Colombia Earthquake Disrupts Exports, AeroPress Heads to Mexico City

This week has been a whirlwind in the coffee world. Let's dive into the biggest stories around the world of coffee.

Industry Trends

First up, a significant event in Colombia. A magnitude 7.4 earthquake has unfortunately halted most coffee exports. The quake caused the closure of a main shipping port, impacting global supply. Damage assessments are still underway in the affected coffee-growing regions.

On a more celebratory note, the 2026 World AeroPress Championship is heading to Mexico City. This marks the first time in its 18-year history the prestigious competition will be held in Mexico. Get ready for some serious AeroPress action!

There's also a call for unity. An opinion piece highlights the need for a more unified global voice in the specialty coffee industry, one that represents everyone in the supply chain.

And what exactly is "strong" coffee? It turns out, it's a cultural concept. Consumers might mean bitterness, color, aroma, or caffeine when they say "strong."

Sustainability

Sustainability is a major focus. The Netherlands-based Sustainable Trade Initiative IDH has launched a new investment platform. It aims to promote a regenerative and verifiable coffee supply chain over four years.

In the UK, a dormant deforestation law is being revived. New due diligence rules will target coffee, cocoa, and rubber supply chains, aiming to close a regulatory gap. The EU also has new sustainable packaging rules that have entered into force.

Producers are also scrutinizing processing more than ever. Advanced techniques like anaerobic and co-fermentation demand precision. Small variations can significantly alter the final cup.

New Cafes & Openings

Chicago's coffee scene is growing. Groundswell Coffee Roasters has opened its third cafe in the historic Fine Arts Building on Michigan Avenue.

Goodboybob has doubled its footprint with new cafes in New York and Los Angeles. These openings happened just weeks apart, expanding their reach across the US.

Portland Coffee Roasters introduced OPBeans, a special blend created to support Oregon Public Broadcasting.

Roaster News

Go Get Em Tiger has appointed David Yardley as its new Chief Executive Officer. This marks a new chapter for the popular cafe.

Sprudge highlighted a curated selection of "Hot Coffees Comin' In Hot!" from their Roaster's Village, showcasing exciting new offerings.

A new guide suggests Peru's specialty coffee sector is entering a new era. The 96-page publication details the people, producers, and innovations shaping its future.

Sprudge also featured Pack Katisomsakul of Newbery Street Coffee Roasters in a Sprudge Twenty interview, offering insights from a respected industry figure.

Aillio, the Danish coffee roasting equipment maker, has opened its Latin America headquarters and showroom in San Salvador, El Salvador. This move aims to better serve customers in coffee-producing regions.

Awards & Competitions

Get ready for a new coffee competition! Mazzer is looking for the best "Opener" in the coffee game. The competition takes place on August 20th in Los Angeles.

Klatch Coffee is celebrating National Coffee Day on September 29, 2026, with a special offer: a free Competition Cappuccino for every customer.

Best of Hawai'i has announced its 2026 winners. A natural-process Gesha from Miranda's Farms took the top score. They are also planning a 2027 auction.

Industry Insights

Sprudge is offering an "all-access pass" to the inner workings of the coffee supply chain with "The Green Room," focusing on coffee importers sourcing at source.

Royal Coffee, Inc. will host its third annual "Development Stage" symposium for coffee professionals and enthusiasts.

For home baristas, a guide suggests what to upgrade first in your home coffee setup. It emphasizes a process of deliberate, incremental improvements, starting with a quality grinder.

Technology is also evolving for smaller roasters. A new generation of compact roasters offers AI-assisted automation and precise control.

Matcha & Tea

Globally, matcha is everywhere. But what does Japan think? The boom represents a significant transition for Japan's tea sector, bringing both opportunity and uncertainty.

Regional Spotlights

Jaipur, India, is emerging with a vibrant coffee scene. Cafes there are offering locally grown and roasted varieties.

In Sacramento, California, three cafes are pushing boundaries and reimagining what coffee can be.

And don't forget, moderate coffee consumption may not be the sleep disruptor we often think it is, according to a large Swedish study.

That's all for this week's roundup from the world of coffee. Stay curious!