Behind the Headlines: Is Starbucks Writing Names on Cups Again Sweet or Silly?

Starbucks’ announced they’ll return to hand-writing customers’ names on their cups. We interview shop owners and ask: is writing names on cups silly or a way to build connection with customers?
by Amber Gibson | December 11, 2024

In Pursuit of Sustainable, Allergy-Inclusive Packaging

Some cafes are turning to biodegradable and edible packaging as a way to reduce waste. But many of these items contain major allergens—here’s what you need to know to keep patrons safe.
by Chloé Skye Weiser | November 20, 2024

What Makes Packaging Sustainable?

Single-use packaging might seem like an inevitable part of a coffee business, but learning the basics of sustainable design can help owners reduce waste and align packaging needs with their values.
by Chloé Skye Weiser | November 13, 2024

Behind the Headlines: Starbucks Cut Back on Discounts, But Were Discounts Ever Worth It? 

Following Starbucks’ recent decision to cut back on drink promotions, we asked coffee shops if offering discounts is ever really worth it—and how they find success through thoughtful, targeted promotions.
by Amber Gibson | November 6, 2024

Behind the Headlines: Whole-Bean Coffee Sales Are Up—But Why?

New reports suggest whole-bean coffee sales are on the rise. But what’s fueling that growth? We ask roasters what they think.
by Amber Gibson | October 30, 2024

Will It Oat? Oat Milk’s Explosive Entry Into Coffee—and How It’ll Continue to Transform the Food Industry

Over the last seven years, oat milk has exploded in popularity across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Latin America, kicked off by the Swedish company Oatly’s appearance on the market in 2017. Uptake was…
by Chloé Skye Weiser | October 18, 2024

It’s Too Soon for Pumpkin Spice. Or Is It?

If the mention of pumpkin spice in August makes you feel protective of the summer months, you’re not alone. But that hasn’t stopped brands from pushing PSL season earlier each year.
by Ashley Rodriguez | August 16, 2024

At Coffee Competitions, AAPI Competitors Turn to Asian Coffees

Coffee competitions often showcase the world's best coffees, and more competitors are using coffee sourced from Asia. Three AAPI competitors share why.
by Arielle Rebekah | May 29, 2024

Experts Share Emerging Coffee Industry Trends Of 2024

Get ready to take notes: industry experts weigh in on the trends, stories, and insights to watch in the coffee world in 2024.
by Garrett Oden | March 29, 2024

Four Key Takeaways From The SCA’s Value Distribution Survey Results

The SCA report, which surveyed hundreds of actors across the supply stream, reveals how the industry perceives value distribution.
by Ashley Rodriguez | March 28, 2024