Coffee companies are going all in on automation. We’re told that it improves efficiency, cuts costs, and yields a better product. But what does it mean for the baristas whose labour these automations displace?
For paid subscribers: Today, Sweden is famous for its love of coffee. But historically that hasn’t always been the case, and one particular ruler’s attempts to prove coffee’s harmful health impacts may have been the world’s first randomised controlled trial.
It’s been a busy week in the world of coffee (for a change). Here’s what’s going on:
Vietnamese coffee farmers seek to renegotiate their contracts after reduced production and erratic weather worldwide pushed the price of robusta to three-decade highs.
What could be better than a late-night latte? Starbucks is trialling overnight deliveries in Philadelphia in collaboration with an on-demand delivery company.
Who wants a hot cup of spite and an extra-dry scone? Latte Larry’s coffee shop from Curb Your Enthusiasm briefly became reality in Los Angeles as HBO teamed up with Menotti’s Coffee to celebrate the final series of the legendary show.
And Starbucks won’t let unionized baristas compete in its North American Hunger Games barista championship. “It’s just a fun part of the job that I enjoy,” one barista said. “They’re just trying to make my job less fun.”
I'm the creator and writer of The Pourover. Based in Scotland, I have over a decade of experience in the specialty coffee industry as a barista, roaster, and writer. Ask me about coffeewashing.