Kathryn Lewis

Melbourne

Editor at Global Coffee Report

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Articles

New data shows impact of rising costs on hospitality businesses

1 month ago | beanscenemag.com.au | Kathryn Lewis

New figures from CreditorWatch reveal one in 10 hospitality businesses in Australia shut down over the past year, but more positive data for April 2025 shows insolvencies have started to plateau. The report identifies the foodservice sector as one of the worst hit in the country, as well as construction. Pressure on the hospitality industry, including rising costs and decreased consumer demand, saw 9.6 per of businesses in the sector close permanently between April 2024 and April 2025.
RBA interest cut could provide much-needed boost for small businesses

1 month ago | beanscenemag.com.au | Kathryn Lewis

On 20 May, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announced a 0.25 per cent cut to the official interest rate, which will come as a relief for many households and small businesses such as cafés. The official interest rate is now 3.85 per cent and marks the second cut in 2025. A reduction in official interest rate can benefit small businesses in many ways, including improving cash flow, encouraging consumer spending, and making borrowing cheaper.
Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman enters the coffee industry

1 month ago | beanscenemag.com.au | Kathryn Lewis

Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis is entering the coffee market, launching canned coffee brand Jolene with actor Shane Powers. After meeting for coffee nearly every Thursday for more than 20 years, the two friends decided to turn their ritual into a business. The duo collaborated with friend John Terzian of the h.wood group to fulfil their mission “to bring incredible coffee to wherever people may want to drink it”.
Volcafe appoints Regional General Manager North America

1 month ago | gcrmag.com | Kathryn Lewis

International green coffee merchant Volcafe has appointed Jason Cortellini as Regional General Manager for North America, effective 3 June 2025. The company describes Cortellini as an experienced leader in the coffee industry. He will play a key role in strengthening its presence and operations in North America. “Jason brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a deep understanding of the North American market.
Yemeni coffee nominated for UNESCO heritage status

1 month ago | gcrmag.com | Kathryn Lewis

Non-profit organisation Qima Foundation has led the charge in an effort to gain UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Status for Yemeni coffee. The Foundation, sister organisation of social enterprise Qima Coffee, says the move is a “landmark step for the global coffee industry”.
A new era for Nestlé

1 month ago | gcrmag.com | Kathryn Lewis

Don Howat, Nestlé Vice President and Global Category Lead for Nescafé, discusses the evolution of the industry, remaining relevant in a rapidly progressing market, and using AI to power a new era of product development. When Don Howat secured his first role at Nestlé in 1989, the coffee industry was almost unrecognisable to what it is today.
Moccona launches new concentrate product in Australia

1 month ago | gcrmag.com | Kathryn Lewis

Moccona, part of the JDE Peet’s family of coffee brands, has launched its Liquid Espresso Coffee Sachets in Australia, which it says is the first product of its type in the country. The single-serve concentrated coffee sachets are now available nationally in grocery stores including Woolworths and Coles, as well as independent retailers.
Indonesian café group Fore Coffee launches concept store

1 month ago | gcrmag.com | Kathryn Lewis

Parent company PT Fore Kopi Indonesia Tbk has launched Fore Experience, described as “a refined extension of the signature Fore Coffee customer experience”. The new concept store opened in Panglima Polim, South Jakarta, Indonesia, on 8 May and features specialty coffee brewed by the brand’s Master Baristas. Coffee is accompanied by a menu of pastries, cakes, and other curated dishes.
Bialetti to be sold to Hong Kong's NUO Capital

1 month ago | gcrmag.com | Kathryn Lewis

Historic Italian coffee pot brand Bialetti is set to be sold to investment vehicle NUO Capital, owned by one of Hong Kong’s wealthiest families. The sale and the delisting of the company was agreed on 16 April by the two businesses. As part of the deal, NUO Capital will purchase 78.6 per cent of Bialetti’s shares from its current main investors for €53 million ($59 million), with a close expected by the end of June. The buyout is subject to regulatory approval.
Barista Group to launch new automatic coffee machine in Australia

1 month ago | beanscenemag.com.au | Kathryn Lewis

The team at Barista Group are set to launch an Australia first with the release of the Plus X Espresso. From the makers of the Übermilk, the new fully automatic espresso machine is completely hidden from the customers’ view and is located underneath the counter, with only a spout and two hoppers visible on the bench. “It’s a fully automatic coffee machine like no other. At the touch of a button, it grinds, tamps, and extracts,” says Joe Chalhoub, Barista Group General Manager.