Luckin Coffee has recently piloted a new version of its scheduling system in cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu. By leveraging data analysis to predict peak hours and optimize staff allocation, this adjustment addresses cost control, employee scheduling flexibility, and responsiveness to unexpected situations—especially crucial against the backdrop of the full-time to part-time staffing ratio and declining store sales. This article explains how the new system works and its real-world effects on store operations and frontline employees. [more…]

Explore the unique charm of Yemen, this ancient kingdom of coffee — from the trade history of the Mocha Port in the 15th century to the traditional cultivation methods still upheld in the central highlands today. Learn how Yemeni coffee thrives in harsh conditions to produce distinctive bright acidity and rich aroma. Delve into the geographical features and variety characteristics of the main producing regions to help you choose the most suitable Yemeni coffee beans and master the key points for appreciating these rare beans. [more…]

The Papayo coffee variety has gained increasing attention in recent years due to its unique fruit-like shape and flavor potential, gradually making its mark in high-altitude regions of Colombia such as Huila. This article delves into the origin of its name, the debates surrounding its differences from common varieties, its optimal growing altitudes and processing methods, helping you understand this rare coffee bean with complex flavors and strong adaptability. It also offers practical flavor characteristics and roasting recommendations to help you explore the diverse appeal of emerging specialty coffees. [more…]

Starting from May 1, 2024, the Free Trade Agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Ecuador officially came into force. Approximately 90% of tariff lines between the two sides will be gradually eliminated, with 60% enjoying zero tariffs on the first day of implementation. The import tariffs on star agricultural products from Ecuador such as coffee, bananas, and cocoa will be progressively reduced from the current 5%–20% to zero, opening up new business opportunities for local exporters. This article details the highlights of the agreement and the current... [more…]

Recently, Robusta coffee futures prices have soared to historic highs, with market volatility driven by multiple factors including abnormal climate conditions, reduced output in producing regions, farmers holding back sales, and an influx of speculative capital. This article provides an in-depth analysis of how tightening supplies from major producing countries such as Vietnam are influencing the global market, and explores the actual impact of this price surge on Arabica varieties, the supply chain, and consumers, helping readers grasp the key market trends. [more…]

The “Smoke-Toned Oolong” milk tea launched on World Book Day saw Lele Tea team up with Yilin Publishing House, featuring literary giant Lu Xun as the collaborative icon. However, the slogan “Old Smoke-Toned, New Youth” triggered public backlash. CCTV’s online platform strongly criticized the move for trivializing a cultural figure, leading to the swift removal of related merchandise. This article delves into the incident, exploring the creative boundaries and social responsibilities of tea beverage brands when collaborating with historical personalities. [more…]

The popular specialty drink brand o.p.s. has officially launched its “On The Move” city tour initiative, with its first stop set at the Wake Up Coffee Festival at Shenzhen Excellence Center. The event ran from April 29 to May 5, spanning seven days. Even on weekdays and despite the hot weather, long lines formed at the venue, with many fans willing to wait for hours just to taste the flagship beverages hailed as the “pinnacle of specialty drinks.” This article will take you through the vibrant scene on-site. [more…]

Have you heard that "second grinding" can adjust the particle size of coffee grounds? While this technique has appeared in competitions, it actually comes with hidden challenges such as burr wear, excessive fines, and cleaning difficulties in practical use. This article takes an in-depth look at how second grinding affects electric and hand grinders differently, explains why too many fines can lead to over-extraction, and offers practical tips on adjusting water temperature, filter type, and pouring technique to optimize extraction efficiency while reducing machine maintenance. [more…]

KFC’s KCOFFEE is set to team up with Chinese heritage brand Wong Lo Kat to launch a limited-edition drink, the “Wong Lo Kat-flavored Bubble Americano,” blending elements of Western fast food with traditional herbal tea, sparking significant market attention. Can this crossover replicate the blockbuster success of Luckin Coffee and Moutai’s “Soy Sauce Latte”? This article delves into the branding strategies, market positioning, and consumer reactions of both parties, exploring how heritage brands can attract younger audiences through innovative collaborations. [more…]

Over twenty independent coffee shops in Wuhan have been targeted one after another by the same female customer who demanded refunds on the grounds of being ‘lactose intolerant and allergic.’ Shop owners initially refunded the money out of goodwill, only to later discover suspicious proof and identical scam patterns. This article uncovers the details of this ‘allergy refund’ scandal, analyzes common scam tactics, and offers practical prevention advice to help business owners avoid similar traps. [more…]

Uganda saw a double decline in both coffee export volume and revenue in March, primarily due to heavy rains brought by El Niño, which significantly reduced the main harvest season's yield. However, annual exports still show an upward trend, and Robusta prices have risen due to supply shortages from Vietnam, helping Uganda stabilize its earnings. This article delves into the reasons behind the export data and explores the strategic significance of targeting the Chinese market, helping readers grasp global coffee supply-demand dynamics and potential investment directions. [more…]

Although not a major coffee-producing country, Ecuador boasts uniquely favorable geographical conditions that nurture Arabica beans with a well-balanced acidity and sweetness. From the high-altitude plateaus of the Andes Mountains to the Galápagos Islands, the diverse microclimates and varieties across different regions create distinctive flavor profiles. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Ecuador’s main coffee-growing regions, commonly cultivated varieties, and the evolution of processing techniques from traditional to modern methods, along with practical bean selection tips to help you find the right beans for your brewing style. [more…]

The Ombligon (大肚臍) coffee from Finca La Divisoria in Colombia has repeatedly stepped onto the international competition stage in recent years, thanks to its unique shape and explosive fruity aroma. This article takes an in-depth look at this rare variety originating from the Huila region, analyzing its connection to Ethiopian landrace varieties, the details of its heat-shock fermentation process, and offering practical pour over parameters and flavor profiles to help you better understand this competition favorite. [more…]

Yirgacheffe is often recommended as the top choice for specialty coffee beginners, thanks to its distinctive citrus notes and elegant floral aromas that leave a lasting impression. But what you might not know is that "Yirgacheffe" is actually not a coffee variety — it’s a famous coffee-growing region. This article provides an in-depth look at Yirgacheffe’s regional background, commonly used varieties, and outlines its classic flavor profile to help you choose the right beans, brew a pour over with captivating layers, and avoid common misconceptions. [more…]

During the May Day holiday, six coffee festivals in Shanghai kicked off simultaneously, attracting numerous coffee enthusiasts to sample the offerings. However, issues such as an overwhelming number of creative specialty drinks, high prices, and insufficient tasting portions have sparked heated discussions. This article takes an in-depth look at the on-site situation of Shanghai’s coffee festivals, explores how the original intent of industry exchange has shifted into a showcase of specialty drinks, and offers practical advice to help readers avoid common pitfalls. [more…]

Luckin Coffee frequently rolls out new products, and many customers track the latest offerings by looking for the “new” label. However, recently a netizen discovered that a refreshing drink labeled as “Luckin Pistachio Coconut Water” was actually a self-made creation by an employee, not an official new product. Such incidents have occurred repeatedly, leading to customers showing up at stores only to be disappointed, sparking growing dissatisfaction, while employees also face the risk of violating store regulations. [more…]

Espresso extraction time is one of the core parameters that influence flavor. Ranging traditionally from 20 to 30 seconds, and more recently recommended between 25 and 30 seconds, even a one-second difference can alter the taste of your coffee. This article delves into how extraction time affects grind size, flavor expression, and extraction stability, and explains why longer times may be needed for light to medium roasts or when using larger coffee doses. Mastering these details allows you to fine-tune your espresso extraction more precisely for the ideal shot. [more…]

Want to uncover the secrets of cold water coffee extraction? This article dives deep into the principles, steps, and flavor characteristics of two common cold water brewing methods—cold brew and cold drip—to help you choose the most suitable extraction method based on your taste preferences. From parameter settings to practical brewing tips, master the key knowledge of cold water coffee in one go and elevate your coffee tasting experience. [more…]

In recent years, Peru’s coffee-growing regions have been hit by a series of natural and environmental disasters: frequent eruptions of the Sabancaya volcano in the south have released large amounts of volcanic ash, affecting crop growth; meanwhile, the provinces of Huancavelica and Cusco have declared a state of environmental emergency due to mercury contamination. This article will delve into how these crises are impacting coffee cultivation environments, as well as the potential challenges and countermeasures for the future. [more…]

Want to dive deeper into Nicaragua, this Central American coffee-producing country with great potential? This article takes you through the unique terroirs of three core regions—Jinotega, Matagalpa, and Nueva Segovia—from their growing environments at elevations of 1100 to 1700 meters, the characteristics of Caturra and Bourbon varieties, to the SHG (Strictly High Grown) ultra-high altitude classification standard. It helps you grasp key knowledge for selecting Nicaraguan coffee beans and enhances your flavor experience when brewing via pour over or other methods. [more…]