The Bennetts team made our annual pilgrimage to the Specialty Coffee Expo—something we've proudly done since 1988. This year's event took place from April 25th to 27th in Houston, Texas, where the George R. Brown Convention Centre in downtown Houston buzzed with energy. Over 650 companies exhibited, and more than 17,000 coffee professionals from over 80 countries filled the halls across the three-day event. Things are certainly bigger in Texas, as the saying goes… 

As always, attending the SCA proved incredibly valuable—a rare chance to experience a series of “mini-origin trips” in just a few days. It’s the one place where we can reconnect with friends and trading partners from all over the world, all under one roof. While it can be exhausting, it’s equally informative and productive. This year, we packed in 25 scheduled meetings with producers, cooperatives, exporters, and brokers—not to mention the countless impromptu catch-ups with familiar faces we ran into while walking the show floor. 

Each year at the SCA, fascinating conversations unfold about what’s happening across the global coffee landscape—and 2025 was no exception. While every origin faces its own unique challenges and market dynamics, a few common threads emerged throughout our discussions. The most notable themes included: 

1. US Tariff Talk 
You couldn’t get through a meeting without this topic coming up right away. The introduction of a blanket minimum 10% tariff on all US imports—with the notable exception of Mexico—has shaken up global markets, coffee included. Following the so-called “Liberation Day” announcement, prices initially plummeted, but the market rebounded quickly. While it’s almost certain that US consumers will see price increases, the full long-term impact remains unclear. One thing, however, is near certain: we’re in for even more volatility in an already sensitive trading environment. 

2. Destination stocks are still low… 
…and they’re likely to stay that way for the foreseeable future. Roasters remain hesitant to take long positions at current market levels, while importers are reluctant to hold more unsold physical stock than absolutely necessary—especially with an inverted market that penalises anyone sitting on coffee for too long. In the US, we heard from local importers and warehouse operators that stock levels across the country are critically low, with incoming shipments moving out almost as soon as they arrive. The newly introduced tariffs aren’t expected to help ease the situation, either. 

3. Mild washed coffees will be in short supply in Latin America 
Central American coffees are virtually sold out. Across the region, harvests were generally delayed by rain, then wrapped up by the end of April. Colombia is currently between harvests, with the Mitaca (fly-crop) only just getting underway, while Peru’s harvest is also running behind schedule. Despite this, producers reported that large roasters were still reaching out, trying to secure volumes—only to realise they may have arrived a little too late to the party. 

4. Access to finance is a challenge 
While record coffee prices might seem like a win for growers, they’re creating serious hurdles for local buyers and exporters. With prices effectively doubling compared to last year, the capital required to trade the same volume has skyrocketed. As a result, many small businesses—and even some multinationals—found themselves sidelined during key points in the harvest season. This left growers scrambling to sell to whoever could afford to pay. A tight physical market meant deals were still getting done, but the disruption was felt across the board. 

5. Everything is hinging on Brazil… again 
Once more, the market’s gaze is fixed on Brazil. A strong 2026/27 crop could be the key to correcting the current deficit and shifting the market back into a carry structure—rather than its current inverted state—which would likely encourage more forward selling. However, we need a lot to go right for the next 12 months for that to eventuate, starting with getting through the Brazilian frost season unscathed. 

So, while things may sound a little doomy and gloomy, the record-breaking attendance at this year’s show was a clear reminder that the coffee industry remains vibrant and full of life—despite everything the market has thrown at it (kitchen sink included!). As a community, we’re strong and resilient, and it’s our commitment to maintaining solid relationships across the supply chain that keeps us moving forward. Yes, 2025/26 is shaping up to be one of the most challenging seasons yet—but we’re ready to face it head-on. 

The Bennetts Team x Grounds for Health - SCA 2025