Coffee industry daily: M&A, equipment rollouts, market signals

Costa Coffee sale talks risk stalling as valuation dispute emerges

Coca‑Cola’s proposed sale of Costa Coffee is reportedly at risk of falling through after last‑ditch talks with private equity firm TDR Capital stalled over price and valuation concerns (Financial Times, 15 December 2025, https://www.ft.com).

Übermilk Plus deployment expands in Australia as cafés prepare for 2026

The latest generation of the Übermilk automated milk‑preparation system—positioned as a full liquid dispensing solution for milk and plant‑based alternatives—is rolling out in Australia, with initial units entering Sydney cafés and broader national rollout planned for early 2026 (BeanScene, 15 December 2025, https://www.beanscenemag.com.au/introducing-the-new-generation-of-ubermilk/).

Caffe Nero founder warns consumers to expect higher coffee prices

Gerry Ford, founder of Caffè Nero, told media that a cup of coffee is unlikely to get cheaper even if green‑bean prices ease, signalling that industry margins and operational costs will keep retail prices elevated (The Telegraph, 15 December 2025, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/12/15/get-used-to-pricey-coffee-caffe-nero-boss-warns/).

New café openings signal ongoing market expansion in US specialty coffee scene

Independent brand The Coffee opened its first U.S. café in Wynwood, Miami, reflecting continued expansion of boutique and regionally focused cafés in key urban neighbourhoods (Biscayne Bay Tribune, 15 December 2025, https://communitynewspapers.com/biscayne-bay/the-coffee-opens-first-u-s-cafe-in-wynwood/).

Entrepreneurs grow coffee businesses in China’s western regions amid tourism push

Young entrepreneurs across China’s far west are building coffee concepts that combine local flavours and cultural elements, supported by enhanced infrastructure and regional tourism strategies aimed at attracting more visitors and boosting local economies (China Daily/Xinhua, 15 December 2025, https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202512/15/WS693f607fa310d6866eb2e930.html).

Feature — Roasting excellence: lessons for specialty roasters aiming for awards

Industry guidance published today outlines the holistic approach required to become an award‑winning roaster, covering quality control, sensory protocols, traceability and business positioning for competition success (Perfect Daily Grind, 15 December 2025, https://perfectdailygrind.com/2025/12/how-to-become-award-winning-coffee-roaster/).

Disclaimer: This press review reports data and trends from third-party published sources. CoffeeBI is not responsible for the accuracy of the figures or the content of the original articles. For further insights or tailored analysis on the topic, feel free to contact CoffeeBI.