Global Coffee Developments: Sales, Events, and Sustainability

Ever wondered how global coffee markets are evolving—from sales spikes in the UK to sustainability drives in Ireland, and cultural showcases in Taiwan? Whether you track retail numbers, specialty competitions, or climate action in coffee, recent international developments reveal just how dynamic this industry truly is. Here’s what’s been happening around the world.

In short: Costa Coffee UK saw a 26% revenue jump to £123.2m over six months, opening 84 new stores (total now 775); Bewley’s in Dublin aims for carbon neutrality by year-end, targeting a 3,500-ton CO₂ reduction annually; Taiwan’s Specialty Coffee Association highlighted traditional Turkish coffee at a major event; and multiple countries including Brazil, the U.S., Romania, and Turkey saw key industry moves spanning production goals, acquisitions, expansions, and competitions.

UK: Costa Coffee’s Strong Sales Growth & Expansion

Over the six-month period ending August, UK-based coffee roaster and retailer Costa Coffee reported a 26% increase in revenue, reaching £123.2 million (approximately €158.4 million). During this timeframe, the company opened 84 new locations, bringing its total number of UK stores to 775. This growth reflects continued consumer demand and strategic retail expansion within the UK market.

Ireland: Bewley’s Push for Carbon Neutrality

Dublin-based coffee roaster Bewley’s, recognized as a founding member of the European Specialty Coffee Association, announced plans to become Ireland’s first carbon-neutral company by the end of the year. The firm, which established its own dedicated carbon and environmental monitoring body back in 2006, intends to achieve this through carbon offset purchases and emission reductions. This initiative is projected to cut annual CO₂ emissions by 3,500 tons.

Taiwan: Traditional Turkish Coffee Takes Center Stage

In early October, the Taiwan Specialty Coffee Association hosted an event in Taipei titled “Taipei and Coffee – Memories and Stories.” A highlight of the show was a live demonstration of traditional Turkish coffee preparation, which attracted significant attention. The association also announced plans to organize a Turkish coffee competition in a future event, further promoting this historic brewing style.

Brazil: Ambitious Goals for Arabica Production in Espírito Santo

The government of Espírito Santo, a key Robusta-producing state in Brazil, set its first-ever target to double Arabica coffee output. The plan involves improving coffee varieties and providing farmer training on existing farmland—specifically aiming to raise production from the current 12–13 bags per hectare to 40,000 bags across 190,000 hectares. The goal is to transition all plantings to Arabica by 2015.

United States: French Market Coffee Acquisition

French Market Coffee, a historic brand with deep roots in New Orleans’ French Quarter, is being acquired by Louisiana-based roaster Reily Foods. While the financial details remain undisclosed, the move is expected to strengthen French Market Coffee’s presence in the local market. Both brands bring over a century of history to the New Orleans coffee scene.

Romania: Cup&Cino Expands into Eastern Europe

Cup&Cino, a coffee shop franchise brand, signed an agreement with Romanian RTC to enter the Romanian market. The plan includes opening 30 locations across Romania, with the first two stores scheduled to open by the end of November. This marks the brand’s strategic expansion into Eastern Europe.

Turkey: Specialty Coffee Competitions at Istanbul Expo

The Turkish branch of the Specialty Coffee Association announced that the finals of the Turkish Barista Championship will take place from November 18 to 21 at the Istanbul Exhibition Center during the World Coffee Expo. The event will also host four additional competitions: the Latte Art Championship, Cup Tasters Championship, Coffee Spirit Competition, and Turkish Coffee Championship, drawing participants and audiences from across Europe.

United States: Coffee Bean International’s Eco-Friendly Roastery

Coffee Bean International, a subsidiary of the Farmer Brothers Group based in California, opened a new roasting facility and office building in Portland, Oregon, in mid-October. The company already operated a roastery in the city for over 30 years. The new facility emphasizes environmental safety and sustainability, reflecting the company’s long-term commitment to reducing its ecological footprint.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did Costa Coffee’s revenue increase in the UK?

Costa Coffee’s revenue in the UK rose by 26% over six months, reaching £123.2 million (approx. €158.4 million) as of August.

How many new Costa Coffee stores opened in the UK recently?

Costa Coffee opened 84 new stores in the UK within that six-month period, bringing the total number of UK locations to 775.

What is Bewley’s carbon neutrality goal in Ireland?

Bewley’s, based in Dublin, aims to become Ireland’s first carbon-neutral coffee company by the end of the year, targeting a 3,500-ton reduction in annual CO₂ emissions through offsets and emission cuts.

What Turkish coffee event took place in Taiwan?

The Taiwan Specialty Coffee Association held an event called “Taipei and Coffee – Memories and Stories” in Taipei, featuring a live demonstration of traditional Turkish coffee preparation and announcing plans for a future Turkish coffee competition.

What is Brazil’s Arabica production goal in Espírito Santo?

Espírito Santo, traditionally a Robusta region, plans to double its Arabica output by improving varieties and training farmers, targeting 40,000 bags across 190,000 hectares and updating all plantings to Arabica by 2015.

What competitions are part of the Istanbul World Coffee Expo?

The Specialty Coffee Association of Turkey announced that the Istanbul World Coffee Expo will host the Turkish Barista Championship finals along with latte art, cup tasting, coffee spirit, and Turkish coffee competitions from November 18 to 21.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Global Coffee Culture

Explore FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for bright citrus and floral notes, perfect alongside discussions of Turkish coffee traditions. For deeper profiles akin to classic blends served in European cafes, try their Brazil Queen Manor with hints of chocolate and nuts. Finally, their PWN Golden Mandheling offers low-acidity body ideal for appreciating balanced, sustainable coffees tied to global sourcing stories. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.