Luckin Coffee recently disposed of Coconut Series ingredients that were still within their shelf life, drawing public attention to new product cycles and inventory management. From a viral collab hit to poor in-store sales, the rise and fall of the Coconut Series reveals common challenges in the chain beverage industry. This article delves into the reasons for the product’s discontinuation, the logic behind ingredient disposal, and offers industry insights on new product promotion and inventory control. [more…]

The southern Costa Rican Brunca region was once dominated by commercial-grade beans, but in recent years, thanks to high altitudes and diverse microclimates, its potential for specialty coffee has gradually emerged. In particular, the Geisha variety from La Torre Estate gained recognition with a score of 92 in the COE competition. This article will delve into the natural conditions and evolution of the Brunca region, while focusing on La Torre Estate’s varietal selection, altitude advantages, and processing techniques, to help you understand this emerging specialty coffee hub. [more…]

In 2024, over 1,000 cities in Brazil have been hit by severe drought, especially key coffee-producing regions such as Minas Gerais, which continue to experience high temperatures and scarce rainfall. This has led to restricted crop growth and an accelerated harvesting pace. This article takes you in-depth into the actual impacts of this drought, including the soaring frequency of wildfires, tightening domestic inventories, and the reasons behind a potential 4% reduction in coffee supply for the 2024/25 season. It aims to help coffee professionals and enthusiasts stay updated on the latest developments in the global supply chain. [more…]

Have you ever wondered why single-shot portafilters have almost disappeared from modern coffee shops? From the early days of using 9–11g of coffee to pull a 30ml single shot, to today’s standard 18–20g double-shot portafilters—what lies behind this major shift in extraction philosophy? This article dissects the structural differences between single and double shot baskets using real test data, analyzing key factors such as water distribution, channeling effects, and extraction uniformity. We’ll take you deep into the science of espresso and explain why double-shot extraction has become the industry norm. [more…]

Both lattes and flat whites are milk-based coffees, yet they present distinctly different flavor profiles due to variations in espresso extraction methods, cup volume ratios, and milk foam preparation. This article delves into the specifics of the three key elements that differentiate the two—espresso base (such as ristretto versus regular espresso), cup volume proportions (the golden ratio of milk to coffee), and milk foam thickness (the difference between an ultra-thin 0.5mm layer and a velvety, dense texture). It also reminds readers to note that the “iced flat white” is actually a misconception, helping you choose based on your preferences for coffee [more…]

An indecent and intimate interaction lasting eight minutes between a couple in a coffee shop has sparked controversy. After being blacklisted by the shop, one customer posted a malicious negative review. As the incident escalated, it raised questions about public behavior norms and privacy laws. This article provides an in-depth reconstruction of the event, analyzes the shop’s handling process and police investigation progress, invites a lawyer to explain relevant regulations, and explores the reasonable boundaries and precautions for public displays of affection. [more…]

A pre-mixed coffee product that was once explicitly banned by Malaysia’s Ministry of Health continues to circulate in the market. Its illegally added prescription drug ingredient, sildenafil, may pose fatal health risks. This article delves into the background behind the ban, common adverse symptoms, real consumer feedback, and cites relevant domestic case law to remind the public to identify illegal additives and choose safe, compliant coffee products. [more…]

Although not Brazil’s largest coffee-producing state, Espírito Santo features a diverse coffee landscape dominated by Robusta with a complementary presence of specialty Arabica, thanks to its unique mountain-and-sea geographical environment. This article clearly analyzes the state’s climatic characteristics, the distribution of its main coffee varieties, and focuses on representative high-altitude farms, while also giving you a taste of the actual flavor profile of entry-level Cerrado coffee — helping you gain a deeper understanding of Brazil’s coffee diversity. [more…]

A severe landslide struck Ethiopia’s southern Guji Zone in the early hours of July 21, resulting in the tragic loss of 229 lives so far, with the number feared to rise. Beyond the devastating human toll, the disaster directly threatens the cultivation environment and infrastructure of key coffee-growing areas in the region, including Kochere, Gimbi, and Yirgacheffe. This article delves into the potential impact of the disaster on Ethiopia’s coffee supply chain and the multiple challenges the country currently faces. [more…]

Sparkling Americano, with its cool and refreshing taste paired with rich coffee aroma, has become a popular summer beverage. However, many people encounter issues when making it at home, such as intense foaming or even overflow when mixing coffee with sparkling water. This article delves into the foaming mechanism behind Sparkling Americano and provides three practical anti-overflow techniques—including using ice cubes or a spoon as a buffer, adding a thin layer of water, and pre-chilling the concentrated coffee—to help you easily create a smooth, splash-free Sparkling Iced Americano. [more…]

On the eve of the Paris Olympics, Starbucks has teamed up with badminton brand YONEX for a cross-industry collaboration. Not only did badminton legend Lin Dan make an appearance, but the partnership also introduced limited-edition rackets, sports-themed merchandise, and creative beverages. However, this high-profile collaboration has sparked polarized reviews due to controversial flavors in the new products—what exactly went wrong with the non-alcoholic cold brew and sports-themed cakes? This article analyzes the product details and market feedback to help consumers rationally assess the commercial strategy behind this collaboration. [more…]

The AeroPress is an innovative and practical coffee brewing device. Since its launch in 2005, it has gained worldwide popularity among coffee enthusiasts for its versatile brewing methods and portable design. This article will delve into the design principles and operation steps of the AeroPress, with a focus on how to use it to brew coffee with an espresso-like flavor. It also provides practical parameters and solutions to common issues. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned brewer, you’ll find a brewing method that suits you. [more…]

After completing a pour over brew, the shape of the coffee bed in the filter can vary greatly—from deep craters to flat surfaces, and even showing layering or muddy conditions. These visual differences actually reflect the interaction between pouring technique and the characteristics of the coffee grounds. This article will take an in-depth look at six common coffee bed states, including deep pits, offset pits, flat beds with coffee walls, flat beds without coffee walls, layering, and muddy pits, helping you determine whether your pouring is even and allowing you to adjust your technique appropriately to improve extraction consistency. [more…]

Luckin’s newly launched matcha lemon tea this summer has attracted many consumers with its refreshing appearance, but numerous drinkers have reported that its matcha flavor is extremely mild, with the tartness and sweetness of lemon taking the lead. This article will take an in-depth look at the actual ingredients of the drink, market feedback, as well as humorous comments from netizens, to help you understand the true flavor profile and formulation logic behind this green beverage. [more…]

Did you know? The global craze for the bright fruity acidity of Yirgacheffe is a trend of just the past decade or so, whereas over three hundred years ago, Indonesia’s Mandheling had already laid the sensory foundation of traditional coffee with its deep, mellow woody profile. This article will take you through the coffee plantations of the Dutch East India Company, the routes of Southeast Asian Chinese traders, post-war Japanese admiration, and the origins of Golden Mandheling — delving into the evolution of this classic coffee and revealing why it remains beloved by pour over enthusiasts to this day. [more…]

When quality inspections become the biggest daily stressor for baristas, an accidental coffee spill has sparked deep reflection across the industry on food and beverage hygiene management. This article reconstructs the real situation of a quality inspection onsite at a Luckin store through an unexpected incident, and explores the coping strategies and potential challenges faced by professionals under high-standard hygiene requirements, offering practical insights for those in the coffee industry. [more…]

When a customer left a negative review due to beverage taste not meeting expectations, only to be visited by staff asking for the review to be deleted, this controversial incident involving Pindao Tea Ji sparked public discussion on the tension between consumer rights and merchant service evaluations. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the incident from beginning to end, clarifies the appropriate ways for businesses to respond to negative reviews, and offers practical advice for consumers to protect their own rights. [more…]

Vietnam has recently seen a wave of factory strikes across multiple regions due to a 6% increase in the minimum wage, with the coffee industry bearing the brunt. As the world's second-largest exporter of Robusta beans, local businesses are now facing a triple blow: surging labor costs, drought-induced production declines, and shipping disruptions. This article delves into the details of the regional wage adjustment policy, the chain reaction of strikes, and how these variables specifically affect coffee export prices and supply chain stability—helping you stay on top of the latest developments in Southeast Asia's coffee market. [more…]

The Antioquia region is one of Colombia’s key coffee-growing areas, blessed with exceptional geographical conditions and a long history of cultivation. This article delves into the geography of Antioquia, the influence of FNC on the industry, and focuses on how La Palma Estate and the Chiroso variety have emerged in the specialty coffee scene. It also highlights the standout performance in the 2023 COE competition, along with the flavor profile and brewing recommendations for coffees from this region. [more…]

Many coffee enthusiasts insist on using freshly ground coffee, believing that only in this way can they truly experience the most authentic flavors of coffee. So, what are the key differences between freshly ground and pre-ground coffee? How does freshness affect the extraction results? This article will delve into the fundamental distinctions between the two and analyze the production principles and optimal brewing methods of pour over coffee, helping you make smarter choices in your daily coffee drinking. [more…]