Compass Coffee has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it restructures parts of its business to address lower foot traffic and rising costs in Washington, DC. The company said its cafés will remain open and operating throughout the process, and it will continue serving customers across the city. Compass cited structural changes to Washington’s retail environment since 2020, including sustained declines in downtown office occupancy and weekday foot traffic. The company said legacy lease structures and fixed operating costs are no longer aligned with current consumer demand. As part of the restructuring, Compass will close its Ivy City roasting facility. The company said the site was built to support a scale of production that no longer matches today’s retail environment and that operating a large manufacturing facility within the city is no longer economically viable. Compass said the Chapter 11 process will allow it to address legacy costs, rebalance operations around current demand and concentrate resources on its strongest neighbourhood cafés. Michael Haft, founder and CEO of Compass Coffee, said: “As a fourth-generation Washingtonian, I started Compass to build something meaningful for this city and the people who show up for it every day. This has been a difficult chapter, and the decisions we’re making reflect the reality of this moment in Washington. They allow us to keep serving the city with the same real good coffee and sense of community that have defined Compass from the beginning.” Founded more than a decade ago, Compass operates 25 cafés across the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia area. The company said it will continue trading during the restructuring while it works to stabilise the business and align its operating structure with current market conditions.

Dutch scale-up Aquablu has launched Aquablu Bold, a new connected, stand-alone water dispenser designed to deliver personalised flavoured and functional hydration. The system allows users to choose from six natural flavours with adjustable intensity levels, alongside functional additions such as electrolytes, protein and caffeine. Aquablu said collagen will be added as a future option. Aquablu Bold connects to the company’s app, which can be linked to fitness trackers. Using data such as activity levels, hydration balance and personal goals, the system provides tailored hydration recommendations via a built-in hydration coach. The launch marks an expansion of Aquablu’s offering beyond office environments, with the company positioning the system for use across a range of locations including gyms, hotels, airports and public spaces. Unlike Aquablu’s earlier Refill+ platform, Aquablu Bold is fully freestanding and designed as a plug-and-play unit. It includes integrated payment options and is powered by Aquablu’s Aura operating system, which provides real-time monitoring of performance and consumption. The platform also automates inventory management, triggering replenishment of flavours and functional ingredients when supplies run low. According to the company, the new system reflects its wider strategy to scale personalised hydration solutions globally, combining water dispensing with digital monitoring, customisation and automated operations. “After an intense workout, Aquablu Bold recommends the 'immunity' variant to me, with extra electrolytes and protein,” said co-founder Marnix Stokvis. “I can even indicate that I prefer a lighter flavour – and once I do that, the system automatically adapts to my preferences going forward.” “With Aquablu Bold, we are bringing our mission one step closer," added co-founder Marc van Zuylen. "We want people to have access to hydration 24/7, wherever they are – hydration that offers more than just water: flavour, vitamins, minerals and functional boosts that support everyday life. Hydration is the foundation of an energetic and balanced lifestyle, and with our technology we make that experience personal, accessible, and inspiring."

Unilever Indonesia has agreed to divest its tea business in Indonesia, including the SariWangi brand, to Savoria Kreasi Rasa, a subsidiary of Djarum Group. The proposed sale is part of Unilever Indonesia’s portfolio optimisation strategy, as the company sharpens its focus on fewer, larger and more scalable categories. The agreed transaction value is IDR 1.5 trillion (approximately $89.42 million), excluding applicable taxes. An independent business valuation conducted by Kantor Jasa Penilai Publik Suwendho Rinaldy dan Rekan assessed the tea business at a market value of Rp1.49 trillion. Benjie Yap, president director of Unilever Indonesia, said the transaction would allow the tea business to enter its next phase of development while enabling the company to prioritise higher-growth segments. “We are confident that this transaction will position the tea business for its next phase of growth, while sharpening Unilever Indonesia’s focus on priority, higher growth segments and reinforcing our commitment to sustainable shareholder value,” Yap said. Unilever Indonesia acquired SariWangi in 1989, when the brand introduced tea bags to the Indonesian market. Since then, SariWangi has become an established household name in the country. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026. Top image: © Unilever

Javvy Coffee has expanded its protein coffee portfolio with the launch of Javvy Protein Creamer, extending its existing Protein Coffee range. The product is designed to be added to hot or cold coffee and contains 11g of protein per scoop, alongside prebiotics and MCTs. The creamer is lactose-free and contains no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Following the original Sweet Cream variant, the Protein Creamer range has been expanded with three additional flavours: White Chocolate Mocha, Hazelnut and Salted Caramel. Javvy Protein Creamer is available exclusively via Amazon, TikTok Shop and the brand’s direct-to-consumer website, for $29.95.

Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages has added three professional athletes to its investor and impact partner roster: Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, New York Mets pitcher Devin Williams and Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant. A company spokesperson told Refreshment that the latest round raised $11 million in total, with McMillan, Williams and Grant contributing alongside other investors. Individual investment amounts were not disclosed. Waiākea said the partnerships reflect a shared focus on purpose-led business and environmental stewardship, aligned with the company’s sustainability positioning and B Corp certification. The athletes join the brand as both investors and advocates for its social and environmental initiatives. The trio joins Waiākea’s existing group of athlete partners, which includes Aaron Judge, Myles Garrett, Klay Thompson and several Hawai‘i-born professional athletes across baseball, football, surfing and volleyball. Ryan Emmons, co-founder and chief executive of Waiākea, said the company was “working with impact leaders who truly believe in our mission and community impact.” McMillan said investing in Waiākea “puts culture and purpose first,” while Williams described the brand as “something special” he was proud to support. Grant added that Waiākea’s focus on family, philanthropy and environmental care made it “the perfect partner.” In October, Refreshment interviewed Waiākea co-founder and CEO Ryan Emmons , discussing the company’s approach to tackling packaging sustainability challenges and its wider environmental commitments.

Jade Leaf Matcha, a premium matcha company, is set to launch a Pistachio Matcha Latte Mix. This new offering, which combines the smoothness of matcha with a creamy pistachio twist, will be exclusively available at Target, marking a significant expansion of the brand’s ready-to-mix latte line-up. Pistachio Matcha Latte Mix is designed for consumers seeking an on-trend, convenient and cost-effective alternative to café-style drinks. At a retail price of $10.99 for a package containing ten servings, each cup of this new latte mix costs approximately $1, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who desire a premium beverage experience at home. With the growing popularity of matcha and plant-based beverages, this launch aligns with current consumer trends favouring health-conscious and flavourful drink options. Pistachio Matcha Latte Mix offers a naturally sweet and nutty flavour profile, appealing to both matcha enthusiasts and those new to the beverage. The product is available for purchase online and in store. As the demand for convenient, high-quality beverages continues to rise, Jade Leaf Matcha’s new offering aims to attract a diverse customer base, from busy professionals to health-conscious families. Jade Leaf Matcha specialises in premium matcha products sourced from Japan. The company is dedicated to providing high-quality matcha while promoting the health benefits associated with this traditional beverage.

Fiddleheads Coffee – the oldest family-owned small-batch roastery in Thiensville, Wisconsin, US – has joined the FairWave Specialty Coffee Collective as it looks to secure its long-term future while maintaining its local roots. Founded in 1996, Fiddleheads operates eight cafés across the Greater Milwaukee area. The company said the move is intended to support its long-term development while maintaining its existing operations and local presence. The decision follows more than a year of discussions between Fiddleheads’ owners and FairWave. As the business approaches its 29th year of trading, the owners said they began evaluating options for the company’s future and potential succession. FairWave, which operates a portfolio of speciality coffee brands, said it conducted an extended assessment of Fiddleheads’ business and market position prior to the agreement. Specialty Coffee Collective's owner, Ray Marcy, said: “Fiddleheads is our family’s baby. It was really important to us that if we ever did decide to sell, it would be to someone who works in coffee – someone who understands how special Fiddleheads is to us, and how special it has become to the local community here.” "After meeting with Isaac and the incredible FairWave team for over a year, we knew we’d found the right home for our brand,” Marcy added. “They’re coffee people. They understand the heart and soul of this business and are determined to keep that alive.” Fiddleheads becomes the second FairWave brand in the Milwaukee market, following Anodyne Coffee Roasting, which joined the collective in June 2023. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Ready-to-drink brand Nolo has launched what it claims is the UK’s first decaf cold brew oat latte, combining speciality-grade taste with functional prebiotic benefits. The launch marks two category firsts for the brand: a ready-to-drink decaf cold brew designed to match the flavour profile of caffeinated speciality coffee, and a coffee product delivering 6.75g of plant fibre per can, around 20% of an adult’s recommended daily intake. The functional element comes from Nolo’s proprietary prebiotic blend of Jerusalem artichoke and citrus fibre. The brand says the formulation delivers more fibre than many functional sodas currently on the market, while also contributing to the drink’s creamy mouthfeel. Nolo’s Decaf Cold Brew Oat Latte contains no added sugar or sweeteners, with less than a teaspoon of naturally occurring sugars from oat milk. The drink is plant-based, dairy-free and contains 65 calories per can. “We wanted a decaf that was both an upgrade in taste and a functional boost,” said co-founder Binky Felstead. “Nothing like that existed, so we made it.” The product launches in two flavours, Classic and Caramel Swirl, and is currently available direct-to-consumer via wearenolo.com . An introductory bundle is priced at £39.99 for two 12-packs, one of each flavour. Nolo is now seeking premium retail, grocery and speciality coffee listings, positioning the product for consumers looking for convenience, functional benefits and high-quality flavour without the caffeine hit. Founded by brothers Max and Pierre Darnton alongside Felstead, Martin Franklin and Tanner Johnston, Nolo is targeting coffee drinkers who enjoy the ritual and taste of coffee but want greater control over their caffeine intake.

Starbucks, operated by Zamp in Brazil, has opened two new coffeehouses last month, bringing its total locations in the country to 112. The openings – at Curitiba International Airport and in São Paulo’s Pinheiros neighborhood – underline the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Brazilian market. Mariane Wiederkehr, president of Starbucks Brazil, said the expansion reflects the company’s focus on combining convenience with the quality and unique experience that define the brand. “Our goal is to get even closer to our customers... This expansion demonstrates our ongoing investment in Brazil and confidence in the market’s potential,” she said. Wiederkehr added that Starbucks plans to open approximately 30 new coffeehouses in 2026, a roughly 30% increase in its national portfolio, with a focus on São Paulo, Curitiba, Rio de Janeiro and other high-traffic cities. The openings coincide with Starbucks Brazil’s broader efforts to connect with local culture. The company recently launched the Cafézinho Brasileiro line, featuring Cafézinho Puro, Café com Leite: Média and Pingado – drinks inspired by traditional Brazilian coffee habits and prepared with Starbucks Brazil Blend. In addition to expanding its retail presence, Starbucks continues to support coffee farmers in Brazil through sustainable practices. The Starbucks Farmer Support Center in Varginha, Minas Gerais, has worked with local producers since 2021, offering agronomy expertise and guidance to improve coffee quality while promoting ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship. With these initiatives, Starbucks Brazil aims to deepen its cultural presence and strengthen connections with customers, all while responsibly growing its footprint in the country.

Five Star Breaktime Solutions has completed the acquisition of Savannah Healthy Vending, expanding its operations and customer base in Georgia, US. Savannah Healthy Vending, founded in 2015 and owned by Tommy and Holly Hacker, operates vending and micro market services focused on fresh and healthier snack and beverage options. The company serves workplaces, schools, healthcare facilities and gyms across the Savannah area. As part of the deal, Five Star adds more than 200 vending machines, 32 breakroom markets and nearly three dozen coffee service locations to its portfolio. These sites will be integrated into Five Star’s regional operations. Pat Barger, director of mergers and acquisitions for Five Star, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Savannah Healthy Vending to Five Star. Our team appreciates the trust the Hackers have placed in us as a partner to carry forward service to their clients. This deal supports our focus on accelerating growth in Savannah." The Hackers will support Five Star during the transition to ensure continuity of service and customer relationships. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Jean-Christophe Jaunin Nespresso has appointed Jean-Christophe Jaunin as its new chief executive officer for North America, according to Bloomberg . Jaunin, who previously served as global chief customer and technology officer at Nespresso since 2021, succeeds Alfonso Gonzalez Loeschen, who was appointed as global CEO in September last year , in the key role overseeing the brand’s operations across the US and Canada. The leadership change comes amid a wider executive reshuffle at Nestlé in 2025 following a high-profile internal controversy. In September, long-time executive Laurent Freixe exited the company over a workplace conduct issue , triggering changes across senior management. Under Jaunin leadership, Nespresso plans to intensify its retail presence in the region, said Bloomberg , including leveraging its recently opened flagship store in New York City – its largest worldwide.

Happy New Year from Refreshment! As we step into 2026, we’re excited to continue sharing the latest news, trends and insights from the watercooler, office coffee service and vending sectors with you. We’ve got big plans for the year ahead and can’t wait to see what it brings. Here’s to a year filled with innovation and success! Warm wishes, Refreshment