Japan
Focus on sustainability in packaging intensifies
Brand owners embrace environmentally friendly materials and practices. By Jorge Izquierdo
Japan’s Tea Industry is Still in Post-Covid Recovery Mode
Tea production and consumption in Japan were both severely impacted during the Covid-19 pandemic and both continue to be affected by multiple factors but the situation is slowly improving thanks to smart farming techniques by producers and strong demand by domestic and international consumers. By Yumi Nakatsugawa
Blending, roasting & processing, Business, Equipment & packaging, Origins
The Japan Tea Festival 2022: small but successful in ‘live’ return
The Japan Tea Festival returns with a modified scheduled in its first in-person event since 2019.
Small but mighty: it is time to connect with Generation Alpha
They may still be young, and most of their purchases are still being made by their parents, but Generation Alpha already has a powerful voice, and these ‘new’ consumers, who are the most racially and ethnically diverse group to date, are intent on being heard when it comes to what they like and dislike, what they believe in, and what products and brands align with their values.
The complicated task of categorising ‘specialty’ tea
In a highly complex market, the Western specialty tea stakeholders are striving to achieve a unified operational framework for ‘specialty’ tea – a high added value segment – to ensure a level playing field for the global value chain.
Starbucks Japan opens new store focused on coffee grounds circularity
The store in Togane City is the second in Japan to be certified under the Greener Stores Framework, aimed at accelerating the transformation of retail towards lower-impact stores.
Green tea is gaining ground in Europe
After centuries of black tea as the exclusive cup in Europe, a skillful marketing of green teas started in the 1990s, based on a health benefits strategy initiated by multinational tea majors in the mainstream market, together with a novelty origin approach launched by China in the premium segment.
Black tea remains trendy in Europe
After ending some 250 years of China’s imperial tea trade monopoly in 1842, Europeans have continued to drink black teas, but grown in their own colonial areas; the big buzz created by the arrival of green teas from China and Japan from 1980 onwards has boosted cup consumption but has not eroded the dominance of black tea.
Raising the profile of Ceylon artisanal tea
Sri Lanka’s artisanal tea industry is small but growing as passionate producers revive old estates, create handcrafted teas and experiment with new varieties.
Nestlé Japan launches plant-based coffee lattes
The Nescafé plant-based latte range in Japan includes ready-to-drink beverages, soluble mixes and capsules.
UCC Coffee launches new coffee brand
The launch of the Ueshima Coffee Company brand brings Japan’s number one coffee to the UK for the first time.
Arabica prices rise in December per ICO’s latest report
According to the International Coffee Organisation’s latest report, prices for Arabica group indicators grew in December 2020, with the largest increase occurring for Brazilian Naturals.
First virtual Singapore Speciality Coffee Auction draws in 100 bidders
100 bidders from 17 countries and regions joined the virtual Singapore Specialty Coffee Auction held on 1 October 2020.
Coffee year 2019-20 ends in surplus
Coffee year 2019-20 is seen ending in a surplus of 1.54 million bags.