Blogs

 

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.”

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.

Not Such a Winter Wonderland This Year…

I love wintertime — the cold and snow (but not the wind), wearing my ridiculously warm hat, boots, colourful scarves, and a coat that makes me look like an Eskimo or the Michelin woman, as well as the excuse to over use my French Press making coffee all day long.

The Joy (and Key Tactic) of the Season Is…Sampling

Christmastime is my favourite time of year, and it has nothing to do with gifts. The chill in the air, the lights and decorations, the holiday pop-up stores, the many seasonal events, and of course, the food and festive beverages, I enjoy it all!