdog group Coffee Watch also filed a Section 307 petition to block US imports of coffee produced with forced labour in Brazil. The petition specifically targets major brands like Starbucks, Nestlé, JDE Peet’s, illy, and McDonald’s. (Washington, DC, US)

• Wed, 30 Apr – Monoware launches new Barista Collection cup series. The range includes two types of cups optimised for both functionality and aesthetics. The Cafe Cup is a traditional-shaped cup with a handle designed to fit comfortably in baristas’ hands, while the Savour Cup is a minimalist, handle-less vessel designed for more mindful drinking. (London, UK)

• Wed, 30 Apr – Black coffee qualifies as “healthy” under the new FDA rule. The FDA’s new definition allows coffee with fewer than five calories per 12 oz serving to bear “healthy” claims. Brewed coffee averages 3.55 calories per 12 oz. (Washington, DC, US)

• Wed, 30 April – UK watchdog bans capsule ads over compostability claims. The ASA banned adverts by Lavazza UK and Dualit for labelling pods and bags as compostable, ruling these could only be processed industrially and not in home compost, which misled consumers about their disposal options. (London, UK)

• Thu, 1 May – Starbucks reports slump in US sales despite turnaround strategy, while Luckin Coffee posts 42% YoY revenue increase. Starbucks reported a 1% drop in global same-store sales and falling US demand. Meanwhile, competitor Luckin Coffee grew Q1 revenue by 42% to US $1.22bn, added 1,757 stores, and saw store-level profit surge 245% year-on-year.

Industry news

• Mon, 28 Apr – SCA and Colombian Coffee Growers Federation partner on CVA initiative. The agreement, signed at Houston’s Specialty Coffee Expo, integrates the SCA’s Coffee Value Assessment, which the association says will enhance differentiation and equitable pricing for Colombian specialty coffees. Joint training and data sharing aim to align producer practices with global market trends. (Houston, Texas, US)

• Mon 28 Apr – Starbucks union rejects company offer of 2% pay raise. Workers United reported 81% of 490 baristas at more than 550 unionised US stores rejected a proposal guaranteeing annual raises of at least 2% without improvements to benefits, halting progress despite tentative agreements on safety measures and withdrawn lawsuits. (Seattle, Washington, US)

• Mon 28 Apr – Krispy Kreme adds former Kraft Heinz and Starbucks executives to board. The brand nominated Bernardo Hees and Patrick Grismer, along with Easwaran Sundaram and Gordon von Bretten, to its board, pending shareholder approval, and will form a strategy and operating committee to drive US expansion and operational efficiency. (Winston-Salem, North Carolina, US)

• Tue, 29 Apr – Nestlé appoints Jeff Hamilton as CEO Zone Americas as Steve Presley retires. After nearly 30 years at Nestlé, Presley stepped down on 30 April, succeeded by Jeff Hamilton, currently CEO of Purina PetCare Zone Europe. Hamilton’s career spans leadership roles in Canada, the US and Asia since 1991 and includes an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management. (Vevey, Switzerland)

• Tue, 29 Apr – Soluble coffee consumption up 6.2% in Brazil in Q1. ABICS data shows Brazil consumed 5,558 tonnes of soluble coffee in Q1 2025, up 6.2% year-on-year. Freeze-dried coffee consumption surged 44%. (São Paulo, Brazil)

• Tue, 29 Apr – JAB founder Peter Harf will retire after 40 years. Harf will also step down as managing director of the Alfred Landecker Foundation, but will continue to serve as board chair for the parent company of JDE Peet’s. Co-CEOS Joachim Creus and Frank Engelen will continue leading JAB, with Creus as chair and Engelen as vice chair. (Luxembourg)

• Wed, 30 Apr – Löfbergs accelerates sustainability in 2024 report. The company says its sources 100% traceable coffee, utilises 100% fossil-free sea transport, and works with over 190,000 farmers in development projects. (Karlstad, Sweden)

• Wed, 30 April – Coca-Cola coffee sales dip 2% in Q1. The company posted a 2% net revenue decline in Q1, mirroring a 2% unit case volume drop in its coffee segment. APAC and EMEA markets weighed on results, while growth in Latin America offset sparkling beverage declines. (Atlanta, Georgia, US)

• Thu, 1 May – Biggby Coffee names new president to boost growth, franchisee support, and customer service. Previously CFO since 2023, Erin Kaylor brings decades of franchise experience and a people-first vision as Biggby Coffee’s new president. Her goals also include a brand refresh. (East Lansing, Michigan, US)

• Thu, 1 May – Yum China lifts KCOFFEE growth target after reaching 1,000 stores. Q1 sales and coffee volume grew 20% YoY. The brand leverages KFC concessions and sources 1,200 tonnes of green coffee from Yunnan. (Beijing, China)

• Thu, 1 May – Costa Coffee partners with Jet2 to serve hot drinks on flights. From 1 May, passengers on Jet2 flights can purchase Costa’s lattes, salted caramel lattes, cappuccinos, and decaf coffee. The partnership extends to Jet2Holidays package tours across six UK bases in Leeds, Manchester, Belfast, Newcastle, Blackpool, and Edinburgh. (London, UK)

• Fri, 2 May – Starbucks will slash store remodel spending with a new uplift strategy. The chain plans to slash remodel costs from US $800k to US $1 million to around US $150,000 per store with a new “coffeehouse uplift” approach, while maintaining outlet expansion, boosting staff, and deploying service technology under the “Back to Starbucks” plan. (Seattle, Washington, US)

• Fri, 2 May – Costa Coffee CEO says India will be in top five global markets by 2030. Indian franchisee Devyani International plans to open 50 new stores annually, focusing on petrol stations and shopping centres. Global CEO Philippe Schaillee said younger Indian consumers are willing to pay a premium for coffee. (New Delhi, India)

Businesses for sale

• Tue, 29 Apr – Chagee launches in US following strong IPO debut. The tea chain’s IPO, priced at US $26 to $28 per share, raised US $411 million. Following the IPO, the company is valued at US $5.1 billion. (Los Angeles, California, US)

New launch

• Tue, 29 Apr – Verve Coffee Roasters and the Grateful Dead launch limited-edition organic coffee. Made with organic, naturally processed Ethiopian beans, the Grateful Dead Morning Brew features packaging inspired by the band’s 1983 Santa Cruz concert poster and includes limited merchandise. The certification by CCOF marks Verve’s first organic coffee release. (Santa Cruz, California, US)

• Thu, 1 May – Royal Coffee opens Addis Ababa office and cupping lab. The US importer established a permanent presence in Addis Ababa with a new office and fully equipped cupping lab overseen by Q grader Segenet Gashaw and operations led by Haileyesus Andualem, aiming to expand its Ethiopian supplier network, support smallholders, and streamline logistics. (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

• Thu, 1 May – Huskee expands HuskeeSteel range with new 3 oz cups. The new double-walled 3 oz steel cups are part of the HuskeeLoop recycling programme. The cups are made from 91% post-consumer recycled stainless steel with a ceramic-lined option. (Brisbane, Australia)

• Fri, 2 May – Dutch Bros adds matcha, dulce de leche, and mochi berry drinks to its menu. The Oregon drive-thru chain launched lavender and raspberry flavoured iced matcha lattes and the Paradise Matcha Lemonade, tapping into new beverage trends. (Grants Pass, Oregon, US)

Milestone

• Tue, 29 Apr – Ofi secures US $350m two-year term loan facility. The proceeds will refinance existing loans and fund general corporate purposes. DBS and ICBC arranged the loan, with DBS acting as the facility agent. (Singapore)

• Thu, 1 May – Flash Coffee secures US $3m to accelerate Indonesian expansion. Led by TA Ventures with support from White Star Capital, Flash Coffee raised the funds to accelerate national growth. The chain plans to surpass 70 outlets, enter two new cities, and roll out its refreshed store concept. (Jakarta, Indonesia)

Trade & production

• Mon, 28 Apr – Colombian coffee growers switch to cacao as temperatures rise. Smallholder coffee farmers are planting cacao to escape heat stress and pest and disease pressures as temperatures rise, replacing coffee on hundreds of hectares. Agronomists warn this shift risks deforestation and increased chemical inputs despite cacao’s resilience. (Pereira, Colombia)

• Wed, 30 Apr – Arabica prices regain momentum on Brazil’s uncertain outlook. July ICE arabica futures rose 2.6% to US $4.10/lb, supported by weather concerns and Brazil’s uncertain crop outlook, but have since fallen to US $4/lb. London July robusta contracts dipped to US $5,413/tonne amid tariff reprieves and shifting market sentiment. (New York City, New York, US)

Research

• Mon, 28 Apr – Regular and moderate coffee consumption may reduce frailty in older adults. Researchers analysed 1,161 adults aged 55+ over seven years and found that those drinking over four cups daily showed reduced odds of frailty, assessed by Fried’s five-component phenotype. Antioxidants in coffee may lower inflammation and muscle loss, supporting healthy ageing. (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

• Tue, 29 Apr – Bonsucro highlights worker safety and sustainability projects in global agricultural sector as part of UN World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The company highlighted how climate change is reshaping workplace hazards, particularly in agricultural fields, including coffee. Bonsucro’s certification process ensures that certified farms and mills provide safe working conditions, proper contracts, and access to safe drinking water for over 128,000 farm workers. (London, United Kingdom)

• Tue, 29 Apr – WCRF International publishes global report on diet and lifestyle for cancer prevention. The study identifies coffee consumption as a key element of a cancer preventative pattern to reduce colorectal cancer risk, alongside calcium-rich foods, a healthy weight, and regular activity. (London, UK)

• Wed, 30 Apr – Coffee consumption linked to 38% lower dementia risk in older adults. Zhejiang University researchers tracked 6,001 adults (average age 67.5) from 2013 to 2020 and found coffee drinkers had a 38% lower dementia risk, with both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee showing protective effects. (Hangzhou, China)

• Thu, 1 May – Study finds regenerative coffee boosts incomes and exports. TechnoServe research, supported by JDE Peet’s, Nestlé and the Rudy & Alice Ramsay Foundation, shows regenerative practices raise smallholder incomes by 62%, boost exports by 30%, and cut emissions, with 3.2 million farmers across nine countries benefiting from agroforestry and organic fertilisation. (Washington, DC, US)

Events & competitions

• Mon, 28 Apr – SCA announces winners of 2025 Best New Product and Coffee Design Awards. The Best New Product winners include ICOSA’s Avensi Wave collection, ROEST’s P3000 roaster, OXO Rapid Brewer, Squeaky’s HOM Chubby, Hacco’s Koji Barista, and Harris Woolf’s Almond Milk 2.0. Time100’s Mago Maga roaster won the People’s Choice award. The Coffee Design Awards went to Puelo Coffee Roasters, Ember Goods, and Yetu for spaces, packaging, and branding, respectively. (Houston, Texas, United States)

• Wed, 30 Apr – Second edition of Valencia is Coffee will return from 30 May to 1 June. After a successful first run, the event will move to La Petxina cultural complex, hosting an educational talks series, coffee tastings, workshops, and several competitions, including the 2025 Valencia AeroPress Championship. (Valencia, Spain)

• Thu, 1 May – The Barista League to host inaugural Latin America event on 8 May. Twenty top baristas will compete at C3 Stage in Guadalajara in the first Barista League: Latin America, featuring a new competition format, inclusive networking, and a curated Roasters Village. (Guadalajara, Mexico)

• Fri, 2 May – Ben Lewis crowned 2025 UK Latte Art Champion. Ernie Jr. Fernandez was the runner-up, and Kangni Dai placed third. Lewis will now go on to represent the UK at the World Latte Art Championships at World of Coffee Geneva in June. (London, UK)

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

• Thu, 24 Apr – Dove and Chamberlain Coffee debut plant milk body care line. The vegan collection includes four body washes and cleansing bars. LA pop-ups and a limited Oat Milk & Berry Brulee Latte accompany the launch. (Hoboken, New Jersey, US)

• Thu, 24 Apr – Keurig Dr Pepper appoints former Southwest and Brown-Forman execs to board. Mike Van de Ven (ex-Southwest COO) and Lawson Whiting (Brown-Forman CEO) join as independent directors. Bob Gamgort transitions to non-executive chairman. (Burlington, Massachusetts, 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 what the “evolved” Q programme means for specialty coffee.