World Coffee News, December 5th
This Week in Coffee: Delayed Regulations, Rising M&A Activity, and Saudi Arabia’s Specialty Coffee Boom
From shifting regulatory timelines to renewed investment activity and rapid market expansion in the Middle East, the global coffee sector is undergoing pivotal changes. Here’s a closer look at three major stories shaping the industry this week.
EU’s ‘Anti-Deforestation’ Law Faces Another Delay, Possibly to 2027
Europe’s new “anti-deforestation” law—designed to ensure that coffee and other agricultural imports come from deforestation-free supply chains—appears headed toward yet another postponement.
Originally adopted in 2023, the regulation was set to take effect in 2024 before being pushed to 2025. Now, experts warn that implementation may be delayed again, potentially until 2027. The law aims to encourage more sustainable farming practices globally, but continued setbacks raise concerns about whether enforcement will lose momentum.
Supporters argue that the regulation is essential for protecting ecosystems and promoting long-term agricultural resilience. Critics worry that each delay complicates preparation for producers and roasters, many of whom have already invested heavily in compliance systems.
Read more:
Daily Coffee News
Mergers & Acquisitions in Coffee Expected to Rebound
After nearly a decade of steady consolidation in the coffee business, mergers and acquisitions appear poised for a comeback.
The period from 2022 to 2024 marked the weakest three-year stretch for coffee M&A since 1995. But with inflation cooling and interest rates beginning to stabilize, analysts believe the environment is becoming more favorable for deal-making. Many expect the “valuation gap” between the broader M&A market and the specialty coffee sector to narrow as financial conditions improve.
If this trend continues, 2025 and 2026 could usher in a new wave of strategic acquisitions—from boutique roasters to supply-chain-focused tech firms—reshaping the competitive landscape once again.
Read more:
Coffee Intelligence
Saudi Arabia’s Specialty Coffee Market is Booming
Saudi Arabia continues to emerge as one of the fastest-growing specialty coffee markets in the world. According to the Project Café Middle East 2025 report, the country’s branded coffee shop market is expected to surpass 5,350 outlets by 2027.
Major industry events are fueling this momentum. The International Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition—running from 2 to 6 December 2025 and recognized as the largest in the Middle East—will feature workshops, competitions, and the Middle East Coffee Conference. Such gatherings help elevate coffee culture, foster innovation, and attract international attention.
Local brands are expanding rapidly, and global chains are increasingly recognizing the value of entering the Saudi market. Beyond consumption, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a regional hub for coffee trade and even as an emerging coffee-producing origin.
Read more:
Perfect Daily Grind
Photo by Patrick from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-coffee-beans-on-a-table-35024045/
