While tea and coffee brands compete fiercely in the market and consumer attention is focused on collaborations and promotions, it is actually the behind-the-scenes raw material and packaging suppliers that are quietly rising. These companies, by stably supplying sugar substitutes, fruit juices, and packaging materials, have not only seen significant business growth but are also actively preparing for IPOs. This article delves into the rise of these supply chain companies and their market strategies, giving you insight into the hidden winners in the new consumption trends. [more…]

As specialty coffee beverages become increasingly refined, factors beyond just the coffee beans and brewing techniques—such as the choice of milk—have emerged as key influencers of flavor. In recent years, 'Jersey milk' has stood out with its high fat content, low lactose, and delicate texture, even earning the title 'the Hermès of milks.' This article will provide an in-depth comparison of the composition of Jersey milk versus regular fresh milk and ice cream milk, and through practical testing of Dirty and latte drinks, analyze its performance in coffee beverages, its pros and cons, as well as suitable scenarios, helping you better understand how to choose. [more…]

While well-known tea and coffee brands fiercely compete in the market and capture significant attention, the ingredient and packaging suppliers that support these brands are quietly growing stronger and collectively moving toward the capital markets. From sugar substitutes and fruit juice concentrates to paper cups and plastic tableware, how are these supply chain companies steadily growing amid the competition of end-brand products and leveraging the trend to go public? This article will delve into the roles, development trajectories, and market opportunities of these key suppliers. [more…]

Why do specialty coffee shops prefer using Jersey milk? What makes it known as the “Hermès of milk”? Priced several times higher than regular fresh milk, how does Jersey milk compare in terms of fat and protein content? This article explores the origins of the Jersey cattle breed and its nutritional profile, and includes a hands-on comparison of Xiangmanlou, Weipin Jersey milk, and regular fresh milk in Dirty and hot Latte to help you understand whether this premium dairy product is worth the extra cost for your coffee experience. [more…]

The flavor profile of your pour over coffee is actually determined right from the moment you start pouring — starting with the water height. Most coffee enthusiasts tend to keep their pouring height between 0 to 7 centimeters, but this seemingly simple action can significantly alter the extraction efficiency and taste complexity of the coffee through three key factors: the penetration power of the water stream, temperature loss, and vertical stability. This article takes an in-depth look at the real impacts of different pouring heights, combining experimental comparison data to help you find the pouring strategy that best suits your brewing style — whether you're a beginner or a seasoned home brewer. [more…]

Nayuki’s Tea once launched a virtual stock membership activity where users could simulate trading stocks linked to real stock prices using consumption points called “Nayuki Coins,” even supporting leveraged operations. Although the activity quickly sparked discussion and attention, its operational model also raised questions about legality and consumer risk. This article will comprehensively dissect the entire story, details of the model design, and the legal gray areas involved, helping readers understand how new-style tea beverage brands navigate the line between marketing innovation and regulatory boundaries. [more…]

Many young entrepreneurs dream of opening a coffee shop, only to exit the scene quietly within half a year. Is it the wrong location or flawed business strategy? This article dissects common mistakes in key areas such as market positioning, store planning, and delivery services, offering concrete data and practical advice to help those preparing to enter the industry avoid these operational pitfalls. [more…]

The French press is the go-to brewing tool for many coffee beginners stepping into the world of homemade coffee. Its intuitive operation and fewer variables allow even novice enthusiasts to consistently extract coffee with balanced flavors. This article delves into the key extraction parameters of the French press, including grind size, coffee-to-water ratio, water temperature control, and steeping time. It also explains the differences in extraction principles between the French press and pour over coffee, helping readers find the brewing method that suits them best. Practical examples are provided at the end of the article. [more…]

The new tea drink market is highly competitive, and brands continuously roll out innovative marketing strategies to capture consumer attention. From early collaborations with niche fruits to the now-popular milk tea scratch cards, blind box lotteries, and even extravagant giveaways like gold and cars — what psychological principles lie behind these tactics? This article takes an in-depth look at the lottery marketing trends among new tea drink brands, helping readers understand how these creative campaigns stimulate consumption, and explores consumer choices amid intense marketing saturation. [more…]

In recent years, coffee prices around the world have generally risen. From Australia to Europe to Asia, consumers are facing increasingly higher costs for their coffee. What factors are driving these price hikes? Will coffee prices continue to climb in the future? This article delves into the underlying reasons for the global increase in coffee prices and provides practical insights to help coffee enthusiasts understand market trends and possible coping strategies. [more…]

Want to enjoy an exceptionally flavorful iced coffee in the hot summer? Choosing the right coffee beans is key. This article selects four specialty coffee beans from Ethiopia, Kenya, Costa Rica, and Colombia, covering bright fruity acidity, rich sweetness, and fermented profiles. It provides an in-depth analysis of their regional characteristics and differences in processing methods, along with practical cold drip and cold brew extraction parameters to help you easily brew refreshing and delightful summer iced coffee at home. [more…]

Caffeine is not only a key component for human alertness but also has profound effects on other animals. From the abnormal web-spinning patterns of spiders to enhanced pollination behavior in bees, and even the controversy over its ban in horse racing, this article delves into the physiological effects and risks of caffeine across different species. Understanding these scientific findings can help you gain a more comprehensive view of caffeine’s complex role in nature. [more…]

Starbucks recently announced that it will permanently close 16 stores in the United States by the end of July, with several located in its headquarters city of Seattle. This decision is primarily due to worsening public safety issues that directly threaten the safety of both employees and customers. In addition, Starbucks is also re-evaluating its restroom access policy, implementing stricter controls on usage by non-paying customers. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the specific reasons behind the store closures, the management’s response strategies, and the impact of this incident on the global market as well as industry policies. [more…]

Thanks to its unique design and high practicality, the Origami folded filter cone has become one of the go-to tools for many pour over enthusiasts. Designed by Japanese designer Yasuo Suzuki, it not only features a minimalist Nordic style but also supports both cone-shaped and flat-bottom (cake) filters, offering a diverse range of flavor profiles. This article provides an in-depth analysis of its design highlights, suitable coffee bean types, comparative extraction parameters, and discusses its pros and cons to help you find the most suitable brewing method. [more…]

A great cup of coffee isn’t just about captivating flavors — body richness is key too. Body refers to the mouthfeel of coffee, ranging from delicate and smooth to rich and thick, all related to oils and fibers. This article will help you understand the true meaning of body, analyze which coffee beans possess full-bodied characteristics, and delve into the techniques and principles of the Hario V60 pour-over method. This will help you confidently achieve a rich mouthfeel and balanced flavors even when brewing at home. [more…]

With the changing pace of life, an increasing number of consumers hope to fulfill both daytime alertness and nighttime relaxation needs in a single space, driving a new trend where cafés incorporate alcoholic beverages. This article delves into the background, market response, and operational challenges behind the rise of the 'coffee + alcohol' cross-industry model, helping you understand how this innovative business strategy reshapes the consumption scenarios of modern beverage outlets and explores the potential of all-day operations. [more…]

Faced with employee strikes, union disputes, and declining brand trust, interim Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz publicly addressed the challenges and proposed five core strategies to reshape corporate culture. This article delves into these reform directions—from employee benefits to customer relations—revealing how Starbucks is attempting to mend internal rifts and rebuild its core value of “partners first.” [more…]

Whether pregnant women can continue to enjoy a cup of coffee is a common concern among many expectant mothers. A recent Mendelian randomization study by the University of Queensland explores the association between coffee consumption during pregnancy and outcomes such as miscarriage, preterm birth, and birth weight from a genetic perspective. This article will delve into the study’s findings, explain how caffeine affects fetal development, and provide practical intake recommendations to help pregnant women discern safety boundaries and make informed choices. [more…]

Many people’s first impression of coffee is that it’s “bitter,” even associating it with the experience of drinking Chinese herbal medicine. But does hot Americano really equate to Chinese herbal medicine? From a TCM perspective, coffee has an acrid and warming nature, capable of invigorating the mind, benefiting kidney yang, and aiding diuresis. However, in terms of brewing methods, drinking purposes, and consumption contexts, it is fundamentally different from Chinese herbal medicine. This article delves into the differences between hot Americano and Chinese herbal medicine, and takes you through the evolution of coffee flavors—from bitterness to acidity—exploring the diverse flavor potential of black coffee. [more…]

In the specialty coffee community, award-winning beans are often seen as a mark of quality. However, a Taiwan-based domestic coffee bean evaluation event was thrown into disarray due to a system malfunction that caused coding and ranking confusion — with the Grand Prize being mistakenly labeled as a Gold Award, sparking widespread attention. This article delves into the details of the incident, the organizer’s response, and the impact of such oversights on the credibility of competitions, helping readers better understand how to view competition results and choose award-winning coffee beans. [more…]