The results of the 2024 Ethiopia Cup of Excellence (COE) competition have been officially announced. All 27 winning coffees were processed using the natural method and all come from JARC-numbered varieties, with the Sidamo region truly shining. This article will delve into the highlights of this year's competition, including historical transaction records of the COE, the reasons for the cancellation in 2023, as well as the geographical advantages and growing conditions of the Bench Maji and Bona sub-regions within Sidamo. It aims to help coffee enthusiasts gain a deeper understanding of these top-tier coffees. [more…]

Have you ever doubted your pour over technique because the coffee came out cloudy or with floating oils? In reality, the clarity of coffee is influenced by multiple factors, including brewing methods and the type of filter used. This article dives deep into the causes of coffee cloudiness, analyzes the sources of oils and the principles of filtration, and helps you understand whether cloudiness indicates poor quality—empowering you to more scientifically evaluate a cup of coffee’s true performance. [more…]

Have you ever wondered if black coffee is the same as an americano? In fact, any coffee brewed with just water and without milk or sugar is considered black coffee. This article delves into the complete definition of black coffee, analyzing the similarities and differences among common brewing methods such as pour over, siphon, cold brew, moka pot, and americano one by one. It also compares the key distinctions between moka pot and espresso machine in terms of pressure extraction, and finally offers suggestions for beginner-friendly bean choices. [more…]

The recent mass dismissal of part-time staff at Manner Coffee has sparked widespread discussion. Some employees reported being terminated without any apparent violation, while the surge in holiday part-time demand has led to tight scheduling. This article delves into the chain reaction behind the incident, analyzing everything from recruitment strategies and job matching to management conflicts, revealing the real operational logic for readers concerned about the employment situation in the coffee industry, and offering a practical perspective. [more…]

Once regarded as an innovative representative of "Eastern tea meets Western coffee," Front Street Coffee’s flagship Shenzhen store, which cost over six million yuan to build, ceased operations after just seven months. This incident has not only sparked public discussion about the brand’s business strategy but has also once again brought the development bottlenecks of the “tea-coffee” category—an emerging segment in the Chinese market—into the spotlight. This article will delve into the reasons behind the closure of Front Street Coffee’s first store and explore the challenges and opportunities faced by the tea-coffee segment in terms of market acceptance, talent pool, and brand positioning. [more…]

The convoy of Colombia’s Vice President was recently ambushed in Cauca, a major coffee-producing province. Though no casualties were reported, the incident highlights long-standing security concerns in the region. Cauca and the neighboring Cauca Valley provinces annually produce 140,000 metric tons of high-quality Arabica beans and are home to top-tier estates such as Paradise and Immortal, making them hotspots for international buyers. This article delves into the potential impact of violent conflicts on the coffee supply chain—from regional safety to export logistics—offering key insights for traders and coffee enthusiasts focused on Colombian beans. [more…]

Want to understand how El Salvador transformed from an indigo-exporting nation into a powerhouse of specialty coffee? This article takes you deep into the country’s largest coffee-producing region — Apaneca-Ilamatepec — exploring how its volcanic soil and high-altitude environment give rise to unique flavors, and analyzing the variety and processing methods of this year’s COE sun-dried category runner-up, “Finca Angel”. Plus, get expert tips on how to select and brew these beans to experience the volcanic coffee charm of Central America. [more…]

Many coffee enthusiasts have noticed that professional baristas often serve a small glass of iced water alongside an espresso. This seemingly simple act hides a key technique for improving flavor appreciation. This article will reveal how iced water stimulates saliva production and clears residual substances in the mouth, helping you more accurately capture the layered flavors and aroma characteristics of espresso, along with practical tasting step suggestions. [more…]

Have you heard of the so-called "male beans" in coffee? In fact, they are precisely the small, round peaberry beans (Peaberry), also known as PB beans. Their appearance is vastly different from the common flat flat beans, which has led to many misconceptions. This article delves into the reasons behind the formation of peaberry beans, debunks the false notion of male and female beans, and explains why PB beans are usually sold at a higher price. With clear concepts and practical information, it helps you better understand the classification and value of coffee beans. [more…]

Want to understand the rise of Colombia’s specialty coffee and the high-altitude flavor potential? This article takes an in-depth look at the Nariño region, analyzing how its unique geographical conditions nurture top-tier coffee beans with intense floral aromas. It also focuses on the cultivation journey of the 2023 COE runner-up Geisha variety from Finca Santa Ana, guiding you through regional background, historical development, and estate practices to master key knowledge in bean selection and tasting. [more…]

Recent reports indicate a surge in public bus and student abductions by armed groups in Ethiopia’s Oromia Region, with kidnappers demanding hefty ransoms — drawing international attention. The area is not only flagged by China’s consulate as a high-risk zone, but also serves as a key production region for the internationally renowned COE (Cup of Excellence) coffee competition. This article delves into how the kidnapping spree threatens local safety, disrupts coffee trade, and explores shifts in the industry supply chain, providing essential insights for buyers and coffee enthusiasts focused on Ethiopian beans. [more…]

When a fellow business owner is interested in taking over your coffee shop but recommends shutting it down after conducting an on-site visit, what operational red flags does this reveal? A shop owner shares their real experience, uncovering common yet often overlooked issues in independent coffee shops — from store layout and customer flow to product structure. This article provides an in-depth analysis of how industry peers make their judgments and offers practical improvement suggestions to help operators assess the continued viability of their stores. [more…]

Recently, many consumers have noticed that some Manner stores with baking facilities have suddenly removed freshly baked bread from their shelves. Staff responses vary, and the official statement only mentions a temporary adjustment. Is it due to equipment upgrades, operational strategy changes, or profit considerations? This article provides a detailed analysis of the reasons behind the incident and offers alternative purchasing suggestions, so you can continue to enjoy high-value freshly baked bread. [more…]

Anaerobically processed coffee has been a hot topic in recent years, yet many still have only a vague understanding of its principles and actual flavor profiles. This article will delve into how anaerobic fermentation is carried out, detail the key differences between it and common washed and natural processing methods, and help you understand the unique flavor characteristics that anaerobically processed coffee beans can exhibit. This will enable you to more accurately select and evaluate this type of coffee. [more…]

Coffee Combos are becoming the new favorite among specialty coffee enthusiasts, but many encounter bottlenecks such as bitterness or flatness after trying them. This article delves into the logic behind "one bean, multiple drinks", covering everything from bean selection to espresso extraction details. It helps readers master how to showcase the diverse flavors of black coffee and milk-based coffee using a single coffee bean, avoid common mistakes, and make your Combo both balanced and outstanding. [more…]

The chairman of Italian coffee giant Lavazza has issued a warning: triple pressures from abnormal weather, rerouted shipping routes, and new EU environmental regulations are driving up the prices of both Robusta and Arabica coffee beans. Currently, Robusta futures on the London Futures Exchange have hit an all-time high of $4,844 per ton, while the retail price of instant coffee has risen by more than 15% year-on-year. This article delves into the risks of supply chain disruptions, the speculative effects in the futures market, and how the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation will reshape global coffee trade. [more…]

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea’s 1-yuan ice cup has ignited a buying frenzy, but it has also drawn numerous complaints due to purchase difficulties, poor customer service, and hidden price hikes. What is the true cost of this summer product? What operational challenges do stores face? This article delves into the pricing logic of the 1-yuan ice cup, the cost structure of ice and packaging materials, and offers practical purchasing advice to help you avoid pitfalls. [more…]

Latte art has long evolved beyond simple heart patterns, developing into a rich and diverse array of expressions. This article delves into the differences between traditional latte art, etching techniques, and three-dimensional 3D latte art, analyzing the characteristics, tool selection, and key techniques for each style. It helps coffee enthusiasts and professionals gain a comprehensive understanding of this craft that combines artistry with skill, mastering everything from beginner to advanced levels in one go. [more…]

Want to brew a well-balanced shot of espresso? The key isn't the coffee beans—it's the distribution and tamping. If these two steps aren't done properly, it not only affects extraction efficiency but can also easily cause "channeling," making your coffee either too sour or too bitter. This article dives deep into the principles of distribution and tamping, common mistakes, and practical techniques to help you improve extraction stability and craft a smoother, more layered espresso. [more…]

Want to dive deep into the origins and characteristics of Indonesian coffee? As the first island in Indonesia to introduce coffee cultivation, Java not only boasts a profound coffee culture but also produces uniquely flavored coffee beans due to its distinctive geographical environment and diverse volcanic soils. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the development of Indonesian coffee, focusing on Java’s major producing regions and varieties, while analyzing local growing conditions and processing methods—offering you a comprehensive understanding of the coffee map of this “land of a thousand islands.” [more…]