Between drought, digitalization and meaningful private label coffee solutions.
Norbert Govaars
Global New Business Development Manager @ Global Coffee Industries & La Rocca Expres
As the world descends on Amsterdam for PLMA May 20-21 2025, the private label industry's premier trade event, one player tries to stand out as a symbol of coffee sector transformation.
Global Coffee Industries (GCI). Representing more than just a roaster or a supplier, GCI is a full-spectrum solution provider navigating one of the most volatile and complex periods in modern coffee history.
How to bridge volatility in the coffee industry with innovation find us at Hall 14 stand F36
The past three years have reshaped the global coffee landscape. Climate shocks, supply bottlenecks, regulatory upheaval, and speculative trading have all collided to create unprecedented market instability. Arabica prices soared in 2023 to a record in early 2025. Retail prices in Europe and the US shattered records, and coffee inventories across the globe dwindled to historic lows. This is the world into which GCI has stepped boldly adapting, innovating, and co-creating the future of coffee with its clients.
Not Just a Roaster: Who is GCI?
Founded on principles of quality, ethics, and resilience, Global Coffee Industries is a vertically integrated coffee powerhouse. From direct sourcing at origin and specialty roasting to high-tech private label manufacturing and global logistics, GCI serves as a trusted partner for businesses across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
But what sets GCI apart is its core belief: coffee is no longer just about roasting a bean and putting it in a bag. It’s about forecasting, compliance, design, market intelligence, AI-supported brand development, sustainability, and resilience. GCI is equipped to manage every step from bean to brand.
Our Clients, Our Partners in Innovation
In collaboration with retailers, distributors, and foodservice leaders, GCI has co-developed groundbreaking concepts that have adapted to the new coffee reality. From premium ready-to-drink espresso formats to climate-resilient sourcing models, and from AI-powered private label systems to deforestation-free compliance programs, each initiative is grounded in shared success.
As a company, GCI thrives not in isolation but in co-creation, together with our clients, we’ve:
Launched high-margin coffee and coffee capsule private label brands that are now key shelf drivers in multiple EU markets
Developed compliance protocols that meet 2025's EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
Built circular models where used machines are refurbished and reused cutting waste, costs, and carbon
Integrated Bag-in-Box espresso solutions for cold coffee production scaling from cafés to industrial
On Top of the Business – By Design
How does GCI stay ahead in such a turbulent world? The answer lies in a unique combination of foresight and flexibility:
Real-time market analysis to anticipate and adapt to price shifts
Advanced forecasting tools to support customer pricing and hedging decisions
Multinational production and warehousing hubs to guarantee continuity and speed
Custom-built client solutions, including full-service brand incubation, supply chain optimization, and product compliance support
A Strategic Presence at PLMA 2025
At this year’s PLMA, GCI will showcase not only its products but also its processes. Visitors to the booth will experience:
Interactive demos of digital traceability and sustainability tools.
A preview of GCI’s private label portal, where customers can build a new brand in under 30 days
Tastings of next-generation espresso and RTD beverages, including low-footprint BIB formats
In a world where everything from the weather to a hedge fund can influence a cup of coffee, GCI provides clarity, consistency, and creativity.
The Road Ahead
2025 is a year of recalibration for the coffee industry. Prices may retreat slightly, but the underlying instability from climate to compliance remains. The companies that will thrive are those who invest in resilience, transparency, and agility. GCI, together with its partners, is doing exactly that.
At PLMA 2025, GCI isn’t just presenting coffee. We’re presenting a system, a vision, and a promise: that even in a world of extremes, collaboration and innovation can deliver sustainable, profitable, and meaningful coffee solutions.
Because for us, it’s never been just about the bean.
Your sincerely,
GCI