There’s a lot of coffee news. Most of it noise. Each week, I’ll select a small number of developments that I think actually matter.
This week is about ownership decisions, pricing pressure, premium experiments, and supply chain integrity.
Coffee, caffeine, and cognitive health
A large scale study analysing data from more than 130,000 people found that those who drank caffeinated coffee (or tea) in midlife showed lower rates of dementia later in life. The strongest association appeared among people drinking two to three cups of coffee per day or one to two cups of tea. Decaffeinated beverages did not show the same pattern.
The study does not prove that coffee prevents cognitive decline. Lifestyle factors such as sleep, diet, exercise, and socioeconomic status remain powerful variables.
Click here for the full article.
Luckin Coffee opens premium flagship in Shenzhen
Luckin Coffee has opened its first high end flagship store in Shenzhen. A move that is a clear departure from their usual model.
The two floor location serves pour over coffee, cold brew, and higher priced drinks made with beans sourced from Brazil, Ethiopia, and Yunnan. Customers can choose origins and spend time in a space designed for experience rather than speed.
Luckin built its dominance on low prices, app based ordering, and fast pickup kiosks. This flagship suggests a confidence that the Chinese market may now support slower formats and higher margins.
Click here for the full article.
Starbucks reports traffic growth after two years of decline
Starbucks has reported customer traffic growth for the first time in two years. Global transactions rose 3%, and same store sales increased across markets, with China showing 7% growth.
Although the company missed earnings expectations, revenue exceeded forecasts. Executives attributed the improvement to early progress under CEO Brian Niccol’s turnaround strategy, which focuses on hospitality, operational consistency, and improving the in cafe experience.
Click here for the full article.
Vietnam seizes four tonnes of fake coffee made from soybeans
Vietnamese authorities have seized more than four tonnes of counterfeit coffee products made from soybeans following a raid in the Central Highlands. According to police statements, the products consisted of ground coffee blended with soybeans and flavourings intended for sale in the local market. A criminal investigation is underway.
Vietnam is the world’s largest producer of Robusta coffee. Prices have risen sharply, increasing pressure across the supply chain. As costs climb, the incentive to substitute cheaper ingredients grows.
Click here for the full article.
DaVinci Gourmet becomes title sponsor of The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops
DaVinci Gourmet has been announced as the new title sponsor of The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops.
The ranking blends expert panel scoring with public voting and assesses cafés across coffee quality, barista expertise, service, consistency, food, and community engagement. The 2026 list will be revealed at Coffee Fest Madrid.
Click here for the full article.
Coca Cola retains full Costa Coffee ownership
After months of speculation about a potential sale, Coca Cola has confirmed it will retain full ownership of Costa Coffee.
Coca Cola acquired Costa in 2018 for approximately $5 Billion. Private equity interest resurfaced in late 2025, but the company has decided against any sale for now.
Costa reported that operating losses more than doubled in 2024, reaching $18.42 million on revenues of $1.64 billion. Core markets such as the United Kingdom and Ireland remain comparatively stable.
Click here for the full article.
Building a record, not chasing noise
This week, major players are reassessing ownership, testing premium positioning, defending traffic, and confronting supply chain stress. Together, they describe an industry recalibrating under pressure.
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