The Insider: Headlines from the Coffee Industry

Our recurring round-up of the latest specialty-coffee industry news.

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Featured image by Joshua Earle

SCA’s World of Coffee Will Head to New Orleans in 2027

the insider 04032026 winners from the 2025 world brewers cup at world of coffee in jakarta indonesia — Winners from the 2025 World Brewers Cup at World of Coffee in Jakarta Indonesia Photo courtesy of the Specialty Coffee Association

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has announced that World of Coffee is coming to New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2027. The event will take place from April 9 to April 11.

The Price of Coffee is Rising Faster Than All Other Groceries

Compared to other household groceries, coffee is rising in price the fastest, with coffee prices skyrocketing by 18.4% over the last year. A pound of roast coffee cost about $4.17 on average in 2020, and, in 2026, costs about $9.46.

In Brazil, Researchers Remix Coffee Varieties to Combat Climate Change

Reuters reports that Brazilian researchers are crossbreeding arabica coffee with hardier, lesser-known species like liberica to create plants that can better withstand heat, drought, and pests as climate change threatens global supply. Read the full story here.

Keurig Announces Rafael Oliveira As CEO of Future Global Coffee Co.

Keurig Dr. Pepper has acquired JDE Peet’s and announced that JDE Peet’s CEO Rafael Oliveira will continue on as CEO of the new spinoff company, Global Coffee Co. “This is an incredible opportunity to create the future of coffee,” said Rafael in a press release.

Despite Tough Market, Starbucks Makes Plans to Open 500 New Stores in the U.K.

Though Starbucks U.K. reported an operating loss of £29.8 million over the past year, the coffee chain still plans to expand with another 500 locations across the U.K. over the next five years. Read the full story here.