Coffee News Recap, 27 Mar: Huracán Coffee wins Global Coffee Awards World Championship, arabica prices reach highest levels since Jan & other stories

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

Editor’s note

Market uncertainty continues to push coffee prices higher. Arabica futures reached their highest levels since January 2026, climbing to US$3.17/lb, as Brazilian producers held stock in anticipation of further price recovery. Conflict in the Middle East is adding to the volatility; fluctuating oil prices and the ongoing Strait of Hormuz blockade are creating additional pressure on supply chains.

Despite these uncertainties, events that celebrate coffee excellence are still taking place. The Global Coffee Awards World Championship was held in El Salvador, where roasters from Europe, the US & Canada, and coffee-producing countries competed for the title of world’s best. Lithuania’s Huracán Coffee, founded in 1999, was named the world champion.

Competitions like the Global Coffee Awards, which continue to celebrate excellence across the international coffee industry, are thriving. As such, the GCA will expand this year to host regional MENA, Asia, Africa, the US & Canada, Latin America, Europe, and Origin Roasted competitions – giving roasters worldwide the opportunity for global exposure.

Top stories of the week

• Mon, 23 Mar – Hemro Group announces 2017 World Barista Champion Dale Harris as brand ambassador. Dale joins the parent company of the Mahlkönig, Ditting, and Anfim brands. Through the partnership, Dale will showcase the new Grind-by-Sync system and latest grinder innovations at trade shows, including World of Coffee San Diego, and will lead the group’s online educational content. (Zurich, Switzerland)

• Tue, 24 Mar – Chobani to invest US$567m in La Colombe expansion. Chobani acquired La Colombe for US$900m in December 2023. The new investment will add over 200,000 square feet of production space to La Colombes North Shores, Michigan, facility, which will serve as its main hub. (Norton Shores, Michigan, US)

• Tue, 24 Mar – “Kona Low” storm causes major damage to a historic coffee farm in Hawaii. This type of storm is a seasonal cyclone that can bring intense flooding to the islands. The owners are now working to determine what can be saved from the area’s 176-year-old farm. (Holualoa, Hawaii, US)

• Wed, 25 Mar – Starbucks to buy back hundreds of US licensed stores. The chain aims to convert licensed units into company-operated locations, which it says will improve quality control and customer experience. This shift focuses on high-traffic sites and airports to standardise global service standards. (Seattle, Washington, US)

• Wed, 25 Mar – Arabica futures hit their highest levels since January. Futures peaked at US$3.17/lb as Brazilian producers held onto inventory and the conflict in the Middle East continues to pose logistical uncertainty. (New York City, New York, US)

• Thu, 26 Mar – MICE2026 begins in Melbourne. This year’s edition includes a tradeshow, the Café Owners Education series, the GCR Leaders Symposium, the Roasters’ Playground, the Product Innovation Awards, and the Coffee Industry Heroes feature. There will also be several all-new event activities, including the Trip to Origin and MICE At Night features. (Melbourne, Australia)

• Thu, 26 Mar – CoE Brazil legend Luiz Paulo Dias Pereira Filho aims for US$20,000/bag for eugenioides. The producer, a recent CoE “Legend of Excellence” honouree, is reportedly the only farmer in Brazil to grow eugenioides. Known for its low caffeine content and intense sweetness, the rare coffee can fetch 50 times the price of high-end arabica varieties. (Carmo de Minas, Brazil)

• Fri, 27 Mar – Lithuania’s Huracán Coffee wins Gold at the Global Coffee Awards World Championship. Greece’s KAFEA TERRA won Silver, while Colombia’s Café Cultor won Bronze. Frances Terres de Café also won top honours. In 2026, the Global Coffee Awards will host regional MENA, Asia, Africa, the US & Canada, Latin America, Europe, and Origin Roasted competitions. (San Salvador, El Salvador)

• Fri, 27 Mar – MTPak Coffee announces Ember Goods as the winner of its World’s Greatest Coffee Packaging competition. The Washington-based roastery was chosen for its unique coffee boxes with matchbox striker strips. Its packaging was featured front and centre on a large mural at the Producer & Roaster Forum in El Salvador. Other finalists and honourable mentions are on display across the event. (San Salvador, El Salvador)

Industry news

• Mon, 23 Mar – Trade Coffee enhances personalised subscriptions. The service uses a data-driven algorithm to match customers with specific coffees from over 55 US roasters. By focusing on individual taste preferences, the platform aims to make high-quality specialty coffee more accessible to home brewers. (New York City, New York, US)

• Mon, 23 Mar – Trung Nguyen Legend expands in the US. The prominent Vietnamese coffee group is opening more cafés to showcase traditional Phin brewing. This growth aims to popularise Vietnam’s distinct coffee culture and robusta among American consumers. (Westminster, California, US)

• Mon, 23 Mar – Lavazza Group announces new leadership changes. The company has appointed new managers for its DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and Poland regions to drive growth. Additionally, a new CEO has been named for Kicking Horse Coffee in Canada to strengthen the brand’s position in North America. These moves are part of Lavazza’s plan to refresh its international business strategy. (Turin, Italy)

• Tue, 24 Mar – Huskee and Sydney coffee vendors partner for reusable cups. The Australian design company is collaborating with local cafés to replace single-use plastic cups with sustainable options. Customers can participate in a “swap-and-go” system, trading a dirty HuskeeCup for a clean one with their next order, aiming to reduce waste from takeaway coffee culture. (Sydney, Australia)

• Tue, 24 Mar – Staypineapple hotels adopt Coulee Coffee automated pour-over system. The brand is removing plastic pods from guest rooms to improve sustainability. This partnership provides guests with fresh coffee in recyclable packaging, cutting single-use waste across all ten sites. (Bellevue, Washington, US)

• Wed, 25 Mar – Cxffeeblack’s Bartholomew Jones lectures at Vanderbilt University. The Memphis-based co-founder discussed Black coffee history and the “761” project, which reconnects the African diaspora to coffee’s origins. The session focused on entrepreneurship, social justice, and cultural exchange. (Nashville, Tennessee, US)

• Wed, 25 Mar – Savoury ingredients usage expands the limits of flavour profiles in coffee drinks. From miso to curry-leaf oil, baristas are incorporating culinary ingredients to expand flavour profiles. This “savoury shift” highlights coffee’s versatility, moving beyond traditional sweetness to complex, food-inspired sensory experiences. (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US)

• Wed, 25 Mar – Joe & The Juice plans a major US expansion, with 100 stores to open in 18 months. The move follows a 20% revenue jump to US$346m in 2025. Supported by General Atlantic, the chain will focus on New York, Florida, and California, while enhancing its digital platform and loyalty programme to drive global growth. (Copenhagen, Denmark)

• Thu, 26 Mar – Kimbo named official coffee of America’s Cup in Naples. The Neapolitan roaster will serve its espresso during the 2026-27 preliminary regattas. The partnership aims to showcase local coffee culture to a global audience during the world’s oldest sailing trophy. (Naples, Italy)

• Thu, 26 Mar – Paradox Coffee Roasters Café moves to Broadbeach. After 10 years in Surfers Paradise, the roaster relocates to The Oracle Dining Precinct. The new site features a custom La Marzocco, a seasonal menu by Chef Vivek, and a training space. (Gold Coast, Australia)

• Thu, 26 Mar – Square reports that coffee shops are neighbourhood connectors. Data reveals that cafés act as “anchors” for nearby stores, with regulars spending six times more than one-off visitors. Repeat sales rose 7.67% last year while transient revenue dipped. Regular patrons tip 11% more and repeat orders 59% of the time. (San Francisco, California, US)

• Fri, 27 Mar – illycaffè becomes official coffee partner of Silverstone. The multi-year deal brings the Italian brand’s premium blends to the iconic UK circuit. The partnership covers all major events, including the British Grand Prix, with illy providing hospitality and public catering across the venue. (Northamptonshire, UK)

• Fri, 27 Mar – First Federal Bank expands Ellianos Coffee lending partnership. The deal provides streamlined financing to accelerate franchise growth across the Southeastern states. By deepening the relationship, the bank says it aims to simplify the lending process for new and existing franchisees to open more drive-thru locations. (Lake City, Florida, US)

• Fri, 27 Mar – Grind secures global partnership with British Airways. The Shoreditch-born brand will now serve 12 million coffees annually across all premium cabins and lounges, replacing Union Coffee by May. A bespoke dark-roasted Brazilian blend was co-created to maintain quality at 35,000 feet. (London, UK)

• Fri, 27 Mar – Cimbali Group and Mazzer announce long-term strategic partnership and launch Mazzer x Slayer grinder prototype. The official announcement is taking place during Grind Chronicles, held on 27 & 28 March at the Cimbali Group Flagship Store in Milan. The partnership brings together Cimbali Group’s extraction expertise with Mazzer’s specialisation in grinding. (Milan, Italy)

Businesses for sale

• Mon, 23 Mar – Eversys acquires its Dutch distributor. The Swiss firm finalised the takeover of Coffee Capital on 20 March, creating its first direct subsidiary in continental Europe. This integration aims to strengthen local service and drive growth in the Netherlands, a market with high demand for advanced coffee technology. (The Hague, Netherlands)

• Tue, 24 Mar – Leramo Coffee Corporation acquires Chauvin Coffee. The New York-based company has purchased the St. Louis roaster to expand its footprint in the midwestern US. This deal brings together two long-standing family businesses to enhance distribution and product variety for customers. (New York City, New York, US)

• Wed, 25 Mar – IEG acquires 51% of Brazil’s NIS Summit for US$3.8m. The deal marks the group’s 13th acquisition in Brazil. The Nutrition Innovation Summit, focusing on functional ingredients and supplements, will be held from 31 March to 1 April in São Paulo, further strengthening IEG’s global Food & Beverage division. (São Paulo, Brazil)

• Fri, 27 Mar – French private equity group Argos Fund targets German bakery-café acquisitions. Argos aims to consolidate the fragmented market through its Project Blue expansion. The strategy focuses on acquiring mid-sized regional chains to build a national leader, capitalising on the high demand for artisanal bread and coffee. (Frankfurt, Germany)

New launch

• Mon, 23 Mar – Evonova Group launches Espretto autonomous kiosk. The AI-driven robotic system serves specialty coffee 24/7 without human staff. It uses an interactive screen and contactless payments to provide a premium experience in busy locations. The unit aims to redefine automated retail. (Bucharest, Romania)

• Mon, 23 Mar – Blue Bottle Coffee opens Harajuku flagship. The new Japanese location features a unique design blending modern style with local culture. The café offers exclusive merchandise and premium pour-over options to attract shoppers in the busy district. It serves as a key hub for the brand. (Tokyo, Japan

• Mon, 23 Mar – Japan’s 2050 Coffee debuts in Canada. The sustainable brand has launched into its second international market to promote climate-resilient coffee. It focuses on varieties that can survive higher temperatures. This move follows its 2024 entry into the UK to reach eco-conscious drinkers. (Tokyo, Japan)

• Tue, 24 Mar – illy and Eataly London launch “Piazza” terrace. The Bishopsgate space celebrates Italian coffee with a seasonal menu and espresso martini masterclasses. Hosted by illy’s Università del Caffè, the opening highlighed the brand’s 100% Arabica blend. (London, UK)

• Tue, 24 Mar – CBI launches digital guide for EU deforestation rules. The new tool helps small firms comply with sustainability laws by providing software to map and trace coffee. These solutions ensure exports aren’t sourced from cleared land, allowing continued access to European markets. (The Hague, Netherlands)

• Tue, 24 Mar – Death Wish Coffee partners with Marvel on the Rise Again Collector’s Box. The co-branded DTC-exclusive bundle, featuring Death Wish’s flagship Dark Roast and a custom, heat-reactive mug featuring Daredevil that reveals a hidden design when hot liquid is added, celebrates the release of season 2 of Daredevil: Born Again. (Saratoga Springs, New York, US)

• Wed, 25 Mar – Reborn Coffee opens flagship at Tencent campus in Shenzhen. The new site marks a key step in the brand’s China expansion. The café serves specialty cold brew and pour-over coffee to tech workers. It features a modern design and aims to build brand presence in a high-traffic urban area. (Shenzhen, China)

• Wed, 25 Mar – Grind launches Pokémon-themed coffee collection. The limited range features Pikachu and other characters on pink tins and compostable pods. Fans can buy special gift sets and accessories through the brand’s website. (London, UK)

• Wed, 25 Mar – Philz Coffee launches new seasonal drinks for spring. The California-based roaster introduced the Caramel Coconut Cold Brew, Salted Butterscotch Cold Brew, and Silken Splendor Cold Brew, expanding the brand’s signature creative menu across its locations. (San Francisco, California, US)

• Thu, 26 Mar – Blue Bottle’s Horizon Series spotlights Asia-Pacific coffee. Following sold-out releases from Taiwan and Myanmar, the series will launch the Philippines’ Sitio San Roque (natural & washed) and Sumatra’s Kerinci Solok Radjo. The programme focuses on rarity and emerging origins across the region’s growing specialty coffee scene. (Oakland, California, US)

• Thu, 26 Mar – BOSeTAMPER Gen3 unveiled with major engineering upgrades. The third-generation automatic tamper features a CNC-machined aluminium body, MagCharge ring, and zero-wiggle stability. It adds official support for Victoria Arduino and Nuova Simonelli portafilters, with a Q2 2026 release. (Bedford, Massachusetts, US)

• Fri, 27 Mar – Dodo Coffee Company launches white label programme in the US. Co-owned by Cooper Kupp, the Arkansas roaster now offers custom roasting and private-label packaging for independent cafés. The initiative allows shops to scale their own brands using Dodo’s infrastructure. (Fayetteville, Arkansas, US)

• Fri, 27 Mar – Hario introduces US-exclusive organic ceremonial matcha. Sourced from Shizuoka, Japan, the stone-ground powder marks a significant expansion into the American beverage sector. The launch caters to rising demand for premium tea within specialty coffee shops, highlighting traditional Japanese craftsmanship. (Seattle, Washington, US)

• Fri, 27 Mar – REPA Group launches LF app for catering spare parts. The new mobile platform streamlines the search and purchase of over 62,000 components for professional kitchens and coffee machines. Engineers can now access technical diagrams and real-time stock levels on the move, improving repair efficiency for global hospitality sites. (Cesena, Italy)

• Fri, 27 Mar – Village Enterprise and HereWeGrow partner to support coffee-farming communities in Ethiopia to overcome extreme poverty. Village Enterprise is launching HARVEST (Households Advancing Resilience, Value Chains, and Sustainable Transformation), a three-year project funded by HereWeGrow in Ethiopia’s Kaffa Zone, which will provide the resources, training, and skills to families living in extreme poverty in coffee-growing regions to help them improve their living conditions. (San Carlos, California, US)

Milestone

• Thu, 26 Mar – WMF delivers 100,000th WMF 1100 S to Team Sonnenwagen Aachen. To mark the production milestone, WMF raffled the unique anniversary machine to the RWTH and FH Aachen students. The compact professional model will now support the solar racing team’s workflow during future projects. (Aachen, Germany)

• Fri, 27 Mar – Bellwether Coffee enters Australia via Xtracted partnership. The electric roasting company teamed up with the Melbourne-based distributor to bring its ventless technology to the local market. This move allows Australian cafés to roast on-site sustainably, eliminating the need for traditional gas infrastructure. (Melbourne, Australia)

Trade & production

• Tue, 24 Mar – Europe remains the world’s top coffee buyer, with a shift towards quality. The continent imports nearly 3 million tonnes of green beans as demand for premium coffee rises. Buyers now favour sustainable and specialty origins. This trend helps farmers growing high-grade crops to receive better prices. (London, UK)

• Wed, 25 Mar – Kenya targets the EU market to increase coffee exports. The African producer aims to boost shipments by meeting EUDR rules and quality standards. This move helps local farmers earn more by selling premium beans directly to European buyers. (Nairobi, Kenya)

• Thu, 26 Mar – Experts predict coffee prices to fall by a third by the end of 2026. Eleven analysts predict that arabica prices may drop to US$2/lb or lower as supply levels improve. This shift follows a period of high market volatility and changes in farming output. Lower prices could eventually impact retail costs for consumers. (New York City, New York, US)

• Fri, 27 Mar – Kenyan cooperatives urged to adopt smart farming solutions. Agriculture officials are calling on societies to embrace modern technologies to enhance productivity and mitigate climate risks. By integrating data-driven tools and sustainable practices, the sector aims to increase yields and improve the livelihoods of smallholder growers. (Nairobi, Kenya)

Research

• Mon, 23 Mar – Endophytic fungi fermentation could improve coffee flavour. A Chinese study found that using endophytic fungi during processing enhances the sensory profile of coffee. This method enhances floral and fruity notes by increasing the levels of volatile compounds. It offers a natural way to raise the quality of lower-grade crops, according to the study. (Kunming, China)

• Wed, 25 Mar – Study links coffee and tea to slower biological ageing. Research from the UK Biobank found that drinking these beverages is associated with lower age acceleration. This means regular drinkers might have bodies that stay younger than their actual years. The effect was seen in over 117,000 people. (Oxford, UK)

• Fri, 27 Mar – Study finds coffee accounts for 1% of agriculture-driven deforestation. Between 2001 and 2022, the crop was responsible for 1.5 million hectares of forest loss, primarily in Vietnam, Colombia, and Indonesia. Researchers highlight the environmental impact as global demand grows. (Berlin, Germany)

Events & competitions

• Mon, 23 Mar – Rancilio Specialty RS1 sponsors Julius Meinl Barista Cup 2026. The advanced multi-boiler machine will be the official equipment for the final of the global competition. Contenders from 12 nations will showcase their skills using the RS1’s precision brewing technology to secure the top title. (Milan, Italy)

• Mon, 23 Mar – PRF El Salvador 2026 takes place on 26 & 27 March. The 11th Producer & Roaster Forum at the Hilton San Salvador is expected to draw over 4,200 visitors. The event will include PRF Voices, the fifth Global Roasting Contest, the seventh Cold Brew Coffee Championship, the second Soil of Excellence competition, the second Global Cupping Championship, Producer-Roaster Matchmaking, and Seed Connect. (San Salvador, El Salvador)

• Mon, 23 Mar – World of Coffee Bangkok to run from 7 to 9 May 2026. This marks the third WoC Asia event. The expo will host the 2026 World Cup Tasters Championship, the Roaster Village, the Producer Village, cuppings, lectures, and Brew Bars. (Bangkok, Thailand)

• Tue, 24 Mar – James Hoffmann invites roasters to global coffee tasting. The former WBC champion is hosting an online event for a worldwide tasting of the same beans. Participants can purchase a kit with samples to follow along. The “World’s Largest Coffee Tasting” aims to help people identify different flavours in their cup. (London, UK)

• Tue, 24 Mar – SIGEP USA debuts in Las Vegas from 24 to 26 March. Organised by the Italian Exhibition Group, the event took place at the Las Vegas Convention Center alongside the International Pizza Expo. This expansion targeted the coffee, gelato, and pastry sectors, strengthening SIGEP’s global network. (Las Vegas, US)

• Wed, 25 Mar – Dublin, Paris, Glasgow, and Amsterdam Coffee Festivals to be held in mid-April to highlight the European specialty coffee scene. The events will feature regional roasters, the Roasters Village, and interactive workshops. Highlights include the first French Breakfast Championships in Paris and the Matcha Latte Art Battle in Amsterdam. (Dublin, Ireland; Paris, France; Glasgow, UK; Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

• Wed, 25 Mar – COFFeEAST 2026 crowns GreatEast Cup and Coffee Awards winners. Dorin Stancu took the GreatEast Barista, while Origo (Washed), Radical (Natural), and Nostos (Fermented) won the new Coffee Awards. Other winners included Ciprian Bașturea (Skills), Jake Diaz (Drink), and A Regular Show – Denis Gheorghiu & Mihai Vizitiu (Team & Skills). (Bucharest, Romania)

• Wed, 25 Mar – Jacques Pereira Carneiro wins Brazilian Cup Tasters title. The CarmoCoffees professional won the BSCA event, securing his spot at the world championships. The contest evaluates sensory skills through speed and precision in identifying distinct profiles. (Varginha, Brazil)

• Thu, 26 Mar – Andalucía AeroPress Championship 2026 to be held on 30 May. The regional competition will take place at 11:00 am at the Palacio de Congresos de Torremolinos. Organisers emphasise community, precision, and shared techniques among baristas in the local speciality scene. (Málaga, Spain)

• Thu, 26 Mar – Japan AeroPress Championship 2026 set for 26 July. Hosted by Coffeman Good, Keyaki Coffee, and Quilt Coffee, the national event will determine Japan’s representative for the world stage. Competitor registration is priced at US$100.20 (¥16,000). (Sendai/Kagoshima, Japan)

• Fri, 27 Mar – Spyhouse and Mill City Roasters to host Women in Coffee event. Scheduled for 28 March in Minneapolis, the free panel and fundraiser will conclude Women’s History Month. Proceeds benefit Gender Justice, supporting Spyhouse’s Gender Equity Project, which empowers women throughout the supply chain. (Minneapolis, Minnesota, US)

• Fri, 27 Mar – IWCA Global Convention in Bali officially cancelled. The International Women’s Coffee Alliance cited global travel constraints as the reason for calling off the event. Next steps and upcoming opportunities to connect again will be announced in the coming weeks. (Bali, Indonesia)

• Fri, 27 Mar – Triestespresso Expo focuses on innovation for 12th edition. The biennial event returns to the Trieste Convention Centre, uniting the specialty coffee sector from bean to cup. The redesigned format features enhanced networking, building on the 2024 show, which hosted visitors from over 51 nations. (Trieste, Italy)

• Fri, 27 Mar – UK barista Charlie Denton wins Global Costa Coffee Barista of the Year. The 25-year-old from Wakefield secured the title for the first time in the UK since 2017. Denton impressed judges with his signature “Caramelised Banana and Date Latte,” competing against finalists from the UAE, Poland, and China. (London, UK)

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

• Mon, 16 Mar – Tim Hortons expands food menu to compete in the UK. The Canadian coffee chain is introducing hot food options, such as burgers and wraps, to attract lunch and dinner customers and challenge traditional fast-food restaurants. (London, UK)

• Thu, 19 Mar – Peet’s Coffee partners with SoundHound AI for quicker service. The coffee chain is using voice AI to help staff take orders more quickly and accurately. This technology aims to reduce wait times and improve the customer service experience. It is being tested to handle complex drink customisations. (Emeryville, California, US)

• Thu, 19 Mar – Xbot Robot Barista debuts at New York Coffee Fest. The robotic arm served specialty drinks at the Javits Centre event held from 8 to 10 March. Developed by Richtech Robotics, the system automates brewing to maintain consistent quality and work quickly in busy environments. (New York City, New York, US)

Photo credits: Global Coffee Awards, Eversys, Blue Bottle, Bellwether Coffee, Producer & Roaster Forum

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