Coffee News Recap: February Export Declines and RFK Jr. vs. Starbucks, Dunkin’

Every Friday, Perfect Daily Grind compiles the latest highlights from the coffee industry. This week brings significant discussions around health, industry growth, and exciting new launches.

Editor’s note

While “America runs on Dunkin’,” Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expresses a different opinion. The US Health Secretary has targeted Dunkin’ and Starbucks, criticizing their high-sugar beverages.

As part of his “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, RFK Jr. is demanding both chains demonstrate the safety of their sugary drinks for teenagers. Alarmingly, a number of Dunkin’ offerings include over 100g of sugar, with a large Triple Mocha Frozen Coffee clocking in at an astonishing 165g.

The concerns regarding health are valid, especially considering the increasing popularity of flavored, customized coffee drinks among Gen Z. However, it is noteworthy that RFK Jr. cut $500 million in mRNA vaccine funding last year, making his focus on these coffee giants seem somewhat misplaced.

Nevertheless, his public criticism of major coffee brands could encourage a move towards more low-calorie options. The functional coffee market has seen substantial growth as consumers become more health-conscious. This shift, whether voluntary or prompted by external pressures, could very well define the future landscape of the market.

Top stories of the week

• Tue, 10 Mar – Brazil & Vietnam coffee exports both fell in February. Vietnam’s February exports declined over 16% due to high domestic prices and reduced stock. Brazil’s coffee exports reached 2.6 million bags, marking a 23.5% drop attributed to falling arabica prices. (Hanoi, Vietnam & Brasília, Brazil)

• Wed, 11 Mar – Intelligentsia opens first drive-thru store. This new outlet in Santa Monica features a compact 250-sq-ft design, equipped with a La Marzocco KB90 espresso machine and batch brew systems, promoting a quick-service menu. (Santa Monica, California, US)

• Wed, 11 Mar – Volcafe brings North American operations under direct leadership. This change establishes Volcafe North America as the official representative of the Volcafe brands in the region, while the former licensee operates independently as Coastal Commodities. (Red Bank, New Jersey, US)

Industry news

• Mon, 9 Mar – Gregorys Coffee begins franchising to accelerate growth. The New York-based chain is evolving its business model after nearly 20 years of solely operating company-owned locations. Currently boasting over 40 sites, the establishment is poised for quick expansion into new markets. (New York City, New York, US)

• Mon, 9 Mar – Tim Hortons partners with the Canadian Paralympic Team. The coffee chain has secured its position as the official quick-service restaurant for the squad through to the 2028 Games, highlighting para-sport achievements in upcoming marketing initiatives. (Toronto, Canada)

• Tue, 10 Mar – Fore Coffee rejects franchise model while expanding in Southeast Asia. The Indonesian coffee chain recently opened 60 new outlets, raising its total to 290 in Indonesia and Singapore, focusing on company-owned growth to ensure service standards and brand integrity. (Jakarta, Indonesia)

• Thu, 12 Mar – Bellwether Coffee expands roaster network and marketplace. The company has significantly increased its number of roasters, catering to the trend of cafés moving towards in-house roasting. This expansion introduces a broader selection of green coffees for those utilizing the brand’s electric, ventless machines. (Berkeley, California, US)

• Fri, 13 Mar – Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA appoints Matthew Smith as president. With over 25 years of experience, Smith will oversee brands such as Chock full o’Nuts and Segafredo Zanetti, succeeding John Battle as the company refocuses on strategic growth. (Portsmouth, Virginia, US)

New launch

• Mon, 9 Mar – Cotti Coffee to open first Belgian outlet. This Chinese chain is set to enter the Brussels market, offering competitive pricing as part of its rapid global expansion strategy, marking a significant milestone in Western Europe. (Brussels, Belgium)

• Tue, 10 Mar – Cup Scout launches to showcase upcoming micro roasters in the US. This new weekly subscription service aims to highlight “hidden gem” roasters with smaller followings, focusing on unique small batches shipped to subscribers. (Atlanta, Georgia, US)

• Wed, 11 Mar – Astoria unveils ST-400 and ST-800 machines at Internoga. Engineered for high-volume venues, the “Smart Traditional” platform incorporates Intelligent Portafilter Recognition and self-adjusting grinders. A full launch is planned for WoC Brussels. (Susegana, Italy)

• Wed, 11 Mar – Thermoplan releases 2025 Sustainability Report focused on circular economy. The Swiss manufacturer refurbished over 500 coffee modules, emphasizing sustainability amidst global economic challenges. The report also discusses the uniqueBean social initiative and university collaborations. (Weggis, Switzerland)

• Thu, 12 Mar – MHW-3BOMBER launches new cupping bowl. Crafted for professional sensory evaluation and roast development, the bowl is part of the brand’s 2026 lineup, offering a standardized tool for precise flavour analysis. (Guangzhou, China)

• Fri, 13 Mar – Nigredo Café opens in Colombia. Situated in Parque Coinca, this new specialty coffee shop, owned by Jayson Galvis, aims to blend coffee with community engagement, promoting “coffee alchemy” through quality service. (Armenia, Colombia)

Trade & production

• Mon, 9 Mar – Vietnam supply issues threaten to raise global coffee costs. Severe drought and reduced harvests in Vietnam are forecasted to create supply shortages, leading to rising prices for instant coffee and espresso blends worldwide. Traders are closely monitoring these developments. (Hanoi, Vietnam)

• Mon, 9 Mar – World’s largest urban coffee farm plants new trees in Brazil. The Biological Institute in São Paulo is enhancing its iconic grove with new saplings, providing a platform for research on pests and climate change impacts while educating the public about coffee’s development. (São Paulo, Brazil)

• Tue, 10 Mar – Uganda achieves record coffee exports to start the new season. With over 600,000 bags shipped in a single month, Uganda has reached its highest export volume in decades, helped by strong global prices and improved farming practices. This surge cements its status as a leading African producer. (Kampala, Uganda)

• Wed, 11 Mar – Specialty coffees gain ground in Brazil despite structural and climate challenges. While the domestic demand for specialty beans increases, obstacles like high production costs and erratic weather continue to pose challenges. Experts stress the need for better support mechanisms to enable small producers to maintain quality and sustainable practices. (São Paulo, Brazil)

Research

• Mon, 9 Mar – New research shows younger consumers are changing US coffee culture. Analysis of same-store sales on Toast’s platform indicates that newer drink formats are replacing traditional staples, with regular hot drip coffee declining by 3%, while cold brew saw a 2.2% decrease. Conversely, sales of “handcrafted barista-made” drinks, particularly espresso, grew by 3.3%. (New York City, New York, US)

• Tue, 10 Mar – Study explores coffee pulp as beef fat substitute. Researchers discovered that substituting half of the animal fat in burgers with dried coffee cherry waste retained texture and juiciness while enhancing shelf life due to the antioxidant properties. (Athens, Georgia, US)

• Thu, 12 Mar – Study finds coffee intake weakly linked to sleep quality. An extensive study involving over 30,000 adults revealed minimal differences in sleep quality and daytime fatigue between regular coffee drinkers and non-drinkers, suggesting coffee consumption may impact sleep less than commonly thought. (Linköping, Sweden)

Events & competitions

• Mon, 9 Mar – India International Coffee Festival plans 2027 expansion. Following a successful event that drew 20,000 attendees, the organizers are looking to broaden their international profile next year. The event recently showcased local specialty coffee and the trend toward quality-focused markets. (Bengaluru, India)

• Tue, 10 Mar – NCA 2026 Convention takes place in Tampa, Florida. This annual gathering offers industry professionals a chance to learn about the evolving US coffee landscape, featuring exhibitions, speaker programs, workshops, and networking opportunities. (Tampa, Florida, US)

• Wed, 11 Mar – Dalla Corte and Franke announced as sponsors for 2026 US Barista Championship. Dalla Corte North America will be the Official Machine Sponsor, and competitors will use their Zero Plus Classic machines, while Franke Coffee Systems joins as the Calibration Sponsor with the Mytico Due. The championship is to occur from 18 to 21 June in Denver. (Denver, Colorado, US)

• Wed, 11 Mar – Hyderabad Coffee Festival celebrates India’s growing coffee culture. Happening on 14 & 15 March, this festival will unite cafés, roasters, and coffee lovers, featuring tastings, latte art demonstrations, expert talks, and live performances to showcase India’s expanding specialty coffee community. (Hyderabad, India)

• Thu, 12 Mar – Toddy to host Cold Brew Competition at London Coffee Festival. Set for 14 to 17 May, this competition will challenge professionals to demonstrate their skills in a series of technical rounds, including a full-immersion brewing segment and a designer drink category. Additionally, Toddy will host a championship at PRF El Salvador on 26 & 27 March 2026. (London, UK)

• Thu, 12 Mar – Wood Fired Coffee to host interactive flat white workshop. On Monday, 30 March, founder Mark Pupo will lead a session covering the drink’s history, the evolution of Wood Fired Coffee, and how the coffee is blended for milk-based drinks. Participants will also have the chance to create their own flat white. (London, UK)

Here are a few coffee news stories from previous weeks that you might find interesting. Take a look:

• Thu, 5 Mar – Black Rock Coffee Bar targets 1,000 locations in expansion push. The chain aims to grow its footprint from the current 130 locations across the US, focusing on high-traffic areas to effectively compete with larger players in the industry. (Scottsdale, Arizona, US)

Photo credits: Morgan Eckroth, COFFeEAST Festival

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Key Takeaways

• Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. critiques high-sugar offerings at major coffee chains.
• Public pressure may lead to a shift towards low-calorie options in coffee products.
• Vietnam and Brazil both reported declines in coffee exports in February.
• Tim Hortons has partnered with the Canadian Paralympic Team as its official restaurant.
• New ventures in micro-roasting and specialty coffee continue to emerge globally.
• Research reveals changing coffee consumption trends among younger demographics.

FAQ

What changes is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. advocating for in coffee chains?

He is asking major coffee companies to demonstrate the safety of their high-sugar drinks for teenagers.

How did coffee export numbers fluctuate in recent months?

Vietnam and Brazil experienced a notable decline in coffee exports in February, influenced by market factors such as prices and stock availability.

What new coffee ventures are emerging?

New micro-roasters and specialty coffee cafes are appearing globally, reflecting a growing interest in unique coffee experiences.