Coffee Industry News & Market Snapshot (Week Ending Sept 6, 2025)

• Starbucks issues multi-billion sustainability-linked bonds (Sept 4) — Starbucks launched one of its largest ESG financings to date, tying repayment metrics to sustainability goals.
• Brazil coffee exports up 15% in August (Sept 3) — Shipments surged to ~4.5m bags, led by strong arabica harvests, even as robusta exports slowed.
• ICO: Global coffee consumption growth slowing (ICO, Sept 2) — The International Coffee Organization reported moderating demand growth in 2025, raising concerns about demand-supply balance.
• Luckin Coffee Q2 revenue jumps 25%, passes 20k stores (PRNewswire, Sept 2) — Luckin continued its meteoric expansion across China, cementing itself as Starbucks’ fiercest rival.
• Peru’s cooperatives embrace regenerative coffee farming (Perfect Daily Grind, Sept 5) — Specialty producers are shifting to regenerative practices to boost climate resilience and premiums.
• Seoul confirmed as host of 2026 World Barista Championship (World Coffee Events, Sept 1) — WCE announced Seoul as the next stage for specialty’s most prestigious global competition.
• Nestlé launches plant-based Nescafé Barista Creations in U.S. retail (Nestlé, Sept 3) — New oat- and almond-based Nescafé lines hit U.S. grocery shelves, targeting plant-based consumers.

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Key Themes

• Financing & ESG: Starbucks’ bond issuance shows growing investor appetite for coffee-linked sustainability products.
• Markets: Brazil’s export surge contrasts with slowing consumption growth highlighted by the ICO.
• Chains Expansion: Luckin surpasses 20,000 stores; Nestlé pushes plant-based innovation.
• Sustainability: Peru’s regenerative farming spotlight reflects specialty’s climate push.
• Events: Seoul locked in as 2026 WBC host, spotlighting Asia’s growing role in specialty coffee.

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What to Watch Next Week

• USDA September crop outlooks for Brazil & Vietnam.
• Starbucks Investor Day announcements.
• Fall seasonal launches from Peet’s, Blue Bottle, and other chains.
• Specialty harvest arrivals from Central America & East Africa entering U.S. supply chains.

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Market Snapshot

• Arabica (ICE KC Dec ’25): ~214¢/lb, down ~2% WoW, as Brazil’s strong exports eased earlier supply concerns.
• Robusta (ICE London Nov ’25): ~$3,050/ton, down ~1% WoW, on easing supply fears from Vietnam.
• Outlook: Near-term bearish sentiment from export strength, but underlying risks (Brazil weather, demand slowdown) remain.