World Coffee News - August 2025

Coffee Prices Surge Amid Frost and Tariffs

Coffee prices are surging to their highest levels since mid-2025, with arabica futures up more than 25% and robusta nearly 30% in just a few weeks. Frost in Brazil’s Minas Gerais and São Paulo regions has fueled speculation, though damage to the 2025–26 crop appears limited. At the same time, new US tariffs of 50% on Brazilian imports are pushing American buyers toward cheaper suppliers in Mexico, Peru, Vietnam, and Honduras. While Brazil’s Agriculture Minister remains hopeful that coffee will be exempt from tariffs, uncertainty continues—and analysts warn the C price could climb even higher in the coming weeks.

New Study in South Korea Finds Coffee Could Help Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk

South Korean scientists have discovered a strong link between the bioactive compounds in coffee and a reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. In a study published on June 10th in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, researchers from Pukyong National University and Kyungpook National University reviewed decades of cohort studies. They found that polyphenols in coffee “exert anti-diabetic effects through several mechanisms.” A meta-analysis revealed a 7% lower risk of diabetes, while a Japanese study showed that drinking three or more cups of coffee per day was associated with a 42% reduction in Type 2 diabetes risk. However, the benefits appear to diminish when creamers or sugar are added.

The Specialty Coffee Association Forming New Standards for "Light Roast"

New research into coffee roasting has uncovered a nearly universal “color curve” for arabica beans. No matter the origin or roasting method, researchers discovered, arabica coffee beans follow a predictable pattern of color change during the roasting process. This discovery could help establish standardized definitions for commonly used terms like “first crack” and “second crack.” While researchers note that distinctions between roast levels are ultimately arbitrary, roast level remains an important factor for consumers when choosing coffee. A universally accepted standard could bring greater consistency across brands and improve transparency in the coffee industry.