Approaching Development Stage + Juan Valdéz at WrigleyDaily Coffee News by Roast Magazine

Single-Day Tickets Now Available for the Inaugural Development Stage Event in Oakland

A new coffee event called Development Stage is fast approaching in Oakland, courtesy of Royal Coffee and The Crown. The organizers just launched 1-day tickets for $95 each, while full Saturday/Sunday passes are still available for $175. The impressive program will include a keynote from Geoff Watts on day one, while day two will feature a supply chain equity panel with Marysabel Caballero and Moises Herrara of Finca El Puente. The event, which will be preceded by the music and though-provoking forum Oscillations 2: Oakland, will include a food collaboration with Chef Anthony Salguero of Oakland’s Popoca, recently named by Bon Appetit as one of the US’s top 20 new restaurants. Development Stage is coming Sept. 26-28. 

Coffee Science Foundation Launches Research RFP on Value Creation

The Coffee Science Foundation (CSF), an offshoot of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), is seeking researchers to investigate how value is created in coffee, and how it can be maximized. “We encourage anyone with a background in proven record of accomplishment in economics, business, economic sociology, consumer science, anthropology or related disciplines to submit,” the group wrote.

Luckin Coffee Breaks Ground in China While Celebrating Brazil

China’s largest coffee chain, Luckin Coffee, broke ground on a new research center and factory in Qingdao, while also launching the “Luckin Coffee Brazil Coffee Culture Festival.” Brazilian government representatives and Luckin Coffee previously signaled a $500 million coffee trade deal.

Citizens Coffee Company Launches Crowdfunding Equity Campaign

New York-based, Australia-inspired breakfast restaurant and coffee brand Citizens has launched a crowdfunding campaign, following an initial $1.2 million campaign. The crowdfunded equity campaign hosted by StartEngine had raised just over $400,000 as of this writing.

Green Coffee Company Signs Deal with Chicago Cubs for Juan Valdéz Brand

Colombia-focused Green Coffee Company and Major League Baseball’s Chicago Cubs have signed a multiyear sponsorship agreement to promote the Juan Valdéz coffee brand. The Colombia-based Juan Valdéz parent organization and GCC signed a deal for the Juan Valdéz U.S. business back in May.

New Starbucks CEO Says Starbucks Needs to Get Back to Doing Starbucks

Coffee giant Starbucks shared a public message from new CEO Brian Niccol outlining his plans for the company, which include “getting back to Starbucks” and “refocusing on what has always set Starbucks apart — a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather, and where we serve the finest coffee, handcrafted by our skilled baristas.”

Coffee Collective Names Rebecca Vang CEO 

After 17 years as an owner-led company, the progressive Danish roasting company Coffee Collective has named Rebecca Vang CEO. The three founders, Casper Engel Rasmussen, Klaus Thomsen, and Peter Dupont, remain with the company in leadership positions.

10th Producer & Roaster Forum Heading to Honduras

The 10th edition of the Producer & Roaster Forum (PRF) will be held on March 27-28, 2025, at the Copantl Hotel & Convention Center in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. 

Mobile-First Chain Drinkit Expanding in UAE

International coffee shop chain Drinkit is planning to open five new locations opening across Dubai by the end of 2024. The chain offers more than 60 beverages, utilizing automation and mobile ordering.

Fellow Launches Sales of the Aiden Brewer

U.S.-based home coffee equipment maker Fellow opened sales of its new Aiden automatic coffee brewer. The company introduced the high-tech brewer to the coffee world in Chicago in April.