Starbucks once again collaborates across industries with a popular game, this time teaming up with League of Legends Mobile to launch the Sylas Fenney-themed Star Gift Pack. Available in limited quantities at nationwide stores starting January 10, purchasing the gift pack not only allows you to collect unique merchandise but also gives you a chance to win the 2023 New Year limited-edition in-game skin. This article details the highlights of this collaboration, the background of the Sylas Fenney character, reviews the global development history of League of Legends, and analyzes the latest trends in coffee brand co-branding marketing to help you stay on top of cross-industry trends. [more…]

Turkish coffee is famous for its unique brewing method and mysterious fortune-telling culture, but do you know why the small pot can magically refill to the brim each time it’s placed back on the heat after pouring? The key lies in the principle of even heat conduction through hot sand. This article delves into the heating mechanism of the Turkish coffee pot, common operational mistakes, explores the history and credibility of coffee grounds divination, and introduces its rich and bold flavor profile — giving you a full understanding of the charm of this traditional coffee. [more…]

Feeling overwhelmed by the menu when you walk into a coffee shop for the first time? This article will help you easily master ordering techniques—from common coffee items to communicating your flavor preferences—to find your ideal cup. We’ll also reveal the classic drinks often ordered by seasoned coffee lovers, so you can confidently choose like an expert. [more…]

In the rapidly reshaping post-pandemic coffee market, novice entrepreneurs often mistakenly believe that “sentiment” alone can sustain shop operations. This article dissects a full-chain strategy—from business district selection, consumer behavior insights, to product structure design—combining real operational data to reveal the survival rules of specialty coffee shops and internet-famous cafes. It also provides specific advice on bean selection, equipment configuration, and improving customer retention. [more…]

In recent years, specialty coffee shops have increasingly opted for traceable fresh milk sourced from single-origin regions. This not only enhances the flavor complexity of milk-based coffee but also gives consumers a clearer understanding of what they’re drinking. From Australia to China, more and more cafes are experimenting with milk from smallholder farms—using cow’s milk, goat’s milk, and even camel milk—to create unique taste experiences. This article delves into why single-origin fresh milk is gaining popularity and shares tips on selecting the best type of milk for latte art, helping you elevate your coffee quality from milk selection to pouring the perfect design. [more…]

As China gradually relaxes its pandemic policies and economic activity warms up, Starbucks, as an international coffee chain brand, is also entering a new phase in its performance and store expansion in the Chinese market. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of Starbucks’ latest operational performance in China, its future store expansion plans, as well as analysts’ views on its stock price and market outlook, bringing you the key information. [more…]

Chinese chain coffee brand Luckin recently posted store management positions on a Singapore job portal, with salary ranges equivalent to approximately RMB 19,000 to 25,000, sparking speculation about its plans to expand into the Southeast Asian market. Coupled with the backdrop of counterfeit stores in Thailand that remain in operation, as well as the success story of local budget brand Mixue, what strategic considerations lie behind this move by Luckin? What potential and challenges does the Southeast Asian coffee market hold? This article outlines the sequence of events and provides analysis. [more…]

With the end of the first New Year’s holiday following the adjustment of epidemic prevention policies, coffee and tea shops across various regions have seen long-awaited queues, signaling a clear rebound in consumer markets. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the data changes behind this surge in queues, explores which regions and brands have shown the most significant recovery, and shares industry forecasts on consumption trends for spring and summer, helping readers grasp market dynamics and shifts in consumer behavior. [more…]

A customer requested to change the tea base of an Iced Peach Oolong Tea from oolong to black tea at Starbucks but was met with dissatisfaction due to insufficient stock, waiting time, and service attitude—eventually even being advised to try a competing brand. This incident highlights the challenges chain coffee shops face balancing standardized procedures with individualized customer needs, also prompting reflection on the boundary between barista professionalism and complaint handling. [more…]

South Koreans consume an average of 352 cups of coffee per person per year — three times the global average. Iced Americano has become an everyday essential for office workers and students alike. This article delves into how Korea’s coffee culture evolved from a historical accident to a national obsession, explores the reasons behind the popularity of iced Americano, and examines how Koreans rely on coffee to stay energized despite limited sleep. Discover how this cold brewed drink has permeated every corner of society. [more…]

Did you know? Coffee was originally not consumed as a drink but chewed like an energy bar. From a stimulant in the Middle East to a controversial topic in Europe, and now a daily staple for people around the world, the evolution of coffee is full of surprises. This article takes you on a journey through time, uncovering the process by which coffee went from being misunderstood to becoming a global favorite—with 15 little-known historical tidbits. It also includes practical fun facts to give you more to talk about the next time you enjoy a cup. [more…]

As winter temperatures drop, pour over coffee often suffers from insufficient brewing water temperature, leading to a loss of flavor and a significant reduction in sweetness and body. This article delves into how ambient temperature affects the actual extraction temperature of the coffee grounds, provides a scientific basis for adjusting water temperature, and shares multiple practical heat retention techniques to help coffee enthusiasts consistently brew well-balanced, layered pour over coffee even in cold seasons. [more…]

Want to become a barista but facing opposition from your parents? Many young people encounter skepticism from family when pursuing this career. This article delves into the real challenges of a barista’s professional journey, helping you clarify your motivation for entering the field, assess the potential for professional growth, and offering effective communication strategies with your family—assisting you in making a more rational decision between chasing your dreams and facing reality. [more…]

Thai police recently cracked down on a cross-border case involving counterfeit Starbucks cups, seizing over 10,000 fake items with a total case value of up to 5 million Thai baht. This article delves into the investigation process of this counterfeit operation, reveals how fake goods infiltrate the market through online shopping platforms, and provides key details for identifying genuine products to help consumers avoid falling into traps when making purchases. [more…]

When does the milk foam on a latte start to dissipate? Why can some lattes maintain their smooth texture for over ten minutes without large bubbles, while others develop coarse bubbles in just two minutes? Understanding the texture of the milk foam itself, the condition of the espresso crema, and the technique of integrating the two is key to mastering a refined latte. This article delves into the three major factors that affect milk foam stability and shares practical tips on cup selection and operational details to help you improve the flavor and visual presentation of your latte from the ground up. [more…]

In recent café interior design trends, industrial style—with its emphasis on cement gray and exposed steel—has become a popular choice for many brands to create distinctive spaces. From Blue Bottle Coffee to Hangzhou’s Forêt, such designs not only evoke an industrial atmosphere but also offer tranquil urban retreats. This article delves into the evolution of this style, classic case studies, and explores the psychology and branding strategy behind its consumer appeal. [more…]

As China’s coffee market expands rapidly, more professionals are considering a career shift into the coffee industry. This article provides an in-depth look at the realities of being a barista, covering everything from apprentice training paths and the practicality of certifications to evaluating the costs of switching careers. It offers realistic analysis and hands-on advice to help readers grasp key entry barriers beyond just passion, enabling smarter career decisions. [more…]

Has your coffee been sitting around too long and lost its flavor? Don’t throw it out just yet. This article will teach you how to adjust your pour over parameters to get the best out of stale coffee beans, plus share three practical and eco-friendly ways to reuse coffee grounds—from deodorizing and cleaning to plant nutrition—so every bean goes to good use. [more…]

The globally renowned coffee brand Costa recently launched China’s first 'Drive-Thru' store in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, adopting an innovative 'stay-in-your-car' purchasing model to capture the takeaway coffee market. This article delves into the development of this model overseas, compares it with Starbucks’ 'shared space' concept, and explores how Costa aims to narrow the gap with leading brands through this initiative. [more…]

In recent years, Douyin has become a new battleground for beverage brands to compete for traffic, thanks to its massive user base and the strong momentum of livestream e-commerce. From Starbucks and Luckin to Nayuki and Heytea, numerous well-known brands have launched low-price group buying deals to attract consumers to place orders and further stimulate in-store visits. This article will take an in-depth look at the realities of this online price war and reveal how brands leverage the Douyin platform to boost exposure and sales. [more…]