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J Balvin and Jimmy Butler at the recent U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York. Press image courtesy of Bigface.

Bigface and J Balvin Unite for Colombian Earthquake Relief

In a commendable move, NBA star Jimmy Butler's Bigface brand has teamed up with Colombian music icon J Balvin to introduce a $78 Colombia Relief Bundle. This initiative comes in the wake of the devastating magnitude-7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia on August 10. The product combines Bigface's popular El Capitán coffee blend with an exclusive hat, and proceeds will be directed to the Colombia Se Levanta reconstruction fund. This earthquake has had grave implications, severely impacting many coffee-growing regions.

Rainforest Alliance Welcomes New Chief Commercial Officer

On the corporate front, the Rainforest Alliance has appointed Nicolas Mounard as its chief commercial officer. Mounard will spearhead the organization's global commercial strategy, partnerships, and market engagement initiatives. His previous experience leading sustainability and traceability at Barry Callebaut, along with roles at Farm Africa and Twin Trading, positions him well to drive significant advancements for the alliance.

La Cimbali Launches Superautomatic Espresso Platform

In equipment news, La Cimbali is introducing its new Supera superautomatic espresso platform, designed primarily for high-volume operations across the North American foodservice and hospitality sectors. This innovative system provides various configurations including Senso and Dolcevita options, capable of delivering up to four grinders, both hot and cold milk systems, and automatic cleaning functions. Impressively, La Cimbali claims the platform can handle an output of up to 350 cups daily, enhancing efficiency for busy establishments.

Mahou San Miguel Expands Coffee Footprint

Spanish beverage powerhouse Mahou San Miguel has made notable strides by acquiring two local coffee brands—La Flor del Café and Gran Café Royale. This acquisition aims to bolster its coffee offerings for bars and restaurants, further supporting its Café170 line, and will be managed by distributor Disbesa Darnés in Catalonia. This move marks Mahou's continued investment in the coffee sector, a venture they only recently embarked on.

Yemen's Mokha Port Captured

On a more somber note, current events in Yemen are affecting coffee markets significantly. Houthi forces have taken control of the historic port city of Mokha, a key site for the coffee trade for centuries. This port has not only historical significance but also sits near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, making its capture concerning for both local producers and international coffee supply chains.

ILO's Coffee Labor Training Initiative in Ethiopia

In labor initiatives, the International Labour Organization is set to expand its coffee-sector training programs across Ethiopia. Following successful sessions in Sidama and South Ethiopia, the initiative will move to Oromia next. This training addresses crucial topics such as labor law, wages, and working conditions, highlighting ongoing challenges such as gender wage disparities and informal employment. The emphasis on these areas is critical for the stability of Ethiopia's coffee industry.

Upcoming Webinar for Business Resilience

The U.S. Women in Coffee Association will hold a free webinar on September 22. This event aims to foster discussions about resilience in the coffee business, covering aspects like production, logistics, roasting, and retail—all amidst fluctuating prices and climate challenges. If you're navigating the industry today, participating in such discussions could provide valuable insights.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights tailored for coffee professionals and enthusiasts alike! Questions or comments? Reach out to our editors here.