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The 10 finalists of the 2025 World Brewers Cup. Specialty Coffee Association news photo.
George Jinyang Peng of China is the 2025 World Brewers Cup Champion
After three exhilarating days of competition at the Specialty Coffee Association’s World of Coffee event in Indonesia, George Jinyang Peng of China has been crowned the 2025 World Brewers Cup Champion. This year marked a significant milestone, showcasing a record-breaking 50 competitors who showcased their brewing prowess. Notably, Justin Bull of the United States made his mark by placing sixth. For a complete rundown of the results, check out the full standings here.
TechnoServe Announces “Alarming” USDA Funding Cuts
In a concerning development, the Virginia-based nonprofit TechnoServe recently disclosed that their projects funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have been halted. Earlier this year, TechnoServe partnered with JDE Peet’s on a significant USDA-funded initiative titled Avanza Café, aimed at uplifting poverty in the coffee sector. This funding cessation follows earlier cuts in foreign aid earlier this year, escalating concerns among stakeholders.
Fairtrade International and Coffee&Climate Sign MoU
In a collaborative effort to support smallholder farmers, Fairtrade International has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Initiative for coffee&climate. This partnership aims to enhance sustainable agricultural practices, fostering resilience within the coffee farming sector.
SCA and SCAI Announce Collaboration for CVA Standardization
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has partnered with the Specialty Coffee Association of Indonesia (SCAI) to promote the SCA’s Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) throughout the Indonesian coffee industry. This strategic agreement extends similar MoUs that SCA has previously established with organizations in Brazil and Colombia, underscoring the importance of standardization in coffee quality assessment.
Qima Leads Nomination of Yemeni Coffee for UNESCO Heritage Status
The nonprofit arm of UK and Yemen-based Qima Coffee is taking significant steps to nominate Yemeni coffee for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity status. This initiative aims to recognize the rich cultural and historical significance of Yemeni coffee cultivation and its role within local communities.
Black Rifle Coffee Lawsuit Still Kicking Despite 2024 Settlement
Despite having reached a $400,000 settlement agreement in 2024, Black Rifle Coffee Company finds itself embroiled once more in a lawsuit. The legal matter, originally filed in 2023 concerning two former consultants involved in product development, has seen a resurgence, as reported by My San Antonio.
Large Midwest Roaster Raising Prices in Response to Tariffs
Paramount Coffee Company, one of the largest wholesale coffee roasters in the Midwest, is raising prices in light of new tariffs implemented during the previous administration. As reported by Reuters, this development signals ongoing challenges for roasters and consumers alike.
Finca El Injerto 2025 Coffee Auction Registration Opens
For those interested in fine coffee, registration has opened for the Finca El Injerto 2025 Exotic Coffee online auction. This event promises unique, high-quality lots from the well-known Guatemalan producer. To secure a spot, register here.
Uganda Hosts Coffee Conference to Fast-Track EUDR Compliance
Responding to urgent regulatory changes, Uganda has recently hosted an international coffee conference aimed at accelerating compliance with the EU’s new deforestation-free regulation. The conference brought together leaders from across Africa to discuss strategies to ensure that smallholder livelihoods are protected amidst tightening regulations.
Lion Coffee Launches 100% Maui Coffee Supporting Wildfire Relief
In a commendable move, Lion Coffee has launched a limited edition “100% Maui” coffee sourced from Mahi Pono Farms in Kahului. Demonstrating corporate responsibility, the brand is donating 10% of sales to the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund, aimed at supporting wildfire relief efforts.
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
Here are some of DCN’s top stories from the past week…
Roast Summit Returns to Portland in 2025
Roast magazine is excited to announce the return of Roast Summit to its hometown of Portland, Oregon on October 2–3, 2025… read more
In Birmingham, Whammy Coffee Opens with Big Flavors and Tiny Dinosaurs
The Birmingham coffee scene recently welcomed Whammy Coffee’s first brick-and-mortar café, promising unique flavors and a quirky atmosphere… read more
World of Coffee Asia Heading to Bangkok in 2026
The SCA announced that its flagship Asia event will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, building on the success of the recent World of Coffee Asia trade show in Indonesia… read more
Here’s a Toast to New Coffee Drinkware at the 2025 SCA Expo
The SCA Expo in Houston showcased an impressive array of coffee drinkware, sparking trends for the upcoming season… read more
Duvall Espresso Launches Sales of Groundbreaking FC-1 Espresso Machine
After unveiling their prototype at the SCA Expo in Seattle, Duvall Espresso is now taking orders for the highly anticipated FC-1 espresso machine… read more
The Pinecone GH-B Grinder is Built for Budget-Friendly Bulk
Pinecone, a Swiss coffee grinder company, has unveiled its GH-B grinder, designed for budget-friendly bulk grinding in various settings… read more
Royal Coffee Continuing “Development Stage” This Fall
Royal Coffee, based in Oakland, California, is set to host another series of speakers and tastings in their “Development Stage” event for 2025… read more
