Buzz News

Sports Culture via Media Man

Media Man Sports Watercooler

Past, Present And Future

July 2026

July 10

X News

UFC Inducts Star-Studded Hall of Fame Class of 2026 in Las Vegas

During UFC 329 fight week in Las Vegas, the UFC inducted Demetrious Johnson, Dominick Cruz, and Chris Weidman into the Modern Wing for their flyweight, bantamweight, and middleweight legacies. The epic UFC 248 strawweight war between Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Zhang Weili earned a Fight Wing spot, while writer Thomas Gerbasi received a posthumous Contributor Wing honor and Alex Pereira took the Forrest Griffin Community Award. Weidman's emotional speech highlighted family triumphs, and Pereira confirmed plans for a heavyweight return in November.

News

McGregor-Holloway Rematch Set with Record $25 Million Gate at UFC 329

McGregor weighed in at 170.5 pounds for his first MMA fight since his 2021 leg injury, while Holloway hit 170 pounds exactly for the first time in his career. The welterweight clash at T-Mobile Arena tomorrow caps International Fight Week with a sold-out crowd and a UFC-record $25 million gate, topping the prior mark from Noche UFC. Hype peaked at the presser with McGregor's antics and trash talk referencing Holloway's past losses, as Dana White confirmed McGregor's role in three of the top four biggest UFC gates ever.

News

NXT Women's Champ Grey Retains in Grueling Defense Amid Breakout Wins and Debuts

On the July 7 episode, champion Kendal Grey held off veteran Nattie in a tough title match, extending her reign as challengers circle. Layla Diggs, from Fresno and real name Bre Covington, won a Fatal 4-Way over Izzi Dame, Lizzy Rain, and Thea Hail to earn a shot at Zaria's North American Championship next week. Jaida Parker traded barbs online with Nattie over career legacies, and Reina Volcán debuted with a vignette, retiring her indie name Nikki Blackheart as the first woman from the Dominican Republic signed to WWE.

News

WWE 2K26 Releases WrestleMania 42 DLC Pack

WWE Games announced the WrestleMania 42 Pack for WWE 2K26, launching August 19 and recreating the April 18-19, 2026 event's Night 1 fiery sunset stage and Night 2 cool blue neon arena. It includes Persona cards for Cody Rhodes in golden gear, Alexa Bliss, and Liv Morgan with her 'Trouble' entrance theme, ready for MyFaction or Universe Mode. Priced at $10 standalone or included in select editions, the pack draws excitement for its venues while some fans wish for additions like Paige or Finn Bálor's theme.

News

Tiffany Stratton Eyes NXT 'Daddy's Little Rich Girl' Gimmick Return

In a KFAN interview, WWE Women's US Champion Tiffany Stratton revealed why Shawn Michaels dropped her original heiress gimmick—no on-screen daddy for the payoff—and said she's ready to repitch it on SmackDown. The character, inspired by Paris Hilton and Sharpay Evans, launched her with signature chants and a 'Rich Girl' theme, but evolved into her current 'Tiffy Time' heel after moving to the main roster. Now a titleholder fresh off WrestleMania 42 defenses against Bayley and Nia Jax, she also teased singing her own entrance theme, with fans buzzing over potential pairings as SummerSlam nears in Minnesota.

News

Red Bull's RB17 Hypercar Debuts with Roar at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026

The £5.75 million track-only hypercar, packing 1,200 horsepower, thrilled crowds on Day 1 of the July 9-12 Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, with Newey, Isack Hadjar, Yuki Tsunoda, and Alisha Palmowski taking turns on the 1.16-mile climb. Lightning McQueen from Pixar's Cars joined the fun for the film's 20th anniversary, powering up the hill with its signature 'Ka-chow!' grin and drawing huge laughs. F1 stars like Kimi Antonelli mingled with rivals, posing with Ferrari mechanics in a cheeky Mercedes post, while Lewis Hamilton lapped a Ferrari simulator amid the festival's celebration of epic racing duels.

News

Ric Flair advises spending the weekend with booze, gambling, and strippers

Wrestling legend Ric Flair shared a video message encouraging people to enjoy the weekend by drinking booze, gambling, and visiting strippers. The post from FADE went virtal.

News

Conor McGregor removes Max Holloway's sunglasses and slaps his hand during UFC 329 faceoff

During the UFC 329 faceoff, Conor McGregor snatched Max Holloway's Oakley Meta Glasses off his face after Holloway complimented them and said 'we're cool.' McGregor then slapped Holloway's hand away when he tried to shake hands.

Media Man Group

Dream Matches

Past, Present And Future

Media Man Most Wanted Wrestling Dream Matches

Pop Culture element/option

CM Punk vs Kross

Logan Paul vs Cody Rhodes - Anything Goes Match!

Logan Paul vs John Cena

Mysterio vs Mysterio

Penta vs Rey Mysterio

Penta vs Rey Mysterio vs Dominik Mysterio

Roman Reigns vs The Rock

Roman Reigns vs John Cena

Logan Paul vs Jake Paul

Mysterio vs Mysterio vs Bad Bunny

Motor City Machine Guns vs Hardy Boyz

The Rock vs Ricky Saints

Cody Rhodes vs Lexis King

Steve Austin vs LA Knight

Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn - Piledriver's Legal!

Oba Femi vs Moose

Elon Musk vs Zuck - Unsanctioned Match!

Just Added: Brock vs Kross!

Kross vs Riddle (MLW): Match Happened!

Brand vs Gates

Rousey vs Rogan

John Cena vs Kenny Omega

Punk vs Jericho

Punk and Rhodes vs Edge and Jericho

Charlotte Flair vs Lash Legend

Cargill vs Green

Roman Reigns vs Talla Tonga

Dream Matches:

Ideal wrestling or boxing bouts

Here are some ideal matchups often discussed among fans for both wrestling and boxing:

Wrestling:

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. CM Punk - Both known for their promos, in-ring psychology, and rebellious attitudes, this could be a clash of eras.

Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns - Both have been seen as the faces of WWE at different times, and their physicality could make for an epic showdown.

Hulk Hogan vs. John Cena - A generational match that would pit two of WWE's biggest icons in terms of popularity and influence against each other. (included as a tribute to the late, great, Hulk Hogan). RIP Hulkster.

Sasha Banks (Mercedes Moné) vs. Asuka - A dream women's match where technical prowess meets high-flying acrobatics.

Kenny Omega vs. AJ Styles - Both have been acclaimed for their performances in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and their styles would mesh brilliantly.

Boxing:

Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao (Prime vs. Prime) - Although they did fight in 2015, many fans wish to see them in their absolute primes.

Muhammad Ali vs. Mike Tyson - A matchup of two of the greatest; Ali's finesse against Tyson's raw power.

Canelo Alvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin (GGG) Trilogy - After two closely contested fights, a third could be the decider fans want.

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk - Two of the most skilled heavyweights of today, with different styles, potentially leading to an intriguing battle. (Trilogy likely going ahead)!

Vasyl Lomachenko vs. Gervonta Davis - A matchup of technique, speed, and power at the lighter weight classes.

Jake Paul vs Logan Paul - Media Watercooler Rumor!

Remember, these are fantasy matchups that capture the imagination due to the styles, histories, and legacies of the fighters involved.

News Flashback

Netflix To Get 2nd Season Of WWE Unreal In Early 2026

Themes include The Road To SummerSlam

Featured Superstars: Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Pat McAfee, Jelly Roll, R-Truth, Iyo Sky, Naomi, Chelsea Green, Penta, and Lyra Valkyri.

News

Netflix Sports: News

Netflix has significantly expanded into live sports in recent years, focusing on high-profile events, weekly programming, and select marquee matchups rather than full-season league packages.

All live sports are included with any Netflix subscription (no extra fees), and streams are available globally where rights apply.

Key Ongoing Live Sports Content

WWE Monday Night Raw: Streams live every Monday night.

This is Netflix's flagship weekly live sports/entertainment program, part of a long-term deal making Netflix the exclusive home for Raw in many countries (including the US since 2025).

It features dramatic in-ring action, storylines, and superstars.

NFL Christmas Day Games: Netflix streams exclusive NFL games on Christmas Day. The multi-year deal continues into 2026 (at least one game expected that year).

Boxing Events: Netflix regularly hosts major live boxing matches, such as high-profile bouts featuring stars like Jake Paul. These are occasional blockbuster events.

Upcoming in 2026

Major League Baseball (MLB): Starting in 2026 (through 2028), Netflix will stream:An exclusive Opening Night game (e.g., New York Yankees vs. San Francisco Giants on March 25, 2026).

The T-Mobile Home Run Derby (day before the All-Star Game).

One additional special event game per year (e.g., MLB at Field of Dreams in 2026).

World Baseball Classic: In Japan, Netflix streams all games of this international tournament.

Other Potential Events: Netflix continues to add one-off live sports like tennis exhibitions or golf crossovers, plus future rights to events such as the FIFA Women's World Cup (2027 and 2031).

Netflix also produces acclaimed sports documentaries (e.g., Quarterback, Receiver, Full Swing for golf, Break Point for tennis) and has a growing library of sports-related series and films. For real-time schedules, check the "Live" section in the Netflix app.

This strategy emphasizes "cultural spectacles" and appointment viewing over everyday games, helping Netflix attract viewers with must-watch moments.

Flashback

Netflix: Sports

Netflix has become a significant platform for sports documentaries, offering a wide array of content that appeals to sports fans across various disciplines. Here's a summary of what's available and notable:

Popular Sports Documentaries on Netflix:

The Last Dance: Perhaps one of the most acclaimed, this series chronicles the career of Michael Jordan, focusing on his last season with the Chicago Bulls in 1997-98. It combines archival footage with new interviews, providing a deep dive into Jordan's life and the team's dynamics.

Formula 1: Drive to Survive: This series has significantly boosted the popularity of Formula 1 by offering a behind-the-scenes look at the drivers, teams, and the drama of the racing world. It's known for its engaging storytelling and access to the otherwise exclusive world of F1.

Untold: A series of documentaries covering various sports stories, including the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match, which reportedly contributed to Netflix's largest quarterly subscriber growth in Q4 2024, adding 18.9 million new members.

Last Chance U: Focused on junior college football, this series gives viewers an intimate look at the lives of players who are often on their last chance to make it to the NFL, showcasing the intense pressures and personal stories of these athletes.

Full Swing: Aims at changing the perception of golf as a sedate sport by documenting the lives of professional golfers on the PGA Tour, highlighting their personal struggles and the competitive nature of the sport.

Senna: A biographical documentary on Ayrton Senna, one of Formula 1's most iconic drivers, detailing his life, career, and tragic death. This documentary has resonated with fans new and old, especially with the renewed interest in F1.

News Flashback (For Educational And Historical Purposes)

More Recent Additions:

2025 Sports Documentaries: Netflix

WWE: Unreal. Is unreal! Doco/Sports Series Of The Year Contender!

A series on the rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket.

Documentaries on American Football, focusing on college football conferences and legends like John Elway.

Rafael Nadal's final season in tennis, offering unprecedented access to his life and career.

The USA Men’s Basketball Team at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

A chronicling of the Boston Red Sox's 2024 MLB season.

Boxing and Wrestling: With the success of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight, there's an emphasis on boxing, alongside wrestling with documentaries like "Wrestlers" by Greg Whiteley, which dives into the world outside of WWE.

Viewer Sentiment:

There's been some discussion on X about Netflix's sports content, with some users expressing concern over the platform's focus possibly skewing towards male-dominated sports, potentially sidelining female sports fans. However, the general reception to sports documentaries has been positive, with many appreciating the depth and storytelling quality Netflix brings to sports.

Conclusion:

Netflix's strategy with sports documentaries seems to lean towards creating engaging, story-driven content that not only appeals to hardcore sports fans but also to those who enjoy compelling narratives. The platform continues to expand its sports catalog, focusing on both mainstream and niche sports, providing viewers with a broad spectrum of athletic stories to explore.(Grok)

News Flashback

June 2025: WWE: Unreal, (via Grok)

The series, part of Netflix’s broader WWE partnership (including streaming Raw since January 2025), aims to attract new viewers but has been called overly polished, with some arguing it prioritizes WWE’s PR over raw authenticity. WWE: Unreal is a Netflix docuseries that premiered on July 29, 2025, offering a behind-the-scenes look at WWE's creative process, from the writers' room to major events like Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 41. It features stars like John Cena, Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Jey Uso, and Triple H, revealing how storylines and matches are crafted while breaking kayfabe—the wrestling tradition of maintaining the illusion of reality. The series has sparked mixed reactions: some praise its unprecedented access and appeal to new fans, while others, including purists, criticize it for exposing the scripted nature of wrestling, feeling it undermines the industry's mystique.

Key highlights include:

Insight into Jey Uso’s rise as a solo star and the creative struggles to position him as a main event contender.

Revelations about WrestleMania 41’s original card, including a planned Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins main event, later altered to a triple-threat match with CM Punk.

Chelsea Green’s standout episode, showcasing her title shot journey, and John Cena’s heel turn discussions, though he declined to elaborate on it. (Grok)

*Grok wrote the above on WWE: Unreal, not us (Media Man Group).

Media Man

UFC wins Media Man 'MMA Promotion Of The Month' award

WWE wins Media Man 'Wrestling Promotion Of The Month' award

Netflix wins Media Man 'Streaming Service Of The Month' award

News

Super Bowl Ads: News

Flashback

Super Bowl 59 features a matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, set to occur in New Orleans. This year's commercials are heavily focused on humor and celebrity cameos, with a notable absence of ads related to gambling and cryptocurrency.

Advertisers have paid premium prices for ad slots, with some spots reportedly costing around $8 million. Brands like Bud Light, Hellmann’s, and Uber Eats are among those featured, with celebrities such as Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Martha Stewart, and David Beckham making appearances in various ads.

Notable Ads: Hellmann’s ad features Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan recreating their iconic scene from "When Harry Met Sally."

Uber Eats has an ad with Martha Stewart and Kevin Bacon, humorously suggesting that football was invented to sell food.

Instacart introduces its first Super Bowl ad with well-known consumer mascots like Mr. Clean and Chester the Cheetah.

Bud Light has a commercial with Post Malone, Shane Gillis, and Peyton Manning.

HexClad and Häagen-Dazs are among the newcomers to Super Bowl advertising this year.

Strategy and Impact: The ads aim to leverage nostalgia and humor to resonate with viewers, potentially avoiding the pitfalls of more controversial or divisive themes.

There's a significant focus on building long-term brand impact through these short, high-profile ad slots, with some brands like Hellmann's and Bud Light banking on star power and comedic elements to leave a lasting impression.

Trends and Reactions: There's a trend towards using AI in ads, with companies showcasing their technological advancements or using AI to enhance ad creativity.
Some ads like Google's for its AI tool Gemini had to be re-edited due to factual inaccuracies, highlighting the risks of live advertising.

General Audience Engagement: Super Bowl ads are not just about the immediate impact; they're about creating moments that can be discussed and shared across social media, extending the ad's life far beyond the game itself.

This year's ads reflect a strategy of fun, familiarity, and leveraging celebrity to capture the vast audience's attention, aiming to make a memorable impact in a setting where viewers are known to pay as much attention to the commercials as to the game. (Grok)

News Flashback

Pro Wrestling: WWE

Tiffany Stratton Calls Out Charlotte Flair for WrestleMania Showdown

During a recent WWE SmackDown event, Tiffany Stratton, the current WWE Women's Champion, directly challenged Charlotte Flair, the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble winner, to a match at WrestleMania. This confrontation has ignited discussions among fans and analysts about the dynamics of their potential encounter. While some advocate for Charlotte to elevate Tiffany by possibly losing, others argue for Charlotte to continue her dominant streak. The interaction highlighted Tiffany's ambition to carve out her own legacy in WWE, contrasting with Charlotte's established prowess. Although there's speculation about Charlotte's response, the challenge itself has set the wrestling community abuzz with anticipation for what could be a defining moment at WrestleMania. (Grok)

Media Man News

Pop Culture and Combat Sports Fans Want Return of MTV's 'Celebrity Death Match' that drew record ratings circa 1996-1998 and beyond. Some matches are showcased via the MTV Vault YouTube channel. Credit where credit is due.

Coffee, Cafe And Food News

Media Man Watercooler

June 2026

June 1 (U.S)

Markets/Prices

Coffee: 260.70 -5.60

Cocoa: 3899.00 -24.00

Sugar 14.42 +0.36

Sunflower Oil: 1553.30 +1.40

Milk: 16.90 0.01

Shares

Nestle: 77.87 -1.98%

Coca-Cola: 78.72 -0.37%

Alphabet Inc: Google Class A: 376.44 3.90

News

Coffee On Stock Market: Prices

Arabica coffee futures traded around $2.70 per pound, near their lowest since November 2024, on expectations of a bumper harvest in top grower Brazil. Prices are down more than 20% this year, driven by improved production forecasts for Brazil’s output from several leading consultancies, following the decline in production in 2025. Despite a reportedly slow start to the harvest in some producing regions, the crop is progressing without major issues and could deliver a record output, helping replenish global coffee supplies. Brazil’s Conab recently raised its 2026/27 coffee production forecast to a record 66.7 million bags from 66.2 million in February, an 18% increase from the previous season. Arabica output is projected at 45.8 million bags, up 28% year on year and the third-largest on record, supported by a positive biennial cycle and favorable weather conditions. Rabobank said that, unless a major weather event occurs, the market will gradually enter a phase of large surplus. (Trading Economics)

News

Cafe culture remains vibrant in Australia despite economic headwinds

Australia Highlights

Strong global recognition: Australian cafes continue to punch above their weight. Multiple Aussie venues ranked in the World's 100 Best Coffee Shops 2026, with strong showings in Sydney (several spots), Melbourne, and Brisbane. Australia placed second only to the US in some tallies.

People's Choice favourites: Time Out's 2026 awards highlighted local winners like Savoir French (Canberra, ACT) and others across states as voted by Aussies.

Cost pressures: Takeaway coffee sales have slowed due to living costs, fuel prices, and economic caution. Many cafes report reduced spending, with average willingness to pay around $6.60. Latte prices in places like Melbourne have hit $7–7.50 in some suburbs, sparking debate. Higher wages and operating costs keep prices elevated even as global bean prices ease somewhat.

Market growth: The Australian cafe sector is projected to grow, driven by demand for quality convenience, sustainability, and premium experiences (e.g., McCafe expansions).technavio.comViral incident: An Australian man was arrested in Da Nang, Vietnam, after an alleged shirtless rampage at Ge Cafe. He caused significant damage (estimated ~VND500 million / ~A$26k) by smashing equipment, windows, and items with a chair. The cafe owners declined donations despite public support.

International Cafe & Coffee Business News:

Tim Hortons big investment: The Canadian chain and its owners are pouring CA$400 million (~US$290M) into 2026 — building 80 new stores and renovating 400 others.

Health perk: A large meta-analysis links low-to-moderate coffee intake to a modestly lower risk of heart failure.

Challenges & closures: Some independent cafes face rising rents, cost-of-living squeezes, and competition, leading to closures or cutbacks in various markets. On the flip side, expansions and new openings continue in places like Indiana and Vancouver.

Industry trends: Focus on climate-resistant coffee hybrids (e.g., Libex), sustainability, new equipment, and non-coffee items to drive afternoon sales. Chains like Starbucks are tweaking strategies amid softer traffic.

Awards

Rootless Coffee wins Media Man 'Coffee Brand Of The Month'

Runner-ups:

Claudio's Cafe runner-up Media Man 'Coffee Brand Of The Month' award

Best Coffee Promotion: Roots Coffee (Danhausen campaign), Nespresso

Encouragement Award: AMO Coffee (Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch)

News

Coffee On The Stock Exchange

Prominent coffee entities listed on major stock exchanges include:

Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX): The world’s largest multinational coffeehouse chain, offering direct exposure to global retail coffee and beverage sales.

Luckin Coffee (OTC:LKNCY): A major coffee chain primarily operating in China, trading over the counter in the US.

Coffee Holding Co. (NASDAQ:JVA): A specialized wholesale coffee roaster and dealer that operates directly in the coffee industry, sourcing, blending, and distributing roasted and green coffees.

Nestlé (OTC:NSRGY): A multinational food and drink processing conglomerate that owns major global coffee brands like Nescafé and Nespresso.

Keurig Dr Pepper (NASDAQ:KDP): The parent company of Keurig Green Mountain, providing exposure to the single-serve coffee and brewing market.Dutch Bros (NYSE:BROS): A fast-growing drive-thru coffee chain operating primarily across the United States.

Awards News Update:

Claudio's Cafe wins Media Man 'Coffee Brand Of The Month' award; Runner-ups: Roots Coffee (Danhausen campaign), Runner-up: Nespresso

Encouragement Award: AMO Coffee (Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch)

Prime wins Media Man 'Beverage Of The Month' award

Barzura wins Media Man 'Cafe Of The Month' award; Runner-ups: Chalk Espresso Bar, Makaveli Bondi, Lion & Buffalo, Pool Cafe, City Extra

News Flashback (For education and reference purposes)

April

WWE superstars Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch launched AMO Coffee in April 2026, a specialty brand partnered with Dayglow Coffee. Inspired by their travels, the brand offers single-origin beans (Colombia, Ethiopia, Ecuador) and unique flavored blends like Watermelon Candy and Chocolate Strawberry, available online and at Dayglow locations.

News

Social Coffee Quotes

Media Man To Danhausen and Rootless Coffee: "That's getting to the root of the matter"; Buzz on socials including X.

News Flashback

April 29

Markets/Prices

Coffee: 290.70 flat!

Cocoa 3404.12 +24.12

News Flashback

April 2026

Market & Production Outlook

Record harvests ahead: Analysts project strong global coffee production for the 2026/27 season, potentially reaching a record 182.5 million bags according to StoneX forecasts. Brazil is expected to lead with a massive rebound (up ~20%+ year-on-year in some estimates), supported by favorable weather and improved flowering. This shift from recent deficits has contributed to easing price pressures, though arabica futures remain somewhat elevated amid lingering uncertainty.

Price shifts: After volatility in 2025 (with peaks driven by supply concerns), the market is pivoting toward potential surplus. Brazil's official agency (Conab) has projected a bumper 66.2 million bag harvest for 2026/27. Some observers are comparing it to cocoa's recent crash, though demand dynamics differ—high prices have already prompted some cost-cutting and softer consumer demand in places

Major Industry Moves

Nestlé selling Blue Bottle: Nestlé has confirmed the sale of premium roaster Blue Bottle Coffee to Centurium Capital (the largest shareholder in China's Luckin Coffee). This marks a notable shift for the specialty segment.

Luckin Coffee expansion: The Chinese chain claims to have opened the world's largest roastery in Qingdao, complete with what it calls the biggest roasting machine. Luckin continues aggressive growth in its home market.

Deforestation mapping initiative: Major coffee brands are partnering on new efforts to map coffee farms and combat deforestation, timed ahead of stricter EU regulations (EUDR). This ties into broader sustainability pushes across the supply chain.

News Flashback / The Lead Up (For educational and reference purposes)

Coffee, Cafe And Food News

January 2026

Claudio's Cafe wins Media Man 'Coffee Brand Of The Month' award; Runner-up: Nespresso

Prime wins Media Man 'Beverage Of The Month' award

Barzura wins Media Man 'Cafe Of The Month' award; Runner-ups: Chalk Espresso Bar and Makaveli Bondi

News

Historic Closure in California:

The Original Saugus Cafe, claimed to be the oldest restaurant in Los Angeles County (established in 1886), is set to close its doors permanently on January 4, 2026, after 139 years of operation. The announcement highlighted its role in creating memories across generations.

Chinese Giant Enters US Market: Mixue, the world's largest restaurant chain by location count (known for affordable coffee and ice cream), recently opened its first US store in Los Angeles, targeting budget-conscious consumers amid ongoing inflation.

New Openings and Themed Cafés Worldwide:

Singapore is buzzing with fresh spots, including the arrival of Hong Kong's Elephant Grounds (opening January 10) and a limited-time Hangyodon-themed café starting January 7.

Hong Kong welcomes five new coffee shops this month, featuring in-house pastries, unique interiors, and ice drip specialties.

In the US, look for new cafés like Dear Donna in Kansas City and Wildgrain's café/test kitchen in Somerville (late January).

Helsinki Airport will debut an iconic Fazer Café in early 2026, offering classic Finnish pastries and handcrafted items.

Heartwarming Stories:Reinne's Place in Long Beach, California, opened as a tribute to the owner's late girlfriend, quickly becoming a community space for healing and connection.

Industry Trends and Expansions for 2026:

Rising chains like Dutch Bros (planning 175 new locations), 7 Brew, Black Rock Coffee Bar, and Bad Ass Coffee are poised for major growth across the US.

Focus on sustainability (eco-packaging, reduced single-use items), tech integration (AI personalization, mobile ordering, subscriptions), and experiential spaces (events, co-working).

Food pairings are evolving with protein-packed items, nostalgic flavors, and multi-sensory menus to boost café profits beyond coffee sales.

News Flashback

Coffee News

Market Prices Surge Again

Arabica coffee futures climbed to around 355 cents per pound in early January trading, up about 2.5% in recent sessions. This follows volatility driven by dry weather in Brazil's key growing regions and flooding in Indonesia, which could slash 2025-26 exports by up to 15%.

Low global stocks and concerns over Brazil's next crop are keeping prices elevated, though analysts forecast a potential surplus in 2026/27 that might ease pressure later.

News

From Farm to Cup

Coffee harvesting season is in full swing in many regions, with challenges from weather impacts underscoring the fragile supply chainHealth Benefits Highlighted in New StudiesRecent research is brewing good news for coffee lovers:Drinking caffeinated coffee may reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation recurrence by nearly 40% in some patients.

Moderate intake (3-4 cups daily) could support longevity, slow premature aging linked to psychiatric conditions, and lower risks of chronic diseases.

More than 2 billion cups are consumed worldwide daily—science suggests many of them might be doing more good than you think!

Industry Moves and Expansions

Mixue, the massive Chinese coffee and tea chain, opened its first U.S. store in Los Angeles, targeting affordable drinks amid inflation.

Two Oregon-based coffee roasters announced a merger under a new parent company to pool resources and cut costs.

The Specialty Coffee Association revealed qualified sponsors for the 2026-2027 World Barista Championship, kicking off a new cycle of competitions.

News Flashback

Arabica Coffee Prices (as of January 5, 2026)

Arabica coffee, the premium variety accounting for about 60-70% of global production, is traded primarily on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) as the "Coffee C" contract. Prices are quoted in US cents per pound (e.g., 355 cents = $3.55/lb).

Current Prices

The benchmark

March 2026

Arabica futures contract (KCH26) is trading around 355-357 cents per pound (approximately $3.55-3.57/lb), up about 1-2% in recent sessions (e.g., +1.82% on January 2 to 355.10 cents).

Recent trading range: 345-358 cents/lb.

This follows volatility, with prices dipping to multi-month lows near $3.45/lb in late December amid improving supply signals, but recovering on short-covering and weather concerns.

News

Canna Cafe:

Canna Cafe refers to several establishments, mostly cannabis-themed cafés offering infused drinks, edibles, or consumption lounges (often using hemp-derived cannabinoids like Delta-8/9, CBD, or THC where legal). There's also one unrelated non-cannabis spot.

Here are some notable ones:

Canna Cafe (Chicago, IL) — A members-only cannabis café in the West Loop (1301 W Washington Blvd), known for THC-infused food and drinks. It's Black-owned and has expanded to locations in Los Angeles and Atlanta.

The Canna Cafe & Bar (Rockford, IL) — A cozy lounge offering food, mocktails, and infusions with hemp-derived cannabinoids (Delta-8, Delta-9, etc.). Located at 6830 Spring Creek Road, it's focused on education and relaxed vibes.

Café Canna (Asheville, NC) — A non-alcoholic bar with kava, kratom, specialty coffees, and cannabis-related vibes/events.

Other variations include cannabis-infused coffee pod brands (like CannaCafe Keurig pods) or similar spots in places like Thailand.There's also a completely unrelated Café Canna on the remote Isle of Canna in Scotland—a charming seafood restaurant with no cannabis connection.

News

Movies Set in or About Cafes/Coffee Shops

Many films feature cafes as central settings for drama, romance, or quirky stories. Here are some standout ones:

Amélie (2001) ? A whimsical Parisian tale centered around a cafe waitress who secretly helps others.

Café (2011) ? An indie drama (starring Jennifer Love Hewitt) almost entirely set in a West Philadelphia cafe, exploring interconnected lives and a metaphysical twist.

Bagdad Cafe (1987) ? A touching German-American film about a stranded tourist transforming a remote desert cafe/motel.

Café Society (2016) ? Woody Allen's romantic comedy/drama set in 1930s Hollywood and New York high-society nightlife.

Coffee and Cigarettes (2003) ? Jim Jarmusch's anthology of short conversations in cafes.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold (Japanese series/films) ? Time-travel stories in a magical Tokyo cafe.

News

Iconic cafe scenes appear in films like Pulp Fiction, When Harry Met Sally, You've Got Mail, and Inception.

News Flashback

2025

November 2025

Nov 16

Brazilian coffee, beef and tropical fruit will still be tariffed 40%, says Brazil’s vice president

RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin said Saturday that Brazilian exported goods to the U.S. including coffee, beef and tropical fruits would still be tariffed 40%, despite President Donald Trump’s decision to remove some import taxes.

In a dramatic move on Friday, Trump scrapped levies announced in April on what he called ‘Liberation Day’ in hopes of encouraging domestic production and lifting the U.S. economy. Brazil at the time was hit with a 10% tariff.

But in July, Trump imposed a further 40% tariff, citing — among other reasons — the trial of his ally, former President Jair Bolsonaro, which he called a “witch hunt.” Proceedings went ahead regardless and in September Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for attempting a coup.

Alckmin said some products, such as orange juice, would now have a zero tariff as they were not targeted by the additional 40%. But that extra tariff remains in place on products including coffee, beef and tropical fruits, such as mangos and pineapples.

While Brazil’s vice president welcomed Trump’s latest decision, which he called “positive” and a “step in the right direction,” he said there remained a “distortion that needs to be corrected.”

“Everyone got 10% less, but in Brazil’s case, which had 50%, we ended up with 40%, which is very high,” Alckmin told journalists in the capital Brasilia.

Alckmin said that Friday's decision means that 26% of Brazilian goods are now entering the U.S. without additional tariffs. That's up from 23%.

Trump’s July decision, which was overtly political as Brazil has a trade deficit with the United States, led to the worst U.S.-Brazil relations in history.

Those relations have since improved, and in October Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Trump met in Malaysia.

“President Lula’s conversation with President Donald Trump was important in terms of dialogue and negotiation,” Alckmin said on Saturday.

After that encounter, Lula said he was confident the two countries would soon reach a trade deal.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira met for 50 minutes this week to further the conversation.

The Trump administration has insisted that its tariffs helped fill government coffers and weren’t a major factor in higher prices at grocery stores around the country. But Democrats were quick to paint Friday’s move as an acknowledgment that Trump’s policies were hurting American pocketbooks.

Record-high beef prices have been a particular concern, and Trump had said he intended to take action to try and lower them. Trump’s tariffs on Brazil, a major beef exporter, had been a factor.

Back in Brazil, the Brazilian Association of the Coffee Industry said it would continue to monitor the situation.

“(We) will keep working to ensure legal certainty, competitiveness, and predictability for the Brazilian coffee industry,” the group’s president, Pavel Cardoso, said in a statement. (Wires, A.I News)

Media Man

BuzzFeed, and the bursting digital media bubble - 28th January 2019

By John McDuling

Not that long ago, BuzzFeed was considered digital media's great success story. The $US1.7 billion ($2.4 billion) valued, viral content upstart had cracked the internet code and was destined for an IPO that would have captivated the media world.

Now, it is under fire from its critics, shedding jobs, and facing an uncertain future, including in Australia.

Whatever you think about its content (despite a push into hard news, it's still best known for its lists and quizzes) BuzzFeed is probably the defining media company of the Facebook era.

That's why the news last week that the company would cut 200 jobs, or 15 per cent of its workforce, was highly significant.

It isn't clear whether BuzzFeed's Australian operations, which employ about 40 people, will be affected by the latest cuts. It also isn't clear whether the apparent belt tightening at the company could affect its approach to defending a potentially expensive lawsuit in this country.

BuzzFeed is currently being sued for defamation by Federal MP Emma Husar. A US based spokesperson declined to comment on the case, and whether Australia would be affected by the job cuts.

Yet what is clear is that BuzzFeed is moving to secure its future, which no longer looks quite as rosy as it once arguably did.

"The restructuring we are undertaking will reduce our costs and improve our operating model so we can thrive and control our own destiny, without ever needing to raise funding again." CEO and co-founder Jonah Peretti said in an email to staff last week.

BuzzFeed is one of a handful of prominent, digitally native media outfits in recent years to win funding from vaunted Silicon Valley venture capital firms that normally invest in emerging tech start-ups.

Venture investors were drawn to gigantic traffic these outlets (others include Vox Media and Mic) had managed to generate by mastering third-party platforms like Facebook.

They were betting that, eventually, someone would figure out how to make money from these audiences (which helpfully fell into lucrative, and hard-to-reach younger demographics).

That never really happened, at least not to the extent the VCs thought it would. Vox cut 5 per cent of its workforce last year, and Mic let go of nearly all of its staff after being sold for a knockdown price to a competitor.

Changes to Facebook's newsfeed algorithm – the social media behemoth has prioritised content from individuals rather than publishers following a string of fake news scandals – haven't exactly helped either.

Importantly, no-one's suggesting BuzzFeed is about to fall off the map. According to reports in the US, the company all but hit its target for revenue of $US300 million last year, although it remains unprofitable.

It's just that the outsized returns those venture capital investors were hoping for now seem far less likely.

The influx of capital into digital media was great news for aspiring journalists and media professionals. These outlets were hiring, to some extent offsetting the savage cuts that traditional newsrooms were themselves making at the time. That is now subsiding as well.

Ironically (or perhaps fittingly), BuzzFeed's biggest serious news story to date landed just a week before the latest round of job cuts. In a bombshell report, the outlet claimed President Trump had instructed his former lawyer to lie to Congress.

The story prompted a rare denial from the office of Robert Mueller, who is investigating interference by Russia in the 2016 US elections.

BuzzFeed is standing by its story, which it says will eventually be proven true. In the meantime, the company is being criticised for providing the President with more ammunition in his war on the press.

The company appears to now be entering the kind of painful phase its traditional media peers have endured in recent years. For his part, Peretti insists it has a bright, long-term future.

"These changes will allow us to be the clear winner in the market as the economics of digital media continue to improve," he said in his letter to staff last week.

Whatever happens, there is no denying BuzzFeed's influence. It helped usher traditional media into the digital age, providing publishers with the wake-up call they needed. And a reminder that in the long run in the news business, quality always prevails.

(The Sydney Morning Herald)