Your weekly round-up of the five biggest stories from across the global coffee industry...
- The largest coffee chain in Cambodia faces an uncertain future
- Italian coffee roaster valued at €1.2bn as multiple bidders suggest sale imminent
- UK coffee and food-to-go chain shores up global workforce strategy
- Indonesian coffee giant explores public listing to advance ambitious growth plans
- Swiss F&B group banks on reliable coffee category to spearhead comeback
1. Border dispute and boycotts weigh heavily on Café Amazon’s Cambodia operations
Thailand’s Café Amazon made its international debut in Cambodia in 2012 and had a market-leading 300 outlets in the country as of November 2025, according to World Coffee Portal research.
Nearly nine months later, it is in uncharted waters after a simmering border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia led to widespread boycotts of Thai brands in the latter country.
Even following dozens of store closures, Cambodia remains Café Amazon’s largest international market. However, with its parent company, Bangkok-based petrol and retail giant PTT OR, announcing a comprehensive assessment of its wider business in the country, the question now is whether it will stay that way for long.
2. Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group valued at €1.2bn as multiple bidders suggest sale imminent
Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group (MZB Group) has achieved a notable financial turnaround since selling a majority stake to Milan-based private equity firm QuattroR in April 2024 – including a return to net profit last year.
With the Bologna-based coffee group now on firmer footing, reports that QuattroR is seeking a healthy return on its investment have gained traction – and with interest from half a dozen private equity firms confirmed, MZB Group Founder Massimo Zanetti is now considering cashing in.
3. New Global Talent Director “fundamental to our future,” says Pret CEO
Coffee and food-to-go chain Pret A Manger has an extensive network of staff – approximately 12,500 employees across 21 markets globally.
With plans underway to significantly ramp up outlet growth in key markets, most notably across the UK, North America and the Middle East, the JAB Holding-backed operator has introduced a new Global Director of Talent role to spearhead its international workforce strategy.
And it has hired a former Kraft Heinz Company exec to lead it.
4. Will profitable Kopi Kenangan get $1bn to take on the world?
In January 2022, Jakarta-based Kopi Kenangan became the first F&B company from Southeast Asia to attain coveted unicorn status after attaining a $1bn valuation.
Backed by US celebrities such as Jay-Z and Serena Williams, the takeaway-focused operator is now one of the largest and fastest-growing coffee chains in the region – with more than 1,300 outlets across six markets.
It is now reportedly seeking $1bn as part of a public listing fundraise to more than triple its store network and enter a dozen more countries by 2030.
5. As Nestlé’s turnaround takes a toll on profits, can coffee lead the recovery?
Coffee has long been a reliable category for Nestlé, contributing 29% of group revenues last year.
Amid an ongoing group turnaround strategy, seeking to deliver CHF 3bn ($3.8bn) in efficiency savings by the end of 2027, coffee continues to outperform Nestlé’s wider food, pet care and nutrition portfolio – and was the standout category in an otherwise mixed half-year for the Swiss group.
Following recent multi-million-dollar investments in trending iced coffee and ready-to-drink ranges, will coffee continue to drive Nestlé towards greater profitability and edge it closer to the turnaround that CEO Philipp Navratil needs?
