Coffee News Recap, 29 Nov: C price reaches 47-year high, 2025 London Coffee Festival to take place in May & other stories

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

Editor’s note

This week, the C price reached a high of US $3.3/lb – its highest level in 47 years. Prices at this level have only been seen in 1977, 1997, and 2011 and are not expected to drop any time soon.

Many interconnected and complex factors are driving up the market price of coffee. Supply shortages in Brazil and Vietnam, the pending EUDR delay, the USDA’s reduction of its Brazil 2025-26 production volumes estimate, and a stronger US dollar against the Brazilian Real are all impacting the C price.

Inevitably, everyone in the supply chain will continue to pay more for coffee. With margins already tight, roasters will need to pass some of the costs onto consumers – but how much they’re willing to pay is another question. Price sensitivity has already been a major factor affecting the coffee industry, and it’s now only going to become more prominent.

Blends and low 80-point coffees are likely the way forward for many roasters. At the same time, we may see more producers reduce their specialty coffee production volumes to capitalise on a high C price.

Top stories of the week

• Mon, 25 Nov – Scottish dairy farm sells flat white for over £270 (US $340). The marketing tactic is part of Mossgiel Organic Dairy’s crowdfunding campaign as it looks to expand operations. Investors buying 34 shares receive a certificate for the coffee, redeemable at 13 coffee shops in Scotland. Owner Bryce Cunningham argues the high cost supports the future of dairy farming. (Glasgow, Scotland)

• Tue, 26 Nov – The 2025 London Coffee Festival to be held from 15 to 18 May, entries open for Coffee Masters. The event will return to the Trumans Brewery, featuring a trade exhibition, coffee tastings, live demonstrations, panels, and the Coffee Masters competition, where 16 baristas will compete across various disciplines in knockout-style rounds. Super-early bird tickets for the festival will be available in mid-December, with priority access for those on the waiting list. (London, UK)

• Wed, 27 Nov – The C price reaches a 47-year high. Market analysts anticipate that coffee prices will continue to remain high for the foreseeable future, driven by factors such as supply concerns, the pending EUDR delay, unfavourable weather conditions, a strong US dollar, and shipping disruptions.

• Thu, 28 Nov – Emerson Nascimento crowned 2025 Brazilian Barista Champion. The competition was held at the 2024 Brazil International Coffee Week. Nascimento of Coffee Five in Rio de Janeiro will represent Brazil at the 2025 World Barista Championship in Italy, taking place in October. (Belo Horizonte, Brazil)

Industry news

• Mon, 25 Nov – Esquires Coffee aims to double the number of locations in the UK. The coffeehouse chain plans to open 10 new stores by March 2025, aiming to double locations within three years. In 2023, UK sales rose 20% to £17.5 million, with 12% from new outlets. Its New Zealand-based parent company, Cooks Coffee, plans to relocate its HQ to the UK while focusing on lower-cost suburban stores for expansion. (Vancouver BC, Canada)

• Tue, 26 Nov – New study crowns Queenstown as the coffee capital of Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand’s South Island town topped Remitly’s Coffee Capitals Index, achieving a score of 97.8, based on café density, ratings, reviews, and social media presence. Australia dominated the top 10 spots, with Coffs Harbour leading at 66.4, followed by the Gold Coast and Cairns. Despite its reputation, Melbourne ranked seventh, while Sydney placed 12th.

• Wed, 27 Nov – Coffee Supreme partners with Melbourne running group. The Australian roaster is celebrating its partnership with Melbourne’s AM:PM.RC running group with a limited-edition stacker mug and Twilight Track blend. The collaboration highlights their shared love for coffee and well-being, with special products launched ahead of the 2024 Melbourne Marathon. (Melbourne, Australia)

• Wed, 27 Nov – Starbucks’ annual Red Cup giveaway helps boost US sales. Daily store visits on 14 November jumped 42% compared to the previous five Thursdays – and this figure was also higher than the 2023 Red Cup giveaway, which coincided with a union workers strike. (Seattle, Washington, US)

• Wed, 27 Nov – Australia’s Grinders’ takeaway cups are now certified home compostable. The cups feature a water-based barrier coating that eliminates the need for polyethene lining and biodegrades into natural components within 12 months, reducing landfill waste. Grinders Coffee is among the first Australian roasters to offer this environmentally friendly packaging made from renewable sugarcane pulp. (Melbourne, Australia)

• Thu, 27 Nov – Ground Control ships latest SM brewer. The Ground Control SM can prepare cold brew, concentrates, and hot brewed coffee in under eight minutes – and features a removable dispenser for ease of use. (Oakland, California, US)

• Thu, 28 Nov – Bellwether Coffee shares customer success stories. Roasters including Hey My Coffee in Spain, Partners Creating Community in Pennsylvania, and Ethiolife Coffee in Arizona shared their experiences using the electric Bellwether Shop roaster, which can roast up to 13 consecutive batches in one cycle. (Berkeley, California, US)

• Thu, 28 Nov – Bread Holdings reportedly exploring sale of Gail’s. According to a Sky News report, the UK bakery and specialty coffee chain’s parent company hired Goldman Sachs to lead an auction to sell the company in 2025. Gail’s could be valued as high as £500 million (US $525 million). (London, UK)

New launch

• Mon, 25 Nov – Starbucks Reserve debuts holiday drinks with eggnog blends. Stores in Seattle, Chicago, and New York City have launched new eggnog beverages, including the iced caramel brulée eggnog latte and eggnog espresso martini. Returning favourites like the peppermint mocha and peppermint mocha espresso martini are also available, along with seasonal food, merchandise, and the Winter Wonderland Pop-Up at the Empire State Building store. (Seattle, Washington, US)

• Mon, 25 Nov – PKN introduces the new JOY Barista Pecanmilk. Made from sustainably sourced upcycled pecans, PKN JOY includes functional ingredients such as flavonoids and powerful antioxidants. CEO Laura Shenkar highlights the brand’s commitment to taste and sustainability. (Austin, Texas, US)

• Wed, 27 Nov – Rancilio expands presence in the UK with new branch. The new centre in Letchworth Garden City will serve the UK and Ireland and will promote Rancilio, Rancilio Specialty and Egro, as part of the Ali Group Coffee Division. (Parabiago, Italy)

• Thu, 28 Nov – Aram launches new grinder line. The grinders include a Nano Tuner adjustment system, aerospace-grade aluminum and stainless steel materials, and Volcano Texture and Grip Lock features. (Curitiba, Brazil)

• Fri, 29 Nov – Port of Mokha launches holiday gift range. The roaster, which exclusively sources Yemeni coffee, is offering two blends – the Timeless Mokha and a seasonal winter blend – and two anaerobic processed single estate lots. (San Francisco, California, US)

Milestone

• Mon, 25 Nov – Hardtank achieves BRCGS certification. The equipment manufacturer has received BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety (Grade A) certification, ensuring its RTD cold brew, oat lattes, and iced teas meet top food safety standards required by supermarkets, retailers, QSRs, and coffee shops. The certification supports market access, ensures consistent quality, and streamlines safe production processes. (Opole, Poland)

• Wed, 27 Nov – Portland’s Nossa Familia celebrates 20th anniversary with rebrand. The iconic US roaster collaborated with multi-media artist Mika Rane to create packaging for its new Anniversary blend. Nossa Familia will donate US 50 cents from every bag purchased to support schoolchildren in coffee-growing communities. (Portland, Oregon, US)

Trade & production

• Thu, 28 Nov – Market volatility pushes Brazilian exporters to seek debt renegotiation. Atlântica Exportação e Importação SA and Cafebras Comércio de Cafés do Brasil SA have jointly filed a restructuring request, but continue to operate normally. The rising C price is adding strain to traders’ cash flow as they deal with increased costs of hedging. (Minas Gerais, Brazil)

Events

• Tue, 26 Nov – MICE2025 releases early bird tickets. Tickets are available until 15 January 2025 with up to 35% off. The event will run from 20 to 22 March, offering various ticket options, including All Day Access and Access All Areas, with VIP perks. (Melbourne, Australia)

• Wed, 27 Nov – The Chain Collaborative to host fourth annual holiday auction. Taking place from 3 to 10 December, proceeds from the auction will support TCC’s Community-Led Development Incubator, which supports local leaders in coffee-growing regions with community-driven projects. Auction items include coffee, brewing equipment, and merchandise, and more. (Kennet Square, Pennsylvania, US)

• Fri, 29 Nov – Dublin Coffee Festival confirmed for 12 & 13 April 2025. The event will be hosted at the new venue RDS Dublin next year and will feature a trade exhibition, coffee tastings, competitions, talks, and discussions. The event is set to attract a record number of exhibitors and visitors. Pre-sale tickets are available via a sign-up. (Dublin, Ireland)

Competitions

• Mon, 25 Nov – Starbucks announces 2024 Latin America and Caribbean Barista Champion. Luis from Puerto Rico won the 2024 Starbucks Latin America and Caribbean Barista Championship at Hacienda Alsacia, Costa Rica. The event, featuring baristas from 22 different markets, showcased skills in espresso, milk steaming, and latte art. Juls from Mexico and Claudio from Peru were also finalists. (Seattle, Washington, US)

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

• Thu, 21 Nov – Cumulus Coffee debuts at Williams Sonoma flagship stores. The partnership marks an important step towards Cumulus’ goal of making premium cold brew, nitro cold brew, and cold-extracted espresso accessible for home preparation using its innovative brewing technology. (New York City, New York, US)

• Thu, 21 Nov – Duck Donuts expands to the Bahamas. The US bakery & café chain has opened a 1,400 sq ft store in the Bahamas, featuring counter service and digital ordering points. This is the chain’s second Caribbean location, following its launch in Curaçao in October 2023. Franchisee Mercianna Moxey expressed excitement about expanding the brand in the region. (Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, US)

• Fri, 22 Nov – Costa Coffee tests 24-hour drive-thru in the UK. Costa Coffee is testing extended hours at its Leicester Meridien East drive-thru to serve key workers, including healthcare professionals and delivery drivers. Feedback will guide potential 24-hour service at more UK locations. (Loudwater, UK)

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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 how the 47-year high C price is reshaping the industry.