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European Coffee and Cocoa Groups Publish Jute Bag Specification
The European Coffee Federation and European Cocoa Association jointly published a new industry specification for jute bags and jute yarns used as food-contact packaging in coffee and cocoa supply chains. The specification is intended to replace reliance on the older IJO98/01 standard amid tightening EU scrutiny of mineral oil hydrocarbon contamination in food. While the document notes that upcoming EU MOAH limits do not currently apply specifically to coffee, it frames the coffee standard as a preliminary reference for reducing contamination risk through cleaner jute production, handling and testing.
Jak Michael Ryan Wins 2026 U.S. Barista Championship
Jak Michael Ryan of Proud Mary Coffee in Austin, Texas, won the 2026 U.S. Barista Championship, which took place June 17-21 in Denver. Jason Yeo of Saint Frank Coffee came in second while Ziah Bloom of Lamppost Coffee finished third. See the complete standings.
La Colombe Factory in Michigan Gets Tax Break Designation
The Michigan Strategic Fund approved a “Renaissance Zone” to support Chobani’s planned expansion of La Colombe Coffee’s production facility in Norton Shores, Michigan. The project is expected to include up to $567 million in investment, create 337 jobs and retain 312 existing jobs, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Kauai Designated Coffee Berry Borer-Infested Area
The Hawaii Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity has expanded the state’s designated coffee berry borer-infested areas to include Kauai and Lanai. The June 24 designation means green coffee beans, used coffee bags and harvesting equipment moving among most islands no longer require permits and inspections, though they remain subject to periodic and random inspections. Molokai remains the only island not considered infested
KDP Coffee Unit Head Rafa Oliveira to Depart
Keurig Dr Pepper said Rafa Oliveira, head of its coffee operating unit and previously named future CEO of Global Coffee Co., plans to leave at the end of July for an external CEO role. The KDP board has opened a search for the future CEO of Global Coffee Co.
Law Firms Announce Black Rock Coffee Bar Securities Suit
Multiple shareholder-rights law firms are notifying investors of a securities class action filed against Black Rock Coffee Bar, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The suit alleges the company misled investors regarding its growth prospects and financial performance.
Cerrado Mineiro Launches Regenerative Coffee Initiative in Brussels
The Região do Cerrado Mineiro Designation of Origin is launching its Regenerative Futures for Coffee initiative during World of Coffee Brussels 2026. The group’s Brussels programming includes coffee tastings, barista appearances and a partnership with Milan-based specialty coffee chain Cafezal.
Nescafé Reports 53% Regenerative Agriculture Sourcing
Nestlé said Nescafé sourced 53% of its green coffee in 2025 from farmers adopting regenerative agriculture practices. The company also reported that more than 100,000 coffee farmers in 15 countries received training through the Nescafé Plan, while 94.3% of Nescafé coffee was “responsibly sourced.”
Gregorys Coffee Signs Long Island Franchise Agreement
New York-born Gregorys Coffee has signed a franchise agreement with Ricky and Nick Singh, operators of Pop’s Pizza NYC, to open three Gregorys locations on Long Island. Gregorys joined the Craveworthy Brands portfolio in 2025 and launched its franchise program in 2026.
Summer Social with La Marzocco
Seattle-based La Marzocco USA is launching a summer Ice Cream Social event series, beginning July 9 at the company’s Ballard headquarters in Seattle. The event will include affogatos made with Swiss Water Process decaf espresso. Future dates and locations are being planned for July 29, Aug. 6 and Aug. 26.
New from CoffeeIndustryJobs.com
- Head Roaster — Port City Java
- Green Coffee Specialist — Intelligentsia Coffee
- Business Development Manager – Specialty Coffee — JNP Coffee
- Growth Marketing Manager — Texas Coffee School
- Coffee Training Professional — Texas Coffee School
- Field Service Technician — Visions Espresso Service
- Coffee Roasting Production Assistant — Speedwell Coffee
ICYMI
Here are some of DCN’s top stories from the past week…
Best of Congo Cooperatives Returns with 34 High-Quality Traceable Lots
The Best of Congo Cooperatives is back for a third edition in 2026, opening another rare buying window for high-quality, traceable green coffee from the Democratic Republic of Congo… read more
Report: Drive-Through Coffee and Chicken Among Fastest-Growing US Brand Categories
Yelp’s annual ranking of the fastest-growing brands in the United States underscores the rapid ascent of drive-through coffee chains focused on speed, convenience and customization of often heavily sweetened drinks… read more
UK Revives Dormant Anti-Deforestation Plan, Includes Coffee
The UK government announced today that it plans to move forward with mandatory supply chain due diligence rules in Great Britain, requiring businesses to check that certain agricultural goods, including coffee, are not linked to illegal deforestation… read more
Chinese Study Finds Native Fungus May Lift Conventional Coffee Into Specialty Range
Researchers in China say they have identified a naturally occurring fungus in coffee cherries that, when used as a fermentation agent under controlled conditions, can raise certain conventional coffees into specialty-grade territory… read more
Brewed Blend of Date and Olive Seeds Comes Close to Turkish Coffee, Study Finds
A recent study from Turkey suggests a caffeine-free brew made from roasted date seeds and olive seeds can come reasonably close to Turkish coffee in taste and appearance under controlled test conditions… read more
Option-O Launches the Two-Headed Lagom GDS Grinder
A new two-headed single-dose grinder called the Lagom GDS — which spins two distinct sets of burrs — is entering the commercial equipment market courtesy of Australia-based equipment company Option-O… read more
DOJ Investigating New York Coffee Chain After Ban of Pro-Israel Congressman
The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into New York-based independent coffee shop chain Poetica Coffee after the company took to social media to refuse future service to Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.)… read more
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