Your weekly round-up of the five biggest stories from across the global coffee industry...
- Caffè Nero unveils first functional beverage collab
- Germany’s Melitta finds a winning formula
- Five bidders in line for €1.2bn Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group acquisition
- Malaysia’s Christine’s Bakery faces store closures as new owner targets stability
- De’Longhi boosts professional segment investment
1. Caffè Nero muscles into protein with first functional drinks collab
The UK-based coffee chain has partnered with sports nutrition brand MyProtein to launch two protein lattes across its 650 UK stores.
The new range positions Caffè Nero to capture rising demand for functional beverages and could add fresh impetus to booming iced beverage sales, already the chain’s fastest-growing menu category.
2. Melitta Group lands on winning formula as half-year profits soar
The German coffee giant has outlined some ambitious goals for the next few years, including developing Europe’s largest coffee roastery and doubling group sales.
Those ambitions have been given a significant boost, with Melitta’s half-year EBITDA already matching total 2025 levels.
With several key partnerships underway, including a major UK deal, Melitta looks well placed to deliver.
3. Westrock among bidders for Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group, sources say
US beverage giant Westrock Coffee is reportedly among five bidders lining up to acquire Italy’s Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group (MZB Group).
The Bologna-based coffee group confirmed it was exploring sale options three months ago and could fetch €1.2bn.
MZB Group is Italy’s second-largest coffee roaster by revenue, after Lavazza, and manages a portfolio of over 40 coffee and tea brands, including Segafredo Zanetti, Boncafé and Chock full o’Nuts.
4. Malaysian hotel group snaps up embattled Christine’s Bakery
With 10 boutique outlets, a premium menu and strong brand recognition, Christine’s Bakery could become an integral part of Magma Group’s growing F&B portfolio – if it can get its balance sheet in order.
Kuala Lumpur-based Magma has cited cost management and operational efficiency as key priorities after securing a cut-price deal for the brand, which saw losses rise 57% last year.
5. De’Longhi increases stake in $2.3bn La Marzocco and Eversys division
Formed in December 2023 in a deal worth $1.4bn, the La Marzocco and Eversys tie-up generated €489.1m ($584.5m) in revenue for De’Longhi last year.
The Italian appliance manufacturer now controls one of the world’s largest traditional and fully automated coffee machine businesses – and one that has significant momentum on its side.
The move gives a clear indication of where the Italian appliance giant sees the greatest market opportunities moving forward.
