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“Sentinel 2 satellite image of Baltimore Harbour, captured on Sunday 14th April 2024 showing the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse with the Dali ship against the bridge pier” is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Report: Baltimore Bridge Collapse Affecting Coffee Supply
A report from the Washington Post this week explored how the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore has affected operations at one regional coffee company, Washington D.C.-area-based Compass Coffee. The story delves into coffee shipping and transportation logistics tied to the Port of Baltimore, highlighting the “domino effect” created through supply chain disruptions. “The roaster’s next order of raw materials for their bulk coffee bags is expected to take 12 weeks — twice the usual time — and other shipments are also running behind schedule,” the report states.
Coffee Breath Episode 4 Checks on Chicago Coffee Pros
The coffee documentary interview series Coffee Breath is back with Episode 4, called “The One in Chicago.” Hosted by Black Rabbit Service Company Co-Owner Double J of Portland, the new episode checks in with numerous coffee pros from coffee outfits such as Dark Matter, Steamvolt, Fetco, Metric, Soloway, Everybody’s Busy and Hexe.
Fairtrade Advisor Addresses ‘Living Income Reference Price’ Misconceptions
Fairtrade International Senior Advisor for Sustainable Livelihoods Carla Veldhuyzen van Zanten penned a piece this week on misunderstandings of the Living Income Reference Price concept. “Paying farmers more — not just in short spikes but consistently — matters,” Veldhuyzen van Zanten wrote. “A living income supporting price is a critical aspect of responsible purchasing practices, alongside long-term sourcing relationships.”
Canadian Coffee Roaster Zavida Launches ‘Zero Waste’ Plan
Concord, Ontario-based Zavida Coffee Roasters has launched a “zero waste” initiative, involving the creative reuse of materials, the reuse of organic matter such as coffee chaff and other waste reduction strategies. The company says it has received a Zero Waste Facility designation from Ontario-based U-Pak Disposals.
Verve Coffee and GaeaStar Pilot Cup Program
GaeaStar, a San Francisco and Berlin-based startup that makes clay cups, is piloting a cup program with California’s Verve Coffee Roasters. Users can purchase the 100% plastic-free cups for a $2 fee then receive discounts on reuses.
Coffee-Like Drink Maker Atomo Opens Seattle Production Plant
Continuing to borrow terminology from the coffee industry, “beanless coffee” product maker Atomo opened its new Seattle “roastery,” a production plant designed to transform raw ingredients such as date pits, sunflower seeds and millet into a beverage that looks and acts like coffee. Atomo recently secured a supply deal with New York-based coffee chain Bluestone Lane.
Blue Marble Strikes USAID Deal for Coffee Farmer Insurance Launch
London, England-based insurance provider Blue Marble announced a partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through USAID’s Climate Finance for Development Accelerator (CFDA). The deal will involve the launch of a financial product in Kenya designed to strengthen the climate adaptation for coffee farmers.
NBA Star Kyle Kuzma Opens Washington D.C. Coffee Shop
Kyle Kuzma of the NBA’s Washington Wizards has expanded his Childhood Dreams lifestyle brand with the opening of the Childhood Cafe in Washington D.C. Off U Street, the shop is in the space formerly occupied by ThreeFifty Bakery and Coffee Bar.
Vermont Coffee Shop Owners Turn to Crowdfunding to Save Business
The founders of a Middlebury, Vermont, coffee shop Royal Oak Coffee, which is approaching its fifth anniversary, have raised more than $35,000 (as of this writing) through a GoFundMe campaign. The campaign says that the owners are seeking pay down debt and recover from a “devastating financial hit” due to equipment malfunctions and other issues.
Pret A Manger Announces Board Shakeup as Founder Returns
The board of JAB-owned sandwich and coffee chain Pret A Manger has named Konrad Meyer its chair, succeeding past chair Olivier Goudet. Pret founder Sinclair Beecham and previous Pret Chairman Larry Billett have also retuned to the business as part of the board shakeup, which was designed to advance international growth, according to the company.
New from CoffeeIndustryJobs.com
- Cold Brew Production Manager – Coffee Support
- Retail “Manager” a.k.a. The person with more responsibility but actually respects and values those alongside them – Mad Priest Coffee Roasters
- Assistant Plant Manager, Coffee – Melitta North America
In Case You Missed It
Here are some of DCN’s top stories from the past week…
From the 2024 SCA Expo: Commercial Brewing, Espresso and Grinding Equipment
Industry professionals gathered in San Francisco last week for the Specialty Coffee Association Expo, where manufacturers showcased their latest commercial coffee brewing, espresso and grinding equipment… read more
New from the 2024 SCA Expo: Home Brewers and Grinders
At the 2024 Specialty Coffee Association Expo in San Francisco, a variety of exhibitors showcased new products for home coffee brewing, including several notable new grinder models… read more
New from the 2024 SCA Expo: Tools, Accessories and Gadgets
Among the many new product launches and feature unveilings at the 2024 Specialty Coffee Association Expo in San Francisco were a range of new tools, accessories and gadgets designed to enhance the coffee brewing experience…
From the 2024 SCA Expo: New Professional Roasting Equipment
Several manufacturers of commercial coffee roasting equipment introduced new machines and features at the Specialty Coffee Association Expo in San Francisco last week… read more
Editorial: Shame on the Coffee Industry’s Earth Day PR
Coffee companies were in the spotlight this Earth Day, but not necessarily for their commitment to sustainability… read more
Coffee and Grocery Chain Foxtrot Abruptly Closes All 33 US Stores
Foxtrot, a chain of upscale convenience stores offering coffee, groceries, and prepared foods, has announced the immediate closure of all its 33 stores across the United States… read more
SF’s Sightglass Coffee Names New CEO as Founders Step Down
San Francisco-based Sightglass Coffee has announced that its founders, Jerad and Justin Morrison, will be stepping down from their roles at the company… read more
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