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NEWSTHE PRESENTOctober 26, 2026
In Today's Coffee News — October 26
The landscape of high-end espresso equipment is shifting dramatically as major investments reshape the industry's future.
TagsNEWS
Why this matters
The De'Longhi Group has significantly increased its stake in its professional coffee division to 88%, valuing the business behind La Marzocco and Eversys at €2.5 billion. This major consolidation highlights the surging demand for premium automated coffee technology and commercial machinery.
De'Longhi Expands Professional Footprint
The De'Longhi Group has solidified its control over the professional coffee market by acquiring an additional 26.46% stake in its commercial division. By investing €662.5 million, the group has raised its total ownership to 88%.
This strategic move values the professional division, which includes industry stalwarts La Marzocco and Eversys, at approximately €2.5 billion. The deal reflects a broader trend of major industry players betting heavily on the continued growth of high-end, automated espresso equipment.
Supply Chain Pressures and Price Volatility
Coffee traders in Switzerland are moving away from 'just-in-time' inventory models—a strategy of keeping stock low to save money—in favor of holding larger supplies. This shift is a direct response to rising transportation costs and persistent geopolitical conflicts, which have made war the top concern for coffee professionals today.
Compounding these logistical challenges, futures prices for Arabica coffee remain under upward pressure. The December ICE contract recently closed at 315.70 US cents per pound, fueled by concerns regarding El Niño weather patterns and low exchange stocks. These combined factors suggest that coffee costs for roasters and consumers are unlikely to fall significantly in the near term.
Innovation in Sustainability and Competition
On the scientific front, researchers have developed a method to convert coffee —the fibrous outer layer removed during processing—into cellulose. This innovation offers a promising new revenue stream for farmers by transforming what was once agricultural waste into a high-demand commodity.
Meanwhile, the global coffee community has turned its attention to Panama, where the 2026 World Barista Championship is currently underway. This premier event continues to set the gold standard for brewing technique and service, influencing how cafes around the world operate.
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