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Air traffic controllers at Boston Logan International Airport are some of the latest recipients of Dean’s Beans.
Dean’s Beans Delivers Coffee to Unpaid Air Traffic Controllers During Shutdown
Orange, Massachusetts-based Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee is sending coffees to air traffic controllers throughout New England as the U.S. government shutdown drags on. The company said it has supplied 500 one-pound bags of coffee plus chocolate-covered coffee treats to workers in Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire. “We use specialty coffee as a vehicle for positive change — in the Coffeelands and in our community,” CEO Beth Spong said. “This shutdown is hitting federal workers and their families hard.”
Sea Island Coffee Partners in Pitcairn Island Coffee Project
London, England-based Sea Island Coffee has partnered with coffee growers on Pitcairn Island in the South Pacific for the Pitcairn Island Coffee Project. The roasting company is providing training and equipment for the project, which was spearheaded by two Pitcairn-born brothers. The project is designed to create an economic lifeline to the island community of fewer than 50 residents. “It’s about more than just rare coffee; it’s a partnership that empowers growers, strengthens a remote economy, and helps to preserve a unique way of life,” Sea Island Coffee CEO Wells Shaw said. “We are honored to play a part in building this new coffee origin from the ground up.”
Starbucks C.A.F.E. Practices Seal Stayed on Brazilian Farm After Forced-Labor Rescue, Report Says
A new Repórter Brasil investigation says Fazenda Floresta in Minas Gerais remained in Starbucks’ C.A.F.E. Practices verification program even after Brazilian labor inspectors in August 2021 rescued 20 workers from conditions “analogous to slavery.” The report also identifies five new 2025 cases tied to farmers connected with Cooxupé, described as one of Starbucks’ largest suppliers in Brazil. In a response to Repórter Brasil, Starbucks declined to address the specific farm and reiterated only its broader responsible-sourcing policies.
Colombian Coffee Sets Auction Record at $995 Per Pound
At the 2025 Cumbres de Colombia Specialty Coffee Auction, hosted by Café Granja La Esperanza on the V-Auction platform Oct. 22, a 13.2-pound lot of “Mavicure Hills – Laurina Natural” sold for $13,137.30 — equal to $2,194.10 per kilogram, or $995.25 per pound. Saudia Arabian company Brew92 was the top bidder.
Coffee By Design Awards $10,000 Through 2025 Rebel Blend Fund
Portland, Maine roaster-retailer Coffee By Design distributed $10,000 in grants to Maine arts and community projects through its annual Rebel Blend Fund, which is financed with $1 from every pound of Rebel Blend sold. “The Rebel Blend Fund reflects our belief that art has the power to challenge, inspire, and unite us,” Coffee By Design Co-Founder Mary Allen Lindemann said.
Methodical Coffee’s Will Shurtz to Speak at TEDxUnityPark in Greenville
Will Shurtz, co-founder of Greenville, South Carolina-based Methodical Coffee, is on the lineup for TEDxUnityPark at Roam Greenville ONE on Nov. 19. Organizers say he’ll talk about coffee, creativity and building Methodical into a lifestyle brand.
OxBarrier Sues Nespresso in Germany Over Compostable Capsules
Dutch firm OxBarrier filed an infringement suit in Germany alleging Nespresso’s “home compostable Original” capsules violate the German part of OxBarrier’s European patent EP 3 145 838 B1 (EP’838). OxBarrier is seeking to block sales of the contested capsules.
Fairtrade America Voices Support for “No Coffee Tax Act”
Fairtrade America, the United States chapter of Fairtrade International, has voiced its support for the “No Coffee Tax Act” legislation introduced last month to repeal the Trump Administration’s tariffs on coffee. Executive Director Amanda Archila said the measure would ease costs for farmers, U.S. roasters and an estimated 150 million daily coffee drinkers.
Keurig Dr Pepper Details Financing for JDE Peet’s Deal, Coffee Spin-Off
Keurig Dr Pepper said at its Oct. 27 investor day that it is pressing ahead with the $18 billion acquisition of JDE Peet’s and a split into two U.S.-listed companies. However, the group announced that Sudhanshu Priyadarshi will no longer become CEO of the coffee coffee-focused company, Global Coffee Co., despite an initial announcement. To support the deal, KDP has lined up $7 billion in strategic investments co-led by Apollo and KKR, including a $4 billion K-Cup and single-serve manufacturing joint venture in which KDP will keep operational control, plus a $3 billion preferred investment for the beverage business. A search is underway for the Global Coffee Co.’s CEO.
Trading Post Coffee Roasters Announces Carbon Neutral Certification
Brighton, UK-based Trading Post Coffee Roasters has achieved Carbon Neutral certified status through Carbon Neutral Britain. This certification stands alongside Trading Post’s existing Rainforest Alliance and Soil Association seals.
New from CoffeeIndustryJobs.com
- Director of Coffee — Olympia Coffee
- Coffee Roaster — Flying Star Cafe
- Green Coffee Supply Chain Part-Time Manager — Artisan Coffee Imports
- Field Service Technician — Ozo Coffee Roasters
- Warehouse Manager — Kauai Coffee
ICYMI
Here are some of DCN’s top stories from the past week…
Coffee Shops Step Up as Federal Government Ends Food Assistance Funding
As the U.S. government shamelessly cuts off its largest food assistance program for citizens most in need, some coffee purveyors are stepping up to help fill the gap… read more
Trump Addresses Coffee Tariffs for First Time, Signals Break for Vietnam
Speaking to reporters at a press gaggle on Air Force One early yesterday, U.S. President Donald Trump directly addressed tariffs on coffee for the first time, saying, “We want to get coffee down a little bit.”… read more
U.S. Considers Up to 100% Tariffs on Nicaraguan Imports; Public Comment Sought
The United States is considering tariffs of up to 100% on imports from Nicaragua, a move that could choke the flow of Nicaraguan green coffee to U.S. traders and roasters… read more
Coffee Prices at U.S. Grocery Stores Continue to Rise
Coffee prices at U.S. grocery stores continued to climb September amid higher costs for green coffee due to self-imposed tariffs and other market forces… read more
Wonderstate Coffee Questions Norms through Profit-Sharing Program
While coffee roasters and retailers everywhere are feeling financial strains, a new profit-sharing program from Viroqua, Wisconsin-based Wonderstate Coffee appears to have produced favorable returns all around, boosting financial health and cultural capital… read more
It’s Stankonia Season in Atlanta with Portrait Coffee and Outkast
Atlanta specialty coffee roaster-retailer Portrait Coffee is teaming up with Outkast on a limited-edition Stankonia Coffee to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the hip-hop duo’s fourth album, “Stankonia.”… read more
Probat Consolidating U.S. Operations in Dallas
German coffee roasting equipment maker Probat announced it is consolidating its U.S. operations in Texas, bringing together groups currently based at Probat Inc. outside Chicago, Bauermeister USA in Memphis and AC Horn in Dallas… read more
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