Global Coffee Roundup: Week of 16th–22nd December 2025

What a week it's been in the coffee world! From market fluctuations to historic milestones, December 16th–22nd brought us everything from price drops to centenary celebrations. Let's dive into the most significant developments that shaped our beloved coffee landscape.

Market Movements: A Week of Surprises

The global coffee market experienced some dramatic shifts this week, catching many traders off guard. Prices took a sharp dive as supply outlooks improved across major producing regions.

On December 16th, domestic coffee prices in Vietnam dropped significantly, with decreases of up to 2,000 VND. Trading settled between 94,700–95,500 VND/kg, reflecting the impact of the country's peak harvest season. This comes after weather-related delays earlier in the year had everyone on edge.

The international markets weren't immune to these changes either:

• Robusta futures on the London market fell by 80 USD (1.93%) to 4,042 USD/ton for January 2026 delivery • Arabica prices on the New York market lost 9.50 cents (2.38%) to 387.70 cents/lb for December delivery

What drove these declines? Two major factors played key roles. Vietnam's harvest is now in full swing after those concerning weather delays, and Brazil: our largest coffee producer: received abundant rainfall, easing concerns about crop development.

India Takes Center Stage: CCRI's Historic Milestone

This week marked an absolutely incredible milestone for Indian coffee: the Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI) celebrated its 100th anniversary in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka. This isn't just any birthday party; it's a celebration of a century of coffee innovation and research that's shaped not just India's coffee industry, but influenced coffee cultivation worldwide.

Located in the heart of India's coffee country, CCRI has been the backbone of coffee research since 1925. From developing disease-resistant varieties to pioneering sustainable farming practices, this institution has been quietly revolutionizing how we think about coffee cultivation.

But the celebrations didn't stop there. India also announced two new arabica coffee varieties this week, aimed at strengthening the country's position in the specialty coffee market. These varieties represent years of careful research and breeding programs, designed to meet the evolving demands of both domestic and international markets.

The timing couldn't be better. As global coffee prices continue their rollercoaster ride, India's focus on developing unique, high-quality varieties positions the country to capture more value from its coffee production. It's particularly exciting for those of us who've been championing the incredible potential of Indian coffee beans.

Global Developments: Expansion and Challenges

Thailand welcomed a new player to its coffee scene as Bacha Coffee entered the market, bringing their luxury coffee concept to Thai consumers. This expansion reflects the growing sophistication of Asian coffee markets and the increasing demand for premium coffee experiences.

Meanwhile, the Philippines saw a significant surge in coffee imports, up 9.76% compared to previous periods. This increase highlights the country's growing coffee consumption and the challenges local production faces in meeting domestic demand.

Over in the United Kingdom, the £10 billion coffee market is navigating some choppy waters. Inflation continues to pressure café operators, forcing them to innovate and adapt their business models. The challenges are real: from rising rent costs to increased ingredient prices: but the resilience of the coffee industry continues to shine through.

The United States saw retail expansion continue, with Wawa opening a new store in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Their weekend celebration featured free coffee for customers, reminding us how coffee remains a powerful tool for building community connections.

Consumer Behavior: Adapting to New Realities

Perhaps one of the most interesting developments this week was observing how rising coffee prices are reshaping consumer behavior globally. People aren't necessarily drinking less coffee: they're just making smarter choices about where and how they get their caffeine fix.

We're seeing a shift toward:

• More home brewing as café prices climb • Increased interest in coffee subscriptions and bulk buying • Growing demand for value-oriented coffee options • Rising popularity of instant and ready-to-drink alternatives

Speaking of alternatives, the instant coffee market continues its impressive trajectory, with projections showing growth toward a $115 billion market by 2030. While specialty coffee enthusiasts might cringe, there's no denying that instant coffee serves a crucial role in making coffee accessible worldwide.

Innovation and Sustainability Focus

This week also highlighted the ongoing innovation in coffee packaging and sustainability. With consumers becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, coffee companies are investing heavily in sustainable packaging solutions and carbon-neutral shipping options.

The industry's commitment to sustainability isn't just about packaging though. From the research happening at institutions like CCRI to the development of climate-resistant coffee varieties, there's a real focus on ensuring coffee farming remains viable in the face of climate change.

Technology Meets Tradition

Japan's coffee vending machine culture continues to evolve, with new technology making these automated coffee dispensers even more sophisticated. It's fascinating how traditional coffee culture adapts to technological advancement: something we can all learn from.

The contrast between Japan's high-tech approach and India's century-old research institution perfectly illustrates how diverse our global coffee community is. Whether it's cutting-edge vending machines or time-tested agricultural research, innovation takes many forms in the coffee world.

Regional Price Variations

While global prices fell this week, regional variations tell different stories. Some markets experienced more dramatic drops, while others remained relatively stable. These variations reflect local supply and demand dynamics, currency fluctuations, and regional consumption patterns.

For coffee shop owners and traders, these price movements create both opportunities and challenges. Lower wholesale prices can improve margins, but they also signal potential supply chain shifts that need careful monitoring.

Looking Ahead

As we wrap up this eventful week, several trends emerge that will likely shape the coming months:

The harvest season optimism from Vietnam and Brazil suggests we might see continued price stability, at least in the short term. However, weather patterns remain unpredictable, and the coffee market has taught us to expect the unexpected.

India's focus on variety development and the CCRI centenary celebration signal a renewed commitment to coffee excellence. This could position Indian coffee for greater recognition on the international stage: something we're particularly excited about at Woodpeckers Coffee Trading House.

The ongoing consumer behavior shifts suggest that the coffee industry will continue adapting to meet changing expectations around pricing, convenience, and sustainability.

The Bottom Line

This week reminded us why we love this industry so much. From the historic celebration of CCRI's 100 years of research to the daily drama of commodity markets, coffee continues to be one of the world's most dynamic and fascinating industries.

Whether you're a casual coffee drinker or deeply embedded in the trade, these developments affect us all. The price movements might influence what's in your cup tomorrow, while the research happening at places like CCRI could determine what coffee varieties we're enjoying decades from now.

As always, we'll keep monitoring these developments and sharing insights that matter to our coffee community. Here's to another week of great coffee and interesting times in the global coffee trade!

Stay tuned for more updates from the world of coffee. And if you're looking for quality coffee that reflects these global trends, check out our carefully curated selection at Woodpeckers Coffee Trading House.