Vietnamese coffee is renowned for its bold and intense flavor, largely due to the dominance of Robusta beans, which make up over 90% of its coffee production. This article delves into the representative bean variety of Vietnamese coffee culture, explores the unique flavor profile of dark-roasted Robusta, and provides a detailed breakdown of the golden ratio when pairing traditional drip brewing techniques with condensed milk. From understanding equipment structure and extraction principles to hands-on brewing steps, learn the key techniques and tasting notes for crafting an authentic cup of Vietnamese coffee. [more…]

The practice of warming coffee cups remains a topic of debate in the coffee community. Some consider it unnecessary, while others insist it enhances the drinking experience. In reality, although the intrinsic flavor of the coffee itself does not change with cup temperature, human sensitivity to aroma is indeed closely related to drinking temperature. This article delves into the flavor differences of pour over coffee at various temperatures, analyzes the actual impact of cup warming on taste, and reveals the golden temperature range for milk in professional latte preparation—offering insights to help every cup of coffee reach its optimal performance. [more…]

Despite operating in high-rent locations such as airports and high-speed railway stations, Front Street Coffee insists on raising prices by just 1 yuan, maintaining a consumer-friendly pricing strategy that has sparked widespread discussion among customers. Behind this seemingly loss-making approach lies a sophisticated supply chain layout and sound business logic. This article delves into how the brand achieves profitability while keeping prices low—through its globally operated supply chain, franchise income structure accounting for up to 95%, and in-house production of key ingredients—unveiling the key success factors of this world’s fourth-largest chain brand. [more…]

The opening of Canadian coffee brand Tims' first store in Harbin created a huge buzz, attracting large crowds with buy-one-get-one-free promotions and gift giveaways for the first 200 people in line. However, slow service and chaotic management left many customers waiting hours just to receive their orders, impacting the brand's image for its first store. This article analyzes the incident and provides tips and advice for consumers participating in similar promotions. [more…]

Recently, a photo-friendly café that only admits customers aged 10 and above has stirred up debate. The business explained that the policy is to maintain a safe environment and facilities, but parents questioned whether it discriminates against children. A lawyer pointed out that this falls within the scope of business autonomy and suggested clearly explaining the rationale behind the rules. This article delves into the common considerations behind cafés setting age restrictions, and how to create an appealing atmosphere while also accommodating the needs of different customers. [more…]

Severe wildfires have recently broken out in Colombia’s Cauca Department, burning more than 2,500 hectares of farmland, including large areas of coffee and sugarcane crops. The fires continue to spread and are proving difficult to extinguish, with potential impacts on the upcoming winter coffee harvest in September. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the actual effects of the wildfires on the producing region, concerns over water sources, and future trends in coffee bean supply and prices, helping readers stay informed about key regional developments and potential flavor changes. [more…]

Yirgacheffe is one of Ethiopia’s most iconic coffee-growing regions, renowned for its delicate floral notes and bright citrus profiles. It is often the gateway for many coffee enthusiasts entering the world of specialty coffee. This article delves into the geographical environment and climate conditions of Yirgacheffe, interprets Ethiopia’s green coffee grading system based on defect rates, and explores how washed processing influences flavor—offering you a comprehensive understanding of the essence of this classic African bean. [more…]

During the pour over process, if you encounter water pooling in the filter cone, abnormal flow rate, or a complete halt in brewing, it’s often due to fine coffee particles clogging the filter paper. This not only disrupts the extraction rhythm but can also significantly compromise the flavor of the coffee. This article delves into the three most common causes of clogging, with a particular focus on how fine particles affect the permeability of the filter paper, and explains the practical effects of three-stage pouring and flow control techniques. It will help you accurately identify the issue and adjust to a more stable extraction process. [more…]

Is thicker crema on espresso always better? In fact, this golden layer of foam is a delicate balance between carbon dioxide and oils. This article delves into the essence of crema, clarifies the true relationship between crema thickness and coffee flavor, and provides practical tips—from coffee bean selection to extraction parameters—to help you consistently pull a rich, aromatic crema layer. [more…]

The British coffee brand COSTA, once a strong rival to Starbucks, is now steadily losing ground in the Chinese market. From its ambitious plan in 2018 to open 2,500 stores, it has now been reduced to just 343 outlets nationwide—and has completely exited the Jiangxi market. This article delves into the reasons behind COSTA’s gradual decline in China, examining issues such as a disorganized mini-program, weak marketing strategies, and a lack of standout products, and explores how this former coffee giant lost its competitive edge. [more…]

Recently, severe wildfires have struck São Paulo State in Brazil, with agricultural land suffering particularly devastating damage—over 80% of the fire hotspots concentrated in coffee and sugarcane plantations. The civil defense authority has warned that the risk of high-intensity fires remains ongoing, with preliminary estimates putting the losses as high as 1 billion Brazilian reais, a figure that could climb even further. The fires have not only destroyed 80,000 hectares of crops but also led to the mass death of bees, threatening future coffee pollination and yields. Meanwhile, drought conditions have intensified, posing challenges for the Arabica flowering season, while Robusta prices have already surged past $5,000. [more…]

This incident involving the suicide of a part-time Luckin Coffee employee has sparked public concern over workplace ethics and the protection of minors. A 17-year-old girl reportedly had a conflict with her store manager during her employment and ultimately chose to take her own life. Her family accused the manager of using his position to lure and manipulate her, causing psychological trauma. This article reviews the sequence of events, key evidence, and responses from all parties involved, explores workplace safety and legal boundaries, and provides practical advice to help readers identify potential risks. [more…]

As the world's fourth-largest coffee producer, Indonesia’s archipelagic geography and tropical climate nurture uniquely flavored coffees. This article delves into the characteristics of Indonesia’s major coffee regions, explores the historical anecdotes and flavor traits of Sumatran Mandheling, and provides a detailed breakdown of Indonesia’s official green bean defect grading system and common grades. Readers will learn about the impact of the wet-hulling process, recommended brewing parameters, and how to identify high-quality Indonesian coffee beans. [more…]

Yangyuan Beverage’s star product, Six Walnuts, once became a nationwide sensation with the slogan “Use your brain often? Drink more Six Walnuts.” However, in recent years, it has faced challenges such as declining revenue and a lack of product diversity. In the first half of 2024, while the company’s revenue slightly decreased, its net profit grew against the trend — a development that has raised questions in the market. This article takes an in-depth look at the highlights and concerns in its financial report, and explores how Yangyuan Beverage can find new growth points in the plant protein beverage market. [more…]

The 2024 Panama BOP auction set another record-breaking price, with Elida Estate’s Natural Geisha winning the bid at $10,013 per pound. Behind this achievement lies the Lamastus family’s four generations of dedication to quality. This article delves into the unique flavor profile of this champion coffee, introduces the geographical characteristics of the family’s five estates, and offers practical brewing tips to help you fully grasp the essence of top-tier Geisha—from flavor to technique. [more…]

Americano coffee comes in two types: iced and hot, each with vastly different flavors and effects. This article delves into why iced Americano is so popular, including its refreshing taste and subtly sweet profile, while also comparing it to the rich aroma and layered complexity of hot Americano. It also provides practical suggestions for water-to-coffee ratios to help you adjust your brewing method according to personal preference, and explores potential health benefits of iced Americano, helping you find the coffee choice that suits you best. [more…]

On the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Starbucks employees once again find themselves under immense pressure to sell mooncakes. Social media discussions on the topic have accumulated over 1.33 million posts, with many employees openly venting their frustrations, some even willing to sell the products at a discount. This article delves into the underlying reasons behind Starbucks’ recurring mooncake sales challenges, exploring issues from employee pressure and product positioning to market competition, while also examining potential future adjustments and offering practical insights. [more…]

Espresso, as the soul of Italian-style coffee, often intimidates beginners with its intense bitterness. This article delves into the origins of espresso, its traditional methods of consumption, and modern tasting techniques. You’ll learn how to master the correct coffee-to-water ratio and extraction parameters, and understand through historical context where the “one-shot shot” tradition comes from. From being an everyday pick-me-up for Italians to becoming a key component in today’s specialty coffee scene, learn to appreciate the layers of flavor in espresso and move beyond that first bitter impression. [more…]

The American specialty coffee brand Peet’s Coffee has officially entered Xi’an’s Grandview Mall, opening its first store in the northwest region. In addition to drawing long queues, city-limited merchandise has become a hot item for shoppers. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the on-site situation, the brand’s store expansion plans, and explores the challenges of a premium pricing strategy in inland markets, offering practical insights for consumers. [more…]

Amid the global brand boycott wave triggered by the Israel-Gaza conflict, Starbucks Malaysia has suffered severe setbacks due to its U.S. corporate ties. The latest financial reports reveal that the local franchisee recorded losses of up to 87.34 million Malaysian Ringgit (approximately 143 million RMB) in just six months, with both employee livelihoods and stock prices taking a hit. This article delves into the real impact of the boycott movement, the crisis response strategies of the franchise operators, and the critical sensitivity of Muslim markets toward coffee brands. [more…]