Weekly Coffee News: The Rancilio iSteam + Smithsonian on Stenophylla

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Rancilio Rolls Out the iSteam Pro

Italian espresso machine manufacturer Rancilio recently rolled out the new iSteam Pro automatic steam wand for its traditional Rancilio Classe 20 and Rancilio Specialty Invicta machines. Through the machines’ touchscreens, users can customize temperature and froth levels, with up to 10 saved recipes. The wand is activated with a simple tap.

MTPak Launches Single-Serve Pourover Package Called UFO

Coffee packaging company MTPak Coffee just came out with a new line of single-serve pourover coffee bags and filters under the name UFO, a reference to their flying ring shape. Each UFO coffee bag and filter is individually packaged with a single serving of ground coffee. Users place the ring around their vessel of choice, then pour hot water over the grounds. The company is offering customs designs along the ring’s top for wholesale buyers.  

Smithsonian on Stenophylla

A feature in Smithsonian magazine by Marta Zaraska explores the recent emergence of the stenophylla coffee species as a potential market alternative to arabica or robusta, especially given its resistance to heat. The piece features coffee plant scientist Aaron Davis, who was recently part of a study that explained how, chemically, stenophylla might offer some arabica-like cup characteristics.

SCA Launches New Edition of Equitable Value Distribution Survey

The Specialty Coffee Association recently launched the 2025 edition of its Equitable Value Distribution survey, building on the success of the previous survey and report. The trade group is asking individuals and organizations to share insights on value in the specialty coffee sector. The 2025 survey is open to responses until July here.

Cafe Imports Brings Back Legendary Coffee Exchange

Minneapolis-based specialty coffee importing company Cafe Imports is bringing back its Legendary Coffee Exchange to the SCA Expo in Houston later this month. To participate, roasters can bring a bag of roasted coffee and two business cards to booth #1236. One lucky participant will win an Ikawa Pro 50 Sample Roaster.

Reuters: Global Demand Plus Drought Leading to Irrigation in Brazil

In an effort to keep up with global coffee consumption while dealing with changing climatic conditions such as drought, coffee farmers in Brazil are investing in costly irrigation systems, according to a new Reuters report.

Hardtank Upgrades RTD Facility for Functional Beverages

Polish private-level ready-to-drink coffee specialist Hardtank said it recently upgraded its facilities for expanded production capacity, as well as new capabilities to create “functional” RTD products, such as adaptogenic, probiotic and nootropic-infused drinks.

Dutch Bros. Looking to Expand into the Consumer Packaged Goods Market

Drive-through coffee chain Dutch Bros. recently announced its intention to enter the consumer packaged goods market. The company has a plan to release a line of Dutch Bros. packaged coffee and related products in partnership with Trilliant Food & Nutrition, one of the largest coffee manufacturers of single-serve cup and RTD coffee in the U.S.

Everette’s Fresh Roast Gains New Partner and New Headquarters

Family-owned-and-operated Chicagoland coffee roaster Everette’s Fresh Roast Coffee announced that John Everette, the brother of founder and head roaster Rob Everette, as a new partner and head of sales. According to the announcement, the company is also moving its headquarters and roastery to Addison, Illinois.

New Mexico Piñon Coffee Announces Major Rebrand

New Mexico Piñon Coffee Co. and the Piñon Coffee Houses have recently unified as New Mexico Piñon Coffee as part of a major rebranding. “We’ve always been one family behind the scenes; now our brand tells that same story,” company president Matthew Bregar said in an announcement shared with DCN.