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Daily Coffee News file photo. Nick Brown.
Report: Mexican Farmers Say ‘Nescafé Plan’ is Leading to Poverty
Swiss watchdog group Public Eye issued a report on the coffee sector in Chiapas, Mexico, highlighting protests among Mexican farmers against food giant Nestlé and its Nescafé Plan, launched in 2010. Here’s a bit from that report: “In February 2024, when Public Eye was investigating on site, farmers were holding protests in Tapachula, where they were burning filled coffee sacks labelled “Nescafé Plan.” One of the banners stated that the ‘company without ethics’ was driving Chiapas into poverty.”
Record-High Robusta Prices Lead ICO Monthly Coffee Report
The International Coffee Organization released its monthly global market report on the green coffee industry this week, finding a steady increase in its “composite indicator” price throughout March 2024 to an 18-month high of $1.932 per pound. Robusta prices notably reached their highest point in March since October of 1994, spiking at $1.694 per pound.
Root Capital and Sancoffee win SCA Sustainability Awards
The Specialty Coffee Association late last week announced its 2024 Sustainability Award Winners, recognizing excellence in sustainability across the industry. The winner in the nonprofit category was agricultural lending group Root Capital. The winner in the for-profit category was Brazilian green coffee cooperative Sancoffee.
Volcafe Opens Wet Mill in Honduras
Molinos de Honduras, a subsidiary of green coffee company Volcafe, opened its first washing station in Honduras, called El Chile. The mill is designed to serve as a hub for coffee farmers in the southern El Paraíso department.
Report: Exchange Rates May Be Hurting Costa Rican Coffee
A new report in El País suggests certain tourism-driven sectors in Costa Rica, including the coffee sector, may be suffering due to unfavorable exchange rates with the United States.
Hawaii Coffee Association Cupping Competition Rules Announced
The Hawaii Coffee Association has introduced the revised rules for its 15th annual statewide cupping competition, taking place alongside the group’s annual conference July 18-20 at Ala Moana Hotel in Oahu. Conference details are here.
Gregorys Coffee Names Jake Leonti Director of Coffee
New York-based specialty coffee chain Gregorys Coffee has named longtime coffee professional and consultant Jake Leonti director of coffee. Gregorys said the appointment comes as the company begins a push for nationwide expansion.
Swiss Water Decaffeinated Names New VP of Operations
British Columbia, Canada-based Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee named Owen Horn vice president of operations, succeeding Barry Close. Close is remaining at the company in the role of strategic process advisor.
Natureworks and IMA Group Launch Bio-Based Compostable Pod
Minnesota-based materials company Natureworks and Italian coffee packaging manufacturer IMA Group have announced the launch of a new Keurig-compatible pod made of compostable, bio-based materials.
Inside a Deep Cave Cafe in China
The Chinese government’s information office this week profiled a unique cafe designed to inspire international tourism. In Yunnan Province, Cave Coffee sits within a mountainous cave, serving approximately 300 drinks a day during busy seasons, according to the state’s propaganda office.
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In Case You Missed It
Here are some of DCN’s top stories from the past week…
Roast Magazine Launches Volume 2 of ‘The Book of Roast’
Roast is proud to release Volume 2 of The Book of Roast: The Craft of Coffee Roasting from Bean to Business, marking another milestone in its dedication to providing invaluable resources and insights for coffee roasters worldwide… read more
Column: Why Are ‘Sustainable’ Businesses Going Out of Business and How Can We Change That?
Why are “sustainable” businesses going out of business and how can we change that? A good place to start is with greater transparency. We also need honest recognition that multiple coffee companies and strategies are necessary to create farmer resiliency… read more
In New York, The Roasting Room Plans to Open Doors for Small Businesses
The coffee professionals behind New York City-based brand Buunni Coffee are preparing to open The Roasting Room by Buunni, a multifaceted co-roastery and education hub in the South Bronx… read more
Analog First Crack Detector, Pickle Coffee and More April 1 Headlines
Spring has sprung; buds and blooms abound in backyards, fields and forests; and the coffee industry has held up its annual tradition of April 1 gross food jokes… read more
Coffee Crafters Launches the Valenta 15 Fluid-Bed Roaster
Idaho-based coffee roasting equipment manufacturer Coffee Crafters recently rolled out the Valenta 15 fluid-bed roaster, the second and largest machine in its new Valenta machine line… read more
Sanremo Makes Its Move with the D8 Espresso Machine Line
Italian coffee equipment brand Sanremo Coffee Machines is making a bold strategic play in the United States beyond with the launch of Sanremo D8, a versatile new platform of professional single-boiler espresso machines… read more
Boston-Area Blue Bottle Coffee Workers Seek Unionization
Workers from five Boston-area locations of Blue Bottle Coffee today launched a union campaign described as more than a year in the making… read more
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