Coffee News Recap, 24 Apr: Luckin claims it has world’s biggest roaster, major coffee brands partner to map deforestation ahead of EUDR & other stories

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

Editor’s note

Luckin Coffee’s turnaround over the past six years is one of the more striking stories in the global coffee industry. Founded in 2017 in Beijing, the chain built its model around technology and convenience, growing fast enough to overtake Starbucks in China by 2019.

That momentum collapsed in 2020, when Luckin pleaded guilty to US$310m in sales fraud and was delisted from the Nasdaq. After restructuring and settling with regulators, the brand has since rebuilt to 31,000 stores worldwide, including locations in the US, where it is again competing directly with Starbucks.

Luckin’s backer, Centurium Capital, also reportedly acquired Blue Bottle Coffee earlier this year for US$400m, well below Blue Bottle’s previous US$700m valuation. Under the reported terms, Centurium takes on Blue Bottle’s physical café locations, while Nestlé will retain the consumer packaged goods side of the business.

This week, Luckin opened its Qingdao roasting centre, which it claims houses the world’s largest roaster. The facility joins existing centres in Pingnan, Kunshan, and Xiamen (the latter still under construction). Across all four sites, combined roasting capacity is expected to exceed 155,000 tonnes, which Luckin says sets a new record for the Chinese market.

The timing is significant. Earlier this year, Keurig Dr Pepper merged with JDE Peet’s to form Global Coffee Co., a business that will be responsible for US$16bn in worldwide sales. The deal positions the new entity as a direct rival to Nestlé.

How Luckin and Nestlé compete with the Global Coffee Co. over the coming years will have real consequences for supply chains, retail strategies, and consumer choices.

Top stories of the week

• Mon, 20 Apr – Casa La Marzocco opens for Milan Design Week. The 300 sq m pop-up combines La Marzocco Home and Modbar machines, debuting three new colours for the Linea Mini and Linea Micra: Crème, Blue, and Brushed Steel. The space also features a new line of cups and accessories launched with POLSPOTTEN, as well as the Good Meetup Kiosk, a Mexican-inspired pop-up coffee and cocktails experience, and Coffee PortrAIts interactive experience. (Milan, Italy)

• Tue, 21 Apr – Germany’s whole bean coffee consumption at a record high. According to Deutscher Kaffeeverband, the average German consumed 161 litres of coffee in 2025. Whole bean coffee consumption reached a new record high of 193,800 tonnes (3.21 million bags), marking a 130% increase over the past decade. (Hamburg, Germany)

• Wed, 22 Apr – Major coffee brands partner with space company Airbus to map coffee-growing lands. Led by JDE Peet’s (now part of Keurig Dr Pepper) with participation from Louis Dreyfus Company, Sucden, Neumann Kaffee Gruppe, Touton, Sucafina, and Tchibo, the Coffee Canopy Partnership will create what it describes as a comprehensive, openly accessible map of global coffee production ahead of the EUDR deadline. (London, UK)

• Thu, 23 Apr – Coffee prices remain volatile amid Middle East conflict and Brazil frost risk. Arabica futures reached their highest levels in two weeks following concerns that conflict in the Middle East will tighten global coffee stockpiles. Temperature drops have been recorded in parts of southern Brazil, raising concerns that frost could damage crops. (New York City, New York, US)

• Thu, 23 Apr – Seven B Corp roasters & traders unite for coffee coalition. Sancoffee, Nomad, Café Imports, and others launched the global coalition to boost sustainability efforts. The group says it shares best practices to improve workforce and prosperity standards across the coffee supply chain. (Minneapolis, Minnesota, US)

• Fri, 24 Apr – US administration opens portal for tariff refunds. US Customs and Border Protection launched Phase 1 of its Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) tool to process International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) duty refunds, though it’s still unclear how much money importers and roasters will recover and how long it will take to process claims. (Washington DC, US)

Industry news

• Mon, 20 Apr – Cuppa enters new growth phase with CEO and funding. The Indian café brand appointed Sharath Ravikumar as CEO to lead its franchise expansion. Supported by Bharat Sanjaya Ventures, the chain aims to scale across South India and international markets. (Bengaluru, India)

• Mon, 20 Apr – Philz Coffee reinstates Pride flags. CEO Mahesh Sadarangani apologised for a “mistake” after an 11 April directive to remove the flags sparked nationwide protests and a petition with 7,300 signatures. The reversal ensures Pride flags remain in all 82 shops. (San Francisco, California, US)

• Tue, 21 Apr – HCA appoints new executive director. The Hawaiʻi Coffee Association named Abigail Munoz to drive its new strategic plan. Developed with consultant Lee Safar, the initiative focuses on strengthening the state’s global reputation and supporting local industry growth through unified leadership. (Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, US)

• Tue, 21 Apr – Fore Coffee net profit jumps 60.5%. Fore Kopi Indonesia reported a net profit of US$587,500 for 1Q26. Revenue surged 52.4% to US$27.75m as the network grew to 338 stores. The firm showed resilience against Ramadan seasonality and global geopolitical tensions. (Jakarta, Indonesia)

• Tue, 21 Apr – Sandalj Trading appoints new board. The Italian green coffee importer has named Theresa Sandalj as Chairman of the Board, representing the family’s third generation. She is joined by new board members Maurizio Tremonti and Francesca Levi to lead the company’s strategic growth and sustainability efforts. (Trieste, Italy)

• Tue, 21 Apr – Franke Coffee Systems partners with Exile Tetsuya. The Swiss manufacturer teamed up with the Japanese producer to bring the award-winning Mytico line to Amazing Coffee shops. The collaboration combines Italian design with precision Swiss technology to enhance coffee service in Japan. (Tokyo, Japan)

• Wed, 22 Apr – KDP and Nestlé extend partnership. Keurig Dr Pepper and Nestlé USA renewed their deal for Starbucks K-Cup pods in the US and Canada. The agreement focuses on expanding the brand’s presence within the single-serve Keurig system. (Burlington, Massachusetts, US)

• Wed, 22 Apr – Starbucks to open US$100m Nashville office. The firm will establish a Southeast corporate hub to support regional growth, though some employees are resisting the relocation. The investment aims to streamline operations and create hundreds of local jobs by 2027. (Nashville, Tennessee, US)

• Wed, 22 Apr – Budget coffee chains cluster near Starbucks in Seoul. A new pattern shows low-cost brands like Mega Coffee and Compose Coffee opening beside Starbucks outlets. While Starbucks offers a premium “third space,” budget rivals cater to rising demand for fast, affordable takeaways. (Seoul, South Korea)

• Thu, 23 Apr – Nescafé Espresso Concentrate expands in Europe. Nestlé is launching its liquid coffee concentrate in ten new markets, including the UK and Spain. The shelf-stable product allows consumers to create café-quality iced or hot lattes at home by adding milk or water. (Vevey, Switzerland)

• Thu, 23 Apr – SEB Professional extends World of Coffee San Diego programme. Following the San Diego event, the firm extended equipment specials through 24 April. Offers include a free side cooler with WMF 5000S+ purchases and a free second dispenser with Curtis G4 Twin 1.5 Gallon ThermoPro orders. (Ecully, France)

• Fri, 24 Apr – Keurig Dr Pepper beats Q1 estimates. Net sales rose 9.4% to US$3.98bn, driven by strong demand for refreshment beverages, which offset a 7% decline in K-Cup pod shipments. Adjusted EPS of US$0.39 topped forecasts despite margin pressure from coffee hedges and tariffs. (Burlington, Massachusetts, US)

• Fri, 24 Apr – Coffee sales drive Nestlé’s Q1 growth. Despite conflict in the Middle East, Nestlé beat sales forecasts with a 3.5% organic rise, led by Nescafé. As inflation keeps consumers at home, coffee volumes grew 1.2%. The firm is now targeting a turnaround in China by focusing on premium soluble coffee. (Vevey, Switzerland)

New launch

• Mon, 20 Apr – Franke launches new A Line machines in UK & Ireland. The A600 and A800 machines both include the iQFlow™ system, which controls flow rate and extraction time; the New FoamMaster, which delivers both hot and cold foam and minimises milk waste; and PrecisionTemp, which delivers beverage-specific temperature control. Both machines also feature FrankeOS, the New A Line’s digital operating system, which supports self-service, Customer Mode for guests, and Operator Mode for staff. (Aarburg, Switzerland)

• Mon, 20 Apr – Cera+ launches Titan ET58 tamper. Debuted on Kickstarter, the Titan ET58 is a handheld electronic tamper designed for 58mm portafilters. It features auto-sensing vibration to eliminate clumps, adjustable pressure from 5-20kg, and a ripple base to reduce channelling for consistent espresso. (Dallas, Texas, US)

• Mon, 20 Apr – Bones Coffee launches Star Wars line. The Florida roaster debuted the “Galactic Coffee Collection” featuring Cantina Caramel Crunch and Beskar Brew. Available in bags or a collector’s bundle, the series includes themed mugs featuring Grogu and the Mandalorian. (Cape Coral, Florida, US)

• Mon, 20 Apr – Onyx Coffee Lab launches RTD concentrates. The roaster debuted its first shelf-stable “Café Expressions” line in 750ml bottles. Featuring “Southern Weather” and “Monarch” blends, the concentrates are designed for easy home use, cocktails, or dilution. (Rogers, Arkansas, US)

• Tue, 21 Apr – Dekáf introduces Series 001 drinkware. Salem-based Dekáf Coffee Roasters launched its first merchandise collection, featuring insulated mugs, tumblers, and airtight canisters. (Salem, Massachusetts, US)

• Tue, 21 Apr – Lavazza opens LA Training Centre. The Italian brand launched an expanded facility in Los Angeles, part of a global network of 58 sites. It offers SCA-certified courses and “Coffee Design” workshops, acting as a hub for baristas and hospitality leaders in Southern California. (Los Angeles, California, US)

• Tue, 21 Apr – Ediya Coffee debuts in North America. South Korea’s largest coffee chain opened its first international outlet in Toronto. The move marks the start of a global expansion strategy, bringing its signature beverage menu and “K-coffee” culture to the Canadian market. (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

• Tue, 21 Apr – Samanah Duran launches Siren Grounds coffee brand. The Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur has returned to the FMCG sector with a “female-first” wellness coffee brand. Siren Grounds features premium beans infused with functional ingredients like collagen and vitamins to support women’s health. (London, UK)

• Wed, 22 Apr – Tuni G3 launches in North America. Tuni’s G3 home espresso grinder is now available for US$199. It features 64mm stainless steel flat burrs, 100 precision settings, and a dual-hopper system with anti-static technology. (Rancho Cucamonga, California, US)

• Wed, 22 Apr – JURA launches C9 coffee machine. The award-winning fully automatic model features a new “Light Brew” process alongside “Hot Brew” options. Offering 17 modes and a 2.8-inch colour display, it’s available in three finishes. (Montvale, New Jersey, US)

• Wed, 22 Apr – Taché launches three-ingredient milk. The pistachio milk brand has introduced a minimalist recipe containing only premium pistachios, filtered water, and pink Himalayan sea salt. It offers natural creaminess without additives and is now available at Whole Foods. (New York City, New York, US)

• Wed, 22 Apr – Coffee Meets Cannabis launches Stir The Pot. Former Jones Soda president Eric Chastain and Grammy winner Kevin Smith unveiled a hemp-derived THC coffee syrup brand in Austin, Texas, aiming to blend coffee preparation with cannabis-infused beverages. (Austin, Texas, US)

• Thu, 23 Apr – Solzi debuts sparkling espresso tonic. The new beverage blends premium espresso tonic with the natural sweetness from organic dates. It targets consumers seeking clean-label energy alternatives without refined sugars or artificial additives. (New York City, New York, US)

• Thu, 23 Apr – Domino’s debuts concept café in India. The new format features coffee drinks priced under US$1 alongside a snack menu. Operated by Jubilant FoodWorks, the concept targets all-day dining and younger consumers, positioning the brand as a value-driven competitor to coffee chains. (Noida, India)

• Thu, 23 Apr – More Than Matcha partners with Viceroy Santa Monica for pop-up. Launching 2 May in celebration of National Matcha Day, the collaboration will debut as a new pop-up at Viceroy’s Sugar Palm restaurant, marking More Than Matcha’s first hotel partnership to date. (Santa Monica, California, US)

• Fri, 24 Apr – Talitha Coffee Roasters launches canned cold brew. To mark National Cold Brew Day, the firm debuted its new ready-to-drink line at all locations. The range includes a standard black coffee and a cream-and-vanilla option. (San Diego, California, US)

• Fri, 24 Apr – Cropster Commerce launches Minimum Stock Levels. The update introduces automated “net requirement” values to transition roasters from reactive to demand-led production. The system calculates needs by factoring in inventory and active orders to streamline roasting workflows. (Innsbruck, Austria)

• Fri, 24 Apr – Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters launches DOCR Academy. The coffee education programme consists of one-day to multi-day classes, which include DOCR certifications. The first class will be a one-day Espresso Masterclass on 2 May. (Michigan, US)

Milestone

• Mon, 20 Apr – Joe & the Juice targets 1,000 sites following investment. Valued at US$1.8bn after a minority equity deal with UAE-based EIIC, the Danish franchise plans to double its 480-unit footprint by 2028. The firm reported US$500m in revenue last year amid IPO rumours. (Copenhagen, Denmark)

• Tue, 21 Apr – Scooter’s Coffee signs relevant expansion deal. The drive-thru chain partnered with Boddie-Noell Enterprises to open 31 new locations across North Carolina and Virginia. This strategic expansion leverages the franchisee’s extensive experience to accelerate the brand’s presence in the Eastern US. (Omaha, Nebraska, US)

• Wed, 22 Apr – Nelz Cooling Lid gets USPTO allowance. The Riyadh-based firm secured a USPTO Notice of Allowance for its sip-cooling tech. It’s now starting production and opening pilot talks with coffee chains, distributors, and industry partners to commercialise its coffee cup lid. (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)

• Thu, 23 Apr – Unity Coffee secures new funding. The Los Angeles firm closed a seed round to develop its automated retail platform. The capital will fund the rollout of AI-driven kiosks, targeting high-traffic locations. (Los Angeles, California, US)

• Fri, 24 Apr – Incapto secures €10m investment. The Spanish startup raised funds in a round led by UK-based McWin Capital Partners. The B Corp will use the capital to fuel international expansion and replace single-use capsules with its bean-to-cup machines and subscription service. (Barcelona, Spain)

• Fri, 24 Apr – Stella Blue Coffee pledges to fund 1,000 pet adoptions in the US in 2026. The “We Brew to Rescue” initiative will include a national campaign to promote the brand’s newly launched ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee cans. Starting in April, 100% of gross profits from Stella Blue RTD can sales will support the initiative until Stella Blue has funded 1,000 pet adoptions. (New York City, New York, US)

Trade & production

• Mon, 20 Apr – Brazil coffee farms face climate threat to future crops. Extreme heat and irregular rainfall in Minas Gerais could render up to 75% of arabica-growing areas unviable by 2100. Small-scale farmers are adopting agroforestry and new resistant varieties to mitigate losses, though high costs are pushing some to abandon organic methods. (Poço Fundo, Brazil)

• Tue, 21 Apr – Bangladesh boosts coffee production. The government is expanding cultivation across 28 districts, targeting 10,000 hectares with modern processing plants and training to meet rising domestic demand and export potential. (Dhaka, Bangladesh)

• Wed, 22 Apr – Kenyan co-ops launch initiative to fight child labour. Kenyan tea and coffee co-operatives have joined a national push to eliminate child labour in their supply chains. Supported by the ILO’s “Accel Africa” project, the initiative trains co-op leaders to improve governance and farmers’ incomes, addressing root causes such as poverty that keep children out of school. (Nairobi, Kenya)

• Thu, 23 Apr – EU coffee imports drop in February. European Union arrivals totalled 3.4 million bags, a 4.85% monthly decline and 4.65% below the five-year average. Despite this, year-to-date volume reached 6.97 million bags, up 4.99% from 2025 as supply remains tight in Brazil and Colombia. (Brussels, Belgium)

• Fri, 24 Apr – Uganda considering phasing out unprocessed coffee exports. The government plans to ban the export of unprocessed green beans to boost domestic value addition. This policy aims to increase national revenue and job creation by incentivising local roasting and processing. (Kampala, Uganda)

Research

• Tue, 21 Apr – New study links coffee to gut health. Research from Nature Communications found that habitual coffee intake significantly alters gut microbiome composition. These microbial shifts are associated with improved metabolic health and enhanced cognitive function, highlighting a diet-microbe-host axis. (London, UK)

• Wed, 22 Apr – Study links coffee to better executive function in early PD. Research on 149 patients found that those who drank more than one cup daily performed better on calculation and attention tests. While smoking showed no cognitive benefit, caffeine consumption correlated with improved inhibitory control and mental flexibility. (Oxford, UK)

• Fri, 24 Apr – The European coffee shop market grow 3.9%. Project Café Europe 2026 report shows the branded market now exceeds 57,700 outlets across the continent. While the industry shows resilient growth, operators face ongoing pressure from high inflation and a difficult consumer climate. The UK remains the region’s largest coffee shop market. (London, UK)

Events & competitions

• Mon, 20 Apr – The Barista League heads to Latin America on 6 May. The competition is coming to Mexico City with a new format where 62% of the score focuses on “Concept and Service,” emphasising storytelling and hospitality over technical execution. Guest judges include national champions Matiás Durán and Carlos Escobar. (Mexico City, Mexico)

• Tue, 21 Apr – Italian Passion: The Art of Espresso arrives in Thailand from 23 April to 12 May. Featuring 40 objects, including home and professional espresso machines, coffee service sets, cups, historical pieces, and unique items, the exhibition is part of the “Sip of Italy” initiative, included in the “Italia Reloaded: Tradition, Aesthetics and Innovation between Taste and Memory” programme. (Bangkok, Thailand)

• Thu, 23 Apr – SIAL Shanghai 2026 set for 18-20 May. The event will feature a dedicated coffee sector, including the SIAL Innovation awards and the Global Food Industry Summit, which will focus on the rapid growth of premium coffee and HoReCa supply chains in China. (Shanghai, China)

• Fri, 24 Apr – Canephorum Meise 2026 to take place on 22 & 23 June. The symposium examines Coffea canephora through the lenses of genetics, sustainability, and quality. Experts will highlight the species’ climate resilience and its role in securing future economic growth for global coffee producers. (Meise, Belgium)

• Fri, 24 Apr – Third edition of Valencia is Coffee begins. The first day of the festival, with the theme “First People, Then Coffee,” is open to industry professionals and features training sessions, presentations, and exclusive networking sessions. The weekend is open to the public, featuring a Roasters Market, tastings, talks, and workshops. This year’s Valencia is Coffee will also include a roasting competition, cezve/ibrik competition, espresso and filter bars, and a Delilab & Friends tasting table. (Valencia, Spain)

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

• Fri, 10 Apr – Cupper’s Journey debuts in the UK. The new British brand has launched with a curated range of single-estate African coffees from Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda. (Gravesend, UK)

• Tue, 14 Apr – EUDR poses a risk of splitting the coffee market. Experts warn the EUDR will create a two-tier market: premium, traceable beans for Europe and cheaper, non-compliant stock for other regions, potentially isolating smallholders. (Rome, Italy)

• Thu, 16 Apr – Rhea Vendors secures ESG rating upgrade. Cerved Rating Agency has raised Rhea’s ESG score to BBB. The Italian vending machine manufacturer was recognised for its sustainable product design and commitment to reducing its environmental footprint across its global production chain. (Caronno Pertusella, Italy)

• Thu, 16 Apr – Krispy Kreme to enter the Netherlands. The chain signed a franchise deal with Jafa Holding BV to open 30 shops over five years. The first site, a Hot Light Theatre Shop, is slated for late 2026, marking the brand’s seventh European market and its focus on capital-light growth. (Charlotte, North Carolina, US)

• Thu, 16 Apr – Moka Energy launches edible coffee bars. Moka Energy debuted its coffee-based snack, which is designed to replace liquid coffee. Each bar contains organic caffeine equivalent to one cup of coffee. (San Diego, California, US)

• Thu, 16 Apr – Dunkin’ debuts new Jakarta concept. Dunkin’ opened a revamped café at Puri Indah Mall, West Jakarta, with franchisee PT Diamonds Doughnuts International. The site features self-ordering kiosks, a “Tap System” for iced drinks, and a localised menu including Beef BBQ Croissants. (Jakarta, Indonesia)

Photo credits: Luckin Coffee, La Marzocco, Franke, Valencia is Coffee

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