Every Friday, Perfect Daily Grind rounds up the top coffee industry news from the week.
After weather reports estimated a drop in rainfall levels below historical averages, the Intercontinental Exchange contract for arabica climbed 1.7%. Over the past few weeks, arabica futures have remained steady, slightly above the US $3.2/lb mark; however, market analysts predict unpredictable market conditions will persist for the remainder of the year.
This isn’t new information to producers, traders, and roasters, many of whom were already braced for a challenging 2025. A new report from the Brazilian bank Itaú BBA, however, anticipates that market volatility will continue into the first half of 2026 – forcing supply chain actors to keep adapting to difficult conditions.
Shortly after introducing the cortado (albeit a large 8oz version) to its core espresso-based drinks line-up, Starbucks revoked its open-door policy in the US. This means that only paying customers can sit in-store, whereas prior, anyone could stay in its cafés or use the bathrooms.
Just like adding the cortado to its US menus, the chain’s decision to turn away non-paying guests is part of its turnaround strategy to revive its coffeehouse culture and recover from persistent sales slumps. While the cortado is unlikely to prove popular among US coffee drinkers, rescinding the open-door policy will be effective.
Some have criticised the move, saying it could impact vulnerable groups such as disabled people, pregnant women, and people who are homeless. But ultimately, it means the chain can prioritise and retain paying customers.
As it faces increasing competition from other brands like Luckin and Dunkin’, Starbucks will likely need to continue making tough decisions to regain the market share it once had.
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 why Dunkin’ and Sabrina Carpenter’s new ad campaign positions it as the “fun” brand.
Passionate about music and coffee, not necessarily in that order. He has been writing about both, and many other things, since 2005.
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