Welcome to DCN’s Weekly Coffee News! Subscribe here for all the latest coffee industry news. Also, check out the latest career opportunities at CoffeeIndustryJobs.com.
A Philz Coffee location in Los Angeles. Daily Coffee News photo by Nick Brown.
Philz Coffee Taking Down Pride Flags from Cafes
Philz Coffee said this week that it plans to remove flags and other decor from all of its cafes, including Pride flags, as part of what CEO Mahesh Sadarangani described as a move toward a “more consistent, inclusive experience” across stores, according to multiple local reports. The decision drew swift backlash after a Change.org petition started by a group calling itself Philz Coffee Baristas spread on social media. Last year, Philz was sold to a Los Angeles-based private equity firm in a deal worth $145 million.
Eliana Cossio Takes Senior Science Roles at the Specialty Coffee Association
Eliana Cossio said on LinkedIn this week that she has started in a dual role as Chief Research Officer for the Specialty Coffee Association and Executive Director of the Coffee Science Foundation. Both roles were previously occupied by Peter Giuliano. Giuliano confirmed with DCN that he has moved into a senior advisory role at the SCA focusing on science communication and engagement strategy. Cossio most recently served as Vice President of Global Research and Development at Westrock Coffee.
Cafe Imports’ ED+U is Now a Free Online Coffee Academy
Minneapolis-based green coffee importer Cafe Imports has taken its ED+U coffee education platform a step further by formalizing it as an online academy. The platform will continue to be free, while now offering a self-paced certificate program. The academy is launching with a six-part, 10-hour seed-to-cup curriculum under the name “Coffee Is.” DCN will have more on this soon.
Initiative Promotes Regenerative Agriculture in Uganda
A partnership supported by the Global Environment Facility and the Least Developed Countries Fund has brought together Nespresso, TechnoServe, Kyagalanyi Coffee Limited and IUCN to pilot and expand regenerative agriculture among smallholder coffee farmers in Uganda’s Rolling Hills area. The initiative builds on the Nespresso Sustainable Quality Plan, according to IUCN.
North Carolina Coffee Institution Closes All Locations After Nearly 30 Years
The Coffee Scene, a Fayetteville, North Carolina cafe that opened its first location in 1996, announced on social media it has permanently closed all three of its locations. The announcement comes just over a year after Stacey and Chad Chapman purchased the business, according to a Greater Fayetteville Business Journal report.
Hario Debuting Two V60 Dripper Collections in San Diego
Japanese coffee equipment maker Hario is set to showcase the V60 Dripper NEO and the V60 Surfboard Base Dripper Collection at World of Coffee San Diego, at booth 3121. Both will be available for onsite purchase at the event.
SMEG USA Unveils New Coffee Machine and Multipurpose Grinder
Home appliance company SMEG USA has launched its new Espresso & Cold Brew Coffee Machine and its new Multipurpose Coffee Grinder, both part of the brand’s 1950s Retro-Style line.
Layn Natural Ingredients to Showcase Beverages at WOC
Plant-based ingredients company Layn Natural Ingredients will present a range of tea-based functional beverage concepts at WOC San Diego at booth #1922, including samples and a preview of Lovia, a line of monk fruit / stevia blends and tabletop sweeteners.
BioVivo Science to Debut Adaptogenic Wellness Shots at WOC San Diego
Functional ingredients supplier BioVivo Science (BVS) will debut its portfolio of U.S.-made adaptogen-infused wellness shots and natural caffeine solutions at WOC San Diego, at booth #1922.
Michigan Firm Acquires Majority Stake in Large 7 Brew Franchisee
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan-based private equity firm Northern Shore Capital has acquired a majority stake in Texas Coffee Partners, a Texas-based franchisee of drive-through coffee chain 7 Brew that operates 15 locations across Houston, San Antonio and Austin. Financial terms were not disclosed.
ICYMI
Here are some of DCN’s top stories from the past week…
Major Ag Lender Warns of Arabica Land Losses from Climate Change
One of the world’s largest agricultural lenders issued a stark warning to the coffee industry last week, saying broad areas now used for arabica production could become climatically unsuitable by 2050 as the planet warms… read more
New Products Coming to World of Coffee San Diego
Forklifts are rolling, partitions are rising and logos are beginning to fill the San Diego Convention Center for the 2026 World of Coffee trade show, taking place April 10-12… read more
Study Suggests Moderate Coffee and Tea May Be Tied to Lower Lung Cancer Risk
A new analysis of UK Biobank data suggests that moderate daily consumption of coffee and tea may be associated with a lower risk of developing lung cancer, while higher coffee intake did not show the same apparent benefit… read more
Nomad Bringing No-Waste Mission to More Vancouver-Area Cafes
Since the coffee shop Nomad opened in North Vancouver, British Columbia, in May 2022, not a single disposable cup has crossed its counter… read more
Labor Department Recovers $85,197 for Workers at Texas Coffee Bar
The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $85,197 in back wages for 36 workers at a coffee bar and lounge in central Texas, after an investigation found the business had been operating an illegal tip pool… read more
Opinion: Technical Gap Slowing Agroforestry in Key Colombian Lands
Colombia is the world’s third-largest coffee producer and a main producer of Arabica coffee, which is known worldwide for its quality… read more
WCR Leads Nearly $1 Million Project to Strengthen Ugandan Coffee Sector
The nonprofit World Coffee Research (WCR) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have announced a €850,000 (roughly $994,000) investment designed to improve Ugandan farmers’ access to disease-resistant coffee varieties while supporting the country’s long-term production goals… read more
Comments? Questions? News to share? Contact DCN’s editors here. For all the latest coffee industry news, subscribe to the DCN newsletter.
