The coffee news never stops, so we’re back at it this week with headlines including:
A team from UC Davis has updated the Classic Brewing Control Chart, a filter coffee reference from the 50s that has helped generations find the perfect brew ratio. The researchers used up-to-date sensory research as well as consumer insights to create a more streamlined, user-friendly, and altogether more modern brewing guide.
Starbucks isn’t doing so well. The coffee giant’s latest financial report was disappointing (if you’re a shareholder) but also pointed to an interesting subplot: it is losing heavily in China. Investors are pouring money into fast-growing, low-cost, and tech-focused coffee chains like Luckin and Cotti Coffee, leaving Starbucks to play catch-up—its sales were down 14% in the country last quarter.
Meanwhile, Starbucks’ new CEO has announced a raft of new ideas to get the ailing brand back on track: forward-thinking ideas like ‘go back to being an actual coffee shop’. That’s why he gets paid the big bucks ($113 million in his first year, to be precise). But his employees also have some ideas, including increased staffing and better protection from awful customers. And the unionised workers? They just want a contract.
For more on all these stories, plus what impact coffee has on your health this week, check out the full Roundup over at Fresh Cup Magazine:
If you missed it, why not read my latest Pourover piece on the concept of “unskilled” labour as it relates to coffee:
Until next week, it’s goodbye from Merlin: