The Grind: October’s Coffee News
The Grind: October’s Coffee News
Issue 01 · October 2026 · Best enjoyed with a decent coffee
Welcome to The Grind — our new coffee paper. A few curious stories from the coffee world, picked by us to enjoy with your next cup.
For our first edition: suspicious shipments, counterfeit beans and a debate over what belongs on top of your espresso. Put the kettle on. There’s plenty to get through.
Coffee with something to hide
Brazil · 7 October 2026
Brazil’s Federal Police launched a fresh phase of Operation Off-Grade Coffee, investigating suspected drug trafficking through coffee exports.
The investigation began after around 1.2 tonnes of cocaine were found in a container of coffee bags bound for Germany. October’s operation continued efforts to uncover the suspected network.
Quite a departure from chocolate and caramel tasting notes.
The wrong kind of beans
Vietnam · 20 October 2026
Police announced charges against a man accused of mixing soya beans and flavourings into ground coffee. Officers seized more than 200kg during an inspection on 3 October. The investigation continues.
Asking for soya in your coffee is one thing. Getting it instead of coffee is another.
A question of origin
Hawaii · Reported 19 October 2026
An ongoing US prosecution over coffee allegedly sold falsely as “100% Kona” gained additional tax charges. Prosecutors allege foreign-grown beans were passed off as Hawaiian coffee.
The defendant has pleaded not guilty and maintains her innocence.
Keep the crema. Or skim it?
In the cup · Reported 5 October 2026
That golden layer on your espresso might look the part, but should you keep it?
An October feature explored the debate over removing espresso’s crema. Some coffee professionals favour skimming it for a cleaner-tasting shot. Others value the texture it brings.
Try the same coffee three ways: untouched, stirred and skimmed. Which gets your vote?
A perfectly reasonable excuse to make another coffee. For research, obviously.
“Slimming coffee” raid
Philippines · 6 October 2026
Eight people were arrested during a warehouse raid involving allegedly counterfeit slimming coffee. Police seized products, packaging, raw materials and equipment.
The investigation concerns suspected unauthorised production and trademark infringement.
A word from the roastery: good coffee, no plot twists
A familiar stag. A woodland scene. And a bag worth putting the kettle on for.
Meet Signature Gold, our medium roast with chocolate and caramel notes. It picked up two stars at the 2026 Great Taste Awards, too.
If all this reading has left you thirsty, we know just the thing.
Find your next coffee at West Berkshire Roastery →
Cheers, Alex & the WBR team
