Weekly Coffee News

This Week’s Brew: Top Coffee News Stories (Nov 29–Dec 3, 2025)

Coffee lovers had plenty to track this week as global supply projections improved, retail prices drew fresh criticism, and significant regulatory shifts reshaped the landscape. Below is your streamlined roundup—with full citations for deeper reading.

☕ Key Highlights

  • Vietnam is on pace for its biggest crop in four years, boosting global robusta supply expectations.
  • Futures dipped as Brazil and Vietnam signaled strong output for 2025/26.
  • Brazil’s rapid robusta expansion continues to outperform arabica growth.
  • U.S. consumers remain vocal about rising retail prices, from $18 cans to $10 lattes.
  • Ethiopia posted record export earnings and plans major production expansion.
  • EU deforestation rules were delayed one year, giving producers more time to comply.

Supply & Production Outlook

Vietnam’s 2025/26 coffee output is projected to rise roughly 10% to 1.76 million metric tons, according to market data, despite storm-related harvest delays and concerns about rain-related quality issues. Heavy flooding in Dak Lak has slowed picking and disrupted power, but overall volumes remain strong.

Brazil continues its long-term shift toward robusta. Production of the variety has grown by over 81% in the past decade, far outpacing arabica. Droughts and frosts have pressured arabica yields, making robusta a more resilient and profitable choice—and a stabilizing force for global supply chains.

Ethiopia reported $2.65 billion in coffee export earnings from 470,000 tonnes in 2024/25, supported by policy reforms and reforestation efforts. Officials aim to reach $3 billion soon by scaling output above 600,000 tonnes.

Read more:

Market & Pricing Trends

Coffee futures eased this week as supply concerns softened. Brazil’s October 2025 exports rose 13.4% year-over-year to 1.31 million metric tons, and Vietnam’s strong outlook further pushed futures downward.

But consumers aren’t feeling the relief yet. U.S. retail prices are up 22% year-over-year, with sticker shock over $18 cans and premium drink inflation. Tariff impacts and global weather instability continue to strain supply chains, though a bipartisan bill could eliminate certain import duties on coffee.

Broader breakfast inflation adds pressure:

  • Eggs: +10%
  • Bacon: +5%
  • Bananas: +6%

Price relief is expected to lag behind futures declines due to long supply cycles and high procurement costs for major brands like J.M. Smucker.

Read more:

Regulatory & Weather Updates

The EU’s one-year delay of the Deforestation Regulation gives producers and importers breathing room to meet traceability requirements. Large companies now have until late 2026; smaller firms until 2027.

The weather continues to challenge producers. Vietnam has endured 13 major storms in 2025, and recent rains have heightened concerns about robusta quality and harvest pace. These extremes underscore the ongoing need for climate-resilient farming techniques across major origin countries.

Read more:

Quick Production Snapshot (2025/26)

Country Output (MMT) YoY Change Notes
Vietnam 1.76 +6%–10% Strong crop; storms cause delays; quality concerns linger.
Brazil — (Exports 1.31 MMT in Oct) +13.4% exports Robust robusta expansion (+81% decade).
Ethiopia Target: 0.6+ Up from 0.47 MMT Policy reforms drive growth; $3B goal.

Under-the-Radar Coffee Stories

1. China’s Lucky Cup Reaches 10,000 Stores

Budget chain Mixue continues aggressive expansion, opening its first Malaysian location. Expect intensified price competition across Asia.
Full story:
https://perfectdailygrind.com/2025/11/coffee-news-recap-28-november-2025/

2. Panther Coffee x Mawby Sparkling Wine Collaboration

Chardonnay + Riesling + coffee = a new caffeinated sparkling wine now available in Miami.
More details:
https://perfectdailygrind.com/2025/11/coffee-news-recap-28-november-2025/

3. Rancilio Group Appoints New CEO

Leadership changes signal a fresh strategy from one of Italy’s major equipment manufacturers.
Read more:
https://www.worldcoffeeportal.com/news/

4. Mega Coffee Hits Expansion Target in South Korea

The chain’s growth highlights Asia’s fast-rising demand for affordable coffee options.
More updates:
https://www.worldcoffeeportal.com/news/

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The next edition drops on Thursday, December 4, covering December 1–5.

Full Citations (For Further Reading)

Avatar Of Kelsey Todd

Kelsey Todd

With over two decades in the coffee industry, Kelsey is a seasoned professional barista with roots in Seattle and Santa Barbara. Accredited by The Coffee Association of America and a member of The Baristas Guild, he combines practical expertise with a profound understanding of coffee's history and cultural significance. Kelsey tries his best to balance family time with blogging time and fails miserably.