Do World Barista Championship competitors always need to practise with official equipment?
Every year, coffee professionals from around the world have the chance to compete and showcase their skills at one of the most celebrated events in...
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January 3, 2024
The language of specialty coffee: Is it still relevant?
It was in 1974 that Erna Knutsen coined the term “specialty coffee” to describe more unique and higher-quality coffees grown in microclimates. And she changed the industry forever. Over the ensuing decades, we have come to define specialty coffee even more rigorously – largely using the Specialty Coffee Association’s 100-point quality scale. Our definitions, however, are not just technical. More holistic terms like “sustainable”, “traceable”, “transparent”, and “direct trade” are… read more
It was in 1974 that Erna Knutsen coined the term “specialty coffee” to describe more unique and higher-quality coffees grown in microclimates. And she changed the industry forever. Over the ensuing decades, we have come to define specialty coffee even… read more
How can coffee shops use cold coffee drinks to diversify their menu?
There’s no denying how popular cold coffee has become. Around the world, these beverages have become a staple of coffee shop menus – not just...
Why do specialty coffee brands care about consumer trust so much?
For any successful consumer-facing business, building trust is key. Without this, you struggle to create long-term customer relationships and you can struggle to succeed. There...
Will consumers keep paying higher prices for specialty coffee?
Over the past year or so, rising food prices and energy costs have been affecting many people around the world. In fact, in March 2023,...
Is Dubai becoming the specialty coffee hub of the Middle East?
Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – one of the most well-developed coffee markets in the Middle East. While...
Coffee roasters: Where do you go after being a head roaster?
Career progression is important for any working professional, and the same goes for those in the specialty coffee sector. For many in the industry, opportunities...
Why is precision so important for espresso machines?
Since the world’s first espresso machine was patented by Angelo Moriondo in 1884, design has come a long way. Between becoming more sleek and modern...
How can specialty coffee roasters use blends to drive brand identity?
There’s no denying the fact that specialty coffee blends are becoming more and more popular. Alongside offering a range of single origin coffees, developing blends...
Are Nordic specialty coffee roasters still as innovative as they once were?
There is no denying the influence of Nordic roasters on specialty coffee as we know it today. Thanks to pioneering industry professionals in countries like...
Does drinking too much coffee cause stomach problems?
Over the years, there has been extensive research into the health benefits of coffee. Medical experts and nutritionists alike agree that coffee’s high antioxidant content...
The barista-to-roaster career step may not be as logical as it seems
For many baristas, a passion for high-quality coffee and excellent customer service is what drives them to work in specialty coffee. Alongside this, many develop...
How can specialty coffee push for a circular economy model?
In many industries around the world, sustainability continues to be a pressing issue – and the coffee sector is no exception. Coffee professionals and consumers...
Should the World Barista Championship also be in Spanish?
The World Barista Championship (WBC) is one of the most prestigious events in the coffee industry. Not only is the competition a vehicle for innovation...
Does grinding frozen coffee damage your grinder?
In recent years, we have seen an increasing number of specialty coffee shops and roasters freezing roasted coffee beans. There are several reasons for doing...
Is the World Barista Championship too exclusive & expensive for competitors?
There are a number of competitions in specialty coffee designed to test the skills and knowledge of industry professionals. However, many consider the World Barista...
PRF El Salvador announces speakers and panellists
Following a call for applications in October 2022, Producer & Roaster Forum (PRF) has announced its first speakers and panellists for PRF El Salvador. The...