Blogs
Testing the “Microwaveability” of Supermarket Coffee Brands
I recently came across a 2017 survey that tested thirteen/supermarket grocery store coffee brands in the United States to “find the best of the bunch.”
RTD Coffee’s Global Appeal Continues, But Some Markets Resist
In many parts of the world, it’s summer, and for a lot of us, it’s been a particularly hot and humid one, which has been quite beneficial for ready-to-drink coffee (RTD) — be it cold brew or iced coffee (including iced cappuccinos and espressos).
Coffee, Tea, Travel & Trade Shows
June was my busiest “trade show month” of the year. I began in Las Vegas, Nevada for World Tea Expo, then headed to Amsterdam, Netherlands for World of Coffee and ended the month in New York, New York (my hometown) for the Fancy Food Show.
Finding a Voice for Specialty Tea
In my previous blog I mentioned I was heading to the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, and as it was my first show in two years, I was eager to see how it evolved.
Keeping Pace with the Changing US Tea Market
The tea market in the United States is a perplexing one. Tea consumers are developing more sophisticated palates and desiring single origin teas and premium teas, and teas with exotic flavours or infusions.
Cold Brew, Technology and the Human Touch
I just returned from my first National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show, which took place in Chicago, Illinois, 19-22 May, and I had quite the feeling of déjà vu as it was also my first time returning to McCormick Place in about a decade.
Fad or Legitimate Coffee Category?
While in Seattle, Washington for the Re:co Symposium and Specialty Coffee Association Expo last month, I toured two coffee shops — two radically different coffee shops: Starbucks’ new Reserve store and Bulletproof’s newest café.
Bad Reporting = Wrong Coffee Consumption Message
I planned to write about the Re:co Symposium and SCA Expo, both of which I attended last week in Seattle, Washington, until I came across this headline in a local newspaper: “Kids and coffee: The true price of caffeine.”
Prop 65 Ruling Causes Confusion and Fear
On 29 March, a judge in California issued a proposed ruling against the coffee industry in a long-standing case involving the state’s Proposition 65, potentially leading to coffee carrying “cancer warning” labels.
Growing Desire for Functional Coffee
As spring rolls in (although almost unnoticed given the number of snowstorms in the US on the actual first day of spring), consumers start thinking about “form and function.”
Coffee and Chocolate: A Perfect Pairing
I had the opportunity to attend the Barista Guild of America’s Bloom Event that took place in Providence, Rhode Island on 6 March.
Tea’s “Cheesy” New Topping
While not an avid tea drinker, I am a purist – I do not add any milk or sugar to my tea – nor do I like boba (bubble) teas so learning about the latest tea trend – cheese teas – caused me to cringe.
Coffee, The New Romantic Gift?
As I am writing this on Valentine’s Day – the holiday of love and romance – I’m reminded of an unusual, yet fascinating study on global coffee and travel habits of frequent travellers.
Twists on Traditional Afternoon Teas
I previously mentioned that I started the new year in New Orleans. While in the city, one of my favourite things to do is have afternoon tea at Le Salon at the Windsor Court Hotel, particularly during the Christmas holidays when it is festively decorated.