Coffee Industry Daily Press Review: 27 October 2025

Malaysia’s OldTown White Coffee Expands Aggressively in the Philippines

OldTown White Coffee, the Malaysian coffee chain known for its roasted white coffee and traditional fare, is accelerating its Philippine expansion with a US$21 million investment to open 20 additional stores over the next five years. The brand recently debuted in Zamboanga City, marking its 11th Philippine outlet and first in Western Mindanao. The Zamboanga branch is locally owned and aims to blend global quality with cultural authenticity. Del Mundo Group, the Philippine licensee, plans further expansion into provincial markets, signaling confidence in rising consumer demand and local economic growth (Inside Retail Asia, 27 October 2025, https://insideretail.asia/2025/10/27/malaysias-oldtown-white-coffee-ramps-up-philippine-expansion/).

Australian Coffee Roasters Turn to Corporate and Non-Traditional Markets Amid Rising Costs

Australian coffee businesses are increasingly targeting corporate offices and non-traditional venues as green coffee prices rise and café markets saturate. Specialty roasters see potential in supplying high-quality coffee to offices, leveraging fully automatic and semi-automatic machines for consistency and ease of use. Franke’s equipment is highlighted for delivering barista-quality results with user-friendly operation. Customization trends continue to grow, with alternative milks projected to account for 30% of coffee sales by 2030 and cold coffee beverages gaining popularity (BeanScene Magazine, 27 October 2025, https://www.beanscenemag.com.au/how-businesses-can-adapt-to-the-shifting-coffee-landscape/).

Philippine Coffee Industry Calls for Import Curbs to Support Local Growers

Stella Longa Sutton, co-founder of Apo ni Bayosa coffee, has called for import restrictions and tariffs on foreign coffee to bolster domestic producers. She argues that multinational chains should be required to sell a percentage of locally grown coffee, criticizing current development strategies that focus on seedling distribution without addressing market access. The push reflects broader concerns about foreign competition stifling the growth of the Philippine coffee sector (BusinessWorld, 27 October 2025, https://www.bworldonline.com/agribusiness/2025/10/27/707921/coffee-industry-seen-requiring-import-curbs-to-support-domestic-growers/).

Vietnam Domestic Coffee Prices Hold Steady

Domestic coffee prices in Vietnam remain stable, with Robusta grade 2 (5% broken) trading between 115,200 and 116,500 VND/kg on 27 October 2025. The consistency in local prices comes amid global volatility and supply chain disruptions affecting other major producing countries (Bao Nghe An, 27 October 2025, https://baonghean.vn/en/gia-ca-phe-hom-nay-27-10-2025-giu-gia-116-500-dong-kg-10309249.html).

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 Announced for January

The fifth edition of World of Coffee Dubai is confirmed for 18–20 January 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Organized by DXB LIVE and the Specialty Coffee Association, the event will highlight the UAE’s $3.2 billion coffee industry, projected to grow 8.4% annually. The exhibition underscores rising demand for specialty coffee, sustainability, and innovation in the Middle East and North Africa (GlobeNewswire, 27 October 2025, https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/10/27/3174288/0/en/DXB-LIVE-Announces-the-Fifth-Edition-of-World-of-Coffee-Dubai-2026-Opening-January-18-at-DWTC.html).

Indian Corporate Professionals Transition to Coffee Farming

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the trend of corporate professionals leaving urban careers to establish successful coffee farms, reflecting shifting career aspirations and opportunities in India’s coffee sector (Kashmir Observer, 27 October 2025, https://kashmirobserver.net/2025/10/27/corporate-dropouts-find-success-in-coffee-farms-pm-modi/).