Whole Beans, New Cafes, and Brewing Science: Your Weekly Coffee Rundown

Hey coffee lovers! It's your weekly download from CafeRadar, keeping you in the loop with all things coffee. Let's dive in.

New Cafes & Openings

Exciting news for coffee lovers in Virginia Beach! Pinup Coffee Co. has opened its first standalone cafe, complete with a full kitchen. This is a big step for the local roaster. Meanwhile, Monolith Coffee is bringing its unique approach to Alhambra, California, with house-roasted beans and creative seasonal drinks. And in Amarillo, Texas, 107 Roasters & Cafe is making its mark.

Industry Trends

Good news for specialty coffee fans: US consumption is holding steady at a record 47%. Even with rising prices, consumers are prioritizing quality. Barista Magazine reports that whole-bean coffee sales are booming. People are clearly willing to invest in a better cup at home.

It's not just about the beans, though. We're seeing innovation in brewing tech too. Mundo Novo has launched a Pro model for its automated pour-over machine, offering deeper control. Victoria Arduino also unveiled "Record," a new undercounter espresso machine.

And speaking of what's new, plant milk-dairy blends are popping up, especially in competitions. Baristas are finding new textures and flavors by mixing them. It’s a trend to watch as it moves beyond the competition circuit.

On the science front, new research is digging into the bitter truth about coffee. While caffeine is intensely bitter, roasting plays a key role in how we perceive that flavor. It's fascinating to understand the chemistry behind our daily brew.

Are you looking to level up your own coffee knowledge? Level Up II is heading to Minneapolis from September 18th to 20th at Mill City Roasters for a weekend of immersive learning.

Roaster News

Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee is expanding its operations. They've opened a new coffee extract manufacturing facility in Mississauga, Ontario. This marks a significant investment in their capabilities.

Sustainability

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is pushing for farm modernization. While this can bring benefits, there are still concerns about smallholders. The regulation requires strict tracking of supply chains back to the farm level for coffee imported into the EU.

In other sustainability news, spent coffee grounds are being explored for new uses. Research suggests they could be turned into biochar to treat toxic gases.

China's coffee market is booming. They've also opened their doors to coffee imports from 53 African countries, expanding access for producers there.

Community & Culture

The International Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA) released its 2025 annual report. They're continuing their important work to close the gender gap and create opportunities for women in coffee.

Meanwhile, Seoul's vinyl cafes are keeping a unique heritage alive, blending the love of music with great coffee. And for those interested in the craft, there's an interview with Edrey Vega, a 2026 Sprudge Twenty inductee, offering insights into the industry.

There's also a fascinating discussion around pre-batched espresso. It's a divisive topic, but it's definitely carving out its space in specialty coffee. And for a bit of fun, check out the "Berserker Mode" nitro cold brew cans from GWAR.

That's all for this week! Stay curious and keep brewing.