This month features a variety of coffee news stories from around the world. From new cafes opening to market trends, here’s what coffee professionals need to know.
- Taj launching South Portland brunch cafe to fund its free meals program (Maine, USA)
Cobblestone Coffee & Co. in South Portland, Maine, is set to open a new brunch cafe by mid-April. The initiative aims to fund a program providing free meals to those in need. This model highlights how cafes can contribute to community welfare, making it relevant for coffee professionals focused on social impact.
- Frankenmuth Biggby Coffee employee named Barista of the Year finalist (Michigan, USA)
Austin Gonzales, an assistant manager at Biggby Coffee in Frankenmuth, Michigan, has been recognized as a finalist for the company's Barista of the Year award. This recognition showcases the talent within the coffee community and emphasizes the importance of skilled baristas in enhancing customer experience.
- Brazilian Real Weakness Weighs on Coffee Prices (Brazil)
Coffee prices have dropped due to the weakening Brazilian Real, with arabica and robusta prices both experiencing declines. This trend is significant for coffee traders and producers, as currency fluctuations can greatly impact profit margins in the global coffee market.
- Historic harvests and sky-high prices – Colombia's coffee labor shortage (Colombia)
Colombia is facing a labor shortage despite record coffee harvests and high prices. Many workers are leaving rural areas for better-paying jobs in cities, which poses challenges for coffee growers. Understanding labor dynamics is crucial for coffee professionals managing supply chains.
- Atmos Coffee opening in Cleveland’s Gordon Square this spring (Ohio, USA)
Atmos Coffee is set to open in Cleveland's Gordon Square, featuring an electric Bellwether roaster for in-house coffee production. This opening reflects the growing trend of cafes focusing on quality and sustainability in coffee sourcing and roasting.
- DA creates office to revive struggling PH coffee sector (Philippines)
The Philippines' Department of Agriculture has established a Coffee Industry Development Office to revitalize the local coffee sector. This initiative aims to support farmers and improve production, which is vital for enhancing the country's coffee quality and market presence.
- Vancouver's largest coffee shop opens on Main Street (British Columbia, Canada)
C Market Coffee, Vancouver's largest coffee shop, has opened its doors, offering a spacious environment for coffee lovers. This development reflects the increasing demand for coffee spaces that combine quality beverages with a community atmosphere.
- New Cannon Beach coffee shop has opened in place of a beloved cafe (Oregon, USA)
Kith + Keel has opened in Cannon Beach, Oregon, taking over the space of the former Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters. The transition illustrates the evolving coffee landscape and the importance of adapting to community preferences in cafe offerings.
- Minister launches coffee table book on Tiruppur’s development (India)
Minister M.P. Saminathan launched a coffee table book highlighting Tiruppur's development, showcasing the region's coffee industry. This initiative aims to promote local coffee and its significance in the area's economic growth, relevant for coffee professionals looking to understand market trends.
- Manager, staff accused stealing coffee machine, laptop from cafe (India)
In Ahmedabad, a cafe owner reported theft by his manager and staff, including a coffee machine and laptop. This incident raises concerns about trust and security within the coffee business, highlighting the need for better management practices.
