Coffee Prices Surge, Starbucks Revamps Strategy, and US Coffee Market Trends

Arabica Coffee Hits Four-Month High Amid Supply Concerns

Arabica coffee futures reached their highest level in four months, closing at 410.65 US cents per pound on September 12, 2025, while robusta coffee prices rose for the third consecutive session to 4,817 USD per ton on the London Exchange. The surge is driven by concerns over a smaller-than-expected Brazilian harvest and the impact of a 50% US tariff on Brazilian coffee exports, tightening supplies in the United States. Brazil’s coffee exports have also declined by 20.9% year-on-year in the first eight months of 2025, contributing to bullish market sentiment (haliocoffee.com, 13 Sep 2025).

Starbucks CEO Commits to Revitalizing Coffee Culture

Starbucks’ new CEO, Laxman Niccol, has vowed to bring the company back to its roots as a “community coffeehouse,” addressing challenges posed by mobile ordering and beverage customization that have slowed store operations. Niccol emphasized the importance of distinguishing between dine-in and to-go services to enhance the customer experience and revive Starbucks’ coffee culture (perfectdailygrind.com, 13 Sep 2025).

US Coffee Consumption Trends Highlight Growth in App and Drive-Thru Purchases

The National Coffee Association (NCA) reported record highs in app-based and drive-thru coffee orders in the US, with 36% of coffee drinkers ordering via apps and 59% purchasing coffee at drive-thrus. Cold, iced, and frozen blended coffee consumption also increased during the summer months, accounting for 31% of coffee consumed in June compared to 23% in January 2025. These trends underline coffee’s steady popularity and evolving consumer behaviors in the convenience sector (convenience.org, 12 Sep 2025).

Upcoming US Coffee Championships and Industry Events Announced

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) US Chapter has announced dates and locations for the 2025 US Coffee Championships, including hosts Lavazza, RoasTronix, and Black & White Coffee Roasters. Competitions will run from October to January, with registration opening on September 27. Additionally, the SCA’s RE:BLOOM educational and networking events will commence on September 27 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, fostering continued industry engagement and development (perfectdailygrind.com, 13 Sep 2025).