Caffè Corretto is a classic Italian liqueur coffee that combines espresso with spirits, delivering a unique flavor profile. This article will take you deep into its historical background, regional drinking variations across Italy, and provide a practical low-cost DIY version so you can easily enjoy this authentic Italian specialty at home. [more…]

The Shanghai-based chain coffee brand Manner has drawn widespread public attention due to a mismatch between the number of social insurance participants and its rapid store expansion. In 2023, its parent company, Shanghai Yinhao Industrial Co., Ltd., had only 1225 employees enrolled in social insurance, while the number of its stores had already exceeded 1295. This data gap has led to external scrutiny regarding the implementation of employee welfare policies. Subsequently, the local Human Resources and Social Security Bureau’s enforcement team intervened in the investigation, and the brand has responded to the related allegations and its operational model. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the origins of the incident and the factors behind the data. [more…]

Take an in-depth look at the top-tier family-owned estate in Costa Rica’s Tarrazú region — Don Cayito Estate — and uncover the secrets behind its consecutive COE championship wins. From the high-altitude microclimate of Santa María de Dota to premium bean varieties such as Typica and Geisha, this article details the flavor profile and pour over brewing recommendations for its 2024 batch that scored 93.62 points, offering professional insight for coffee enthusiasts seeking high-quality beans. [more…]

The hit TV drama "The Story of Roses" has sparked a wave of cross-industry collaborations. Luckin Coffee, themed around the iconic yellow roses from the show, has launched a limited-edition Yellow Rose Latte along with a collaboration set that includes a paper bag, cup sleeve, and keychain. Customers who purchase a double-cup combo can receive one of the limited-edition keychains, triggering a buying frenzy at stores across Taiwan. This article delves into the details of the campaign, the current state of inventory distribution, and offers practical tips for securing your purchase—helping you master the key to getting your hands on these exclusive collaboration items. [more…]

Vietnam's coffee export revenue in the first half of this year exceeded $3.04 billion, up 38% year-on-year, setting a new historical record for the same period. However, export volume actually decreased by 8%. With persistent drought conditions continuing to ravage coffee-growing regions, producers face serious challenges, keeping prices at high levels. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Vietnam’s current coffee export situation, the impact of weather conditions, market supply and demand trends, as well as the potential effects on the global Robusta coffee market. [more…]

Water temperature is a key yet often overlooked factor in pour over coffee flavor. This guide delves into the ideal water temperature ranges for light and dark roast coffee beans, reveals how details like pouring height and equipment preheating affect actual extraction temperatures, and provides practical adjustment suggestions to help you precisely control water temperature and extract more balanced, rich coffee flavors. [more…]

On hot summer days, creative frozen drinks launched by cafes such as ice cream brick lattes and affogatos have become hugely popular. These beverages are not only refreshing and thirst-quenching but also blend the essence of coffee and desserts. This article will delve into the Italian origins of the word "affogato," break down its simple composition—just an espresso and ice cream—and clarify the orthodox definition of a latte. Through comparative analysis, you’ll grasp the key to making an ice cream brick iced latte and easily recreate a cafe-quality summer treat at home. [more…]

The extraction time of espresso is often a key variable that many coffee enthusiasts adjust to fine-tune flavor. But here's the question: should the extraction time start counting from the moment you press the machine’s button, or only after the coffee begins to flow? This seemingly minor difference can actually affect your overall judgment of the extraction. This article delves into the timing logic for both espresso and pour over coffee, helping you understand how time influences flavor and how to make precise adjustments based on extraction time. [more…]

Bloom is a crucial first step in pour over brewing, influencing not only flavor release but also the uniformity of subsequent extraction. Many people tend to fix bloom time at 30 seconds, but in reality, different roast levels and freshness levels of coffee beans require vastly different bloom durations. This article will delve into how to flexibly adjust bloom time based on the CO₂ content of the beans, roast characteristics, and the condition of the coffee bed, while also providing practical tips for evenly saturating the coffee grounds. This way, your pour overs can be more consistent and flavorful every time. [more…]

Rumors suggest that Luckin's Fresh Cheese Latte may be gradually phased out, drawing attention and disappointment from many coffee enthusiasts. This article delves into the reasons behind the potential discontinuation of the drink, including its sales performance and supply chain challenges, while also looking back at its past peak in popularity and the impact of its collaboration campaigns. Additionally, it offers alternative suggestions for consumers who love cheese flavors, helping you continue to enjoy a similar taste experience. [more…]

Once a representative brand of China’s specialty coffee scene, Seesaw Coffee has closed more than 50 stores in just six months, spanning first-tier and emerging first-tier cities such as Hangzhou and Suzhou. Faced with fierce market competition and price wars, Seesaw has chosen to adjust its strategy by expanding into second- and third-tier cities like Guiyang and Luoyang, and seeking new growth through franchising. This article delves into the reasons behind its store closures, its strategic shift, and how specialty coffee brands can survive in a reshuffling market. [more…]

The Hap Kee (Elephant Brand) coffee powder factory in Ipoh, Malaysia, which has been in operation for over 80 years, recently announced its closure due to a lack of successors in the family. This old factory, founded by Hainan immigrants, used a semi-traditional roasting method to produce richly flavored coffee beans, long supplying many local kopitiams to make authentic Ipoh white coffee. With the third-generation owner now advanced in age and the fourth generation uninterested in continuing the business, this old factory, known for its elephant trademark, will soon cease operations after fulfilling its final orders—sparking a rush among loyal customers to purchase commemorative products. [more…]

Matcha lattes have recently become a trend during the hot summer season, especially Peet’s high-concentration formula, which some consumers regard as a “weight loss miracle,” claiming it can effectively suppress appetite. However, actual experiences are highly polarized—some report a complete loss of appetite, while others experience nausea and discomfort. This article delves into the composition, real effects, and potential risks of matcha to help readers view this viral green drink rationally. [more…]

The latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicates that global coffee production is expected to rebound to 176.2 million bags in the 2024/25 season, primarily driven by increased output in Brazil and Indonesia. The supply boost is also projected to lift exports to 123.1 million bags. However, performance varies across regions—while Vietnam maintains its production levels, exports may decline due to domestic demand and drought impacts. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the latest trends in major producing regions to help you stay on top of global coffee market dynamics. [more…]

2024 marks the 20th year that Honduras has hosted the COE (Cup of Excellence) international coffee competition. In this edition, the Opalaca region shone brightly, with eight out of the top ten coffees coming from this area. Among them, La Sarca Estate claimed the championship with a washed Geisha variety, scoring an impressive 91.21. The farm owner, Benjamin Paz Muñoz, had also won this honor back in 2022. This article takes an in-depth look at Honduras’ coffee terroir, the Opalaca region... [more…]

Extraction is the soul of pour over coffee. Once it's excessive or insufficient, the flavor goes awry immediately. This article delves into the key signs of abnormal extraction—from sharp acidity, jarring saltiness, thin aftertaste to muted bitterness—helping you intuitively pinpoint the issue through your senses. It also covers common misconceptions and practical adjustment advice to help you accurately master the ideal extraction range. [more…]

Many coffee enthusiasts wonder if adding sugar, osmanthus, or butter during espresso extraction can bring out more natural and captivating flavors. However, such attempts may backfire. Through comparative experiments, it was found that mixing sugar into the coffee puck can induce channeling, leading to uneven extraction and flavor imbalance. This article will delve into the reasons behind this and share real-test data and observations to help you understand which practices are worth trying and which should be avoided. [more…]

Starbucks recently upgraded its membership system and launched a limited-time lottery event where members can use their stars to participate. The top prize is as high as 888 stars, equivalent to 98 medium-sized drinks. However, many users who invested their points ended up with a large number of two-week-expiring stars or went home empty-handed. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the event rules, winning odds, and important considerations to help members participate rationally and avoid the regret of “losing stars.” [more…]

Recently, Manner Coffee has trended on social media due to three incidents of conflict between staff and customers, drawing public attention to the working conditions of baristas. This article delves into the root causes behind these events, examining factors such as brand management, employee treatment, and the impact of semi-automatic coffee machines on service efficiency. It sheds light on the hidden concerns of rapid expansion and explores how to balance quality and staffing under high-intensity operations. [more…]

Honduras, the largest washed Arabica coffee exporter in Central America, is facing a crisis of declining both production and foreign exchange earnings in the 2023/24 season. This article delves into how abnormal weather, the ravages of coffee leaf rust, and labor shortages have led to a 27% year-on-year drop in planting income, and explores the long-term impacts of international price fluctuations and regional competition on the producing region, providing key industry insights for coffee professionals and enthusiasts. [more…]