Our recurring round-up of the latest specialty-coffee industry news.
FROM STAFF REPORTS
Featured image by Joshua Earle
Representing Vietnam, Le Quang Cuong is Crowned 2026 World Cup Tasters Champion
After three days of intense competition at World of Coffee Bangkok, Le Quang Cuong (Nicky), representing Vietnam, has been crowned the 2026 World Cup Tasters Champion. 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place were as follows: Catherine Queiroz (Switzerland), Mehmet Sogan (United States), and Mizuki Tagami (Japan).
Weber Workshops Opens Warehouse in Hamburg, Germany
Early this month, coffee equipment manufacturer Weber Workshops announced the opening of its European headquarters and distribution center in Hamburg, Germany, which will be led by Christian Klatt.
Coffee Prices to Surge Amid U.S.-Iran War
Soaring fertilizer prices due to the U.S.-Iran War are placing pressure on coffee farmers, potentially threatening the 2026/27 harvest season. “The closure of the (Strait of Hormuz) has tightened coffee supplies by increasing global shipping rates, insurance, fertilizer, and fuel costs, and raising costs for coffee importers and roasters,” writes Rich Asplund for Yahoo! Finance.
Protein Coffee Continues to Trend Amongst Young Consumers
Trending on social media and recently capitalized upon by major coffee chains like Starbucks, protein coffee—sometimes referred to as “proffee”—is growing in popularity, as 70% of Americans report that they’re trying to consume more protein. Click here for the full story.
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