The animated film "Ne Zha 2" has surpassed 14.9 billion in box office revenue. Cotti Coffee has been the first to collaborate with it, launching 12 exclusive set meals. This collaboration breaks away from the traditional limited-release rush model — merchandise is available without limits and can be used storewide, while drink coupons remain valid for three months. This article details the highlights of Cotti's new rules and provides practical purchasing tips to help coffee enthusiasts easily get their desired merchandise. [more…]

The sudden delisting of Luckin’s popular fruit coffee, the ‘Apple C Americano,’ has sparked strong reactions among fans. This seasonal beverage, which achieved an average daily sales of a hundred cups per store since its launch last October, has officially exited the market due to supply chain issues with apple concentrate. This article delves into key information from the official response, uncovers the real reasons behind the ‘seasonal limited edition’ label, and provides three at-home alternative recipes recommended by professional roasters. It also explores how the potential return of the Sakura Latte may influence future menu strategies. [more…]

A branch of Merry Ice City in Malaysia sparked online controversy after its job posting specified “experienced Malays and Chinese only,” leading to accusations of racial discrimination — particularly the exclusion of ethnic Indians and other groups. The incident quickly spread on social media, and while the brand did not issue a direct response, it conveyed an inclusive message indirectly through stories of employees from diverse backgrounds and themed promotional visuals. This article delves into the background of the incident, public reactions, and discusses key considerations for cross-cultural employment. [more…]

Recently, Heytea has fully adopted English menus in its stores across the UK, US, Australia, and other locations, while also removing the language selection feature in its app, prompting dissatisfaction among overseas Chinese customers. Many patrons have reported that an all-English menu makes ordering difficult, and even Chinese staff frequently make mistakes. Should a brand’s localization strategy sacrifice Chinese elements? This article delves into the impact of this move on the consumer experience and brand image. [more…]

The latte is many beginners' first step into the world of espresso-based coffee, but homemade versions often end up tasting too bitter, too weak, or even both. This guide delves into the standard espresso-to-milk ratios for both hot and iced lattes, explores the reasons behind common flavor issues, and offers practical adjustment methods to help you master the balance of a latte—whether you're making it at home or in a café, so you can brew a smooth and delicious milk coffee every time. [more…]

A customer in Toronto found a bloated cockroach in their Tims iced cappuccino, sparking a food safety controversy. After the incident came to light, more reports surfaced of cockroach sightings and improper employee practices at other outlets, plunging this once-popular chain coffee brand into a trust crisis. This article thoroughly examines the sequence of events, analyzes the underlying causes, and provides practical advice for specialty coffee consumers on selecting hygienic and reliable brands. [more…]

Once hailed as the “first stock of new tea drinks,” Nayuki has accumulated losses as high as 1.465 billion to 1.555 billion RMB in just four short years. Recently, there have been frequent reports of its stores quietly shutting down in multiple cities across the country, such as Xi’an, Changsha, and Tai’an. Is it due to rental pressure, changing consumer trends, or brand strategy adjustments? This article delves into the operational challenges Nayuki is facing and explores how it might seek a breakthrough in the fiercely competitive tea drink market. [more…]

In recent years, many coffee enthusiasts have begun experimenting with using apple water instead of tap or mineral water to brew coffee. This innovative method has sparked discussions within the community. Some practitioners have conducted systematic experiments comparing the flavor differences of three coffee beans—Sidamo·Santa Vini, washed Yirgacheffe, and Panamanian Geisha—when brewed with apple water versus Nongfu Spring. They also provide a full breakdown of pour over parameters and steps. This article delves into how the weak acidity of apple water affects extraction and offers tailored insights based on different roast [more…]

After using a moka pot for a while, it’s common to see the body become oxidized, turn black, or develop spots—most of which are caused by improper cleaning. This article will deeply analyze the correct ways to clean both aluminum and stainless steel moka pots, the key points of daily maintenance, and how to effectively restore a pot that has already oxidized and darkened. Mastering these practical techniques not only extends the life of your moka pot but also helps maintain the original flavor of your coffee. [more…]

In recent years, rising coffee bean prices have made "beanless coffee" a new favorite in the market. But how can you still enjoy rich coffee aroma without any actual coffee beans? This article delves into the history of beanless coffee, common substitute ingredients, and analyzes the origin of "coffee flavor" from a roasting science perspective—helping you understand the similarities and differences between beanless coffee and traditional coffee at a glance, while also gaining more coffee knowledge. [more…]

Actor Wu Yanzu has opened his first physical coffee shop, WHATEVER COFFEE, on Dongda Road in Chengdu. The shop features a minimalist black, white, and gray design and serves classic coffee beverages, with prices ranging from 20 to 34 yuan. This experimental, boutique-style shop within a shop reflects how celebrity brands are seeking their niche in the highly competitive coffee market. [more…]

A 10000mAh wireless power bank gifted by Starbucks suddenly began smoking and exploded during charging, not only scorching the carpet but also raising public concerns about the safety of the brand’s peripheral products. This incident, which occurred in 2023, was only recently exposed by a former employee, who also revealed Starbucks’ lackluster customer service response. This article delves into the manufacturing background of the involved power bank, common misconceptions about charging safety, and advice for consumers dealing with defective products. [more…]

Have you ever noticed that your pour over coffee tastes watery, lacks flavor, or even seems overly diluted? This is likely caused by "bypass water." Whether you're a beginner or an experienced coffee enthusiast, you might unknowingly introduce bypass water during brewing, which affects extraction efficiency and the overall quality of the coffee. This article delves into the causes of bypass water, including both active and passive types, and explains how it reduces extraction yield and dilutes concentration, ultimately compromising flavor balance. [more…]

When making espresso, the two seemingly simple steps—distribution and tamping—actually have a huge impact on the final extraction. Many coffee enthusiasts wonder: are these two steps truly indispensable? This article will deeply analyze the actual roles of distribution and tamping, debunk common operational misconceptions, and provide a clear and easy-to-understand standard procedure, helping you master the key details so you can consistently pull well-layered, flavorful espresso shots at home. [more…]

Have you ever heard that drinking coffee from cups of different colors can influence your perception of sweetness or acidity? This actually involves the fascinating psychological phenomenon known as the "color-flavor synesthetic effect." In this article, we conduct practical tests to analyze why cup color doesn’t alter the intrinsic flavors of coffee but can influence your taste judgment. We also delve into the practical value and common misconceptions surrounding professional coffee tasting cups, helping you enjoy each cup of coffee more scientifically. [more…]

The Hario Infinity Dripper, with its unique rib-less design, creates an extraction effect similar to immersion brewing, hence earning the nickname "dripper version of an immersion dripper." This article delves into the differences between it and the classic V60, explores how flow rate and structure affect flavor, and offers practical advice for beginners selecting a dripper—helping you better understand the mysteries of pour over coffee. [more…]

Heytea recently launched its new product, ‘Longjing Cheese Glutinous Balls’. Its signature new topping, ‘Cheese Glutinous Balls’, is made by mixing glutinous rice paste with cheese foam. The production process requires continuous stirring for 7 minutes and is prone to sticking to the bottom, leaving many store staff complaining about sore arms. This article delves into the recipe and step-by-step making of this highly anticipated topping, and shares insights from frontline staff on their real operational experiences, taking you behind the scenes to understand the preparation challenges and technical details that go into crafting a cup of tea beverage. [more…]

The three-year legal battle of Chinese coffee brand Luckin over its trademark rights in Thailand has finally come to an end. The latest court ruling affirmed Luckin’s prior right to the trademark, ordering counterfeit stores to cease using the logo and compensating over tens of millions of Thai baht. This case has shed light on the rampant issue of trademark squatting in Thailand and offers important insights for brands going global. [more…]

During International Women’s Day, Luckin Coffee sparked discussion due to unequal distribution of benefits among female employees. This chain brand, which employs over 130,000 people with women making up 61% of its workforce, changed its approach this year by letting each regional branch arrange its own gifts. As a result, employees in places like Beijing and Yunnan received wellness or leisure gift sets, while some staff in Shanghai and Guangzhou received no physical items at all. This article takes an in-depth look at the actual benefits distributed in different regions, the exclusion of part-time workers, employee sentiments, and possible areas for improvement. [more…]

Recently, Starbucks has been looping the classic folk song "Jasmine Flower" in its stores, prompting starkly different reactions from customers and staff. While some guests find the melody fitting, employees have grown annoyed by its repetitive playback. The subsequent switch to playing songs by the late singer Fang Da Tong has left many fans feeling deeply emotional. This article delves into how background music influences café ambiance and the real story behind this incident. [more…]