Ethiopia has recently experienced severe fluctuations in its national currency, the birr. Since the foreign exchange reforms at the end of July, the birr has depreciated by nearly 100%. Coupled with geopolitical tensions and high inflationary pressures, this has created significant uncertainty for the country’s coffee industry—one of its major export sectors. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the reasons behind the birr’s exchange rate movements, the practical impact on coffee exports, and the potential challenges ahead, helping coffee professionals and enthusiasts stay informed about the latest market developments. [more…]

Delve into the unique characteristics of Colombian coffee origins and its grading system. From the high-altitude environment of the Andes Mountains to the volcanic soils of Huila Province, discover how these elements contribute to its distinctive chocolatey and fruity acidity profiles. This article also details the strict screening criteria for export-grade Excelso green beans and explores the actual flavor profile of the washed Caturra beans from the representative Huila region. [more…]

Dive deep into the history, regional distribution, and classic processing methods of Sumatra Mandheling—from Lintong Mandheling to PWN Golden Mandheling—and explore their unique flavor profiles along with recommended pour over parameters. This guide takes you through flavor characteristics, processing techniques, and practical brewing tips to help you fully appreciate the charm of this iconic Indonesian coffee. [more…]

Enjoying a high-quality cup of black coffee at home is actually not complicated. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the characteristics and suitability of three common pour over tools, recommend four distinctive single-origin Arabica coffee beans, and detail key brewing parameters such as water temperature, flow rate, and pouring techniques. Whether you’re new to pour over or an advanced enthusiast pursuing optimal flavor, you’ll find practical methods here to enhance your coffee experience. [more…]

Many young people suffer from hair loss. Beyond genetics and illness, dietary habits may also be a key contributing factor. A new study by Tsinghua University has found a strong correlation between sugary drink consumption and the risk of male hair loss—consuming just one 500 ml sugary drink per day can increase the likelihood of hair loss by a staggering 253%. This article will take you through the research design, the types of drinks with the highest risk, and provide scientifically backed dietary advice for preventing hair loss. [more…]

The globally renowned IP Harry Potter has teamed up with Chinese tea beverage brand Nayuki Tea for the first time, launching limited-edition drinks and merchandise themed around Hogwarts' four houses. However, since the campaign launched, it has drawn strong reactions from fans — ranging from the unique flavor profile of Slytherin’s kale and kiwi drink to concerns over uneven distribution of blind box transparency cards. This article takes an in-depth look at the highlights and controversies of this cross-industry collaboration, and offers tips for consumers engaging with collab events. [more…]

Recent developments in the shipping market have brought significant changes, with container freight rates expected to potentially plunge by 70% over the next year. For the coffee industry, which heavily relies on sea freight, this is undoubtedly positive news. The decline in freight rates not only helps alleviate long-standing logistics cost pressures but is also expected to have a positive impact on coffee prices. However, weather conditions and harvest yields at origin remain key factors influencing the future trends of coffee futures. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the background behind the freight rate changes, their actual benefits to the coffee supply chain, and the uncertainties surrounding pricing. [more…]

Dive deep into the unique characteristics of Guatemala’s coffee regions in Central America — from how volcanic terrain and high altitudes create Strictly Hard Bean (SHB) coffee, to the distribution of the ten major growing regions and the SHB grading system. This article explores the terroir of the representative Huehuetenango region and analyzes the typical flavor profiles of washed-processed beans, helping you master key points in selection and tasting. [more…]

Dirty Coffee, with its distinctive layers of hot and cold and rich flavor, has become a favorite among many coffee enthusiasts. But do you know why this seemingly simple coffee is rarely available for delivery? This article dives deep into the essential differences between Dirty Coffee and regular iced lattes—from layering techniques and the optimal drinking window to the changes that occur during delivery—to help you understand the charm and challenges of this "brew-and-sip" coffee. [more…]

Tea Bai Dao has released its first half-year report since going public. In the first half of 2024, both revenue and net profit declined, with net profit falling nearly 60% year-on-year. The company attributed this to increased support for franchisees and greater market investment, but concerns have also been raised about its reliance on external suppliers in the supply chain. This article provides an in-depth analysis of its financial data, adjustments to franchise policies, and the competitive market environment, helping readers understand the real challenges facing the tea beverage brand and its future direction. [more…]

Luckin has launched a collaboration with the cute and quirky Little Yellow Duck, but due to it being available exclusively through online e-commerce channels, many customers showed up at physical stores only to find nothing. This collaboration mainly features merchandise giveaways such as a double-drink insulated tumbler, stickers, and desk mats—but these can only be obtained via specific e-commerce platforms. This article will break down the collaboration strategy, event details, and how customers can correctly participate to avoid going to the wrong store or missing out on these limited-edition freebies. [more…]

Recently, a video circulated online showing a maintenance worker at a Tea Bingdao outlet in Yinchuan, Ningxia, stepping directly onto the topping preparation station where ingredients such as tapioca pearls and mochi are stored, in order to fix a television. This has sparked public concerns about food hygiene. The brand stated it is verifying the situation and will penalize the responsible personnel if the report is confirmed, while also strengthening subsequent management protocols. This article takes you through the incident and common hygiene management practices in the industry. [more…]

Blue Bottle Coffee’s first pop-up store in Singapore has sparked heated discussions. The outlet does not offer freshly brewed coffee but instead sells a single type of instant freeze-dried coffee powder along with a variety of merchandise items. Although brewing equipment is available, free coffee is only offered during limited hours at noon. This move is seen as an initial attempt by the brand to test the local market strategy, with a focus on promoting its instant coffee and matcha series. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the background, product highlights, and consumer feedback to help you better understand Blue Bottle’s new direction. [more…]

Want to enjoy great coffee but afraid of failing at pour over? Immersion brewing might be your lifesaver. Compared to the pour over method that requires precise control of water flow, using tools like the Clever Dripper for immersion brewing is not only simpler to operate but also more forgiving. This article will take an in-depth look at the differences between immersion and filtration brewing, debunk the myth that "immersion coffee has inferior flavor," and offer practical tips to help you easily brew delicious coffee. [more…]

Want to brew a refreshing cup of cold brew at home with low acidity and natural fruity notes? Mastering the right coffee-to-water ratio and steeping time is key. This guide delves into the extraction principles behind cold brew, starting with the characteristics of cold water and explaining why it requires longer time to fully extract flavors. It also offers practical ratio suggestions and tips to help you create an ideal cold brew that’s rich yet still refreshing—perfect for beginners and advanced brewers alike. [more…]

Haidilao has recently appointed Zhang Junjie, founder of Chagee, as an independent non-executive director with an annual salary of 1.2 million yuan. This high-profile cross-industry collaboration has sparked widespread market discussion. What strategic signals does this bold personnel move reveal? From a tea beverage brand achieving annual sales of tens of billions to a hotpot giant testing the waters of handcrafted drinks, this article dissects the reasons behind the partnership, highlights in performance, and analyzes Haidilao’s long-term plans for entering the beverage market. [more…]

Starting July 2024, the new accounting law officially comes into effect, cracking down hard on financial fraud with a “confiscate and penalize tenfold” policy that removes any upper limit on fines. This article delves into the full story of Luckin Coffee’s 2.2 billion yuan inflated transaction case, compares the differences in penalties between China and the US, and explores how the new law increases the cost of violations and rebuilds market trust—along with its tangible impacts on the coffee industry and investors. [more…]

Recently, multiple high-aesthetic “dreamy specialty drinks” featuring Starbucks have been circulating on social media — in fact, all were created by employees who improvised using ingredients like blueberry powder. These DIY beverages range from crystal-clear sky blue to dreamy misty purple, catching the eye with their appearance but occasionally being playfully likened to “glass cleaner.” This article dives deep into the origin of this blueberry powder DIY trend, shares practical coloring techniques, and highlights common mishaps to help coffee enthusiasts safely explore these creative options. [more…]

An employee at a bubble tea shop in Beijing secretly replaced the shop’s official payment QR code with their personal one, stealing over 40,000 yuan from the company over a period of three months. The employee attempted to cover their tracks by blocking security cameras and disabling the internet connection, but was eventually detained by police on criminal charges. This case highlights common flaws in financial controls within the retail industry. For coffee shop operators, understanding internal control risks and prevention measures is crucial. [more…]

The flavor expression of pour over coffee is closely related to the pouring technique. Different water flow control and stage strategies can significantly affect extraction efficiency and the taste profile. This article thoroughly breaks down seven mainstream pour over techniques — including single pour, three-stage, four-six pouring, volcano pour — analyzing each method’s core logic, operational details, and suitable flavor direction, helping coffee enthusiasts find the brewing method that best suits their personal preference. [more…]