What a £5 coffee (or a £100 Pizza Express) tells us about a changing Britain | Gaby Hinsliff

As prices continue to rise, many people are rethinking their spending habits, particularly when it comes to small luxuries like dining out or enjoying a coffee. Gaby Hinsliff highlights that what used to be ordinary purchases now feel like guilty extravagances for many. This shift in consumer behavior is significant as it reflects broader economic pressures and could impact businesses reliant on discretionary spending.

As prices continue to rise, many people are rethinking their spending habits, particularly when it comes to small luxuries like dining out or enjoying a coffee. Gaby Hinsliff highlights that what used to be ordinary purchases now feel like guilty extravagances for many. This shift in consumer behavior is significant as it reflects broader economic pressures and could impact businesses reliant on discretionary spending.

UBS has adjusted its forecasts for cocoa and coffee prices, lowering the cocoa price outlook due to a narrowing deficit while simultaneously raising its coffee price expectations. This shift reflects changing market dynamics and could impact producers and consumers alike, highlighting the importance of staying informed about commodity trends.

UBS has adjusted its forecasts for cocoa and coffee prices, lowering the cocoa price outlook due to a narrowing deficit while simultaneously raising its coffee price expectations. This shift reflects changing market dynamics and could impact producers and consumers alike, highlighting the importance of staying informed about commodity trends.

In 2025, coffee prices have surged, leaving many Americans frustrated yet unwilling to give up their beloved brew. Despite the rising costs, coffee remains an irreplaceable part of daily life, prompting consumers to vent their frustrations while still indulging in their caffeine fix. This situation highlights the strong emotional connection people have with coffee and raises questions about how far they will go to maintain their routines amidst economic challenges.

In 2025, coffee prices have surged, leaving many Americans frustrated yet unwilling to give up their beloved brew. Despite the rising costs, coffee remains an irreplaceable part of daily life, prompting consumers to vent their frustrations while still indulging in their caffeine fix. This situation highlights the strong emotional connection people have with coffee and raises questions about how far they will go to maintain their routines amidst economic challenges.

A recent report highlights Brazil's potential to become a global leader in robusta coffee farming, thanks to its favorable climate and expanding agricultural practices. This is significant not only for Brazil's economy but also for the global coffee market, as robusta coffee is increasingly in demand for its unique flavor and lower production costs. As Brazil enhances its farming techniques, it could reshape the coffee industry and provide consumers with more options.

A recent report highlights Brazil's potential to become a global leader in robusta coffee farming, thanks to its favorable climate and expanding agricultural practices. This is significant not only for Brazil's economy but also for the global coffee market, as robusta coffee is increasingly in demand for its unique flavor and lower production costs. As Brazil enhances its farming techniques, it could reshape the coffee industry and provide consumers with more options.

Occidental Petroleum has made a significant move by selling its chemicals unit to Berkshire Hathaway for $9.7 billion. This strategic decision aims to reduce its debt and strengthen its financial position. Such a deal not only reflects Occidental's commitment to improving its balance sheet but also highlights Berkshire's continued interest in diversifying its investments. This transaction is important as it could pave the way for Occidental to focus more on its core operations and enhance shareholder value.

Occidental Petroleum has made a significant move by selling its chemicals unit to Berkshire Hathaway for $9.7 billion. This strategic decision aims to reduce its debt and strengthen its financial position. Such a deal not only reflects Occidental's commitment to improving its balance sheet but also highlights Berkshire's continued interest in diversifying its investments. This transaction is important as it could pave the way for Occidental to focus more on its core operations and enhance shareholder value.

Japan's Minister for Internal Affairs, Seiko Takaichi, has pledged to increase the representation of women in the cabinet to match Nordic countries, known for their gender equality. This commitment is significant as it reflects a growing recognition of the importance of women's voices in governance. If successful, Takaichi's initiative could lead to more inclusive policies and inspire other nations to follow suit, making it a pivotal moment for Japan's political landscape.

Low-end hotels often face criticism for their lack of cleanliness, poor customer service, and inadequate amenities, which can lead to disappointing guest experiences. This matters because these issues not only affect individual travelers but also tarnish the reputation of the hospitality industry as a whole, making it crucial for budget accommodations to improve their standards to meet customer expectations.

Starbucks has had a tumultuous week as it implements 'Project Bloom,' leading to significant job cuts and store closures. This drastic move reflects the company's struggle to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences. The impact on employees and local communities is profound, raising concerns about the future of the brand and its commitment to its workforce.

Sanae Takaichi is poised to become Japan's first female premier, marking a significant milestone in the country's political landscape. Her leadership could inspire a new generation of women in politics and challenge traditional gender roles in a society that has been slow to embrace female leadership. This development is not just about Takaichi's rise; it reflects broader changes in Japan's political dynamics and the increasing recognition of women's contributions to governance.

Israel is gearing up for a potential hostage release after Hamas has shown willingness to accept parts of Trump's peace plan. This development is significant as it could pave the way for a reduction in violence and a more stable situation in the region. While the U.S. president has called for Israel to halt bombings, reports from Gaza indicate that explosions are still occurring. The situation remains delicate, but the prospect of negotiations and peace efforts is a hopeful sign for many.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to initiate discussions with Senegal regarding a new program starting mid-October. This development comes after a board meeting focused on the country's debt misreporting. The talks are significant as they could lead to financial support and guidance for Senegal, helping to stabilize its economy and improve fiscal transparency.