Our recurring round-up of the latest specialty-coffee industry news.
FROM STAFF REPORTS
Featured image by Joshua Earle
After Decades of Family Ownership, BUNN is Acquired by Ali Group
BUNN, known for its iconic drip brewers found in diners, restaurants, and coffee shops across the U.S., has been acquired by foodservice equipment manufacturer Ali Group, after being family-owned for five generations.
International Women’s Coffee Alliance Welcomes Canada as Its 37th Global Chapter
Marking a significant milestone for the Canadian coffee industry, the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) has officially welcomed Canada as its 37th chapter.
“To me, IWCA Canada is more than a formality—it is at the intersection of international cooperation, coffee excellence, and the most essential empowerment of women,” IWCA Canada co-founder Isabelle Huard stated in a press release. “This chapter proves that solidarity can redefine our industry, creating a space where women’s talent and equity meet to build a fairer value chain.”
Wenbo Yang is Named 2026 U.S. Coffee Roasting Champion
Early this month, Wenbo “Joe” Yang of Washington’s Cozy Monster Coffee Roasters won the 2026 U.S. Coffee Roasting Championship, with a light roast of Finca Deborah’s Elipse Gesha from Savage Coffee.
Royal Cup Set to Acquire Farmer Brothers
Alabama-based Royal Cup Coffee & Tea has announced plans to acquire Texas’ Farmer Brothers Coffee Co., merging two long-time competitors. The deal is set to close by mid-2026.
Cause of Ruskeys’ Death Found to Be Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Co-founders of Goleta, California’s Frinj Coffee Jay and Kristen Ruskey tragically passed away in their sleep in early February, at a friend’s home in Cambria. After weeks of uncertainty, the cause of death was determined to be carbon monoxide poisoning. Read the full story here.
Throughout March, Verve Coffee Will Raise Funds for International Women’s Coffee Alliance
In honor of International Women’s History Month, California’s Verve Coffee will donate 10% of sales from women-produced coffees to the International Women’s Coffee Alliance. “We’re proud to partner with the IWCA, with a portion of proceeds going directly toward leadership, economic independence, and amplifying voices at the source,” the coffee company wrote on Instagram.
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