From NOLA to specialty: The story of New Orleans coffee culture
Key takeaways Rose Nicaud built NOLA’s democratic coffee culture from the ground up. Civil War shortages led to the iconic chicory blend. New Orleans is...
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Recent Articles
August 27, 2026Why the protein coffee boom won't last
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September 7, 2026
Old meets new: How heritage is shaping modern coffee equipment
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes Key takeaways Italian heritage still matters in coffee equipment, but innovation now earns lasting trust. Record US specialty coffee demand is raising equipment performance expectations. Local support beats remote service for high-volume coffee accounts. Fiorenzato's New Jersey hub delivers Italian precision with direct US support. Specialty coffee is no longer a niche category chasing credibility. Across many markets, roasters and cafés have matured into demanding… read more
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes Key takeaways Italian heritage still matters in coffee equipment, but innovation now earns lasting trust. Record US specialty coffee demand is raising equipment performance expectations. Local support beats remote service for high-volume coffee accounts. Fiorenzato's… read more
What does Gen Z actually want from specialty coffee?
Key takeaways: Gen Z prefers customised, cold, visually appealing drinks over traditional coffee. Specialty coffee terminology alienates younger consumers seeking accessibility and convenience. Gen Z...
How to design exceptional coffee packaging
Key takeaways: Exceptional coffee packaging communicates identity instantly while reflecting authentic brand values. Experimental formats like cans and bottles help roasters stand out in an...
Last year was difficult for the coffee industry: Will 2026 be different?
Key takeaways Price and political volatility reshaped green coffee trade in 2025. Arabica prices peaked at US$4.41/lb, and still remain above the five-year average. Tariffs...
How the Middle East built its global influence on coffee
Key takeaways Middle Eastern coffee culture is one of the oldest and most influential in the world. Over 60% of Saudi Arabia’s population alone is...
Flavour trends are increasingly unconventional, but is this what specialty coffee consumers truly want?
Key takeaways Sweet and spicy, umami, and “newstalgia” are some of the predicted flavour trends for 2026. Innovation in coffee processing has also created more...
Why Georgia’s specialty coffee market is expanding
Georgia’s ancient wine culture laid the foundation for the expansion of specialty coffee. Traditional cuisine and strong hospitality also influence its growing specialty coffee scene....
How can roasters drive real innovation in specialty coffee?
Specialty coffee’s early focus on quality is no longer enough. Market consolidation limits risk-taking, creating space for independent brands to lead meaningful change. Specialty coffee...
How influencer marketing is changing specialty coffee
Up to 93% of marketers now use influencers, making the channel unavoidable for coffee brands. Approximately 92% of consumers, especially Gen Z, trust influencers more...
Roasters should look to emerging specialty coffee markets for inspiration
Between 2022 and 2024, the EU27’s coffee consumption remained virtually flat, according to the European Coffee Federation. China, meanwhile, recently reached 87,505 outlets, overtaking the...
Exploring Spain’s late-blooming specialty coffee market
According to Project Café Spain 2025, the Spanish branded coffee shop market recorded its third consecutive year of net outlet growth during the 12 months...
Why umami flavours continue to be valuable in coffee
Japanese scientist Dr Kikunae Ikeda defined umami as a satisfying flavour and pleasant mouthfeel that leaves a lingering, mouthwatering sensation on the tongue. Because Western...
Gen Z is reshaping coffee, but brands can’t risk losing loyal customers
Gen Z is rewriting coffee culture. They want their beverages to align with their lifestyle and personal branding, often incorporating functional ingredients for health and...
The 2025 Perfect Daily Grind holiday coffee gift guide
The 2025 holiday season is approaching, and it’s time to start thinking of gifts for friends and family, including the coffee professionals and enthusiasts we...
Exploring Saudi Arabia’s booming specialty coffee market
The Project Café Middle East 2025 report forecasts that the total Saudi Arabian branded coffee shop market will exceed 5,350 outlets by 2027. Events like...
How to build a specialty coffee brand that stands out
Brand differentiation has always been a key part of specialty coffee. Companies emphasise their commitment to quality, sustainability, craftsmanship, and consistency to retain customers and...