Your Weekly Coffee Radar: Surf's Asia Victory, New Cafes, and What's Brewing!

Hey coffee lovers! Your weekly download from CafeRadar is here. We've got the latest buzz from the specialty coffee world, from competition wins to new spots popping up.

Awards & Competitions

Big news from The Barista League Asia! Surf Coffee, represented by Vasilina Levina and Kirill Gorelov, has clinched victory for the second year in a row. That's a serious repeat performance in Tokyo. Huge congrats to them!

New Cafes & Openings

Get ready for more coffee destinations! Pinup Coffee Co. has opened its first standalone cafe in Virginia Beach, complete with a full kitchen. Over in Amarillo, Texas, 107 Roasters & Cafe is making its mark. And in Los Angeles, Monolith Coffee is bringing its unique approach to Alhambra.

Roaster News

Officine Fratelli Bambi is introducing a fascinating new process called the Fiammata Technique. It sounds like a stunning blend of fire, oxygen, and time. Meanwhile, Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee is expanding, launching a new coffee extract manufacturing facility in Mississauga, Ontario.

Industry Trends

US specialty coffee consumption remains strong, holding at a record 47%. Even with rising prices, consumers are increasingly buying whole-bean coffee, suggesting a preference for quality. The Financial Times reported this trend.

Pre-batched espresso is a hot topic, sparking debate in the specialty coffee scene. It started as a time-saver, but now it's a point of contention. Also, the trend of blending plant milks with dairy is making waves, creating new textures and flavors. It's a sign that consumer habits are evolving.

China's coffee market is booming, opening its doors to African coffee producers. This expanded import policy offers significant opportunities.

We also saw the release of the August + September 2026 issue of Barista Magazine, featuring Emily Potter and Amélie Boulanger. It dives into building better coffee programs and modern packaging.

For those interested in the tech side, Mundo Novo has launched the Pro Model for automated pourovers, offering deeper recipe controls. And Victoria Arduino has introduced Record, a new undercounter espresso machine.

The Science and Craft of Coffee

Ever wonder why coffee doesn't taste overwhelmingly bitter, despite caffeine's intensity? New research from Germany explores this, linking it to roasting. It's a fascinating look at the chemistry behind your cup.

Sprudge continues its curated selections of exceptional coffees. This week, they highlight an August collection perfect for the current season, and also a piece titled "You Need Coffee, But Also, Coffee Needs You." They also offer a look at the Sprudge Twenty interview with Edrey Vega and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp.

For the gearheads, Sprudge has a guide on "Ask Not What You Can Do For Gear, Ask What Gear Can Do For You." It’s all about finding the right tools for your coffee journey.

Level Up is returning to Minneapolis for a weekend of immersive learning from September 18th to 20th at Mill City Roasters.

And for those seeking unique cafe experiences, check out the record shop cafes in Seoul, South Korea, carrying on a heritage of sound.

Sustainability

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is pushing for farm modernization in Honduras. While this accelerates updates, there are still concerns for smallholder farmers. This regulation requires traceability back to the farm level.

Interesting research suggests spent coffee grounds could be used as biochar to treat toxic gas. It's another potential use for a common byproduct.

Also, the International Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA) released its 2025 annual report. They're focused on closing the gender gap and creating opportunities for women in coffee.

That's all for this week! Stay tuned for more coffee news next time, and keep exploring the amazing world of coffee.