Japan
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.
Blue Bottle Coffee launches first vending machine
Blue Bottle Coffee installed its first vending machine, Blue Bottle Coffee Quick Stand, in the Shibuya area of Tokyo, Japan on 7 August.
Pandemic delays Darjeeling first flush roll out in Japan
Established in Tokyo in 1985, Teej Co Ltd was one of the first companies to introduce the non-blended, garden-fresh teas to Japan. Teej started sell Darjeeling First Flush teas in early July, about two months later than usual, because of Covid-19-related delays.
Coffee prices rise in July after three months of decline
The International Coffee Organisation (ICO) reported that prices for all coffee groups rose in July 2020 following three months of declines, though the largest month-on-month increase occurred for Brazilian Naturals.
ICO reports coffee prices fall for the third consecutive month
In its June green coffee report, the International Coffee Organisation (ICO) announced that prices decreased for the third consecutive month.