Coffee Intelligence

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to read high-quality journalism about the most important topics in the coffee sector. https://lnkd.in/eYiuEivt #CoffeeIntelligence #coffee #coffeeindustry #coffeenews #specialtycoffee

Scaling a customer-facing #coffee business is easier said than done -- and the path to doing so is fraught with challenges. Don't see your answer here? Please share it in the comments.

Stay updated with the latest in #coffee! This week's news roundup dives into #farmaudits and a possible data ownership #monopoly, what businesses need to know about scaling up, and how China's rapid rise as the 6th largest buyer of Brazilian coffee is impacting global market dynamics.

Jollibee Food Group recently acquired stakes in Botrista, Inc. in the US and the Compose Coffee chain in South Korea mark a significant step in the company's efforts to bolster its presence in the #coffee and #tea business. Sales of specialist coffee and tea shops in Southeast Asia soared to $4.4b in 2023, making it an attractive region to investors. Sarah Charles speaks with Andre Chanco (Yardstick Coffee) and Pacita Juan (NextGen Organization of Women Corporate Directors) about Southeast Asia’s rising #coffeeconsumption, growing market power, and how it is using regional trade agreements, service diversification, and strong investor funding to accelerate growth. https://lnkd.in/eiy8FPnW

Consolidation in the #coffeeindustry is no breaking news – it has been quietly reshaping specialty coffee brands worldwide, and #coffeeshop service with it. Multinationals are increasingly scaling up acquired specialty coffee brands. But one pitfall has been a reported decline in #service as brands grow. 52% of surveyed consumers said customer service was the most important part of their experience after quality. Sarah Charles speaks with Pete Licata and Tim Sturk about some of the obstacles to the true upscaling of specialty brands, and the central importance of people and service – and valuing them. https://lnkd.in/eahpKUYU

For many coffee professionals, #barista #competitions represent the pinnacle of the #specialtycoffee industry, and many have built a career off the back of their competition success. But as new generations enter the sector, the prestige is shifting. Ross Hindle speaks with Charlotte Corra about the evolution of competitions over time, how in recent years, SCA Expo and WoC events have seen a notably smaller audience for their competitions, and why that is. https://lnkd.in/egiWiT5P

Coffee championships and competitions have become, over the years, relevant platforms for #innovation, professional growth, and setting trends that drive the #coffeeindustry forward.

World of Coffee this year saw participants split into two camps - team “#infused” and team “#terroir.” At the cupping tables, the preference for one or the other was strongly felt. The most recent Best of #Panama competition disqualified “infused” #coffee entries. Sarah Charles speaks with Karl Wienhold (University of Lisbon), Miguel Hoyos Uribe (Flor a Fruto) and Alberto Berchmans Perangin Angin (Opal Coffee) about the division, and how while infused coffees can level the playing field for lower-scoring lots, some consider it unfair. https://lnkd.in/dZ7Z4wiN

Organic is one of the most recognisable labels on the shelves, and demand for #organiccoffee is growing. The global #organic market was worth $133 billion in 2021 alone. Meanwhile, the demand for environmentally friendly cleaning products is also growing. Michaela Tomchek speaks with Jason Bond and Richard Surynt from Cafetto about the importance of sustainably sourced ingredients for equipment cleaning products as well, and how coffee brands could tap into these trends by offering organic coffee from farm to cup – including brewing. https://lnkd.in/d2YBsQrT

Success for many specialty #coffeeroasters builds on #community – capturing the attention and loyalty of their local markets. As they grow, some may seek to expand beyond their local regions and become national or international competitors. After all, Mass retail means broader outreach and growth. 40% of US coffee drinkers, for example, purchase their home coffee from #grocerystores. Jordan Montgomery speaks with Spencer Turer about how scaling up a business is a step that requires careful planning, and isn't necessarily for everyone. https://lnkd.in/eKzCrEDb