Coffee Industry News: Tariff Tensions, Roaster Honors, and Market Volatility – 21 October 2025

Market and Regulatory Developments

Global coffee markets remain volatile, with the NY “C” futures market experiencing 19 historically high price levels and unusually wide daily swings in 2025. The U.S. industry faces ongoing challenges from a 50% tariff on Brazilian coffee imports, introduced in August, which has forced supply chain adjustments and pressured margins. Despite these headwinds, demand has shown resilience, with no significant drop in consumption reported. Weather concerns in Brazil—specifically, higher temperatures and lower rainfall—add further uncertainty to 2026 supply forecasts (Royal New York, 21 October 2025, https://www.royalny.com/blogs/coffee-prices-and-tariffs/).

Brazilian exporters seek relief from U.S. tariffs as President Lula and former President Trump prepare to discuss the issue. Industry groups report sharp declines in both commercial and specialty coffee shipments from Brazil to the U.S. since the tariff was imposed (Perfect Daily Grind, 21 October 2025, https://perfectdailygrind.com/2025/10/coffee-news-recap-10-october-2025/).

Coffee Brands and Product Launches

Roast magazine announces its 2026 Roaster of the Year winners: Kafiex Roasters takes the Micro Roaster category, while Driftaway Coffee wins in the Macro Roaster division. The awards recognize excellence in roasting quality, innovation, and sustainability (Roast Magazine, 21 October 2025, https://dailycoffeenews.com).

Utopian Coffee of Fort Wayne is named overall winner at the Global Coffee Awards US & Canada event in Houston, with Stamp Act and Sweet Bloom also earning category honors. Winners advance to the global finals in El Salvador in March 2026 (Perfect Daily Grind, 21 October 2025, https://perfectdailygrind.com/2025/10/coffee-news-recap-10-october-2025/).

Coffee Machines, Equipment, and Technology

No major new product launches or equipment innovations from global manufacturers were reported in today’s industry press. The focus remains on navigating supply chain disruptions and adapting to high green coffee prices, with roasters prioritizing inventory management and forward contracting to stabilize costs (Royal New York, 21 October 2025, https://www.royalny.com/blogs/coffee-prices-and-tariffs/).

Industry Trends and Consumer Shifts

Legacy coffee chains face consumer pushback over high prices, with Starbucks reporting slowed same-store sales growth and over 70% of consumers indicating plans to visit less frequently. Meanwhile, smaller, premium-focused chains like Bluestone Lane are gaining traction, capitalizing on demand for experiential, coffee-centric occasions (Restaurant Dive, 21 October 2025, https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/2025-restaurant-coffee-trends-cold-matcha-small-chains/749877/).

The specialty coffee market continues its robust growth, projected to reach USD 69.8 billion globally by 2032, driven by consumer preference for premium, traceable, and single-origin coffees (Credence Research, 21 October 2025, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/specialty-coffee-market-to-reach-usd-69-8-billion-globally-by-2032–growing-at-a-cagr-of-4-75–credence-research-302578851.html).