The Insider: Headlines from the Coffee Industry

On May 29, 2026

A blue banner reads "The Insider: Headlines from the Coffee Industry." In the background are rows of coffee beans.

Our recurring round-up of the latest specialty-coffee industry news.

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Featured image by Joshua Earle

Representing Vietnam, Le Quang Cuong is Crowned 2026 World Cup Tasters Champion

The Insider 05/15/2026: From the 2026 World Cup Tasters Championship, from left to right: Mehmet Sogan (3rd place), Le Quang Cuong "Nicky" (1st place), Catherine Queiroz (2nd place), and Mizuki Tagami (4th place). Photo courtesy of World Coffee Championships. — At the 2025 World Cup Tasters Championship, from left to right: Mehmet Sogan (3rd place), Le Quang Cuong “Nicky” (1st place), Catherine Queiroz (2nd place), and Mizuki Tagami (4th place). Photo courtesy of World Coffee Championships.

After three days of intense competition at World of Coffee Bangkok, Le Quang Cuong (Nicky), representing Vietnam, has been crowned the 2026 World Cup Tasters Champion. 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place were as follows: Catherine Queiroz (Switzerland), Mehmet Sogan (United States), and Mizuki Tagami (Japan).

Weber Workshops Opens Warehouse in Hamburg, Germany

Photo courtesy of Weber Workshops on Instagram.

Early this month, coffee equipment manufacturer Weber Workshops announced the opening of its European headquarters and distribution center in Hamburg, Germany, which will be led by Christian Klatt.

Coffee Prices to Surge Amid U.S.-Iran War

Soaring fertilizer prices due to the U.S.-Iran War are placing pressure on coffee farmers, potentially threatening the 2026/27 harvest season. “The closure of the (Strait of Hormuz) has tightened coffee supplies by increasing global shipping rates, insurance, fertilizer, and fuel costs, and raising costs for coffee importers and roasters,” writes Rich Asplund for Yahoo! Finance.

Protein Coffee Continues to Trend Amongst Young Consumers

Trending on social media and recently capitalized upon by major coffee chains like Starbucks, protein coffee—sometimes referred to as “proffee”—is growing in popularity, as 70% of Americans report that they’re trying to consume more protein. Click here for the full story.

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Source: Barista Magazine