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Starbucks Workers United press release photo.
Red Cup Rebellion Strike Widens at Starbucks
In an email to Daily Coffee News, the union group representing Starbucks baristas says the “Red Cup Rebellion” strike, which has no set end date, has already drawn more than 2,000 workers from 95 stores across 65 U.S. cities. Named in reference to Starbucks’ annual holiday cup promotion, the walkout is aimed at pressuring the company to resolve hundreds of alleged labor-law violations and agree to a first union contract.
Flair Unveils Milk Pitcher with Removable Handle
Home espresso brand Flair Espresso has launched the Flair Milk Steaming Pitcher to pair with its Wizard stovetop steamer. The 400-milliliter stainless steel jug features a removable handle, a heat-resistant silicone grip and an integrated slot or clip for an analog or digital thermometer, plus laser-etched volume markings for home latte art practice.
Italy’s Oldest Barista Turns 101, Still Behind the Bar
Anna Possi, believed to be Italy’s oldest working barista, celebrated her 101st birthday while still serving espresso at Bar Centrale in Nebbiuno, a small town in northern Italy, according to a WNET New York report. She opened the bar with her husband in 1958 and has kept it running since his death in 1974 — with no plans to retire.
New Myanmar Coffee Plant Helps Farmers Switch from Opium
The Green Gold Cooperative (GGC) has inaugurated a central coffee processing plant in Hopong, Myanmar, after a decade-long effort supported by the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime. The facility provides shared infrastructure for more than 1,000 smallholder farmers who have shifted from illicit opium poppy cultivation to specialty coffee.
Floods in Vietnam Kill at Least 16 People in Coffee Region
Severe floods and landslides triggered by days of torrential rain in central Vietnam have killed at least 16 people and left five missing, while inundating more than 10,000 hectares of crops in one of the country’s key coffee-producing regions, according to a Reuters report.
Hawai‘i Coffee Competition Rebrands as “The Best of Hawai‘i”
Hawaii’s long-running statewide coffee competition has been rebranded “The Best of Hawai‘i,” evolving from the Hawai‘i Coffee Association’s cupping competition. Organized and managed by TH Sourcing Solutions, led by coffee professional Tim Heinze, the 2026 edition is slated for March at Texas-based roaster distributor Roastronix, with international judge applications open through Dec. 14.
Embassy Coffee Shuts Down Remaining Locations
Indiana roaster Embassy Coffee Co. has closed its remaining two cafes, in downtown Mishawaka and nearby Granger, according to a report from the South Bend Tribune. Owner Chris May told the outlet that although sales at the Mishawaka cafe had more than tripled from a year earlier, debt tied to a previous flagship move and downtown rent made the business unsustainable.
French Truck Coffee’s New Leaders Talk Strategy on “Biz Talks”
Brothers Bobby and Sam Winston, who recently took over New Orleans-based French Truck Coffee after founder Geoffrey Meeker stepped down as CEO, discuss the company’s future and the broader café landscape on the Biz Talks podcast from Biz New Orleans.
Smithsonian’s Bird-Friendly Coffee Program Turns 25
The Smithsonian Bird Friendly coffee certification — which verifies shade-grown coffee that supports habitat for migratory birds — is celebrating its 25th anniversary. “Today, the Smithsonian certifies more than 4,000 farms in 14 countries, working with around 110 roasters. Much of that growth happened in the past five years,” Lonnie G. Bunch III wrote in Smithsonian Magazine.
George Howell Coffee Supporting Grounds for Health
In connection with Giving Tuesday, Boston-based George Howell Coffee plans to donate $1 per bag sold online from Dec. 2-8 to Grounds for Health, a nonprofit that provides HPV screening and cervical cancer care in coffee-growing communities.
New from CoffeeIndustryJobs.com
- Sales and Accounts Manager — Change Please Coffee LLC
- Country Manager — MARKIBAR INNOVACION SL
- Coffee Equipment Technician — Bird Rock Coffee
- Green Coffee Trader — Sucafina UK
- Quality Control Assistant — Covoya Specialty Coffee
- Technical Account Representative — La Marzocco
- Director of Coffee — Olympia Coffee
ICYMI
Here are some of DCN’s top stories from the past week…
White House Offers Broad Coffee Tariff Relief; Brazil in Question
President Donald Trump on Friday ordered a major rollback of “reciprocal” tariffs on numerous agricultural products not readily grown in the United States, including coffee… read more
Black Rifle Coffee Facing Class Action Over USA-Forward Branding
Black Rifle Coffee Company is facing a federal class action alleging that its “America’s Coffee” branding and flag-heavy packaging misleads shoppers into thinking they are buying coffee produced entirely in the United States… read more
Futuristic Earth-Cooling Solution Not Likely to Protect Coffee, Study Finds
A radical climate-engineering solution may not be able to safeguard coffee or other climate-sensitive crops as the planet warms, according to a new study… read more
HostMilano and The NAFEM Show Announce Collaboration for 2027
Two of the world’s biggest foodservice equipment trade shows — HostMilano in Italy and The NAFEM Show in the United States — are joining forces with plans targeting 2027… read more
Peet’s Names New Head as CEO Eric Lauterbach Steps Down
Effective Tuesday, Nov. 17, Eric Lauterbach stepped down as president and CEO of California-based Peet’s Coffee after more than 15 years with the company… read more
Flatiron Coffee Pours New Energy into the Arts District of Portland, Maine
Replacing a longtime Starbucks in the Hay Building in Portland, Maine, Flatiron Coffee Bar recently opened as an art-centric cafe and micro gallery… read more
La La Land Lands New Funding for Nationwide Expansion Plan
Dallas-based coffee and matcha chain La La Land has secured an investment from New York firm Stripes to propel expansion beyond Texas and California… read more
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