Lavazza boss blames hedge funds for rising coffee prices
Giuseppe Lavazza said speculation by the big financial firms was responsible for the vast majority of the surge in prices on wholesale coffee bean markets.
He said: 'Hedge funds are really big players and they make a lot of difference, especially in the volatility of the market and the uncertainty of the market.'
Without their speculation, prices would simply reflect market fundamentals – such as supply and demand, he added.
'Over the last four years, where prices rose so much – [it was] 80 per cent speculation, especially hedge funds.' That has led to higher costs for consumers and a decline in consumption – down 3.5 per cent last year – Lavazza said.
His firm was forced to put up prices by 20 per cent last year but costs may have stabilised.
Lavazza said high global prices were 'totally unsustainable for the industry'.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times
an hour ago
- Times
10 ways to fall in love with flying again
From private lounges to cockpit simulators and pocket-sized drones, these picks prove aviation can still feel fresh Aviation has always promised more than movement. It's about freedom, adventure, and, at times, a flash of luxury. While modern air travel often frustrates as much as it excites, there's still something singular about the act of being airborne. You just have to hack the process first. To foster a deeper connection with flight, here are ten brands, services and products that make aviation feel fresh again. Some ease the experience of commercial travel; others make private flying more attainable than expected. There's even the option of learning to pilot yourself – or of navigating from the ground, via drone. And if you need shelter from the skies, that's covered too. Strap in. Here are ten ways to rekindle the romance of aviation. In a world that feels increasingly unpredictable – whether due to geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, pandemics or other instabilities – the idea of a personal shelter feels more relevant than ever. Atlas Survival Shelters manufactures underground NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical) survival and bomb shelters, designed to offer protection and peace of mind. Built with high quality materials such as bullet-resistant hardened steel, fibreglass and corrugated pipe, each Atlas shelter is installed according to the client's needs and available space. The company also produces shelters for the aviation industry, meeting the requirements of aircraft owners who need emergency protection for a fleet. For households, a standard shelter brings practical advantages. Many are comfortable enough to be used as weekend hideaways, or adapted as storage, office or retreat space. Find out more about Atlas Survival Shelters at One of the hottest tickets for this year's Glastonbury wasn't for the VIP or backstage areas: it was for the helipad nearby. More Britons are discovering that travelling by helicopter to festivals, sporting events and weddings is more attainable and affordable than ever. Capital Air Services has specialised in helicopter charter and management for over 30 years. Its trusted, professional and discreet service operates a fleet of luxury twin-engine helicopters, including three new Airbus H145 D3s. These state of the art aircraft are IFR-capable – able to fly in poor weather, day or night – and carry up to nine passengers with generous space, excellent visibility and a smooth, quiet ride. While Capital Air Services is known for its safety record and tailored experience, it's the aircraft themselves that make the strongest impression. With range, comfort and reliability, they remain the most efficient way to arrive – or depart – in style. Make your business trips and events stress-free by flying by helicopter. Get in touch at or call 020 7223 6179 for a bespoke quote any time Private aviation – whether chartering a jet or owning one outright – has never been more in demand. Yet the process can appear, at least on paper, out of reach. Global Jet aims to change that. With a 25-year track record, the company is a leader in the field. Still privately owned and run by its founders, Global Jet employs over 600 people across four areas: charter and brokerage, aircraft management, sales and acquisitions, and design and completion oversight. Services are offered from ten offices worldwide, including Monaco, Madrid, Paris and Dubai. Its managed fleet comprises around 75 aircraft – including six Boeing business jets, seven Airbus ACJs, 18 Gulfstreams and 22 Bombardiers – making it one of the largest operators globally. For clients who value discretion, access and consistency, Global Jet delivers a seamless experience – from aircraft purchase to daily operation – with high-end equipment as the standard, not the exception. Visit to find out more While the prestige of being a pilot may seem out of reach, it is a career that remains open for those with the ability and commitment. FlyFair helps make it possible. Unlike many ATOs (Approved Training Organisations), it prioritises social mobility by ensuring its pilot training is inclusive and affordable. Its core offering is the IntegraModular Pathway, which offers career-starting future pilots both the structure of integrated learning with the benefits of modular teaching. Students can train across multiple partner sites in the UK, with schedules that fit around existing commitments. Mentoring is central to the programme. The Continuous Resilience Development Programme – delivered in partnership with CAA-approved ATO Resilient Pilot – prepares trainees with airline-standard skills and the necessary mindset from day one. Whether starting from scratch or seeking to return to training, FlyFair supports a direct route into professional flight. Its goal is simple – to expand access to a career that lifts off on merit. Visit to learn more or follow on Instagram Drones – while ideal for capturing hikes, holidays and family moments – often require forward planning due to their bulk and setup time. The DJI Flip All-in-One Vlog Camera Drone is designed to make the process simpler. Compact and lightweight, it folds neatly into a pocketable size, making it easy to carry and ready to use on the move. It connects seamlessly via an app, takes off within seconds and has been designed with portability and ease in mind. The DJI Flip shoots stabilised 4K aerial video, with wind resistance built in. It's a practical first drone for anyone interested in aerial content, whether for social media or private use. Built-in subject tracking, gesture control and cinematic pre-sets allow users to start recording with minimal effort – and to capture smooth, dynamic footage without specialist knowledge. For casual creators or families documenting their travels, it's a tool that expands what's possible with minimal intrusion. Available now from plus Argos, Very and other major retailers Everyone finds the process of traversing an airport stressful – so imagine how welcome it would feel to be expertly aided and escorted from curb to cabin. Airport VIP Services does just that. This concierge service is designed to save time and protect privacy. Based at Heathrow and Gatwick, it delivers the same experience at international destinations too – thanks to a global network of trusted concierge partners. Founded in 2009, Airport VIP Services regularly handles royalty, heads of state and diplomatic parties. It offers four tiers of service to meet varying needs – from solo travellers to full delegations. Alongside meet-and-greet services, baggage handling and expedited immigration, the company also provides access to VIP lounges – ensuring calm and comfort before boarding. Whether the priority is discretion, speed or convenience, the aim is simple: to make the airport experience feel less like a hurdle and more like the start of the journey. Find out more at If you have a passion for aviation history, technology or flight itself, chances are you've encountered the appeal of model aircraft. For the creative or nostalgic, few ways of engaging with history are more satisfying than the Corgi Aviation Archive range. Corgi – part of the Hornby Hobbies brand – recreates several of the world's most historically significant aircraft in weighty die-cast form, finished to a high standard and ready for display. A particular favourite is the AA29004 Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4. Nicknamed 'Moggy', this 1:48 scale replica includes detailed attending air crew and a display stand. Another standout is the Supermarine Spitfire MkI – the aircraft flown by war hero Douglas Bader – available as a 1:72 model with its distinctive black and silver underside. As digital life becomes ever more abstract, it's easy to see why so many people are returning to tactile objects like model aircraft to reconnect with the past. Visit to view all the latest models in the range It's unfortunate that flight disruptions have become such a routine part of air travel. Worse still is how difficult and time-consuming the compensation process can be – so much so that many passengers never pursue the claims they're entitled to. Join the Claim is a UK-based consumer platform that connects eligible passengers with regulated law firms equipped to handle compensation claims. There's no upfront cost, and individual payouts can reach as much as £520. It doesn't take a mathematician to see how family claims can amount to several thousand pounds. To be eligible, the disrupted flight must have taken place within the past six years. If that applies to you, Join the Claim may offer a simple route to recovering compensation – without legal jargon or unnecessary delay. For many, it's not about the money so much as the principle. This platform helps ensure that principle isn't lost in the process. To start your compensation claim, visit Reconnecting air travel with a bygone era of luxury, grace and ease might seem like a pipe dream – but there are still ways for commercial flying to feel effortless. The Windsor at Heathrow offers one such route, providing a private terminal experience for VIP travellers. A chauffeur transfers you to one of eight private lounges – designed by Oliver Burns Studio – where you can relax and enjoy a fine dining menu curated by acclaimed chef Jason Atherton. Crucially, a fast-tracked immigration check means no queues before boarding, a benefit available to any First or Business Class passenger, regardless of the terminal used for departure. If privacy, control and comfort are important to you as a frequent flyer, it might be time to investigate what The Windsor at Heathrow has to offer . Visit to find out more If you're a plane buff who has ever dreamed of soaring through clouds, navigating storms or landing a Boeing against the odds, this may be the experience for you. JetEx's static flight simulators are open to the public – but what sets the company apart is its state of the art, six-axis full-motion Boeing 737 simulator. Used by professionals in the aviation industry, the simulator features a real cockpit, force feedback controls and such accuracy that you can feel the bumps of the runway as you land. It's open to anyone over the age of 12 – no experience required – and participants are guided by trained instructors throughout. Whether you're an aspiring pilot, an aviation enthusiast or simply looking for something immersive and unusual, JetEx offers a way to engage deeply with the thrill of flight. Flight simulation may not get you airborne – but it brings the cockpit remarkably close. Find out more at This is a commercial article paid for by our advertising partners If you've enjoyed reading this article and are interested in more inspiration in everything from food and drink to luxury living , from travel to health and wellbeing, why not follow Checklist on Facebook, X and Instagram @ChecklistSocial, or sign up to the newsletter? Checklist provides the best free online competitions too – discover amazing new services and products when you visit the website today.
Finextra
an hour ago
- Finextra
Fingerprint launches features to fight fraud in agentic AI era
Fingerprint, a leader in device intelligence for fraud prevention, account security, and returning user experience optimization, today announced new Smart Signals and platform enhancements that detect malicious bots and AI agents, distinguishing them from legitimate automated traffic. 0 This content is provided by an external author without editing by Finextra. It expresses the views and opinions of the author. As agentic commerce experiences explosive growth and autonomous AI agents become increasingly sophisticated, enterprises need advanced tools to protect against evolving fraud schemes without delaying innovation or turning away legitimate transactions. Bots currently comprise over half of all internet traffic, with 30% classified as malicious, and Gartner predicts fully autonomous AI agents by 2036. This creates a critical challenge for businesses to differentiate between beneficial automation and malicious activity. Fingerprint's new Smart Signals address this challenge by providing real-time risk indicators based on a device's behavior, environment and configuration to enable enterprises to make better-informed decisions. "Bots and AI agents represent both the biggest current risk and the fastest-evolving threat landscape we've seen," said Dan Pinto, CEO and co-founderof Fingerprint. "As agentic AI technology advances rapidly and becomes more cost-effective, malicious actors are increasingly leveraging these tools for sophisticated fraud. Fingerprint's new Smart Signals ensures enterprises can harness the benefits of AI while maintaining robust defenses against malicious bots and agents that threaten essential business operations." Fingerprint Smart Signals and Features for Enterprises: Bot/AI Agent Detection • • • Bot Detection Smart Signal • can detect dozens of bot detection and browser automation software tools. It performs intelligent • classification on each API request to determine whether a bot or agent is legitimate or malicious, with only verified beneficial bots and agents classified as trustworthy. • • • • Virtual Machine Detection Smart Signal • further enhances AI agent and • bot • detection by identifying virtual machines, which are commonly used in automated fraud schemes. • This capability provides an additional layer of protection against sophisticated attack vectors. • • • • Residential Proxy Detection • addresses one of the most challenging aspects of modern fraud detection. • Residential • proxies are increasingly accessible and affordable, making them attractive tools for fraudsters • looking to mask their IP addresses. Because agentic traffic can be routed through ISPs to real residential IP addresses—giving malicious agents high authenticity—the ability to detect residential proxies with confidence levels is crucial for identifying all • types of agentic-driven fraud. • • • • Request Filtering: • Fingerprint has gathered a list of known user agents used by AI companies for web scraping and model training, as well as AI assistants that help with scheduling and other repetitive tasks. The Request Filtering functionality allows customers to filter out • these legitimate AI agents and bots from fingerprinting, helping optimize billing costs without compromising detection capabilities for AI-driven fraud. • The Rise of Intelligent Automation Demands Smarter Security for Enterprises As legitimate AI agents become more common for business operations—from AI assistants that handle scheduling and repetitive tasks to agentic commerce where agents research and purchase products on users' behalf—the ability to differentiate between beneficial and malicious automation has become a critical industry requirement. With these new enhancements from Fingerprint, organizations can gain comprehensive visibility into visitor intent, enabling proactive defense against evolving attack patterns. The new Smart Signals and features are available immediately and are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing Fingerprint implementations.
Finextra
an hour ago
- Finextra
Sigma AI secures minority investment from Trading Technologies
Sigma AI, an innovative fintech company specialising in real-time data and AI-driven insights, today announced a minority investment by Trading Technologies, International Inc. (TT), a global capital markets technology platform services provider. 0 This content is provided by an external author without editing by Finextra. It expresses the views and opinions of the author. This strategic investment establishes a deeper partnership, with SIGMA AI developing a proprietary AI and innovation hub for TT. The hub will focus on integrating AI into the TT® platform and driving AI adoption across TT's products and services. This extends SIGMA AI's existing partnership with TT, which began in 2024 with a smaller investment focused on leveraging advanced technology within TT's data and analytics offering. In addition, Andy Simpson, the founder and CEO of SIGMA AI, is expanding his leadership responsibilities taking on the additional role of Head of AI and Innovation at TT. With deep expertise in market structure and a proven track record of delivering strategic transformation for banks, exchanges, and clearing houses, Simpson will advise on AI strategy reporting to TT CEO, Justin Llewellyn-Jones. His role at SIGMA AI remains unchanged. TT's Llewellyn-Jones said: 'This partnership with SIGMA AI will deliver ground-breaking AI-driven solutions to our clients through products that are faster, smarter, and easier to use, with robust governance frameworks that put security and safety at the forefront to guard against the nefarious use of this technology. It will also enhance internal productivity by giving our global teams access to innovative new tools and processes – again, in a safe and secure manner.' SIGMA AI's Simpson said: 'I'm thrilled to extend our partnership with Trading Technologies, which reflects our shared commitment to advancing AI in financial markets. I'm equally pleased to be expanding my role with TT. The AI and Innovation Hub will act as a centre of excellence, helping to embed AI more deeply across the TT® platform and operations, and strengthening TT's long-standing position as a technology leader in global trading.' 'TT has long set the standard for developing cutting-edge tools for institutional traders. It's a privilege to contribute to that progress while continuing to evolve Sigma AI's work in delivering forward-thinking solutions for clients across the global trading ecosystem.'
