Coffee News Recap, 8 May: EUDR set to include instant coffee, Honduras expected to produce over 6 million bags for 2026/27 harvest & other stories

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

Editor’s note

The EUDR has covered coffee in almost all its forms since the regulation was first proposed, but instant coffee was notably absent from its scope. This omission created a gap that companies could technically exploit: a business could source, process, and package instant coffee entirely outside Europe, then import the finished product into the EU without triggering deforestation checks.

The European Commission has now proposed to close the gap. Its latest draft delegated regulation proposes adding soluble coffee to the EUDR’s scope, arguing that leaving it out “creates a fragmented and incoherent approach for the coffee sector” and may result in the relocation rather than the elimination of deforestation risk.

The European Coffee Federation described the proposal as “an important step towards a more coherent and workable framework for the sector.” The draft is currently open for public feedback until 1 June 2026.

The timing is crucial. The regulation is scheduled to take effect on 30 December 2026 for larger companies, and 30 June 2027 for smaller ones. Businesses handling instant coffee now face the same due diligence requirements as those working with green and roasted coffee. For large multinationals, the compliance burden is likely to be significant.

Top stories of the week

• Mon, 4 May – Honduran coffee production is projected to reach 6.03 million bags by 2026/27 harvest. A new USDA report attributes the positive outlook to enhanced plant nutrition programmes, the positive phase of biennial production cycles, and the steady expansion of coffee-growing land areas. (Tegucigalpa, Honduras)

• Mon, 4 May – Backlash against WCC “Chinese Taipei” name change. On 28 April, following Bala’s WLAC win, the World Coffee Championships replaced all mentions of “Taiwan” with “Chinese Taipei” on its website, citing alignment with international sporting protocols. Members of the Taiwanese coffee community have rejected the decision, saying it erases Taiwan’s sovereignty and identity. (Taipei, Taiwan)

• Tue, 5 May – Yunnan plans to challenge Minas Gerais’ coffee production within the next decade. Through state-backed expansion and the China-Europe Railway Express, the province aims to scale arabica production and exports, potentially lowering global prices and displacing small-scale farmers in other producing countries. (Yunnan, China)

• Wed, 6 May – European Commission proposes to include soluble coffee in EUDR. According to the Commission, not including instant coffee within the legislation “creates a fragmented and incoherent approach for the coffee sector”. The draft legislation is open to public feedback until 1 June. (Brussels, Belgium)

• Wed, 6 May – Royal Cup completes acquisition of Farmer Brothers. The coffee and tea manufacturer and distributor purchased Farmer Brothers Coffee, a US roaster, wholesaler and distributor, for US$1.29 per share. Both companies share 250 years of combined industry experience. The combined firm will be led by Royal Cup CEO Chip Wann, following the exit of Farmer Brothers’ top executive team. (Fort Worth, Texas, US)

• Thu, 7 May – Vietnam’s coffee exports rise 15.8% in volume. Despite growth in export quantities in early 2026, total revenue declined due to price volatility. The country’s coffee sector faces ongoing pressure to balance production levels against fluctuations in global demand. (Hanoi, Vietnam)

• Thu, 7 May – Edgar Rivas is the 2026 Colombian Barista Champion. Rivas won the 20th edition of the national competition, with María Paulina Pulido in second place and Ronald in third. Rivas will represent Colombia in the 2026 World Barista Championship, to be held in Panama City from 23-25 October. (Bogotá, Colombia)

• Fri, 8 May – Third WoC Asia takes place in Bangkok, hosting the 2026 World Cup Tasters Championship. The event runs until 9 May at BITEC, featuring the Roaster Village, Producer Village, cuppings, lectures and Brew Bars. (Bangkok, Thailand)

Industry news

• Mon, 4 May – Grounds for Health transitions Kenya programme to local ownership. After ten years in Nyeri, the group is handing over its cervical cancer initiatives to local authorities. Efforts will now shift to scaling work in Ethiopia and expanding into Latin America by 2027. (Nyeri, Kenya)

• Mon, 4 May – Blue Tokai raises US$21m in Series D funding round. The Indian specialty coffee chain secured funding, led by Anicut Capital, to fuel its global expansion efforts. Operating over 175 cafés, the firm reported a 50% year-on-year increase in revenue in the 2025 financial year. (Gurugram, India)

• Tue, 5 May – Best US cities for coffee dates ranked. As coffee shops remain one of the most popular destinations for first dates, Tawkify surveyed 1,000 single adults across the US and ranked venue data across 95 cities. New York City, Portland, Oregon, and Seattle ranked in the top three. (San Francisco, California, US)

• Tue, 5 May – Löfbergs releases 2025 sustainability results. The Swedish roaster reported a 73% reduction in climate impact since 2005. Key achievements include supporting 112,000 smallholder farmers and converting 12,700 hectares to organic production. The firm also launched peat-free soil made from upcycled coffee waste. (Karlstad, Sweden)

• Wed, 6 May – Berlin’s LAP Coffee plans expansion to over 20 stores this year. The value-focused chain targets new stores this year in Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Frankfurt, adding to its 30 existing outlets. Its low-price, grab-and-go model has sparked both local opposition and growing customer demand. (Berlin, Germany)

• Wed, 6 May – McCafé revamp signals shift in coffee chain competition. McDonald’s applies lessons from its discontinued CosMc’s concept to refresh McCafé, targeting Gen Z with a new line of colourful, flavour-led, and customisable beverages. (Chicago, Illinois, US)

• Thu, 7 May – Bean & Brand agency brings big-brand storytelling to specialty coffee. Veteran copywriter Nick Usborne, who previously worked at Apple and Disney, launched a boutique firm to help independent roasters develop authentic marketing strategies. (Montréal, Québec, Canada)

• Thu, 7 May – Stokes Coffee rebrands with illustrated ‘Stokes People’ character system. The fourth-generation Lincoln roaster has modernised its brand identity across packaging and wholesale channels, developed with Eat Marketing, while preserving its 124-year heritage. (Lincoln, UK)

• Thu, 7 May – ONA partners with Grid Coffee in roaster collaboration across Chinese cities. The Australian roaster’s competition coffees feature under a ‘same price as overseas’ model in Beijing, Chengdu, and Shenzhen, as part of Grid’s third ‘World‑Class Guest’ programme. (Beijing, China)

• Fri, 8 May – Oval Coffee scales US distribution. The NYC roaster partnered with Whisha Specialty Coffee Distributors to expand its West Coast footprint. The deal brings Oval’s specialty coffee offerings to major retailers like Whole Foods and Target, starting in California. (New York City, New York, US)

• Fri, 8 May – Tim Hortons parent RBI posts Q1 profit surge as Tims logs 20th straight comps gain. Net income rose to US$338m, with revenue at US$2.26bn. Cold drinks surged as a key growth driver, yet traffic stalled in lunch categories. (Toronto, Canada)

• Fri, 8 May – Dutch Bros raises 2026 forecast after Q1 revenue jumps 31%. Same-store sales rose 8.3% on 5.1% higher transactions. The chain now expects at least 185 new shops and over US$2bn in annual revenue. (Tempe, Arizona, US)

• Fri, 8 May – IMF installs coffee roasters in Düsseldorf and Sydney projects. Germany’s Dritan Alsela Roastery runs a visible 60kg IMF machine. Sydney’s The Roasting Club features Australia’s largest IMF installation with 60kg and 240kg roasters and automated silos. (Düsseldorf, Germany)

New launch

• Mon, 4 May – Chamberlain Coffee opens first standalone café in LA. Founded by influencer Emma Chamberlain, the brand’s new café is designed to resemble a home kitchen, featuring intimate seating and curated local retail. (Los Angeles, California, US)

• Mon, 4 May – Prima Coffee launches Kickstart mobile coffee cart. The integrated solution includes a water pump, power panel, sink kit, and pitcher rinser. Engineered for single-group espresso service, it aims to reduce buildout complexity for mobile business owners. (Louisville, Kentucky, US)

• Mon, 4 May – Atomic Coffee Roasters launches 2026 Singletrack blend for NEMBA. The partnership, now in its fourth year, supports trail maintenance in New England. Sourced from Ethiopia, Honduras, and Guatemala, sales of the medium roast blend will fund regional trail grants. (Peabody, Massachusetts, US)

• Mon, 4 May – KitchenAid expands espresso range with new fully automatic machines. The new models include an integrated iced coffee feature that brews at lower temperatures to reduce bitterness. The new machines aim to simplify the home brewing process while maintaining specialty coffee quality standards. (Benton Harbor, Michigan, US)

• Mon, 4 May – Buddy Brew to open ten cafés inside Sprouts stores. The initial rollout across four Florida counties is expected by July. The company-operated units will maintain the brand’s specialty coffee menu and expand its presence in the region. (Tampa, Florida, US)

• Mon, 4 May – Edinburgh’s Machina Coffee Roasters opens new training, events and showroom space. The new hub features equipment from brands such as La Marzocco, Mahlkönig, and Victoria Arduino, allowing local businesses to test new equipment and concepts and train baristas. The venue will also host industry events and workshops. (Edinburgh, Scotland)

• Tue, 5 May – Acaia introduces Horizon for brewed coffee analysis. The new device uses advanced sensor technology to monitor extraction variables, such as flow rate and TDS, in real-time. (Los Angeles, California, US)

• Tue, 5 May – Caffe Ladro partners with Project Open Arms for trans+ resettlement. The initiative provides safety and relocation assistance to Two-Spirit, transgender, nonbinary, gender-diverse, and gender-nonconforming (trans+) people and their families. For every Coffee for Good blend bag sold throughout May and June, US$3 will be donated to support resettlement efforts. (Seattle, Washington, US)

• Tue, 5 May – Pret A Manger opens first UK drive-thru in Warrington. The trial site off M6 junction 21 features a single-order lane, 48 indoor seats, and EV chargers, partnering with Motor Fuel Group against rivals Costa and Starbucks. (Warrington, UK)

• Wed, 6 May – Good & Proper Tea launches concentrates for the hospitality industry. Designed for speed and consistency, the small-batch range includes Hibiscus & Rhubarb, Jasmine & Sicilian Lemon, and Chai. The whole-leaf specialty tea blends allow cafes to serve premium iced drinks and lattes in seconds. (London, UK)

• Wed, 6 May – Bulletproof debuts mushroom coffee. The Mood Booster is a medium roast arabica blend with lion’s mane, ashwagandha, and reishi mushroom extracts. The blend is available on Amazon, with retail launches planned this fall. (Seattle, Washington, US)

• Wed, 6 May – Nescafé Espresso Concentrate hits Malaysia. The concentrates allow consumers to customise drinks by adding milk or water, targeting the rising demand for convenience. (Petaling Jaya, Malaysia)

• Wed, 6 May – Flair Espresso debuts the eWizard steamer and 49 Pro manual espresso machine. The brand launched the eWizard, an electronic steamer providing precise temperature and pressure for milk, and the 49 Pro, a commercial-grade manual lever machine. (Rancho Santa Margarita, California, US)

• Thu, 7 May – Starbucks Chilled Coffee launches ‘Sidekick’ EMEA campaign championing self-expression. The ‘WHATEVER YOUR THING, we’re in’ platform targets Gen Z and young millennials, offering chilled coffee as a companion rather than a solution. Research across the UK, Germany, and Spain found 88% of young people feel they hide parts of themselves to fit in. (London, UK)

• Thu, 7 May – Oatly debuts Barista Cold Foam. The high-stability and visual layering foam will launch first at Black Sheep Coffee on 13 May to address the booming demand for customisable cold specialty coffee. (London, UK)

• Fri, 8 May – Mundo Novo unveils CS2 two-group automatic pour over machine for coffee shops. The boilerless system features independent groupheads and custom pour profiles. Shipping is expected by August, with commercial and eventual home models. (New York City, New York, US)

• Fri, 8 May – IMA to showcase TTR EVO industrial roaster at Interpack 2026. The hot‑air recirculation system recovers thermal energy and is available for R&D to large‑scale production. (Düsseldorf, Germany)

Milestone

• Mon, 4 May – Sproud achieves record annual revenues. The Malmö company’s growth was driven by a strategic partnership with a European coffee chain, expansion into new markets, and increased brand recognition. (Malmö, Sweden)

• Wed, 6 May – Delta Cafés completes major €20m upgrade. The Portuguese coffee roaster is finishing a seven-year project to boost production capacity at its hub, aiming to become a top ten global coffee brand and unlock new export opportunities. (Lisbon, Portugal)

Trade & production

• Mon, 4 May – Excessive rainfall threatens Indonesia’s coffee output. Heavy rains are projected to lower production for the second consecutive year, impacting harvest yields and quality. Farmers face significant challenges as climate volatility continues to disrupt the region’s coffee sector. (Jakarta, Indonesia)

• Tue, 5 May – Uganda’s coffee exports rose by 3.2% in the last year. Uganda shipped 671,152 60kg bags in March 2026. While volumes grew due to a strong harvest, export value fell 13.6% to US$173.4m as global prices softened from 2025 peaks. (Kampala, Uganda)

• Tue, 5 May – Indonesian coffee exports plummet. Shipments of coffee, tea, and spices fell 54.7% year-on-year in March 2026, contributing to a 44.1% collapse in agricultural exports. The decline is linked to adverse weather and cooling global demand, though specialty coffee exports remain stable. (Jakarta, Indonesia)

• Wed, 6 May – Uganda leverages Germany trade mission to boost premium coffee status. A nine-day familiarisation trip aims to strengthen Uganda’s share of Germany’s large coffee market. Trade stands at around US$500m, with Germany among the top three importers of Ugandan coffee. (Berlin, Germany)

• Thu, 7 May – Indian coffee exports surge 26% to US$112m in Jan-Apr 2026. Robusta shipments rose 36% to 85,168 tonnes, while instant coffee grew 16% to 20,332 tonnes. Arabica exports, meanwhile, dropped 58%. (New Delhi, India)

• Thu, 7 May – Brazil says Lula-Trump talks ease trade tensions after US hit Brazilian coffee with 50% tariffs last year. Trump later withdrew most levies, including on coffee, to help calm US grocery prices. Brazilian products still face an extra 10% tariff, which is due to expire in July. (Washington DC, US)

• Fri, 8 May – Brazil’s agriculture minister meets Andrea Illy and Italian ambassador to discuss coffee sector. André de Paula hosted illycaffè’s Chairman and Alessandro Cortese in Brasília, covering sustainability, value-added exports, trade protocols, and the implementation of the EUDR. (Brasília, Brazil)

• Fri, 8 May – Colombian coffee production drops 28% in Jan-Apr 2026 to 3.21m bags, exports fall 26% to 3.25m bags. Persistent rains delayed the harvest, particularly in southern departments. April output reached 697,000 bags, 0.85% below April 2025. (Bogotá, Colombia)

Research

• Tue, 6 May – KDP report shows Gen Z and Alpha consumers choose brands that reflect their identity. Nearly 58% of respondents select beverages for self-expression, twice as likely as older cohorts. Nearly three-quarters of Gen Z and Alpha coffee choices now include flavour, almost double the rate among older generations. (Burlington, Massachusetts, US)

• Thu, 7 May – Nestlé trial finds mixing six robusta varieties boosts yields by up to 86% in Côte d’Ivoire. The multi-year study with CNRA also improved cup quality, reducing bitterness and woody notes. The varieties will be distributed under the Nescafé Plan. (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire)

• Fri, 8 May – Robotic coffee kiosks to replace staffed outlets at airports and hospitals by 2027, industry report finds. Staffing a 24/7 location now costs over US$300,000 annually, while autonomous units cut operating expenses by 50-65% and boost uptime from 70% to over 95%. (Shenzhen, Guangdong, China)

Events & competitions

• Mon, 4 May – The London Coffee Festival to take place on 14-17 May. The event will be held at The Truman Brewery, featuring professional workshops, competitions, and exhibitions from artisan coffee brands. (London, UK)

• Tue, 5 May – Cerrado Mineiro leaders conclude Europe immersion. From 27 April to 1 May, representatives from six cooperatives visited Italy and Spain to study regional branding. By observing South Tyrol and Rioja, the group aims to evolve from a production origin into a high-value specialty territory with global purpose. (Patrocínio, Brazil)

• Tue, 5 May – MICE2027 dates confirmed for 4-6 March at Melbourne Convention Centre. The event is expected to attract over 14,000 attendees and will feature the Café Owners Education Series, Trip to Origin, and Roasters Playground. (Melbourne, Australia)

• Wed, 6 May – SIAL Shanghai set for 13-15 May. The event at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre will showcase global food and beverage innovations, catering solutions, and emerging market trends. (Shanghai, China)

• Wed, 6 May – T&CTJ’s second Women in Tea & Coffee conference launches in London. The event at The View highlights women from origin countries, featuring UN FAO’s Dr Erika Valério as the keynote speaker, with sessions on career paths and sustainability. (London, UK)

• Thu, 7 May – De’Longhi Group and La Marzocco merge design and coffee at Milan Design Week 2026. De’Longhi showcased miniature global coffee shop fronts atop machines, while La Marzocco debuted new colours, a POLSPOTTEN collection, and a Highsnobiety kiosk. (Milan, Italy)

• Thu, 7 May –&BACK COFFEE wins 2026 Canadian Fair Trade Award for Producer Impact and Leadership. The B Corp aims to empower 10,000 women in its supply chain via financial literacy programmes and projects in Ecuador and Kenya. (Toronto, Canada)

• Fri, 8 May – Cimbali Group to debut Mazzer x Slayer grinder and LaCimbali Supera at London Coffee Festival. The event will feature remarks by Frédéric Thill and Luigi Mazzer, showcasing the new grinder and the UK premiere of the fully automatic machine. (London, UK)

• Fri, 8 May – BRITA launches 2026 Grounds of Innovation Awards for UK independent coffee shops. The competition runs until 29 July, recognising creativity, sustainability, and customer experience. The winner receives a prize package worth over £1,000, including a PURITY C iQ system and a latte art masterclass. (London, UK)

• Fri, 8 May – Bazzara to unveil new Italian Blends and luxury range at Tuttofood 2026. The Trieste roastery will showcase its award-winning Dodicigrancru blend and redesigned Italian Blends at Fiera Milano Rho from 11 to 14 May. Its luxury range won first prize at the Luxury Food & Beverage Quality Awards for the previous three consecutive years. (Milan, Italy)

• Fri, 8 May – Astoria debuts ‘Smart Traditional’ ST-800 espresso machine at World of Coffee Bangkok. The machine blends traditional portafilter handling with intelligent features, including dose recognition and an optional autosteamer, targeting high-productivity venues. (Bangkok, Thailand)

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

• Wed, 29 Apr – Luckin Coffee announces US$300m share buyback. The coffee chain confirmed its first-ever repurchase programme, lasting one year, following a strong first-quarter 2026 performance with revenues reaching US$1.76bn and a global network of 33,596 stores. (Xiamen, China)

• Wed, 29 Apr – Lavazza celebrates 15 years at Internazionali d’Italia. The coffee company highlights its long-standing partnership with the tournament, having served over 15 million cups to tennis fans and players since 2011. (Rome, Italy)

• Thu, 30 Apr – Green Coffee Company raises funds to expand Juan Valdez retail in North America. The group secured multi-million-dollar funding to scale the distribution of its licensed Juan Valdez coffee products across the US and Canada. (Medellín, Colombia)

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