Ethiopia's commodity exchange recently introduced a new floating pricing system for the export of green coffee beans. In the future, prices will be calculated based on the ICE Arabica futures in New York and real-time exchange rates. This move aims to increase the income of coffee farmers, but it also makes green bean prices more susceptible to fluctuations in the international market and the impact of the EU’s EUDR regulation. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the mechanism behind the new pricing, its applicable scope, and potential challenges, helping readers grasp future market trends. [more…]

While cafés around the world compete to offer plant-based milk options like oat and almond milk, one Melbourne café has listed "Breast Milk – $5" on its menu – ten times the price of oat milk. Is this creative marketing or an absurd joke? This article delves into the controversial "breast milk coffee" incident, examines a real-life case in Russia and legal restrictions in Taiwan, and explores the ins and outs of this unique beverage. [more…]

After the release of Blue Bottle Coffee’s 2024 Japan holiday-limited merchandise, many consumers reported a significant color discrepancy between the actual mugs and their promotional images, leading to a wave of returns. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the causes behind the color differences in the Caramel-colored Kiyosumi-Shirakawa mug and the Kinto ceramic mug, explores quality control issues, and offers practical purchasing advice along with real case references to help consumers avoid the “color difference trap.” [more…]

Blended coffee beans have become common not only in espresso drinks in recent years but have also gradually made their way into the pour over scene. How exactly do blends create a balanced yet unique flavor profile? What are the differences between pre-roast and post-roast blending, and which one is better suited to your needs? This article breaks down the core concepts of blended coffee beans, helping you understand the fundamental differences between espresso blends and single-origin beans. It also delves into the technical logic and practical applications of pre-roast and post-roast blending, assisting you in making smarter choices. [more…]

Did you know that Yunnan small-bean coffee is actually of the Arabica variety, but the mainstream is no longer the early Typica? This article delves into the evolution of Yunnan coffee varieties, from the disease-resistant and high-yield Catimor to the rare Geisha and Typica, and takes you through the terroir characteristics and flavor profiles of major producing regions such as Lincang, Pu'er, Baoshan, and Dehong. It also explains why washed processing has become the mainstream method, and provides professional-level brewing parameters and flavor reference points. [more…]

There are many legendary stories about the origins of coffee that have been passed down around the world. This article selects three of the most widely known versions, including the shepherd Kaldi’s discovery of the red berries, and the legend of Sheikh Omar, an Islamic cleric who was exiled and accidentally discovered coffee’s energizing effects. Although these stories are difficult to verify, the cultural backgrounds they reflect and the early ways coffee was used offer valuable insights into the evolution of coffee culture. [more…]

The small hole on coffee packaging isn’t just there to release aroma—it’s a key design that helps maintain freshness. A one-way valve effectively releases carbon dioxide produced during roasting, preventing the bag from bursting while reducing oxygen exposure to slow oxidation. This article delves into how it works, compares different material properties, and explains the relationship between roast level and gas release, helping you store your coffee beans properly. [more…]

Clogged or no coffee grounds from an espresso grinder is a common sudden issue at the bar, especially during morning rush hours, which can be particularly hectic. Dialing in the grind for espresso also requires taking into account factors such as bean freshness, indoor humidity, and machine condition — even seasoned baristas need to respond flexibly. This article systematically breaks down the 6 most common causes of grinder clogging along with step-by-step troubleshooting methods, and deeply analyzes the core logic behind adjusting espresso grind size. Based on practical experience, it offers actionable grind adjustment suggestions and key points to note. [more…]

Tea Delighted has recently launched a brand-new milk-white wine series, featuring two autumn-winter beverages: “Milk White Wine Oolong” and “Milk White Wine Mochi Milk Green Tea.” The drinks focus on combining fermented rice wine with tea and milk. The brand emphasizes traditional brewing methods and zero added flavorings. However, many consumers who tried the drinks have provided feedback citing overly high sweetness and an underwhelming wine aroma. This article takes an in-depth look at the formulations and production details of these two new products, and compares them with Tea Delighted’s previous attempts at alcoholic beverages, helping readers understand their flavor profiles and market reception. [more…]

Recently, netizens captured footage of staff from a well-known tea beverage brand seemingly stirring drinks in improper ways and answering phone calls during operations, sparking concerns about food safety and hygiene practices. What actions are considered violations? How can consumers determine whether the drink preparation process is up to standard? This article provides an in-depth analysis of common backstage operation issues and hygiene precautions in tea beverage shops. [more…]

A recent incident at a Shanghai Blue Bottle Coffee location, where a customer used a dine-in glass to give water to their pet dog, sparked discussions around hygiene boundaries in public dining spaces and pet-friendly policies. This article analyzes the division of responsibilities between businesses and customers in "human-dog shared" environments based on the details of the incident, and offers practical suggestions to help coffee shops establish more comprehensive pet accommodation guidelines. [more…]

A well-known Hangzhou restaurant, "Iron Dog Coffee," has launched a creative specialty drink called "West Lake Vinegar Fish Coffee." It combines Japanese-style charcoal roasted latte, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and starchy small fish-shaped noodles, aiming to replicate the sweet-and-sour taste and tender texture of the traditional West Lake Vinegar Fish dish. This affordably priced beverage has sparked heated discussions on social media, receiving mixed reviews. This article delves into the creative concept, ingredient composition, market feedback, and how it serves as an experimental representation of the fusion between local cuisine and modern coffee culture. [more…]

The mainland-based chain coffee brand Luckin Coffee has officially entered the Hong Kong market, with its first store located at Miramar Shopping Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui — just a wall away from Starbucks — drawing significant market attention. This article provides a detailed introduction to the specific location of Luckin’s first Hong Kong store, the surrounding commercial district environment, its pricing strategy, and analyzes its future expansion direction in Hong Kong, helping coffee enthusiasts understand the market changes and consumption trends brought by this emerging brand. [more…]

When customers frantically add a 0-yuan option labeled “all in-store merchandise has been given out,” staff are forced to print dozens of invalid cup stickers. This kind of chaotic ordering behavior by internet-famous stores is giving the industry a headache. From the mechanics of label printers to design flaws on third-party platforms, this article dissects the full-chain issues behind the “full-tag ChaBaTea Ji” incident and provides prevention suggestions for F&B professionals. [more…]

The Hong Kong Department of Health recently discovered that an instant coffee product on the market illegally contained the prescription drug sildenafil, which may cause serious side effects such as low blood pressure. Investigations show that similar products are still circulating on online shopping platforms. Although they have been urgently taken off shelves, consumers should remain vigilant about functional coffees from unverified sources. This article details the incident, the risk mechanisms of the drug, and provides key points for selecting reputable brands and advice on legal purchasing. [more…]

Starbucks has recently tightened its management of mobile phone usage among store employees, requiring baristas to store their phones in a designated area during working hours. Even supervisors are restricted from using phones outside the bar counter area. This policy has sparked heated discussion among staff—Is it about safeguarding the brand image or an upgrade in workplace management? This article delves into the reasons behind the policy and explores its practical impact on coffee professionals, along with suggestions for adapting to the change. [more…]

The 2024 Brazil COE (Cup of Excellence) competition reached its 25th milestone, with this year’s results showcasing several rare coffee varieties that stood out. Among them, Arará and Topázio captured attention due to their unique genetic backgrounds and outstanding flavor profiles. This article delves into the breeding history, agronomic characteristics, and performance of these two varieties in the competition, while also exploring their potential impact on the specialty coffee industry—guiding readers to understand the diverse possibilities of high-quality coffee from the source of the variety. [more…]

Recent landslides in Ethiopia’s Konta district have resulted in six fatalities, with the affected area located near key coffee-producing regions such as Jimma and Kaffa. Beyond the tragic loss of life, persistent rainfall has caused delays in coffee harvesting and transportation difficulties, further impacting both yield and exports. This article delves into the actual effects of the disaster on the coffee supply chain, while also examining challenges such as exchange rates, fertilizer costs, and climate change. It additionally highlights potential opportunities arising from the delayed implementation of the EU’s EUDR regulation and ongoing price adjustments. [more…]

The well-known yogurt brand Blueglass received a 400,000-yuan fine from the Beijing Chaoyang District Market Supervision and Administration Bureau due to an advertisement deemed vulgar, bordering on pornography, and in violation of public order. Although the product has been renamed, its ingredients still include sensitive components such as maca and deer antler, drawing market attention. This article details the full story of the incident and analyzes the boundaries of brand marketing and compliance key points. [more…]

Manner released a teaser for a light purple ceramic cup on Xiaohongshu, sparking heated discussion among coffee enthusiasts. Many fans expected it to go on sale quickly as usual, but were unexpectedly met with a delay in the event. Numerous individuals stayed up late staring at their phones, frequently refreshing the official platforms, yet never received any news of the launch. Was it due to nationwide delays caused by weather factors, or an internal communication mishap by the brand? This article delves into the details of the incident and explores the potential impact of this delay on consumer trust and brand management. [more…]