Coffee Prices Rise, OldTown Expands, and New Coffee Tech Emerges Today

Global Coffee Prices Stabilize Amid Market Fluctuations

Coffee prices in Vietnam’s domestic market showed signs of a mild recovery today after a period of decline, with prices in key regions like the Central Highlands and Southern provinces hovering between 113,000 to 114,000 VND per kilogram. This cautious optimism reflects improved signals from international coffee exchanges, though traders remain vigilant amid ongoing volatility (Báo Kinh tế & Đô thị, 13 October 2025).

US Coffee Prices Hit 25-Year Highs Driven by Tariffs and Weather

In the United States, coffee prices have surged to levels not seen in 25 years due to a combination of adverse weather conditions in Brazil and Vietnam and the impact of US tariffs on coffee imports. Brazil’s prolonged droughts and Vietnam’s heavy rainfall have disrupted supply, while tariffs imposed earlier this year have added upward pressure on prices. Consumers are experiencing price hikes across major chains, with Starbucks charging up to $5.25 for a large latte, although McDonald’s McCafé remains a relatively cheaper option (Economic Times, 13 October 2025; Fox13 News, 13 October 2025).

Malaysian Coffee Chain OldTown White Coffee Plans Major Expansion in the Philippines

OldTown White Coffee, a prominent Malaysian coffee brand, announced a planned investment of PHP 400 million (approximately USD 7 million) to expand its presence in the Visayas and Mindanao regions over the next five years. The expansion includes opening 20 new outlets, equally split between the two regions, with a focus on growing markets such as Zamboanga City. The brand aims to bring its signature café experience and create new jobs, further solidifying its footprint outside Malaysia (BusinessWorld, 13 October 2025).

Innovations in Coffee Sorting Technology Highlighted in Market Report

The global market for coffee bean color sorter technology is projected to grow steadily, with recent reports estimating the market size at US$145 million in 2024. This technology is critical for improving coffee quality control by sorting beans based on color to remove defects. Industry analysis forecasts continued growth through 2031 across multiple regions, underscoring the coffee sector’s investment in advanced processing equipment to meet rising quality demands (QYResearch via openPR, 13 October 2025).

New Coffee Cart Opens in Historic Highland Hill Building

In West Hill, the iconic Highland Hill Building now hosts Akorn Vintage, which features a nano coffee roaster called Here We Go! Coffee operating a mobile coffee cart. This addition complements the building’s recent revitalization, offering a blend of vintage retail and specialty coffee in a historic setting, enhancing the local community’s coffee culture (Signal Akron, 13 October 2025).