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Welcome to DCN’s Weekly Coffee News. Keep up with all the latest coffee industry stories and career opportunities by subscribing to DCN’s newsletter. Tell our editors about your news here.
Keurig Launching Compostable Pods and New Brew System
Beverage giant Keurig Dr Pepper launched what it called a “multi-year innovation agenda for its Keurig single serve brewing system,” including a new brewing device called the Alta and compostable coffee pods called K-Rounds. Plastic-free pods wrapped in a proprietary plant-based cellulose layer, the K-Rounds are fundamental to the Alta brewing system, which will allows for hot or cold beverages, including espresso-style beverages, according to the company. Fast Company has more on the development of the new products. Keurig said this week that it is currently pursuing compostable certification for the K-Rounds, which the company says “can be disposed of like coffee grounds.”
SCA Launching Two New Expo Features in Chicago
The Specialty Coffee Association is launching two new features for its annual trade show and expo, which is expected to draw thousands of professionals to Chicago next month. The Chicago Expo will include a Green Coffee Connect program aimed at green coffee professionals, as well as a Retail Buyers Lounge for coffee shop owners and operators.
Neumann Gruppe USA Announces Third Class in NKG Pace Diversity Program
Neumann Gruppe USA (NGUS) announced the third class of participants in the Neumann Kaffee Gruppe Partnership to Advance Coffee Equity (NKG PACE) program. This year, Zion Brown will join InterAmerican Coffee and Rothfos Corporation, while Jasmin Mitchell will join Atlas Coffee Importers.
Indian Specialty Chain AbCoffee Raises $3.4 Million
Mumbai, India-based specialty coffee chain AbCoffee said it has raised $3.4 million in a series A funding round led by venture capital fund Nexus Venture Partners. Existing investor Tanglin Venture Partners also participated in the round, according to a company announcement.
In ‘Transition Year,’ Westrock Coffee Posts $34 Million Net Loss
Little Rock full-service coffee company Westrock Coffee announced a $34 million net loss for 2023, following expenses related to expansion. Highlights from the company’s annual report can be found here.
Black Rabbit Launches GoFundMe for Ryan Cross
Portland, Oregon-based coffee equipment service specialist Black Rabbit Service Co. this week launched a GoFundMe campaign to support medical treatment for coffee professional and musician Ryan Cross.
USDA Celebrates Mother-Daughter Team Behind Rusty’s Coffee
In celebration of International Women’s Day, the USDA gave a special shout out to Lorie and Joan Obra, the mother-daughter duo at the head of Hawaiian coffee production and roasting company Rusty’s Hawaiian.
Ferris Coffee & Nut Closing Cafes as Roasting Operations Grow
West Michigan-based Ferris Coffee & Nut Co. is moving away from operating coffee shops in order to focus more on packaged coffee sales and wholesale, according to a report this week from Crain’s Grand Rapids Business.
Chameleon Rolls Out New RTD Cans
Chameleon Organic Coffee this week rolled out a line of 8-ounce ready-to-drink cans of cold-brew-based beverages, including sweetened black, nitro black, double espresso and flat white.
Jackson Hewitt Launches “Brewitt” Mobile Bars
As tax deadlines approach, financial services company Jackson Hewitt has entered the coffee game, rolling out multiple mobile coffee bars under the name Brewitt. The coffee popup tour allows guests to enjoy “premium coffee drinks or choose regular hot or iced coffee” while tax pros are on hand.
Green Coffee Logistics – PT Manager – Artisan Coffee Imports
Project Coordinator – La Marzocco
Demand Generation Specialist – La Marzocco
Coffee Quality Manager – Caffe Ibis
Here are some of DCN’s top stories from the past week…
NCA Speaks Up Against Proposed Bans on Decaf Chemical
The National Coffee Association (NCA) of the United States last week announced its opposition to two proposed rules that would prohibit the use of the chemical methylene chloride in coffee decaffeination… read more
Bellwether Goes Smaller and Leaner with the New Shop Roaster
Pioneering electric coffee roaster maker Bellwether Coffee has unveiled the Bellwether Shop Roaster, a smaller and less expensive model than the company’s flagship machine… read more
The Specialty Coffee Association is Changing its Membership Model
The world’s largest membership organization for the coffee industry, the Specialty Coffee Association, is substantially revising its membership model… read more
La Marzocco Reintroduces the Linea Mini Espresso Machine
Italian espresso equipment company La Marzocco has upgraded its flagship home/light commercial espresso machine, the Linea Mini, with a variety of features and components… read more
New Avensi Aerating Glassware Set Makes a Crowdfunding Splash
Coffee brewing equipment and drinkware company Icosa Brewhouse has expanded its Avensi line of coffee-specific glassware with Avensi Wave, a set focused on swirling and aeration. .. read more
DC-Area Chain Call Your Mother Answers the Call to Roasting
Washington, D.C.-area fresh bagel and deli chain Call Your Mother has been dialing in a coffee roasting operation to supply the brand’s 13 cafes… read more
Farmer Brothers Taps Matthew Swenson to Lead Coffee Operations
Texas-based full-service coffee roasting and wholesale company Farmer Brothers has named Matthew Swenson vice president of coffee operations… read more
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