Espresso Information Recap, 16 Jan: Coca-Cola Reportedly Pulls Costa Sale, ICO Says Easing Provide Fears Drove Espresso Costs Down In Dec & Different Tales

Each Friday, Good Every day Grind rounds up the highest espresso business information from the week.

Editor’s word

After months of talks with potential bidders, together with frontrunner TDR Capital, Coca-Cola is reportedly abandoning its sale of Costa Espresso.

The beverage large bought the UK’s largest espresso chain for £3.9bn in 2018, however lately, the funding has “not fairly delivered”, in line with Coca-Cola’s outgoing CEO James Quincey. As per its latest accounts filed with Corporations Home, Costa generated income of £1.2bn in 2024, only one% larger than in 2023. In the identical interval, its working losses elevated to £13.5m.

Coca-Cola had hoped to promote Costa for £2bn, however bids have allegedly fallen in need of sale expectations. What occurs subsequent for the espresso chain stays to be seen.

In the meantime, the Worldwide Espresso Organisation’s newest report discovered that the ICO Composite Indicator Worth (I-CIP) averaged 304.68 US cents/lb in December, down 7.8% from November. ICO’s knowledge point out the steep decline was pushed by a extra beneficial international provide outlook, depreciation of the Brazilian Actual, a further year-long EUDR delay, and tariff exemptions.

The December report additionally highlighted that the upward revision to Brazil’s 2025/26 harvest estimate, mixed with a slight upward correction to the USDA’s international manufacturing outlook, led to extra market stability. As international provide fears ease and exports rise, we may see arabica costs fall additional.

High tales of the week

Mon, 12 Jan – Lease dispute poses unsure future for Kauaʻi Espresso Co. The corporate’s operations span about 3,000 acres and 14 million espresso crops, making it the US’ largest espresso producer, in line with its web site. Kauaʻi Espresso Co. says its lease expires on the finish of March 2026, and the landowner has recommended it is not going to renew below the present phrases. This could put over 140 jobs in danger. (Kalaheo, Hawaii, US)

Mon, 12 Jan – Research finds espresso compounds outperformed diabetes drug in assessments. Researchers remoted a number of diterpene esters from roasted arabica beans that inhibited α-glucosidase, an enzyme concerned in carbohydrate breakdown and blood sugar management, extra successfully than the usual drug acarbose in vitro, suggesting potential for practical meals or nutraceutical improvement. (Kunming, China)

Trade information

Mon, 12 Jan – illycaffè names Johannes Nuding as chef ambassador. The Italian heritage model appointed Nuding, a two-Michelin-star chef, to advise on espresso and meals pairings, culinary collaborations, and menu improvement, aiming to strengthen the model’s gastronomic credentials. (Trieste, Italy)

Tue, 13 Jan – Dunkin’ appoints RH Amar to launch UK retail espresso vary. The distributor will handle gross sales, advertising, and distribution for seven Nespresso-compatible capsules and three Dolce Gusto codecs from January 2026, with the intention of creating Dunkin’ merchandise on UK grocery store cabinets. (London, UK)

Wed, 14 Jan – Farmmi subsidiary secures FDA registration for Chino warehouse. FDA registration allows Suppchains Group to function a compliant US meals facility, supporting Farmmi’s North American logistics growth and probably facilitating storage and distribution of espresso merchandise and RTD beverage parts. (Chino, California, US)

Thu, 15 Jan – 7 Brew, Scooter’s, and Dutch Bros reshape North America’s chain rankings. Technomic’s newest rating lists 7 Brew, Scooter’s, and Dutch Bros within the prime 10, signalling that customers favour fast vists and inexpensive choices. 7 Brew led worth and quickest development, whereas Scooter’s reached almost 900 places and US$723m in 2024 gross sales. (Chicago, Illinois, US)

Fri, 16 Jan – Caffè Nero names Lysa Hardy as UK CEO. Hardy has over 20 years of government expertise at UK retail manufacturers, together with Resort Chocolat. The appointment is meant to speed up development, improve retailer expertise, and strengthen operational resilience throughout the UK property. (London, UK)

Fri, 16 Jan – Hagens Berman information lawsuit in opposition to Starbucks alleging it misled customers with sustainability claims and chemical content material in decaf espresso. The lawsuit claims the chain’s “Dedicated to 100% Moral Espresso Sourcing” messaging is deceptive, highlighting examples of labour and human rights abuses at some farms or cooperatives licensed below Starbucks’ C.A.F.E. Practices programme. The lawsuit additionally claims that Starbucks misled customers in regards to the components in its decaf home medium roast mix, after testing organized on behalf of the plaintiffs detected benzene, toluene, and methylene chloride. The latter is usually utilized in decaf processing. Starbucks says it takes the lawsuit significantly, however believes its claims are inaccurate. (Seattle, Washington, US)

Coffee in a glass mug on a Keurig machine.

Companies on the market

Fri, 16 Jan – Keurig Dr Pepper launches all-cash US$18bn supply for JDE Peet’s. KDP says the €31.85-per-share supply has the unanimous assist of the board and backing from main shareholders. The deal is ready to shut in Q2 2026, creating separate espresso and beverage firms, enabling the espresso division to compete with Nestlé, and is funded by prior personal fairness. (Burlington, Massachusetts, US)

New launch

Tue, 13 Jan – Pop & Bottle releases limited-edition espresso and matcha line. The model launched a small vary of espresso and matcha drinks tied to the streaming launch of Depraved: For Good, with themed packaging and flavours focused at followers. Distribution consists of choose retail and direct-to-consumer channels. (Los Angeles, California, US)

Thu, 15 Jan – Franke launches New A Line in Southeast Asia. Franke Espresso Programs launched its totally computerized machines for Southeast Asia, opening a flagship showroom in Singapore. Fashions A600 and A800 embrace FoamMaster, IndividualClean, and HeatGuard, slicing power loss by as much as 44%, in line with Franek, and providing FrankeOS for operators. (Singapore)

Thu, 15 Jan – Anno Robotic unveils next-generation AI espresso robotic. The corporate goals to scale back labour prices and improve gross sales by means of autonomous brewing and good retail options, thereby strengthening its management in automated retail options. (Shenzhen, China)

Fri, 16 Jan – Royal Cup Espresso and Tea expands RTD brew vary. The corporate added new chilly brew flavours, together with vanilla oat and mocha, utilizing specialty espresso and recyclable packs to develop its RTD portfolio into grocery and on-the-go channels. (Birmingham, Alabama, US)

Fri, 16 Jan – Minor Figures launches new multi-serve oat lattes. The model expanded its RTD portfolio with Basic, Vanilla, Cinnamon, and Mocha multi-serve oat lattes, made with single origin espresso and its signature Barista Oat milk, assembly rising demand for plant-based RTD espresso. (Los Angeles, California, US)

Milestone

Thu, 15 Jan – Paulig marks its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary. The Finnish model highlighted its sustainable sourcing, Nordic-style roast experience, and growth into new markets. The corporate additionally strengthened commitments to local weather motion, farmer partnerships, and innovation in espresso and meals options. (Helsinki, Finland)

Commerce & manufacturing

Wed, 14 Jan – Jamaican espresso sector launches restoration replanting after hurricane injury. Jamaica Blue Mountain Espresso Day on 9 January included a significant replanting initiative to assist farms hit by Hurricane Melissa, with officers and growers planting seedlings to revive manufacturing after an estimated 100,000 luggage had been misplaced within the 2025/26 harvest interval. (Kingston, Jamaica)

Thu, 15 Jan – US tariff risk in opposition to international locations buying and selling with Iran dangers Brazilian espresso exports, Reuters experiences. Mass anti-government protests in Iran have resulted in at the very least 2,500 reported deaths and 1000’s of arrests. Trump posted {that a} 25% tariff is “efficient instantly”, and the order is “last and conclusive”, however the White Home has but to make an official announcement. Brazil ran a US$2.9bn surplus with Iran in 2024, making it a possible goal for tariffs. (Washington DC, US)

Fri, 16 Jan – Kenya’s Laikipia County plans to develop espresso plantations. The area plans to develop espresso manufacturing by allocating land, offering seedling assist, and coaching to spice up manufacturing and incomes, thereby strengthening worth chains and attracting personal funding amid rising international demand. (Nanyuki, Kenya)

Analysis

Thu, 15 Jan – Espresso-related markers have an affect on diabetes 2 danger prediction. Researchers analysed 469 metabolites in 23,634 individuals throughout 10 cohorts and derived a 44-metabolite rating that improves long-term diabetes prediction. Dietary hyperlinks embrace markers related to espresso and tea, purple meat, greens, and sugary drinks. (Boston, Massachusetts, US)

Thu, 15 Jan – Kerry’s 2026 Style Charts spotlight upcoming espresso tendencies. The report highlights seven key tendencies, together with “swicy” (candy and spicy), fruit-forward refreshment, conventional flavours reworked, therapeutic and practical flavours, and maximalist and botanical profiles. (Dublin, Eire)

Occasions & competitions

Mon, 12 Jan – Roast Summit heading to Melbourne in March. The 2-day occasion for espresso roasters, which can run on 24 & 25 March 2026 at Aunty Pegs in Collingwood, provides technical periods, hands-on workshops, and networking. (Melbourne, Australia)

Fri, 16 Jan – SIGEP World begins in Rimini. This yr’s occasion will function the Innovation Bar, a brand new devoted space exploring how espresso machine expertise is evolving, the Micro Roaster Village, and the Espresso Area, which can host the 2026 Italian Barista, Brewers Cup, Latte Artwork, Cup Tasters, Espresso Roasting, and Espresso in Good Spirits Championships. (Rimini, Italy)

Fri, 16 Jan – Fifth WoC Dubai to start on 18 Jan. The occasion will embrace the 2026 UAE Barista, Latte Artwork, Cezve/Ibrik, and Espresso Roasting Championships; the second Dubai Espresso Public sale; the Espresso Design Awards; the Finest New Product competitors; and cuppings. (Dubai, UAE)

Fri, 16 Jan – Grounds for Well being Week 2026 to launch 8 March. The launch of the third annual fundraiser will coincide with Worldwide Girls’s Day. Roasters, espresso retailers, cafés, and business companions are invited to lift funds and generate consciousness amongst prospects in regards to the significance of healthcare for ladies farmers all over the world. (Ashfield, Massachusetts, US)