Coffee News Recap, 29 May: illycaffè says stock exchange listing is a “possibility”, Vietnam’s 2025/26 harvest forecast to rise by 9% & other stories

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

Editor’s note

Andrea Illy, president of illycaffè, has confirmed that a stock exchange listing is “a possibility” but has not set a timeline. Speaking at the Trento Economics Festival, he said the company is “taking it one day at a time”.

His comments reflect a careful approach from a major coffee business under growing pressure. Illy pointed to geopolitical uncertainty and volatile green coffee costs as defining features of 2025, a year he described as “one of transition” for illycaffè.

The financial picture, though, gives the company a credible foundation for a listing. The group reported €700 million in revenue for 2025, up 12% year-on-year, with growth across every key market. Italy rose by 14%, the US by 20%, and Europe by 23%. The brand also began roasting 15-20% of its US-sold coffee domestically earlier this year, signalling a deeper commitment to its second-largest market.

The wider coffee industry faces the same conditions. Coffee futures hit historic highs in early 2025 and have stayed volatile since, though analysts expect prices to ease on the back of a predicted record crop in Brazil. Conflict in the Middle East has added further cost pressure, pushing up logistics, fertiliser, and oil prices across the supply chain.

These factors have thinned margins and delayed investment decisions throughout the sector. The question is timing, and right now, illycaffè, like much of the coffee industry, is monitoring conditions carefully before committing to any decisions.

Top stories of the week

• Mon, 25 May – USDA forecasts Vietnam 2025/26 harvest at 31.7 million bags. These figures are up 9.3% on last crop. Robusta accounts for 30.5 million bags, and exports are predicted at 28.5 million bags, led by Germany, Italy, and the US. However, a looming “super” El Niño threatens the 2026/27 harvest. (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

• Mon, 25 May – Starbucks scraps AI inventory tool across North America after frequent miscounts. The system, part of Niccol’s turnaround strategy, was designed to automate inventory management to help Starbucks address ingredient shortages, but it frequently confused different types of milk and miscounted and mislabelled stock. (Seattle, Washington, US)

• Tue, 26 May – Sana’a University plants 2,400 Yemeni coffee seedlings on campus. Haraz Coffee supplied the seedlings for the reclaimed agricultural land, which includes a modern irrigation network. The initiative aims to restore Yemen’s coffee identity and support practical training for agriculture students. (Sana’a, Yemen)

• Tue, 26 May – La Marzocco becomes the first B Corp espresso machine manufacturer. The Florence-based company achieved a score of 84.4 and has committed to net‑zero emissions by 2050, further supporting its sustainability efforts. (Florence, Italy)

• Wed, 27 May – Andrea Illy says illycaffè stock exchange listing is unlikely, but a “possibility”. Illy called 2025 a “transition” year for the company with higher debt, but says he expects recovery in 2026. Speaking at the Trento Economics Festival, Illy highlighted how geopolitical tensions are creating market uncertainty. (Trento, Italy)

• Wed, 27 May – USDA projects Ethiopia’s 2026/27 coffee production to rise 4.7% to 12.1 million bags. These estimates put Ethiopia as the world’s fourth-largest producer, overtaking Indonesia. Export volumes are forecast at 7.8 million bags, and the country targets US$3bn in export revenue for 2025/26. (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

• Thu, 28 May – India’s Third Wave Coffee set to raise up to US$100m from existing backers. The Bengaluru‑based chain’s valuation could reach up to US$500m, up from US$155m in late 2023, as losses narrow and expansion accelerates. (Bengaluru, India)

• Fri, 29 May – Liverpool Coffee Festival returns for third edition on 6 & 7 June. This year’s edition will include talks and coffee tastings led by industry experts, a dedicated Tasting Lab, a Roasters’ Village showcasing leading UK roasters, and a craft market. (Liverpool, UK)

Industry news

• Mon, 25 May – ProfilePrint earns ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification for responsible AI in food supply chains. The Singapore food-tech firm’s AI management system now meets international standards, providing customers with third-party assurance of quality and ingredient procurement decisions. (Singapore)

• Mon, 25 May – Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini passes away at 76. The visionary leader created the international Terra Madre gathering and the University of Gastronomic Sciences. He built a global movement rooted in good, clean, and fair food for all. (Bra, Italy)

• Mon, 25 May – Nespresso Canada donates CA$200,000 to Tree Canada’s biodiversity restoration initiative. The inaugural donation activates restoration across more than 1,300 hectares, focusing on caribou habitat in British Columbia and Quebec, with First Nations communities leading the effort. (Montreal, Canada)

• Tue, 26 May – Tim Hortons and its owners invest CA$400m to build 80 new sites and renovate 400 across Canada. Franchisees put up CA$270m, the company CA$130m. Ontario leads with 214 projects. The work includes kitchen upgrades and digital ordering improvements. (Toronto, Canada)

• Tue, 26 May – GCP opens a consultation on the 2026 sustainability code review until 19 June. The public consultation covers the Coffee Sustainability Reference Code and Equivalence Mechanism. GCP seeks diverse stakeholder input to keep shared tools relevant and credible for the global coffee value chain. (Bonn, Germany)

• Tue, 26 May – Melitta invests €100m to expand Bremen coffee site. The project adds a roasting plant, packaging centre, and high‑bay warehouse, boosting capacity by 50% and making it Europe’s largest coffee facility by volume. The investment supports Melitta’s 2033 strategy to double group sales. (Bremen, Germany)

• Wed, 27 May – Starbucks Korea sales drop sharply after “Tank Day” campaign tied to Gwangju Uprising anniversary. Shinsegae chairman Chung Yong-jin apologised publicly, taking full responsibility. An internal probe found serious flaws in risk management; no premeditation has been confirmed yet. (Seoul, South Korea)

• Wed, 27 May – Kyiv’s coffee community reopens after Russian attack damages 14 cafés and offices. On 24 May, Russian missiles and drones struck Kyiv and the surrounding region, damaging residential buildings and local businesses. According to members of Kyiv’s coffee community, !FEST Coffee Mission’s Kyiv office was affected, along with approximately 14 cafés and coffee-related businesses across the city. Some have resumed operations, while others continue to assess damage and seek support for repairs. (Kyiv, Ukraine)

• Thu, 28 May – Dr Coffee partners with Mixue Bingcheng as equipment supplier. The Chinese technology manufacturer will integrate smart brewing systems with automated controls into thousands of stores, which it says will ensure consistent beverage quality. (Suzhou, China)

• Thu, 28 May – The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to drop vegan milk surcharge from 3 June. Following a PETA campaign, the chain now joins Starbucks, Dunkin’, and others that have eliminated the extra fee for plant-based alternatives. (Los Angeles, California, US)

• Fri, 29 May – Cooks Coffee sees UK and Ireland store sales jump 22.8% to £43.1m, boosted by a Tesco deal. The Esquires Coffee owner opened 12 net-new UK stores and five within Tesco Ireland outlets, with group revenue nearly doubling to £5.4m. (London, UK)

• Fri, 29 May – Switzerland sells 70% of the world’s green coffee and is the second top roasted coffee exporter. The industry is built on the “substantial transformation” principle, where roasting defines origin. The “Coffee Valley” hosts Nestlé, traders, and machine makers, including 70% of global automatic machines. (Bern, Switzerland)

• Fri, 29 May – Reborn Coffee appoints Thomas Tran as COO and CTO to lead operational discipline and tech integration. Tran brings over 25 years of experience in AI workflows, omni‑channel commerce, and merchant systems. The role supports the company’s global licensing expansion. (Brea, California, US)

• Fri, 29 May – EU-Mercosur deal falsely linked to pest‑infested Brazilian coffee shipment. Polish inspectors blocked 63 tonnes of green coffee, which allegedly contained live pests, but the rejected cargo wasn’t processed under the new trade deal. Green coffee entered the EU tariff‑free long before the agreement. (Brussels, Belgium)

New launch

• Mon, 25 May – Oceana Coffee launches Espresso Style Cold Brew, a concentrated RTD can with two servings per can. The Florida roaster’s new line joins its Classic Cold Brew, both preservative‑free and gluten‑free. CEO Amy Angelo says the new product is for those who “always want a little more”. (Lake Park, Florida, US)

• Mon, 25 May – Rocket Espresso and Zwift launch a limited Mozzafiato Fast espresso machine for cyclists. The 200-unit collab features orange gauge needles, rapid heating, and discreet Zwift logos, and is hand‑assembled in Milan. (Milan, Italy)

• Mon, 25 May – Cropster launches Coffee Productivity Platform to reduce operational complexity. The five‑solution ecosystem connects roasting, inventory, orders, contracts, and café intelligence into a single digital source of truth from bean to cup, boosting profits by cutting siloed manual work. (Innsbruck, Austria)

• Mon, 25 May – Ducati unveils US$3,000 pod-only espresso machine in collaboration with Cuisine Barista. The Barista M3 1926 Limited Edition features carbon-fibre panelling and adjustable brew settings. The machine also includes an in‑cup milk foamer. (Munich, Germany)

• Tue, 26 May – The Coffee Grind launches hidden speakeasy Behind the Grind. The café expands into a hybrid day-to-night destination with live entertainment and design-forward interiors. Partners Lewis Sigelakis and Dominick Raffaele aim to bring a fresh nightlife experience to Long Island. (Massapequa, New York, US)

• Tue, 26 May – The Coffee Club trials instant member pricing for South Australian cafés. Customers pay AU$3 for exclusive discounts on food and drinks at six stores, pausing the points-based app. CEO Richard Hinson calls it a defining moment for comsumer loyalty. (Adelaide, Australia)

• Wed, 27 May – Emma Chamberlain opens first standalone café in Venice, Los Angeles. The founder of Chamberlain Coffee’s new space features marble countertops, retro details, and a retail area. The menu includes seasonal lattes, local pastries, and unique options like salted pistachio matcha. (Los Angeles, California, US)

• Wed, 27 May – Hive Brew unveils One, its smallest cold coffee concentrate maker. The compact system brews micro‑batches for low‑volume settings, producing 12oz of concentrate from 16oz of water in about 30 minutes. It also works as a pour over brewer. (Redding, California, US)

• Wed, 27 May – Polar Joe launches unsweetened Espresso protein coffee with 20g of protein and 110mg of caffeine per serving. The ready-to-mix drink is unsweetened, lactose-free, and can be prepared hot or cold after a 30‑second shake. (Ontario, Canada)

• Thu, 28 May – Nuova Simonelli launches C-Automation campaign to simplify complex coffee workflows. The system automates extraction and milk foaming, reducing errors and freeing baristas to focus on customer interaction. The brand’s message is that technology should enable better experiences, not dominate them. (Macerata, Italy)

• Thu, 28 May – IKAWA partners with Bühler to launch RoastMaster20 drum roaster. The machine has a 70kg/hour capacity, Playone digital control, and up to ten programmable roasting steps. (London, UK)

• Fri, 29 May – Franke Coffee Systems launches new A Line for high-demand coffee shops. Featuring iQFlow for consistent extraction, FoamMaster for precise milk foam, and FrankeOS for intuitive workflows. (Aarburg, Switzerland)

• Fri, 29 May – Sibarist launches immersion filter bags, B2B co‑packing, and a new pour over brewer. The HP paper suits cold brew and single‑serve immersion, while the Sibarist Brewing System suspends a custom conical filter inside a glass chamber for controlled brewing. (Barcelona, Spain)

• Fri, 29 May – Brezi brewer launches with programmable hot bloom and active chilling. The single-cup machine heats water to 158°F for the bloom, then delivers water as cold as 41°F. Users control flow rate, temperature and pour volume via a built-in screen. (Hong Kong, China)

Milestone

• Wed, 27 May – ZUS Coffee reaches its sixth Southeast Asian market with first Indonesian outlet. The Malaysian chain now operates over 1,000 stores across the region. The move is supported by Kapal Api Group and 2023 World Roasting Champion Taufan Mokoginta. (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

• Thu, 278May – abCoffee raises US$7.4m in Pre-Series B round led by Kliff Ventures to expand its grab-and-go chain. The Indian coffee chain will use funds to enter new micro‑markets and boost its tech platform. Subscription sales now pre-sell over 40,000 cups monthly. (Mumbai, India)

Trade & production

• Mon, 25 May – Brazil allocates US$1.27bn for financing the 2026/27 coffee harvest via Funcafé. Marketing leads with US$469m, followed by acquisition with US$295m, production costs with US$279m, working capital with US$199m and plantation recovery with US$31m. (Brasília, Brazil)

• Mon, 25 May – Agroforestry coffee farming can boost exports and protect nature, says UNCTAD. Thailand’s biodiversity‑based coffee exports grew 22.3% to US$154m in 2024. The approach empowers women and strengthens climate resilience. UNCTAD supports sustainable arabica projects in Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam (Geneva, Switzerland)

• Tue, 26 May – Mexico coffee production forecast to rise 1% to 4.14 million bags in 2026/27, boosted by robusta expansion. USDA projects arabica at 3.575 million bags and robusta at 560,000 bags. Domestic consumption grows to 3.17 million bags, with soluble coffee accounting for 57%. (Mexico City, Mexico)

• Tue, 26 May – Robusta rallies on dry conditions in Vietnam, raising crop concerns. July ICE robusta closed up 1.68% as rain in the Central Highlands remains spotty. El Niño risks in Brazil also support prices. (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

• Tue, 26 May – Uganda to post record coffee harvest in 2026/27 driven by expanded acreage and robusta expansion. Production forecast at 8.4 million bags, with exports projected to rise nearly 2% to 6.83 million bags. Plated area reaches 595,000 hectares. (Kampala, Uganda)

• Tue, 26 May – USDA projects Peru’s 2026/27 coffee crop at 4.8 million bags, up 14% from the previous season. The recovery is driven by expanded planted area and higher yields, solidifying Peru’s position as a leading organic arabica exporter. Domestic consumption remains low at 300,000 bags. (Lima, Peru)

• Wed, 27 May – India launches “Coffees of Nagaland” mission with US$21m outlay to develop premium single origin coffee value chain. The cluster-based initiative includes arabica and robusta pilots, covering plantation, processing, branding, traceability, and coffee tourism. (New Delhi, India)

• Wed, 27 May – Starbucks Mexico launches 12th ‘Todos Sembramos Café’ to donate over 800,000 rust-resistant coffee plants. Running until 5 July, the initiative targets Chiapas, Puebla, and Veracruz. Over 12 years, 6.4 million plants have benefited more than 20,000 producers. (Mexico City, Mexico)

• Wed, 27 May – Mexican coffee exports fell 18% in March but remained above average. First‑quarter shipments totalled 2.26 million bags, a 22.4% increase over 2025. The March volume was 7.7% above the five‑year average for the month. (Mexico City, Mexico)

• Thu, 28 May – Small farms account for 54% of Brazilian coffee producers, says Sebrae. Rondônia leads with 87% small growers. Medium producers make up 38%, large 8%. The average small producer is 49 years old with 21 years of experience. Men make up 79% of the sector. (Brasília, Brazil)

• Thu, 28 May – Kenya coffee production to rebound 12% to 950,000 bags in 2026/27, says USDA. Farmers are reinvesting after two years of high prices. The new Coffee Act shifts oversight to the re‑established Coffee Board of Kenya. Exports are also forecast to rise. (Nairobi, Kenya)

• Fri, 29 May – Circuito das Águas Paulista region in Brazil obtains coffee Geographical Indication. Published by INPI, it’s the 15th GI in the state and the seventh for Brazilian coffee. The mountainous area’s unique soil and high altitude produce beans of recognised superior quality. (São Paulo, Brazil)

• Fri, 29 May – China to grant market access to coffee from 53 African countries starting on 20 July. Coffee is the second African agricultural product to obtain full quarantine access after dried chillies. The GAC has rolled out unified phytosanitary requirements, eliminating the need for separate bilateral agreements. (Beijing, China)

Research

• Tue, 26 May – Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee improve mood and reduce stress via gut-brain axis, study finds. Caffeinated coffee reduced anxiety and improved attention, while decaf was linked to better memory and sleep. The trial involved 31 regular drinkers consuming three to five cups daily. (London, UK)

• Wed, 27 May – Roast level ranks as consumers’ most important coffee label. Recent research from the NCA, Ohio State University, and the Coffee Sensorium confirms that specialty coffee buyers use roast level to predict overall flavour, as it guides expectations of strength and bitterness. (Irvine, California, US)

• Thu, 28 May – Caffeine withdrawal is likely confirmed to trigger headaches in regular coffee drinkers, study says. A randomised trial published recently in Scientific Reports found that avoiding caffeine contributes to headache onset and increases severity. (London, UK)

• Fri, 29 May – Caffeine may reduce deep sleep quality without affecting duration, EEG study finds. Research shows that coffee can reduce slow‑wave activity, making sleep shallower and less restorative, even when sleep duration appears normal. Effects vary greatly depending on genetics, metabolism, and daily caffeine intake. (London, UK)

Events & competitions

• Mon, 25 May – Coffee Barometer 2026 webinar will discuss two decades of industry sustainability efforts on 11 June. The 90‑minute session features author Sjoerd Panhuysen, Kenneth Barigye, Ric Rhinehart, and ICO’s Hannelore Beerlandt. (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

• Mon, 25 May – Copper Moon Coffee to exhibit at Summer Fancy Food Show in NYC. The Lafayette roaster will showcase organic Pistachio and Vanilla lines, Cold Brew Pouches, and Brew Over Ice Cups at booth 5707 from 28 to 30 June. (New York City, New York, US)

• Tue, 26 May – Jetro Chua and Robie Flavier crowned Starbucks Philippines 2026 Coffee Champions. The finals took place at Taal Vista Lodge, with 4,588 Coffee Masters narrowed to six finalists. Both will represent the country at the Asia-Pacific Regional Barista Championship in Bonifacio Global City this September. (Manila, Philippines)

• Wed, 27 May – Comandante Championship Belgium set for 24 June in Brussels. The World Tour 2026 event is open to baristas and home brewers. Registration is open now. (Brussels, Belgium)

• Wed, 27 May – Probat to exhibit at WoC Brussels. The company will showcase its P01, P12, and P25 drum roasters at booth 11246, representing nearly the full spectrum of its small-batch specialty coffee portfolio. (Emmerich am Rhein, Germany)

• Thu, 28 May – French AeroPress Championship 2026 set for 9 October, with 45 competitor slots available. The winner will represent France at the World AeroPress Championship. (Paris, France)

• Fri, 29 May – Atomic Coffee Roasters to host 2026 American AeroPress Championship on 21 August in Boston. The single‑event format replaces the 2025 qualifying tour. Thirty‑six competitors will battle in bracket rounds; the champion advances to the world finals in Mexico City. (Boston, Massachusetts, US)

• Fri, 29 May – Nicaragua Cup of Excellence 2026 winners announced. Samuel Zavala won the washed category with a 91.44 Geisha; Inversiones Valladarez Acevedo S.A. took top natural/honey spot at 92.00. A total of 29 lots will be auctioned online on 14 June. (Dipilto, Nicaragua)

• Fri, 29 May – Two Bernardina coffees from Café Pacas proceed to 2026 Cup of Excellence El Salvador 2026 auction. Bernardina is a variety discovered by Café Pacas and is grown exclusively on its farms La Esperanza Bernardina Honey scored 91.95 points, making it the top coffee in the overall CoE El Salvador competition. Santa Sofía Bernardina Natural placed third in the Natural category with 90.10 points. The auction will take place on 2 July. (La Libertad, El Salvador)

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

• Wed, 20 May – Espretto robot barista secures US partnerships in Hawaii, Florida, and NY. The deals move the brand from market interest to commercial deployment. It also advances a Silicon Valley operator location and offers latte art printed from customer photos. (New York City, New York, US)

• Thu, 21 May – Minh Dang Group buys €3.5m coffee roasting tech from Italy’s Brambati. The deal includes the BR2400 and BR3600 lines, with automated profiling and energy-efficiency gains. The Vietnamese firm also develops traceable raw-material sourcing for roasted, drip, instant, and private-label coffees. (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

• Thu, 21 May – Vietnam and China strengthen coffee cooperation, opening opportunities in Yunnan. The second Jade Dragon Snow Mountain coffee festival in Lijiang brought together businesses and experts. Vietnam’s robusta complements Yunnan’s arabica, with potential for deeper ties in trade, training, and product development. (Hanoi, Vietnam)

• Thu, 21 May – Brazil’s larger coffee crop fails to ease global price uncertainty, analysts warn. Conab projected 66.1 million bags, up 17.1%, but tight global supply keeps prices volatile. July arabica closed at US$2.6830/lb in NY, while El Niño risks and fragile inventory levels add to market tension. (Santos, Brazil)

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