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Kaffea-X Launches Online Green Coffee Marketplace
New Jersey-based Kaffea-X launched a digital marketplace for specialty green coffee that uses standardized product IDs and escrow-backed settlements. The platform is debuting at the 2026 World of Coffee Dubai trade show. “For decades, specialty coffee has relied on fragmented benchmarks and unstructured settlement arrangements for those unable to avail themselves of the protections provided by letters of credit, which expose smaller producers and traders to unnecessary credit risk,” founder and CEO Paulo Peres said in a press release. “Kaffea-X modernizes the structure of the trade itself — so quality is clearly priced, origin is protected, and transactions are settled securely.”
Generali and UNIDO Back Africa Coffee Sustainability Push
Italian insurer Generali and UNIDO announced a partnership under UNIDO’s ACT Programme to support more sustainable coffee value chains in five African countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Malawi.
Coca-Cola Halts Costa Coffee Sale
Coca-Cola has paused its effort to sell Costa Coffee after bids from remaining private equity suitors fell short, ending months of deal talks in December, the Financial Times first reported. Coca-Cola acquired Costa for $5.1 billion in 2018.
Update on Black Rifle Coffee Class Action Case
In the proposed class action over Black Rifle Coffee’s “America’s Coffee” branding, the company has asked a federal judge to dismiss the claims, arguing the branding signals patriotism and veteran support, not where the beans were grown, according to court documents.
Notpla Lands $4.66 Million for Plastic-Free Coffee Cup Development
London-based Notpla secured €4 million, about $4.66 million, in Horizon Europe funding with 14 partners to develop home-compostable coffee cups without plastic coatings, according to a Packaging Insights report.
ICO Releases Monthly Coffee Report for 2025
The International Coffee Organization said its Composite Indicator Price averaged $3.0468 per pound in December 2025, down 7.8% from November.
Vehicle Mushrooms Launches “Think Fast Beverage Boost” in Portland
Portland, Oregon-based Vehicle Mushrooms launched “Think Fast – Beverage Boost Powder,” a drink add-in marketed for use in coffee, tea and smoothies. “We created it specifically for coffee shops and beverage operators who want to add functional mushrooms without complexity, new equipment, sweeteners and additives or recipe disruption,” said Vehicle Mushrooms co-founder Matt Milletto.
Kaldi’s Coffee Workers Vote for Unionization
Workers at a Kaldi’s Coffee shop on Skinker Boulevard in St. Louis voted 7-2 to unionize, though the outcome remains uncertified because multiple ballots are being challenged, according to a St. Louis Public Radio report.
Barista Parlor Closes Three Nashville Locations
Nashville-based Barista Parlor is closing its Hillsboro Village, Sylvan Supply and Germantown shops, while its East Nashville brick-and-mortar will temporarily close for a reset, owner Andy Mumma told the Nashville Scene.
AstroBrew Inc. Debuts Rapid Cold Brew Technology at CES 2026
Cold-brew appliance startup AstroBrew made its debut at CES 2026. The company is taking preorders for its rapid cold-brewing system, with shipments expected in late spring.
ICYMI
Here are some of DCN’s top stories from the past week…
Dutch Bros Acquiring Carolina Chain Clutch Coffee Bar
Dutch Bros Coffee is acquiring North Carolina-based drive-through chain Clutch Coffee Bar, according to a public message from Clutch founder and CEO Darren Spicer… read more
Roast Summit is Headed to Melbourne in March 2026
Roast magazine, a leading source of technical education and insight for coffee roasters worldwide, returns to Australia with the 2026 Roast Summit Melbourne — sponsored by Loring… read more
Should You Pour Coffee Down the Drain? An Environmental Scientist Explains
A woman was recently fined $200 by a council for pouring coffee down a drain before getting on a bus… read more
Design Details: Pushing Circularity at Early Yuyen in Bangkok
The second location of the high-end coffee retail concept Early BKK in Bangkok, Thailand, addressed a simple but ambitious question: “How far can circular strategies be implemented in a new cafe?”… read more
Alfred Launches Espresso-Free Café Matcha Flagship in LA
The people behind the popular Los Angeles coffee chain Alfred are going all in on matcha for a new cafe called Café Matcha… read more
Study: New Remote Tech Maps China’s Coffee Lands with Near-95% Accuracy
Researchers in China are promoting a new machine learning model applied to satellite imagery that offers a “lightweight and easy to implement” template for precision mapping of coffee lands… read more
Kauai Coffee Warns 141 Workers of Potential Layoffs as Land Lease Nears End
Kauai Coffee Co., one of the largest coffee-growing operations in the United States, has warned employees of potential layoffs as land lease negotiations remain unresolved… read more
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