The world’s largest coffee producer, Brazil, is facing multiple blows—from extreme weather to fertilizer shortages—with production expected to decline by 15.3% in 2022. This article delves into the key reasons behind Brazil’s coffee production drop, including drought, frost, soaring fertilizer prices, and rising transportation costs, while exploring how these factors are shaking up the international coffee market. It helps readers understand future price trends and supply chain challenges. [more…]

When coffee is no longer just a simple beverage but crosses over with lotteries, sports brands, and even tech companies, what kind of sparks will fly? This article takes an in-depth look at how cross-industry models such as “coffee + lottery” attract younger consumers, explores the business logic behind brand crossovers, and shares practical insights to help readers understand the latest trends and innovations in the coffee market. [more…]

Faced with the impact of the pandemic, is it really not possible to open a coffee shop? In fact, the key lies not in “whether it’s possible” but in “how to plan.” This article delves into eight core questions to consider before opening a shop — from identifying your target customer base to product strategy. It also explores an efficient model that combines neighborhood-style shops with delivery services, sharing how to balance consistent quality with innovative operations, helping entrepreneurs reduce risk and increase survival rates. [more…]

Hot and iced versions of pour over coffee each have their unique flavor profiles, aromas, and textures. This article delves into the differences between hot pour over and iced pour over, analyzing everything from extraction logic and parameter adjustments to real-world comparisons with four representative bean varieties. It will help you understand which types of coffee beans are best suited for iced pour over and master key selection techniques and practical tips. [more…]

With the rise of plant-based milk in the global beverage market, oat milk has become the preferred pairing for many coffee enthusiasts, especially among Chinese and Asian consumers. However, can plant-based milk truly match the nutritional profile of traditional dairy milk? This article delves into the historical evolution, market trends, and nutritional differences of plant-based milk, and analyzes its usage restrictions in international coffee competitions to help readers make smarter choices. [more…]

Starbucks has recently adjusted its store access policy, planning to restrict non-paying customers from using toilets and seating areas, citing concerns over staff safety and mental health. CEO Howard Schultz has publicly addressed the difficulty of getting employees back to work and hinted at possibly reversing the 2018 policy of universal access, which was implemented following a racial incident. This article delves into the reasons behind the policy shift, explores a new balance in store management, and retains key historical context for reference. [more…]

Want to pour latte art with clear patterns and a smooth texture at home? The key lies in the quality of your milk foam. This guide delves into the core principles of steaming milk—from steam wand angle, frothing depth, temperature control, to troubleshooting common issues like overly large bubbles—step by step, helping you create silky-smooth, velvety milk foam. Whether you’re a beginner or a coffee enthusiast looking to refine your skills, you’ll gain practical techniques and professional advice. [more…]

As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, the market for boxed mooncakes has once again become a focal point. This year, four national departments have joined forces to tackle the issue of "exorbitantly priced" mooncakes, specifically targeting boxed mooncakes priced over 500 yuan for key oversight. They are also regulating packaging materials and e-commerce sales practices. This article breaks down the key points of the new regulations, reminds consumers to keep transaction records for reference, and provides practical tips for selection to help you avoid unnecessary high expenses. [more…]

Howard Schultz, Starbucks' interim chief executive officer, recently shared significant insights on China-US relations and proposed that eliminating high tariffs could help alleviate inflation and consumer pressure. At the same time, he is actively pushing for an internal management restructuring at Starbucks, including halting stock buybacks, adjusting employee policies, addressing union challenges, and planning to select a new CEO from outside the company. This article details Schultz's reform direction and strategy, helping readers gain an in-depth understanding of the decision-making behind the brand. [more…]

How much impact does a slight adjustment in pour over coffee water temperature have on the final flavor? This article uses two common temperature ranges—90°C and 93°C—as examples. We selected the Hua Hudie coffee beans, which contain 70% Panamanian Geisha, while keeping all other parameters consistent. By comparing concentration data and actual tasting notes, we analyze the differences in flavor profiles at different water temperatures. We also provide practical parameter suggestions for stable extraction, as well as bean varieties suited for higher temperatures and cooling brewing techniques, helping you accurately find the balance between water temperature and flavor. [more…]

The recent recall of some moka pots by IKEA has drawn significant attention from coffee enthusiasts regarding the safety of this classic brewing device. Are moka pots really prone to explosions? How can you avoid dangers in daily use and extract coffee with the desired flavor? This article provides an in-depth analysis of the structure and working principles of moka pots, correct operation steps, key details to watch out for, and everything from seasoning a new pot, water level control, coffee grounds handling, gasket replacement, heating source selection, to troubleshooting common issues. It also recommends coffee blends that are well-suited for moka pots. [more…]

Recently, Starbucks in the United States closed a unionized store located in Ithaca, New York, escalating labor disputes. The union accused the company of retaliating against the unionization movement, while Starbucks officials claimed the closure was due to actual issues such as facility conditions and staff management. This incident reflects the growing challenges in labor and equipment within the coffee industry post-pandemic, as well as the rising tensions between employers and employees amid the strengthening of union power. This article takes you through the full story, both sides’ statements, and the broader implications of such actions on the overall labor [more…]

A juice priced at 108 yuan — such an exorbitantly priced drink has recently sparked heated discussion in Changsha. Is it truly made with premium ingredients or just a marketing gimmick? This article delves into the pricing strategy behind the durian and mangosteen drink launched by Changsha’s “Little Mountain Realm · Fruit Molecular Tea,” explores why high-priced fruit drinks frequently attract attention, and compares it with similar past cases to help readers rationally view marketing phenomena and consumption choices in the beverage market. [more…]

In the three-stage pour over method for pour over coffee, when to perform the third pour—or when to pause—is a detail many coffee enthusiasts tend to overlook. Should you wait until the liquid has completely dripped through, or add more water once the water level drops to half? This article presents an in-depth comparison using Costa Rica Strawberry Candy and washed Yirgacheffe, analyzing how two different pause timings impact aroma, flavor, extraction time, and the state of the coffee bed. Practical advice is also provided to help you optimize your pour over process. [more…]

Does dark-roasted coffee pose a hidden cancer risk? This article delves into the formation mechanism of acrylamide, explores the relationship between the Maillard reaction and roasted aromas, and clarifies the gap between "detection" and "actual harm" by comparing international authoritative classifications and typical food content levels. From coffee to fried foods—understand the truth behind the scientific data. [more…]

Tech giant Huawei recently filed a trademark for "One Standard Coffee Absorbing Cosmic Energy", sparking widespread discussion about its foray into the coffee market. Is it simply following a trend, or is there a deeper strategy at play? This article delves into the motivations behind Huawei's coffee sector layout and explores the unique value of coffee as a global connector, revealing how non-traditional brands can leverage coffee to expand their influence. [more…]

Nestlé has opened a sleep café in Tokyo, Japan, combining low-caffeine coffee with napping, featuring a "coffee nap" sleep therapy program that offers various sleep packages and sleep-enhancing meals. This article delves into its operational model, scientific principles, and shares actual experience content, helping you understand how proper coffee consumption and short breaks can effectively alleviate modern sleep issues. [more…]

The 2022 Guangdong Gaokao essay prompt used the Go terms “solid move (本手), brilliant move (妙手), and vulgar move (俗手)” as its theme, inspiring us to rethink the essence of coffee. Whether it’s pour over extraction or coffee roasting, a solid foundation of knowledge is key to crafting a great cup of coffee. This article will delve into the principles of extraction, the characteristics of coffee beans, and the logic of roasting, helping you fundamentally understand coffee, avoid common mistakes, and create your own unique coffee flavors. [more…]

The flavor performance of pour over coffee lies in the delicate balance between extraction rate and concentration. Understanding how these two core metrics influence the balance of acidity, sweetness, and bitterness, body, and aftertaste can help you quickly identify brewing issues. This article delves into the definitions, relationships, and practical manifestations of extraction rate and concentration, combined with strategies for adjusting coffee-to-water ratio, grind size, and water temperature, to help you avoid common brewing pitfalls and brew an ideally layered cup of coffee. [more…]

Not sure where to start when you get a new coffee bean you've never brewed before? This article will guide you step-by-step on how to deduce the right grind size, water temperature, and brewing strategy based on the origin, processing method, flavor notes, and roast level indicated on the packaging. Whether you're a pour over beginner or a coffee enthusiast eager to try new beans, you'll learn how to adjust parameters according to the bean's characteristics, making every cup of pour over coffee more purposeful and layered. [more…]