Recently, Luckin Coffee has sparked widespread discussion after it was revealed that employees were reportedly required to copy down customers’ negative reviews as a form of punishment, with some staff claiming they had to do so dozens or even hundreds of times. This has led to heated debate among netizens. What was the original intention behind this ‘copying penalty’? Is it reasonable? This article delves into the full story of the incident, explores how Luckin strikes a balance between high-quality service and employee labor rights, and offers practical insights for both consumers and industry professionals. [more…]

Once considered a new favorite in coffee shops, oat milk is gradually falling out of favor in the market. This article delves into the reasons behind Oatly’s cumulative losses of over 4.4 billion RMB from 2019 to 2022, including over-reliance on the B2B market, the impact of the pandemic, challenges in expanding the C2C segment, and controversial marketing strategies. It also explores the health debates surrounding plant-based milk and the future challenges in the Asian market, helping readers understand the true positioning and development bottlenecks of oat milk in the coffee industry. [more…]

Starbucks has transformed its popular Pink Drink from a hidden menu item into a bottled ready-to-drink product. After hitting supermarket shelves and e-commerce platforms, it quickly sold out. This dairy-free beverage, which gained popularity starting in 2016, expanded to Canada in 2018 but has yet to enter the Chinese market. Launched at the same time, the tropical-style Paradise Drink is also selling briskly, yet remains difficult for domestic consumers to obtain. This article analyzes the characteristics of both drinks, explores the reasons behind their sell-outs, and reviews the Pi... [more…]

What kind of sparks will fly when traditional ingredients meet modern coffee? Following the buzz created by a coffee shop in Nanchang, mainland China, that launched century egg coffee, this cross-border trend quickly spread to Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Taiwanese netizens tried incorporating century eggs into iced lattes at convenience stores, Hong Kong enthusiasts followed up with reviews, and Macau coffee drinkers took it a step further by upgrading it to a salted egg version. This article compiles real-world feedback from different regions, analyzes the varying levels of acceptance for this controversial drink, and includes expert-tasting advice. [more…]

In recent years, Starbucks has repeatedly faced market skepticism over its new product launches, with criticism that they lack innovation and exhibit high repetition, particularly in terms of taste and seasonal adjustments. This article delves into Starbucks' new product development strategy, explores why it struggles to attract younger consumers, and provides suggestions on how coffee products can enhance their appeal through flavor innovation. It aims to help coffee enthusiasts better understand market trends and product choices. [more…]

Want to easily make sweet and refreshing cold brew coffee at home? By adjusting the water temperature and extraction time, you can brew rich cold-brewed coffee in just 4 to 5 hours without any special equipment. This guide explains how using 40°C warm water with medium-fine ground coffee can extract more berry and caramel aromas, and provides practical coffee-to-water ratios, steeping tips, and storage advice to help you master this summer-friendly coffee brewing method. [more…]

A woman extorted a chain milk tea brand over ten times within a month by claiming foreign objects were found in her delivered milk tea, accumulating more than 15,000 yuan in compensation. The business initially complied, but the frequent and unusual complaints triggered an investigation, ultimately leading to the woman being sentenced for extortion. This case highlights the consequences of maliciously exploiting food safety laws for personal gain and also serves as a reminder for the food and beverage industry on how to identify and respond to similar situations. [more…]

As neo-Chinese tea drinks have successfully captured consumer interest through ritualistic preparation and localized elements, the coffee world often struggles with public perception due to excessive gimmickry. This article delves into how traditional Chinese culinary wisdom can be transformed into inspiration for coffee brewing methods — from double boiling and Yixing clay steaming to clay pot brewing. We explore how these techniques, through low-temperature slow extraction and even heat distribution, yield richer and smoother coffee flavors. Practical parameters and tips are also provided to help enthusiasts explore a coffee expression tailored to Chinese palates. [more…]

Luxury brand Prada has launched a new concept coffee space, Prada Caffè, centered around a classic mint green palette and offering all-day dining services to create a high-end consumer experience. This article delves into the aesthetic design of the space, the details of its tableware, and explores the strategic significance of luxury brands venturing into the coffee market. It also guides you on how to perceive the brand’s charm through its environment and flavors. [more…]

Blue Mountain coffee has long been hailed as the king of the coffee world, yet its actual flavor often leaves people puzzled — is it really worth the price? This article delves into how the Jamaica Coffee Industry Board (CIB) ensures the quality of Blue Mountain coffee through its rigorous grading system and cupping standards. We’ll explore the science and history behind its high cost, and why it’s revered as the “standard flavor of coffee.” [more…]

Did you know? Japanese engineers have turned the idea of "brewing coffee from air" into reality by developing an intelligent coffee machine that uses air humidity as its water source. Combining multi-stage purification and mineralization technologies, it can provide brewing water that meets safe drinking water standards even in disaster-induced water outage scenarios. This article will delve into its working principle, design intent, and explore its practicality and controversies in extreme situations—showcasing how technology can balance drinking water safety with coffee quality. [more…]

T97 Coffee, which once achieved high live-stream viewership numbers, has now seen a sharp decline in popularity. The number of stores has shrunk from a peak of 87 to 85, with numerous franchise outlets closing in various locations. The founder attributes the closures to individual franchisee issues, but many franchisees have reported insufficient support from the brand and inconsistent product quality. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of T97’s franchising model, breaking down the key reasons behind the high closure rate and helping potential investors avoid potential risks. [more…]

Although an Americano is made with espresso and hot water, whether you add water first or espresso first not only affects the appearance of the crema layer but may also alter subtle taste sensations. This article explores the visual and flavor differences between the two methods, examines their historical origins, and compares them with Australia’s Long Black to help you find the brewing method that suits you best. [more…]

Bamboo tube milk tea has gained immense popularity on social media platforms with its traditional Chinese aesthetics and novel packaging, sparking a wave of photo opportunities. However, moldy bamboo tube incidents have drawn regulatory scrutiny. This article delves into the reasons behind its sudden fame and underlying food safety concerns, while exploring the real challenges of high pricing with low quality and poor repurchase rates. It also provides practical advice for consumers to identify safe bamboo tubes and choose high-quality beverages. [more…]

With the arrival of spring, the common heather flowers found in cities have sparked discussions due to their distinctive fragrance. Some coffee shops have launched a spring special drink called “Heather Latte,” which has quickly become a hot topic. This creative beverage that combines heather flowers with coffee has received mixed reactions online. Is heather actually edible? What health effects might arise when paired with coffee? This article will delve into the background of the Heather Latte’s creation, its edibility, potential medicinal benefits, as well as notes on pairing it with coffee. [more…]

A themed café in Tokyo, Japan, featuring a "yandere maid" concept, has drawn strong condemnation from the medical community after introducing a specialty drink containing human blood. This article delves into this shocking and extreme case that has rocked society, exploring the ethical boundaries of operating niche-theme cafés, and reminding readers to pay attention to food safety and the prevention of blood-borne diseases. [more…]

Since the end of 2022, Luckin Coffee has entered the market with a low-price strategy, focusing on affordable coffee at just 9.9 RMB, sparking widespread discussion among entrepreneurs and consumers. This article delves into the brand positioning, product differences, franchise models, and capital backgrounds to provide an in-depth comparison of the development paths of Luckin and Luckin, explores their long-term operational feasibility, and analyzes the investment risks and opportunities in the current market environment to help you make a more informed judgment. [more…]

The spring tea market is heating up with new Longjing launches, but it's the shared endorsement by non-material cultural heritage master Fan Shenghua that has sparked discussion between Gemilai and Nayuki. While the two brands respectively claim “guidance” and “supervision” in their collaborations, the striking similarities in the master’s image, attire, and even facial expressions have ignited online buzz. This article delves into the premium tea marketing strategies and traffic-driving logic behind this “shared master” phenomenon. [more…]

Naming your coffee shop isn't just a game of inspiration—it's the starting point of brand building. This article delves into the consumer psychology and market strategy behind naming, covering everything from positioning analysis and common pitfalls to practical naming frameworks. Drawing on popular Xiaohongshu case studies and creative insights from netizens, it helps you master techniques for crafting memorable, shareable names that resonate with your target audience, while also highlighting the boundaries of using foreign-language names. [more…]

During the pour over process, water accumulation is a common yet troublesome issue—especially during the final extraction phase. If not handled properly, it can easily result in bitter, astringent flavors and an unbalanced cup. In fact, by mastering the bloom expansion level, observing the state of the brewing foam, and monitoring water level changes before the last pour, you can detect potential risks of accumulation in advance and make timely adjustments to your brewing strategy, avoiding extraction failure. This article will guide you in identifying possible water buildup at three key moments, along with practical solutions and remedies. [more…]