Starbucks Japan has announced price adjustments starting April 13, with increases in the prices of coffee beans and several beverage items, while plant-based milk lattes have seen a rare price reduction. This marks the first time in 16 years that Starbucks Japan has adjusted the price of coffee beans and the first beverage price change in three years. This article will delve into the reasons behind the price hikes, including global coffee futures trends, inflation, and geopolitical impacts, while also exploring market reactions in Japan and the moves of competing brands to help readers understand the latest market trends and purchasing advice. [more…]

Luckin Coffee’s HuaKui series of single-origin espressos is coming to an end, and taking the stage next is the 96-hour double anaerobic fermented coffee beans from Colombia’s TianTang Estate. This specialty bean, rated SCA 85+, is known for its lemongrass and fruit wine aromas. This article provides an in-depth analysis of its processing method, flavor profile, and explores Luckin’s stability performance under medium-dark roasting. It also gives you a glimpse into the future direction of the HuaKui PLUS series, offering selection tips for adventurous pour-over enthusiasts. [more…]

Have you ever encountered a situation where the coffee grounds show no reaction during the bloom phase of pour over brewing—no puffing up, no fluffiness? This not only affects the consistency of coffee extraction but may also significantly diminish flavor. This article delves into the principles behind coffee grounds expansion during the bloom stage, analyzing key factors such as freshness, roast level, and grind size one by one, and provides practical operational tips to help you accurately identify the root of the problem and steadily improve the flavor performance of every cup of pour over coffee. [more…]

From the once-popular paper straws to the now highly spotlighted PLA and edible straws, the evolution of eco-friendly utensils is not only a technological breakthrough but also a balancing challenge between user experience and environmental benefits. This article delves into the real reasons behind the phase-out of paper straws, explores the advantages and limitations of PLA straws, and introduces the innovative progress of new edible straws—helping readers understand the actual performance and future trends of different options. [more…]

With the shifting dietary perspectives of China’s younger consumers, coffee is no longer just an imported luxury beverage but has gradually become part of everyday life. From the rise of Yunnan coffee beans to innovative specialty drinks that incorporate Chinese elements, what cultural contexts and innovation challenges lie behind this wave of “coffee localization”? This article will delve into current market phenomena, analyzing the highlights of innovation in Chinese-style coffee and the gaps in its cultural foundation, helping readers gain a more comprehensive understanding of the localization process of coffee. [more…]

The 4-6 method is a classic pour over technique developed by Japanese barista Tetsu Kasuya, renowned for its stability and ease of use. By following the simple logic of “the first 40% shapes the flavor, the latter 60% builds the mouthfeel,” along with an extremely coarse grind and fixed interval pouring, even beginners can easily brew layered coffee. This guide details its core parameters, operational steps, and adjustment principles to help you master this practical brewing method. [more…]

Starbucks founder Howard Schultz has once again taken on the role of CEO, facing union protests, food safety controversies in China, and a brand credibility crisis. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the transformation strategy he proposed at the 2022 shareholders' meeting, including the rollout of Clover Vertica brewing machines in all US company-operated stores by 2025, expansion plans for cold brew and plant-based milk beverages, and explores breakout directions amid intensifying competition in the Chinese market. [more…]

The first Blue Bottle Coffee store in mainland China, the Yutong branch in Shanghai, once witnessed a craze with customers queuing up to seven hours on its opening day. Now, it has temporarily suspended operations due to the pandemic. This article details the journey of the store from its explosive popularity to closure, analyzes changes in foot traffic and adjustments made for epidemic prevention, and reviews the development of the pandemic in Shanghai. Learn how specialty coffee brands balance operations and safety during extraordinary times, as well as the phenomena behind consumer queuing behavior. [more…]

Want to brew a latte with balanced flavor and smooth texture at home? Besides choosing the right coffee beans, the golden ratio of espresso to milk, the fineness of the milk foam, and the technique for blending the two are all key. This guide thoroughly explores the latte-making process—from tips on pulling the perfect shot of espresso, common milk-to-coffee ratios, to how to judge quality milk foam and achieve even integration—helping you master professional-level latte brewing techniques. [more…]

During the pandemic, with universities under closed management, post-00s students were cut off from off-campus cafes, yet this unexpectedly gave rise to a new trend: the "dormitory cafe." From instant coffee to creative specialty drinks, how are these young people creating their own coffee corners in limited environments? This article delves into the reasons behind this campus coffee craze, its characteristics, and the potential legal and hygiene issues involved, while also providing practical advice to help readers better understand coffee culture and safety precautions during lockdowns. [more…]

With over 7,000 coffee shops, Shanghai has become the city with the most coffee establishments in the world. This phenomenon reflects how coffee, once an imported luxury, has gradually become integrated into the daily lives of local residents. This article explores the establishment of Shanghai's coffee culture through online discussions, historical context, and actual consumption data, while also examining the deeper meaning of coffee as part of the daily ritual for urban dwellers. [more…]

To more accurately describe the flavor characteristics of single-origin coffee, it’s essential to understand the design logic of the coffee flavor wheel. This article deeply analyzes the three-tier structure of the flavor wheel—from the foundational flavor categories in the inner ring to the detailed classifications in the middle and outer rings—helping you build a systematic approach to coffee tasting. Paired with practical cupping observation techniques, it allows you to advance from a beginner to a coffee enthusiast capable of discerning nuanced flavors. [more…]

High-end new-style tea beverage brands Heytea and Nayuki have recently announced successive price reduction strategies, with some products dropping to as low as 9 RMB, drawing significant market attention. What consumer trends do these adjustments reflect? What are consumers’ views on the price cuts and changes in product quality? This article takes an in-depth look at the specific actions of both brands, market data, and the broader impact of this pricing competition on the industry. [more…]

As one of the viral coffee trends that has emerged in recent years, the garlic latte has sparked heated discussions with its bold flavor combination and simple preparation method. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the garlic paste rimming technique, the ratio for iced coffee preparation, and practical step-by-step instructions. It takes you through how this stunning yet controversial creative coffee rose to fame on the streets, while also sharing real user feedback and expert advice to help you master the art of balancing flavors. [more…]

Ice drip coffee, with its unique cold brewing process, delivers a refreshing and layered flavor that is highly praised by coffee enthusiasts. However, to brew a pot of ice drip coffee that is well-balanced in flavor and free from bitterness, the key lies in mastering grind size, dripping speed, and bean selection. This article delves into the brewing parameters of ice drip coffee, offering practical advice on equipment selection, coffee-to-water ratio, and low-temperature aging to help you easily brew your ideal ice drip flavor. [more…]

To consistently pull an ideal shot of espresso, precise adjustment of grind size is an indispensable step. However, many baristas and enthusiasts often overlook how the condition of the coffee beans and ambient humidity continuously affect grinding needs. This article will delve into why it's necessary to fine-tune the grind size daily or even every half-day, explore the impact of coffee bean freshness and the aging (resting) period, and provide practical grind adjustment logic based on a 1:2 brew ratio and an extraction time of 20–30 seconds to help [more…]

The key to pour over coffee lies in precise extraction parameters, and the coffee-to-water ratio and brew ratio are two core indicators that influence flavor. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the differences between the two, their applicable scenarios, and the actual conversion logic, helping you master how to adjust ratios based on coffee bean characteristics and filter type to improve pour over stability and flavor performance—especially suitable for coffee enthusiasts who pursue precise extraction. [more…]

Recent leadership changes at Starbucks have drawn attention, as current CEO Kevin Johnson has announced his retirement. Legendary founder Howard Schultz will return to take on the role of interim CEO in April 2022. This leader, who once spearheaded the brand's global expansion, now faces challenges such as turbulence in the Chinese market and labor issues in the United States. This article delves into Schultz’s leadership trajectory and the pressing operational challenges Starbucks must currently address. [more…]

India’s Kolkata General Post Office has recently launched the country’s first post office café, “Siuli,” combining coffee, antiques, and historical artifacts to offer a uniquely distinctive consumer experience. In addition to regular coffee beverages, the café also sells water from the Ganges River and 19th-century postal antique furniture, showcasing the unique charm of a blend between tradition and modernity. This article will take you through the innovative design and the vision behind this cross-industry café. [more…]

Faced with the environmental pressure caused by single-use cups, Starbucks continues to seek alternative solutions. The newly launched Plan C introduces dedicated cup-washing machines in stores, where customers can wash their own cups and take them away, though a deposit is still required. This test is first being rolled out at Arizona State University and some locations in Hawaii in the United States. Meanwhile, mainland China stores have switched to paper straws and sippy lids, reducing plastic usage by approximately 200 tons annually. This article takes you through the evolution and real-world testing of Starbucks’ various stages of plastic-reduction efforts. [more…]