Coffee News Recap, 1 May: Nestlé confirms Blue Bottle sale to Luckin backer, China cuts tariffs on Ethiopian coffee imports & other stories

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

Editor’s note

Nestlé has confirmed it will sell its majority stake in Blue Bottle Coffee to Centurium Capital, the private equity firm behind Chinese coffee chain Luckin. The deal, first reported in March 2026, values the roaster at around US$400m, a significant drop from its previous valuation of US$700m.

Under the reported terms, Centurium will take ownership of Blue Bottle’s physical cafés, while Nestlé retains the consumer packaged goods side of the business.

The acquisition fits Luckin’s growth strategy. The Chinese chain, which recently expanded into the US, built its model around small-footprint, convenience-focused stores. Blue Bottle offers the opposite: open-plan, design-led cafés with a strong premium reputation. By acquiring the brand rather than building from scratch, Luckin gains an immediate foothold in the premium market at a fraction of the development cost.

Luckin’s ambitions extend beyond this deal. The company recently opened a roasting centre in Qingdao, which it claims houses the world’s largest roaster, reportedly supplied by Probat. The facility is unlikely to serve US locations directly, but it signals that Luckin is preparing to scale across Asian markets at speed.

Nestlé said the transaction remains subject to standard closing conditions and expects to complete it in the first half of 2026. Once finalised, the deal will significantly shift the balance of the premium coffee market.

Top stories of the week

• Mon, 27 Apr – Nestlé confirms Blue Bottle Coffee sale to Centurium Capital. The Swiss multi-national agreed to sell the third wave roaster, which it acquired for roughly US$425m in 2017, to Luckin Coffee’s majority shareholder. Nestlé retains the rights to Nespresso-compatible pods and other consumer packaged goods, with the deal expected to close by July. (Vevey, Switzerland)

• Tue, 28 Apr – China cuts all tariffs on Ethiopian imports, including coffee. Effective 1 May, China will grant zero-tariff access to 53 African countries, including Ethiopia. The policy aims to boost the competitiveness of specialty coffee exports, which reached 34,300 tonnes in 2024. China is now Ethiopia’s third-largest coffee market. (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

• Wed, 29 Apr – Back to Starbucks plan delivers US$9.5bn in Q2 revenue. The company topped quarterly estimates with 4% global sales growth. CEO-led initiatives, including faster service and new cold foams, drove a 9% increase in shares despite cautious consumer spending. This marks the company’s first year-over-year earnings growth since Q4 2023, a key milestone in its recovery efforts. (Seattle, Washington, US)

• Wed, 29 Apr – WatchHouse eyes transatlantic growth. After record 2025 revenues, the specialty coffee roaster is set to reach 100 global sites by 2029. Backed by a US$14.8m Series B round, the firm is scaling its “Modern Coffee” concept with new flagship launches in London and New York City. (London, UK)

• Thu, 30 Apr – Arizona small businesses demand immediate tariff refunds. Following the Supreme Court decision striking down universal tariffs, local business owners, including coffee roasters and importers, are urging the US administration to streamline the US$175bn reimbursement process to prevent corporate profit-hoarding. (Phoenix, Arizona, US)

Industry news

• Mon, 27 Apr – Vietnam’s Napoli Coffee targets Europe. Ho Chi Minh City-based Napoli Coffee, one of Vietnam’s largest chains, plans to expand across European capital cities following its debut in Central Europe. It aims to leverage demand for Asian-inspired drinks and specialty coffee to scale its global footprint. (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

• Mon, 27 Apr – Reborn Coffee’s revenue increased by 37% in 2025. Total revenue reached US$8.1m, driven by new licensing and logistics streams. Despite a US$9.1m net loss, the specialty brand regained Nasdaq compliance and expanded into China. For 2026, it targets ten new US franchises and a dedicated training programme. (Brea, California, US)

• Tue, 28 Apr – Lavazza secures €900m ESG loan. The Lavazza Group signed an ESG-linked sustainability credit facility with a pool of seven banks. The funding features a mechanism that rewards the achievement of specific environmental and social targets, supporting the group’s long-term growth. (Turin, Italy)

• Tue, 28 Apr – Costa Coffee raises UK wages. Hourly pay for 16,000 baristas rose to £13.12, with London rates at £14.12. The £7m investment across 1,500 stores is the seventh increase since 2021. The chain notably avoids age-based pay, ensuring all team members receive the same competitive rate. (London, UK)

• Tue, 28 Apr – Olam completes US$1.24bn stake sale. Olam Group finalised the sale of a 44.58% stake in Olam Agri to the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC). The transaction values the unit at US$3.15bn, supporting Olam’s strategic de-layering and growth plans. (Singapore)

• Wed, 29 Apr – Juan Valdez seeks a new CEO. Following record revenue in 2025, the Colombian brand is seeking a leader to succeed Camila Escobar. The transition comes as the chain accelerates its US expansion and global flagship concepts, aiming to further premiumise Colombian coffee. (Bogotá, Colombia)

• Wed, 29 Apr – Trader Joe’s faces a class action lawsuit over caffeine levels. The filing alleges that the “Breakfast Blend” coffee contains significantly less caffeine than advertised on the packaging. Consumers are seeking damages for false advertising and breach of warranty in federal court. (Los Angeles, California, US)

• Thu, 30 Apr – Yum China revenues hit US$3.3bn in Q1. Total revenue rose 10% YoY, driven by massive expansion and digital sales. Its coffee brand, Lavazza, saw significant growth in its footprint, contributing to the firm’s strategy of capturing China’s surging coffee demand. (Shanghai, China)

• Thu, 30 Apr – Luckin Coffee reports 41% revenue growth. The company reached US$1.17bn in sales for the first quarter of 2026 after opening over 2,300 new locations. Management also announced a US$500m share buyback plan to demonstrate market strength. (Beijing, China)

• Fri, 1 May – Interactive map features 7,200 European cafés. The BREWTIFI app maps over 7,200 specialty cafés across Europe. Users can discover roasteries, scan coffee bags, and track brewing profiles. The platform aims to digitalise the specialty experience via community reviews and tailored recommendations. (Bucharest, Romania)

• Fri, 1 May – Doug Satzman named Joe Coffee CEO. The New York specialty pioneer has appointed the former Le Pain Quotidien and Starbucks executive as its new Chief Executive. Founder Jonathan Rubinstein will transition to Executive Chairman, focusing on brand strategy and growth as the 24-store chain expands its wholesale and retail presence. (New York City, New York, US)

New launch

• Mon, 27 Apr – Café Unido expands DC concept. The Panamanian brand has transformed its La Cosecha site into an all-day café, bar, and creative studio. Focusing on specialty coffee, cocktails, and tapas, the venue includes a new studio for community programming and music. (Washington, DC, US)

• Mon, 27 Apr – Indonesian government launches certification for coffee roasters. The programme aims to standardise skills and improve the quality of Indonesian coffee in global markets. This initiative provides formal competency credentials, ensuring specialty roasters meet international professional standards. (Jakarta, Indonesia)

• Tue, 28 Apr – Former Menudo star unveils coffee brand. Robert Avellanet launched his own specialty brand, Robert Avellanet Coffee. The venture focuses on high-quality Puerto Rican beans, blending his passion for music with the island’s rich coffee heritage. (San Juan, Puerto Rico)

• Tue, 28 Apr – Coffee Project NY new launch funds SANA. The roaster’s limited edition Colombia Caturra launch supports the SANA Program. Proceeds provide mental wellness resources for women coffee farmers. Each bag sold sponsors one month of care, boosting social sustainability in the specialty coffee sector. (New York City, New York, US)

• Wed, 29 Apr – Boost Juice and ST. ALi launch cold coffee range. Running until 31 May, the collaboration features four limited-edition smoothies and iced coffees made with specialty cold-brew concentrate. Highlights include Strawberry Coffee with oat milk and Peanut Butter Protein smoothies. (Melbourne, Australia)

• Wed, 29 Apr – Brian Franklin pens The Coffee Purist. The new book explores the science and philosophy of high-altitude specialty coffee. Franklin provides a technical guide to roasting and brewing, advocating for purity and transparency in the supply chain to preserve the unique terroir of different coffee origins. (London, UK)

• Wed, 29 Apr – Molo Mill launches via Kickstarter. The new hand grinder features a vertically integrated design and 71mm flat burrs. Engineered for portability and speed, it bridges the gap between manual convenience and high-end grind quality, according to the designer. (London, UK)

• Wed, 29 Apr – Black Sheep Coffee expands in Scotland. The chain is set to launch over ten new sites this year, bringing its total to 21 locations nationwide. Targeted areas include Ayr, Glenrothes, Stirling, Clydebank, and Inverness. The “local-first” model will support nearly 300 jobs and repurpose vacant historic buildings. (Glasgow, UK)

• Thu, 30 Apr – Milk Bar and Jade Leaf Matcha launch limited-edition menu. To celebrate National Matcha Day on 2 May, the brands debuted a Matcha Cereal Milk Soft Serve and a Matcha Birthday Truffle. The items are available at Milk Bar flagship stores and for nationwide shipping through May. (New York City, New York, US)

• Thu, 30 Apr – ColdPerk launches Commissary 70 for large-batch concentrate. The new system produces up to 70 gallons of cold brew per cycle using a proprietary filtration method. Designed for specialty coffee roasters, it maximises efficiency and consistency for wholesale and high-volume RTD production. (Austin, Texas, US)

• Fri, 1 May – Lavazza launches Rainforest Alliance-certified regenerative coffee. The company says La Reserva de ¡Tierra! Selection is the first specialty coffee certified under the Rainforest Alliance Regenerative Agriculture Standard. Sourced from over 70 farms in Honduras, the certified coffee supports soil health and climate resilience. (Turin, Italy)

Milestone

• Tue, 28 Apr – Coffee Planet celebrates 20th anniversary while eyeing GCC growth. The UAE-born specialty roaster saw 19% revenue growth in 2025. It plans to open new roasteries in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, targeting a 30% increase in volume for 2026. The brand serves 21 million cups monthly to over 1,000 B2B clients in the GCC. (Dubai, UAE)

• Wed, 29 Apr – Black Rock Coffee Bar CEO named EY finalist. Mark Davis has been named an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 finalist. Since joining in 2023, Davis has spearheaded the chain’s rapid growth, overseeing its recent IPO and expansion toward a 200-store goal. (Scottsdale, Arizona, US)

Trade & production

• Mon, 27 Apr – Drones transform coffee spraying in Brazil. Precision technology is revolutionising applications on sloping terrains. Using drones reduces water and chemical waste by up to 50% compared with tractors, while improving safety and enabling more effective targeting of pests such as leaf miners. (São Paulo, Brazil)

• Tue, 28 Apr – Cecafé and MTE bolster export security. The Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council and the Ministry of Labour are working together to address regulatory pressures from the US and EU. Their partnership aims to provide legal and commercial security by emphasising that violations are found in only 1% of inspections, countering claims of widespread forced labour. (Brasília, Brazil)

• Tue, 28 Apr – Global supply pressures coffee prices. Arabica futures fell as forecasts predict a record 2026/27 Brazil crop of 75.9 million bags. StoneX expects a global surplus of 10 million bags, the largest in six years, though geopolitical risks and logistical costs are keeping coffee prices volatile. (New York City, New York, US)

• Thu, 30 Apr – Kenyan coffee farmers achieve record prices in global markets. Reforms and direct auctions have boosted producers’ income, with premium lots securing top-tier export rates. This shift strengthens the rural economy and enhances the sustainability of Kenyan specialty coffee. (Nairobi, Kenya)

• Thu, 30 Apr – Japan coffee imports totalled 595,300 bags in March. This volume reflects a strategic rise in Japanese demand for high-quality beans despite shifts in global logistics. The country remains a top-five destination for specialty coffee, prioritising sustainability and rigorous international cupping standards. (Tokyo, Japan)

• Fri, 1 May – New survey predicts Brazil’s 2026/27 up by 11.5%. The Coffee Trading Academy interviewed 758 Brazilian coffee producers, asking them to forecast how much more coffee ⁠they thought they would produce this year. The average response indicated an 11.5% increase, totalling 71.4 million bags. Respondents anticipate increases in both arabica and robusta harvests. (Stuart, Florida, US)

• Fri, 1 May – Honduras coffee output to rise up to 5.8 million bags. Growth is driven by the rust-resistant Parainema variety and stable weather. Exports are expected to reach 5.5 million bags, solidifying the country’s position in the specialty coffee market. (Tegucigalpa, Honduras)

Research

• Mon, 27 Apr – Study suggests that coffee boosts gut-brain axis. New research by APC Microbiome Ireland found that drinking four cups of coffee daily improves mood and reduces stress through the gut microbiota. While caffeine specifically lowers anxiety, both regular and decaf coffee were found to support healthy bacteria and metabolic well-being. (Cork, Ireland)

• Tue, 28 Apr – New research links coffee to longevity. A Texas A&M study suggests that three to five cups of coffee daily reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. Coffee bioactives enhance the gut-brain axis and mood, with data indicating a 15% drop in all-cause mortality. (College Station, Texas, US)

• Wed, 29 Apr – Coffee linked to higher muscle mass. A study by Seoul National University of 15,447 adults found that drinking coffee three times daily is associated with higher skeletal muscle mass. Benefits include lower fat mass in women and improved energy metabolism. (Seoul, South Korea)

• Thu, 30 Apr – Scientists use electric current to measure coffee quality. Oregon researchers adapted battery tech to measure liquid conductivity, objectively identifying extraction strength and roast levels. This method allows roasters to maintain precise flavour profiles and quality across batches. (Eugene, Oregon, US)

• Fri, 1 May – New study explores microbial dynamics of the Arara variety. Research in Scientific Reports links specific yeast and bacteria to improved quality. The study shows how controlled fermentation optimises sensory profiles, helping producers achieve higher cup scores. (Lavras, Brazil)

Events & competitions

• Mon, 27 Apr – Over 1,000 companies already confirmed for HostMilano 2027. Following the 2026 edition, Fiera Milano reports strong early rebookings for the next hospitality trade show. The coffee and bar segment remains a key pillar, showcasing innovations in machines, roasting, and vending to a global audience. (Milan, Italy)

• Tue, 28 Apr – The Barista League returns to Mexico City on 6 May. Hosted at Foro Indie Rocks, the event debuts a new competition format for Latin America alongside a Roasters Village featuring ten Mexican roasters. The schedule includes technical panels on fermentation and biodynamic farming. (Mexico City, Mexico)

• Tue, 28 Apr – Lam Dong leads Vietnam Amazing Cup contest. The province dominated the 2026 awards, with Ant Bee and Nguyen Son Tung sharing the top robusta prize, while Tamba won the arabica title, and Ant Bee’s double-fermentation secured the win. 81 producers from seven regions competed. (Buon Ma Thuot, Vietnam)

• Tue, 28 Apr – Shanghai Coffee Festival begins on 30 April. The citywide event features markets at Xuhui Riverside and themed subway lines. Part of the “Shanghai Summer” campaign, it showcases specialty coffee brands and promotes coffee culture through hundreds of activities across the city. (Shanghai, China)

• Wed, 29 Apr – International Coffee Tasting 2026 registrations open. The International Institute of Coffee Tasters (IIAC) event uses scientific sensory analysis to evaluate specialty lots and award gold medals to roasters that meet strict quality benchmarks. (Brescia, Italy)

• Thu, 30 Apr – London Coffee Festival to be from 14 to 17 May. Returning to The Truman Brewery, the event features 275 brands and 22,000 visitors. New highlights include a Cold Brew competition and “The Demo Bar” for equipment showcases and matcha tutorials. (London, UK)

• Fri, 1 May – Andrew Wong wins SCA UK Brewers Cup at Glasgow Coffee Festival. The London-based barista secured a place at the World Coffee Championships after his victory at The Briggait. Jonathan Martinez was also named UK Roaster of the Year at the event, which saw nearly 3,000 attendees and raised over £3,000 for charity. (Glasgow, Scotland)

• Fri, 1 May – SIAL Shanghai to run 18-20 May. Asia’s largest food and beverage fair returns to the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. The event features 5,000 exhibitors and is expected to attract 180,000 professionals, highlighting innovations in the specialty coffee sector. (Shanghai, China)

• Fri, 1 May – Juliana Morgado wins 2026 Brazil Brewers Cup. The Brasília-based barista from Sabino Cafés Especiais is the 2026 Brazil Brewers Cup champion. Using a coffee from Sítio Mazzoco in Espírito Santo, she won at São Paulo’s Mercadão. (São Paulo, Brazil)

• Fri, 1 May – ICC 2026 heads to Trieste on 1 & 2 October. The event will focus on EUDR compliance and the “future of coffee,” bringing together experts and scientists to discuss sustainability and roasting innovations. (Trieste, Italy)

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

• Tue, 14 Apr – Nestlé and Starbucks launch coffee concentrate. The Global Coffee Alliance introduced Starbucks Coffee Craft liquid concentrate for at-home iced drinks. Debuting in the UK, Japan and Korea, the range includes Rich Black and Signature Caramel flavours. (Vevey, Switzerland)

• Wed, 22 Apr – Gauri Khan Trust reinvests in Sleepy Owl. The brand raised US$1.3m in fresh funding to scale its retail footprint and product range. The trust contributed US$216,000 to the round, which values the business at US$18.5m. (New Delhi, India)

• Wed, 22 Apr – Trinidad and Tobago forms coffee committee. The Ministry of Agriculture launched the Cocoa and Coffee Steering Committee to revitalise the cocoa and coffee sectors and boost exports. The body will coordinate research, farm rehabilitation and branding to capitalise on global demand for premium, ethically sourced products. (Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago)

• Wed, 22 Apr – COFIDES supports Supracafé growth in Colombia. COFIDES provided a €550,000 loan to Supracafé to expand and consolidate its specialty coffee production. The funds will improve the Hacienda San Alberto facilities, fostering innovation and social sustainability in the Cauca region. (Madrid, Spain)

• Thu, 23 Apr – Brazil begins harvest season, aiming for record volumes. The 2026/27 cycle kicked off with projections reaching 75.8m bags. Favourable rains during the grain-filling stage resulted in larger bean sizes and higher processing yields. Analysts expect this surplus to stabilise global coffee stocks. (São Paulo, Brazil)

• Thu, 23 Apr – Franke A-line wins Red Dot Award. The new A-line professional coffee machine range by Franke Coffee Systems has received the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2026. The jury praised the line’s sleek aesthetics, intuitive user interface, and modularity. (Aarburg, Switzerland)

Sign up for our weekly coffee news recap to get a summary of all the biggest stories in the sector, delivered straight to your inbox every Monday.

Want to keep up with current affairs in the coffee industry? Check out last week’s coffee news stories.