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Espresso Information Recap, 17 Apr: International Espresso Awards Africa set for June, Taiwan’s Bala is the 2026 World Latte Artwork Champion & different tales


Each Friday, Good Each day Grind rounds up the highest espresso trade information from the week. 

Editor’s word

Espresso competitors season is in full swing. The 2026 World Latte Artwork Championship came about at WoC San Diego final weekend. Over 30 opponents took half, with Taiwan’s Bala in the end profitable the title of World Latte Artwork Champion. Jacky Chang, representing Malaysia, and China’s Zking (Zhang Yuanyi) positioned second and third, respectively.

It was additionally lately introduced that the 2026 World AeroPress Championship will probably be held in December in Mexico Metropolis – residence to distinctive cafés and roasteries. Actual dates and places will probably be introduced within the coming weeks.

In two months, the International Espresso Awards will host its Africa version, inviting roasters of all sizes from throughout the continent to submit their greatest coffees. Traditionally not thought-about a significant area for espresso consumption, key African markets are actually rising. Two-thirds of South African adults drink espresso every single day, whereas Kenya’s native espresso consumption has greater than doubled from 2016 to 2023.

The GCA Africa version will highlight simply how dynamic the continent’s espresso market has turn out to be. In 2027, the winners will compete with roasters from the MENA area, Asia, the US & Canada, Europe, and Latin America within the GCA World Championship – culminating in one of the vital anticipated competitions within the espresso trade.

The finalists of the 2026 World Latte Art Championship.The finalists of the 2026 World Latte Art Championship.

High tales of the week

  • Mon, 13 Apr – Taiwan’s Bala wins the 2026 World Latte Artwork Championship. He secured the 2026 title with 531 factors. Bala’s profitable designs featured a raccoon, a giraffe, and a pink panda. He was adopted by Malaysia’s Jacky Chang and China’s Zhang Yuanyi in second and third locations, respectively. Brazil’s Eduardo Olímpio gained the Individuals’s Alternative Award. (San Diego, California, US)
  • Tue, 14 Apr – Espresso stays US’ favorite drink. The 2026 Spring NCDT report reveals 66% of US adults drank espresso previously day, sustaining its lead over all different drinks. Specialty espresso consumption reached a report 58% in reputation over the previous week, pushed by a surge in espresso-based drinks like lattes. The report additionally discovered that 85% of individuals now brew espresso at residence, pushed by distant work and rising café costs. (New York Metropolis, New York, US)
  • Wed, 15 Apr – India’s espresso exports hit by battle within the Center East. US-Israeli strikes and the Strait of Hormuz blockade have halted Indian espresso exports to the Center East. Exporters may face as a lot as an 80% lack of the West Asia market within the coming months, says the president of the Espresso Exporters Affiliation of India. (New Delhi, India)
  • Thu, 16 Apr – Safras & Mercado initiatives report Brazilian espresso crop. The consultancy estimates the 2026/27 harvest at 75.65 million luggage, pushed by a constructive biennial cycle. Concurrently, IBGE revised its forecast upward to 65.1 million luggage, citing report manufacturing for each arabica and canephora. (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
A latte art competition at the 2026 Dublin Coffee Festival.A latte art competition at the 2026 Dublin Coffee Festival.

Business information

  • Mon, 13 Apr – CQI reactivates Espresso Corps programme. Marking its thirtieth anniversary, the relaunch connects skilled trade professionals with producers to supply P2P schooling in sensory analysis, processing, and commerce. The announcement in San Diego additionally highlighted 4 new volunteer roles for a farmworker-focused pilot undertaking in Latin America. (San Diego, California, US)
  • Mon, 13 Apr – Austin named high US espresso metropolis. Meals & Wine’s 2026 International Tastemakers Awards ranked Austin as the very best espresso metropolis within the US, citing its “most vibrant espresso scene”. The journal praised the town’s artistic ideas and native spots like Fleet Espresso, Flat Monitor, and the Desnudo trailer. (Austin, Texas, US)
  • Tue, 14 Apr – Grind espresso companions with British Airways. The London-based model will serve its espresso on flights and in world lounges. From subsequent month, BA passengers will get pleasure from a bespoke Grind mix, additional accelerating the roaster’s worldwide growth and model visibility. (London, England)
  • Tue, 14 Apr – 7 Brew lands US TV sponsorship deal. The Arkansas-based drive-thru chain has signed a prime-time sponsorship with American Idol to spice up its family profile. This follows a profitable collaboration with Dude Good and its speedy growth throughout the US. (Fayetteville, Arkansas, US)
  • Wed, 15 Apr – Juan Valdez targets European development. The Colombian model is making strategic investments to deepen its presence in Europe, a precedence worldwide market. Approaching 675 shops throughout 19 international locations, the group goals to construct model affinity and increase its footprint within the area. (Madrid, Spain)
  • Wed, 15 Apr – Center East disaster is driving up espresso costs, ICO report says. March noticed the ICO composite worth rise 2.4% to US$1.86/lb regardless of higher provide prospects. Geopolitical tensions within the Crimson Sea disrupted logistics, outweighing the bearish impact of a 5.8% enhance in world espresso manufacturing for 2023/24. (London, UK)
  • Thu, 16 Apr – Turkey’s residence espresso machine market hits US$534mn. Pushed by rising café costs, the sector now accounts for 14% of the nation’s small family home equipment market. Gross sales of totally automated espresso machines tripled over three years as 45% of espresso is now consumed at residence. (Istanbul, Turkey)
  • Thu, 16 Apr – Starbucks assessments AI drink suggestions. The chain launched a ChatGPT-based pilot that implies drinks based mostly on a consumer’s temper, climate, or outfit. Clients can begin their customisation through the AI software earlier than finishing orders on the official Starbucks app. (Seattle, Washington, US)
  • Thu, 16 Apr – Wenbo Yang joins Podium Espresso Membership as Featured Roaster. The 2026 US Espresso Roasting Champion would be the featured roaster throughout Might. The subscription service will ship beans from Yang’s Cosy Monster roastery, showcasing the technical ability that earned him the nationwide title. (Seattle, Washington, US)
  • Fri, 17 Apr – Costa Espresso opens its first department in Kyrgyzstan. The British chain launched a unit at Manas Worldwide Airport in Bishkek by means of its franchise associate, Goldinvest. This opening marks the model’s official entry into the Kyrgyz market because it expands throughout Central Asia. (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan)
  • Fri, 17 Apr – Kopi Kenangan targets world development in 2026. The Indonesian unicorn plans to open 500 new worldwide shops, with a concentrate on Southeast Asia and its current entry into India. The chain goals to leverage its app-led mannequin to scale operations outdoors its residence market. (Jakarta, Indonesia)
  • Fri, 17 Apr – Jollibee’s Compose Espresso sees sturdy Taiwan debut. The South Korean chain drew giant crowds at its first Taiwan retailer, promoting one cup each 20 seconds throughout peak intervals. Jollibee Meals Corp. plans to make use of insights from this launch to help the model’s entry into the Philippines later in 2026. (Manila, Philippines)
  • Fri, 17 Apr – Probat appoints new CEO for North American division. Ryan Dodd, who has greater than 23 years of expertise in mechanical engineering, succeeds Ellen Nielsen, who will proceed as CFO North America. The management change follows the current announcement of the consolidation of Probat’s US operations right into a centralised website in Dallas, Texas. (Dallas, Texas, US)
  • Fri, 17 Apr – Abu Dhabi agency buys stake in Joe & The Juice. A UAE-based non-public fairness investor has acquired a minority stake within the coffee-and-juice chain from Basic Atlantic. The funding is ready to speed up the model’s worldwide growth and improve its digital platform. (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Joe & the Juice coffee cups stacked on top of an espresso machine.Joe & the Juice coffee cups stacked on top of an espresso machine.

Companies on the market

  • Wed, 15 Apr – KDP secures 97.75% of JDE Peet’s. Keurig Dr Pepper now holds 474.5 million shares following the post-closing provide interval. The entire acquisition, valued at roughly US$18bn, triggers a compulsory buy-out as possession exceeds 95%. Delisting is ready for 30 April. (Burlington, Massachusetts, US)
  • Fri, 17 Apr – Odeko acquires Shirazi Distributing and enters Nashville. The availability chain tech associate for over 25,000 espresso retailers expanded its presence in Boston by integrating the native distributor. Odeko additionally formally launched its natural operations within the Nashville market this quarter. (New York Metropolis, New York, US)
Cosori pour over machine.Cosori pour over machine.

New launch

  • Mon, 13 Apr – Cosori debuts Juni pour over system. The equipment model entered the specialty espresso market with Juni, its first SCA-certified automated pour over machine. Debuting at World of Espresso San Diego, it automates barista strategies to fulfill Golden Cup extraction requirements. (San Diego, California, US)
  • Mon, 13 Apr – 85°C Bakery Café to debut in Colorado. Identified for its “sea salt espresso” and over 50 sorts of fresh-baked pastries, the Taiwanese “bakery of hotel-quality at inexpensive costs” has launched following its profitable growth in New York, Arizona, and Illinois. (Aurora, Colorado, US)
  • Tue, 14 Apr – Nestlé and Starbucks launch Espresso Craft Focus. The brand new multi-serve liquid base permits shoppers to customize chilly espresso drinks at residence by merely including water or milk. Obtainable in Signature Black and Caramel flavours, the vary targets the rising demand for chilly brew. (Vevey, Switzerland)
  • Tue, 14 Apr – Kenangan Espresso opens first Taiwan outlet. To go well with native tastes, the Indonesian chain launched a Pistachio Macchiato alongside its signature menu, following profitable soft-launch trials within the metropolis. (Taipei, Taiwan)
  • Tue, 14 Apr – Rio Miura debuts Soup Latte. Co-created with Kiyoe Nakazawa, the brand new savoury beverage class transforms flavours like Truffle Mushroom and Coconut Curry into latte-style drinks. Ready with steamed milk, it affords a nutritious, café-ready meal in a cup. (San Diego, California, US)
  • Tue, 14 Apr – comfortable launches 48oz chilly brew at Kroger. The model, co-founded by Robert Downey Jr., has debuted its new “Prepared-to-Take pleasure in” multiserve bottles in three flavours: Unsweetened Black, Caramel, and Vanilla. The road makes use of 100% arabica beans and is now accessible at Kroger shops nationwide. (New York Metropolis, New York, US)
  • Tue, 14 Apr – Air Canada opens new airport cafés. The airline has expanded its premium providing with new “Air Canada Café” places at Montreal-Trudeau and Vancouver Worldwide airports. The cafés present enterprise class passengers with specialty coffees, snacks, and a quiet workspace. (Montreal, Canada)
  • Wed, 15 Apr – Ceado launches Iron Sweet burrs. Co-developed with Australian Barista Champion Hugh Kelly, the nano-coated 83mm K110 flat burrs allow increased extraction for a rounder physique and enhanced sweetness. (Venice, Italy)
  • Wed, 15 Apr – RAVE Espresso unveils new oat drink mix. Partnering with (Un)extraordinary, the roaster created its first espresso particularly roasted to enhance oat milk. The mix balances the sweetness of plant-based milks to fulfill the rising demand for dairy-free specialty espresso. (Cirencester, England)
  • Wed, 15 Apr – Demise Want Espresso launches new RTD latte. The model expanded its RTD lineup with the brand new Caramel Chilly Brew Latte. Made with 100% Truthful Commerce Colombian espresso and pure components, the drink comprises 120mg of caffeine and 65% much less sugar than its main opponents, based on Demise Want. (Saratoga Springs, New York, US)
  • Thu, 16 Apr – Uncommon Breed Espresso debuts “Mind Waves” purposeful mix. The natural medium-dark roast consists of L-theanine, cordyceps, citicoline, and L-tyrosine:to boost focus with out jitters, based on the model. Launched on 10 April, it options zero-waste packaging in 100% recyclable cans. (Nashua, New Hampshire, US)
  • Thu, 16 Apr – North Star Espresso Roasters to open two new Leeds websites. The B Corp-certified roaster will increase into Nice George Road and Victoria Quarter in June 2026. Regardless of a sector slowdown, the funding introduces a takeaway kiosk and a heritage arcade café to the town centre. (Leeds, UK)
  • Thu, 16 Apr – Rex Roaster debuts 4lb electrical drum roaster. The Idaho-built machine includes a easy, service-oriented chrome steel design for startups. Priced at US$6,000, the totally handbook unit runs on commonplace 120V energy. (Emmett, Idaho, US)
  • Thu, 16 Apr – IKAPE launches pro-grade moveable espresso machine. The KAPO K2 Professional includes a business 58mm basket, Bluetooth app management, and a 13,500mAh battery. It could possibly warmth chilly water to 93°C in two minutes utilizing a ceramic thermal core, aiming to carry high quality brewing to cell customers. (Shenzhen, China)
  • Thu, 16 Apr – Mossgiel Natural Farm brings its “brewed” milk to London. The Ayrshire dairy secured a cope with Trendy Milkman to provide non-homogenised, “low and gradual” pasteurised milk. Already utilized in 250 Scottish cafés, the glass-bottled milk is priced at £2.80 per litre. (London, Better London, UK)
  • Fri, 17 Apr – De’Longhi launches PrimaDonna Fragrant espresso machine. The super-automatic mannequin options “Bean Adapt” know-how that robotically adjusts the grind and warmth. It affords 38 recipes, together with chilly brew in below three minutes, and is priced at US$2,499.95. (Higher Saddle River, New Jersey, US)
  • Fri, 17 Apr – Cooxupé launches espresso carbon credit score undertaking. The world’s largest espresso cooperative launched an initiative to monetise environmental preservation. By measuring carbon sequestration on farms, the undertaking affords members a brand new income stream and promotes sustainable land administration. (Guaxupé, Brazil)
  • Fri, 17 Apr – Drink Hippie launches purposeful espresso at Goal. The model debuted its adaptogen-enriched espresso concentrates in nationwide retail. In the meantime, Natalie’s Juice Co. scaled its distribution with Costco, marking a big growth for premium beverage manufacturers in US retail. (New York Metropolis, New York, US)
A producer washes cherries in a sieve.A producer washes cherries in a sieve.

Commerce & manufacturing

  • Wed, 15 Apr – Brazil’s espresso exports fell 7.8% in March. In accordance with Commerce Ministry information launched by Datagro, shipments fell to 151,000 tonnes from the identical month final 12 months. The decline displays tighter arabica shares and decrease competitiveness forward of the 2026/27 harvest. (Brasília, Brazil)
  • Fri, 17 Apr – Japan expands espresso cultivation to northern areas. Amid considerations about local weather change, farms in Yamagata, Fukushima, and Hokkaido are experimenting with greenhouse cultivation. Initiatives like Bankoku Espresso are efficiently harvesting beans in colder climates to counter the expected world decline in appropriate arabica land. (Yamagata, Japan)

Analysis

  • Thu, 16 Apr – Espresso sector lags in deforestation motion. The 2026 Forest 500 report reveals that solely 5% of firms reported that over half their espresso is deforestation-free, regardless of an increase in public commitments to 47%. Whereas Nestlé emerged as a frontrunner, many main roasters stay within the “late majority”. (Oxford, UK)
A judge lifts up a cupping bowl at the second Global Cupping Championship.A judge lifts up a cupping bowl at the second Global Cupping Championship.

Occasions & competitions

  • Mon, 13 Apr – Winners introduced for the 2026 Greatest New Product, Espresso Design, and Sustainability Awards. The winners had been introduced at WoC San Diego, which attracted over 15,000 guests throughout the three days:
    • Espresso Design Awards: Rikka Fika for Packaging, Gradual by Gradual Espresso for Areas, and Monogram Espresso for Branding.
    • Greatest New Product: Satellite tv for pc Espresso Guard by Squeaky for Espresso Equipment & Individuals’s Alternative, VS4 by Varia for Shopper Espresso Preparation & Serving, OnePress Cellular Café System by Solrisen for Business Espresso Preparation & Serving, APAX LAB KONFLUX by Gradual Pour Provide for Specialty Espresso Consumables, and Precision Fill Mini v2 by Sovda for Open Class.
    • Sustainabilty Awards: Espresso Circle for For Revenue and Bean Voyage for Non-Revenue.
  • Wed, 15 Apr – World of Espresso Bangkok highlights development. The third version of WoC Asia displays Thailand’s booming specialty espresso sector. The occasion will host the 2026 World Cup Tasters Championship, alongside options such because the Roaster Village, cupping rooms, and lectures. (Bangkok, Thailand)
  • Thu, 16 Apr – Glasgow Espresso Competition to start on 18 April. The twelfth version will return to the Briggait, increasing for the primary time into the newly-opened neighbouring Clydeside Halls. The 2026 pageant will function nationwide exhibitors, talks, workshops, espresso tastings, and the 2026 UK Brewers Cup Championship. (Glasgow, UK)
  • Thu, 16 Apr – Amsterdam Espresso Competition begins. The ninth version of the pageant runs till 18 April at NDSM-Loods. The programme options the Roast Masters and Latte Artwork Dwell competitions, academic periods on the Espresso Faculty, and hands-on workshops on the Brew Lab. (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
  • Fri, 17 Apr – Franke’s Mytico debuts on the Czech Latte Artwork Championship. The totally automated machine was used alongside conventional gear within the 2026 competitors. Winner Kamila Zicháčková demonstrated how automated techniques can stabilise extraction and milk texture whereas permitting for barista creativity. (Liberec, Czech Republic)
  • Fri, 17 Apr – The Barista League heads to Latin America. The high-energy barista competitors has introduced its upcoming cease in Mexico Metropolis on 6 Might, that includes three rounds of fast-paced challenges designed to check abilities in a party-like environment. (Mexico Metropolis, Mexico)

Listed below are just a few espresso information tales from earlier weeks that you simply would possibly discover attention-grabbing. Have a look:

  • Thu, 2 Apr – Espresso waste might be used to create biodegradable insulation. Researchers developed a high-performance materials by changing spent espresso grounds into porous biochar. The ensuing composite performs in addition to business polystyrene however is totally sustainable and eco-friendly. (Shenyang, Liaoning, China)
  • Tue, 7 Apr – Acumen invests in Mountain Harvest to help Ugandan espresso. The funding goals to spice up incomes for two,600 smallholder farmers by 2028 by means of natural arabica processing. Funds will finance a brand new climate-controlled warehouse and dry mill to boost high quality and local weather resilience. (Kampala, Uganda)
  • Thu, 9 Apr – Beans & Brews studies report development. The US espresso franchise opened seven new websites within the first 100 days of 2026, its strongest ever growth interval. Enlargement into Colorado, Nevada, and Texas is a part of a plan to open a report 25 new places this 12 months. (Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah, US)
  • Thu, 9 Apr – International espresso exports rise 4.5%. World exports reached 56.19 million luggage through the first 5 months of the 2025/26 espresso 12 months (October to February). The expansion was primarily pushed by sturdy robusta shipments and important export efficiency from Brazil and Ethiopia. (London, UK)

Picture credit: International Espresso Awards, Specialty Espresso Affiliation, Husky Occasions, Cosori, Producer Roaster Discussion board

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