Did you know that Yunnan small-bean coffee is actually part of the Arabica family? From the late Qing Dynasty when French missionaries planted the first coffee tree in Zhukula Village, to the 1980s when the Catimor variety was introduced to combat the leaf rust crisis, this century-long journey has been full of turning points. This article will take you deep into the evolution of Yunnan small-bean coffee varieties, analyzing the differences between Typica, Bourbon, and Catimor, and uncovering the pivotal role Nestlé played in the development of local coffee. [more…]

Choosing the right pour over kettle is one of the key factors in improving coffee extraction quality. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the essential points in selecting a pour over kettle — from material, capacity, to spout design — helping you choose the most suitable model based on your brewing needs. It also discusses the feasibility and precautions of direct flame heating, and shares practical pouring techniques to help you easily master professional-level pour over methods. The article also retains multiple kettle type illustrations for reference, assisting you in making smarter choices. [more…]

As autumn arrives, aside from enjoying the fall foliage and crab feasts, a cup of coffee infused with the aroma of osmanthus is also a wonderful way to welcome the season. This article introduces three osmanthus coffee specials that you can easily make at home: osmanthus cold brew, osmanthus americano, and osmanthus latte. We provide a detailed breakdown of everything from bean selection, ingredient ratios, step-by-step instructions, to flavor characteristics, as well as a comparison between sweetened and unsweetened versions, helping you effortlessly create layered, naturally fragrant autumn coffees. [more…]

In 2024, Yunnan Agricultural University officially launched China’s first undergraduate program in “Coffee Science and Engineering,” with its first cohort of students enrolling in September. This new program, categorized under engineering, not only fills a domestic gap in systematic coffee education but also creates a comprehensive talent training pipeline spanning cultivation, roasting, and quality control. Learn how the courses are taught, what students will study, and how this program responds to the urgent market demand for professional coffee talent. [more…]

Colombia is the world’s third-largest coffee-producing country. Its unique Andean mountain terrain and diverse microclimates have given rise to numerous high-quality coffee regions. This article delves into the geographical conditions, climatic characteristics, and their impact on coffee flavors of two renowned regions — Huila and Tolima. It also explores common processing methods and variety traits in these areas, helping readers gain a deeper understanding of the diverse appeal of Colombian coffee. [more…]

Recently, Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi experienced a large - scale strike and protest due to employees’ opposition to the government’s cooperation project with India’s Adani Group. This has led to severe flight delays and cancellations, and has also affected the local tourism and freight industries. This incident not only impacts passengers’ travel plans but may also shake foreign investors’ confidence in the Kenyan market, further dragging down the already - challenged performance of coffee exports. This article will elaborate on the causes of the incident, the latest developments, and analyze its impact on Kenya’s overall economy, especially the coffee industry. [more…]

Manner Coffee has been testing the waters by opening light meal stores in cities such as Shanghai, offering dishes like beef noodles and fried rice priced between 25 and 50 RMB, developed by chefs from Black Pearl restaurants. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Manner’s light meal store business model, menu features, current regional expansion status, and the market challenges it faces, to help you understand whether this cross-industry strategy can successfully scale nationwide. [more…]

Have you ever considered that adding oat milk to a hot Americano might come with hidden traps in both price and portion size? Recently, Peet’s Coffee sparked consumer doubts over its “Add Oat Milk for ¥2” option — inconsistencies between store policies and customer service responses left customers confused about the actual drink portion and charges they were paying. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the incident, explores common pricing practices for adding milk to Americanos across major chains and independent coffee shops, and offers practical ordering tips. [more…]

Coffee acidity often puzzles people, but it is actually a naturally occurring flavor characteristic. With the rise of specialty coffee, lighter roasts have made acidity more pronounced, yet the quality of acidity can vary greatly. This article delves into the sources of coffee acidity, the difference between acidity and acid profile, and explores how altitude, processing methods, and roasting influence the final flavor — helping you better understand and control the acidity in your pour over coffee. [more…]

On his second day in office, Starbucks' new CEO Brian Niccol issued an open letter revealing how the brand has strayed from its original mission, and proposing four key reform directions. These include empowering baristas, improving service efficiency, and strengthening the community-oriented nature of its stores. This article provides an in-depth analysis of his strategic priorities, with a special focus on the challenges in the Chinese market and technological upgrades in North America, helping readers understand how Starbucks is seeking to break through. [more…]

Recently, Luckin Coffee has faced frequent reports of beverage hygiene issues. A consumer found what appeared to be a fly in their matcha latte, sparking concerns about quality control management. This article compiles 77 complaint cases from the past 30 days on the Black Cat platform, analyzes possible sources of foreign objects, and offers advice for consumer rights protection and preventive measures to help readers avoid similar problems. [more…]

Since launching its '1-square-meter convenience store' model in May 2024, Cotti Coffee has claimed it will expand by 8,000 micro-outlets in the second half of the year, aiming to achieve a 'store within a hundred meters' presence. However, these in-store outlets—hidden in various small venues ranging from soup dumpling shops and Lawson convenience stores to pet hospitals—while offering convenience, have also raised consumer concerns about hygiene conditions, operational processes, and food safety. This article analyzes the hidden worries behind Cotti’s rapid expansion and explores the quality... [more…]

Recently, M Stand has successively closed flagship stores in core commercial areas in cities such as Wuhan, Hangzhou, and Nanjing, sparking market discussions on the business model of specialty coffee brands. This article analyzes the impact of its high-price positioning, homogenized product offerings, and adjustments to its membership system on customer loyalty through real-world cases and consumer feedback. It also explores the key challenge of balancing brand identity with market competitiveness under rental pressure. [more…]

Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the world that grows only Arabica coffee. Its rigorous regional classification system and naturally blessed environment have given rise to numerous internationally renowned specialty coffees. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the geographical features, altitude conditions, and flavor profiles of eight major regions including Tarrazú and the Triángulo, along with practical coffee bean reference information to help coffee enthusiasts find the region and flavor that best suit them. [more…]

Recently, Brazil’s coffee-growing regions have been struck by an unprecedented double disaster of drought and wildfires. These catastrophic events have not only destroyed vast areas of coffee plantations but also forced the 2025 harvest to be postponed until 2027. Coupled with port congestion and significant damage to coffee containers, the global coffee supply chain is facing severe challenges. This article provides a detailed analysis of the profound impact of these disasters on production areas, exports, and market prices, helping you stay ahead of future trends in the coffee market. [more…]

A man in Xin'an County, Luoyang, Henan Province, has opened a café inside a wild cave, combining natural scenery with an innovative business model, sparking widespread discussion. In addition to exploring the legality of the location and environmental protection measures, this article also analyzes practical application scenarios for unmanned vending machines and offers useful advice for localized café management, helping readers understand the feasibility of running a coffee business in unique locations. [more…]

Ice Brewed Milk has become a favorite among specialty coffee enthusiasts for its rich, velvety texture and distinctive cheesy, salty notes. This article delves into the concentration principle behind Ice Brewed Milk, provides step-by-step instructions on how to easily make it at home using just your refrigerator and fresh milk, and shares real-tested differences in concentration levels along with flavor experiences. It also includes full brewing parameters for Dirty Coffee, serving size suggestions, and layered flavor analysis—so you can recreate a café-level intense coffee experience right at home. [more…]

During Teacher's Day, the tea beverage brand Front Street Coffee launched a 'Respect Teachers with Tea' promotion, encouraging teachers to claim benefits with their credentials. However, due to the limited supply of teacher-exclusive cards at stores and high demand, many teachers complained about 'making a wasted trip.' This article details the activity specifics in various regions, the actual experience of teachers claiming the benefits, and compiles responses from the brand and store owners to help readers understand the reasons behind the controversy. [more…]

Many pour-over enthusiasts wonder if the direction of swirling water affects coffee flavor, especially with the spiral rib design of the V60 filter. This article explores the differences in extraction time, concentration, and flavor performance between clockwise and counterclockwise pouring through comparative experiments, and analyzes which pouring techniques are the real key factors influencing coffee quality. [more…]

Choosing the right pour over dripper is the first challenge for every coffee newbie. Among the many options, the V60 stands out as the top choice for many coffee enthusiasts due to its unique design and high versatility. This article will walk you through the origins of the V60, how its cone shape and spiral channel design influence coffee extraction, and analyze the flavor characteristics brought by its large single hole, helping you find the most suitable starter dripper. [more…]