If you flinch when your barista flips the tip screen around to show options for upwards of 35%, you’re far from alone. In fact, a majority of Americans are annoyed and confused about how much to tip. Today, expected tips in US coffee shops are often upwards of 20%, and 35% of Americans think tipping culture has gotten out of control. Studies show tipping no longer accurately reflects quality of service.
In 2015, new “infusion” processing methods took specialty coffee by storm. They aligned with the sector’s quest for the next best thing and could potentially raise cupping scores to boot. But has the trend run its course? Regardless, demand remains strong for infused coffees, led by emerging markets like Asia and the Middle East.
Specialty coffee vending machines might seem like a contradiction in terms, but specialty and premium coffee brands are turning to vending machines as new market platforms. Vending machines are getting a makeover as the demand for convenience and RTD products skyrockets. Vending machines could be the lynchpin the specialty segment needs to scale up across demographics.
Coffee concentrates are no overnight sensation, but their growth is currently exploding, along with that of RTD. Soluble coffee remains in the lead in terms of convenience, but doesn't quite meet the rising demand for premium products and quality, especially with younger generations.
The third wave of coffee was born out of an appreciation for improving quality, transparency, and traceability across the supply chain. As such, paying more for coffee quickly became one of the market’s core principles. But what happens as specialty coffee enters the fourth wave, widely accepted as the commercialisation of the sector?
Colombian coffee has experienced a sustained period of high prices. Roasters and importers started sourcing from elsewhere, which has caused something of a seachange even as Colombian prices settle.
After a sustained period of low sales in Australia, Starbucks finally turned a profit in the region in November 2023. So, what changed?
In many regions around the world, coffee farming has been entangled with communities for centuries. Rather than neglecting this fact, recognising it could benefit the coffee industry.
"Direct trade" is a founding principle of specialty coffee. However, as many across the sector hailed it, supply chain intermediaries have received widespread criticism
Multinationals strengthen their grip over the coffee industry as acquisitions continue across the board. Meanwhile, historic European coffee brands like Lavazza and Illy continue to chug along seemingly unperturbed. But what's the dynamic between the two?
Coffee production may be fuelling Ethiopia's civil war – as the government uses it to bank more US dollars to buy foreign arms
Despite the C price fluctuating over the last few years – with some comparatively significant highs – many smallholder coffee farmers didn’t see a rise in earnings. As such, it's become clear that higher prices is not the sole solution.
Mushroom coffee has emerged in response to an emerging consumer preference for health and wellness-based products. But does it have staying power?
Selling coffee as cherry has become increasingly popular in coffee-growing regions around the world. But is this shift good for coffee producers?
Coffee companies invest heavily in building their brands because establishing a loyal customer base is crucial for driving growth. However, brand loyalty may be dying in the coffee industry
For decades, the movement of people has been a key discussion point in coffee production. But rising levels of rural-to-urban migration mean both potential farmers and pickers are leaving.
