☕️ The Buzz Report - Week 44

Arabica prices remain elevated relative to historical norms due to climate volatility in key producing regions + persistent supply chain cost pressure.

Robusta continues to play a price‑stability role for roasters needing blend flexibility.

Takeaway: We’re keeping multi‑origin flexibility in the roasted lineup to protect margins and maintain flavor integrity.

Large chains continue expansion into ready‑to‑drink (RTD) canned + bottled cold options.

Mid‑sized specialty roasters increasingly invest in wholesale + co‑brand partnerships to diversify margins.

Takeaway: We’re exploring limited local collabs and seasonal micro‑release drops to strengthen identity + avoid commodity competition.

Export forecasts from several Latin American and African origins are moderately tightened due to weather + fertilizer cost shifts.

Importers are advising roasters to plan earlier for Q1/Q2 2026 green needs to avoid spot‑market exposure.

Takeaway: We’re looking at small forward contracts or shared buying with trusted partners in the medium- to long-term.

Iced beverages continue to dominate year‑round in warmer markets (SoCal = absolutely).

“Third place” cafés (community spaces > transactional counters) maintain loyalty advantage.

Takeaway: We’re leaning into experience: music, visual culture, local creative presence.

Espresso machine + grinder pricing remains sticky high, though refurbished market is strong and competitive.

Tech-forward cafés continue experimenting with workflow automation (auto‑tamping, consistent‑temperature group management).

Takeaway: We’re not rushing a capital purchase or a machine upgrade — data shows improvements in workflow + bar flow design often have higher ROI than new hardware.

Consumers increasingly expect transparency on farm relationships, not just certifications.

Packaging waste remains under scrutiny, with more roasters exploring reusable jar exchange programs or compostable valve bags where viable.

Takeaway: We’re planning to highlight human‑scale origin stories + consider small‑scale packaging pilots.

Growth in nostalgic flavor drinks (cereal milk, horchata riffs, toasted marshmallow…but elevated).

Video‑first café storytelling (TikTok, Reels) continues to outperform static branding.

Takeaway: As introverted as we are, we’re leaning into vibe + story: surf breaks, early mornings, “quiet creative rebellion” energy.

More roasters launching flash‑chilled / snap‑chilled canned coffees, not just cold brew.

Continued interest in origin‑specific cold beverages (e.g., Ethiopia natural iced Americano spotlight).

Takeaway: in addition to planning our first public product drop, we’re considering a “Coastal Chill” signature iced line with clear storytelling around origin flavor notes as part of our next phase.

Investor attention is shifting from café chains toward RTD + direct‑to‑consumer shelf‑stable beverages.

Micro‑roaster consolidation remains slow but ongoing, especially in high‑rent coastal markets.
Takeaway: We’ve learned that strength is in brand narrative + community presence, not scale-for-scale’s sake.

Watch weather projections for Central and East Africa — potential yield variance will shape 2026 pricing.

Expect continued cold drink dominance, even into winter, especially in SoCal markets.

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters → continuing educational cuppings + community‑centric programming.

Steady State Coffee (Carlsbad) → strong small‑batch standout; flavor‑forward experimental lots.

James Coffee Co. (North Park) → well‑established vibe + community anchor energy. We dig their returnable jar program.

Most notable ongoing trend: Café as culture studio — art hangs, analog music listening nights, surf‑adjacent creative gatherings.

Takeaway: We’re already aligned with this overall movement — so it’s time for us to lean harder. This will be a differentiator.