For paid subscribers: Donald Trump’s latest arbitrary tariff threat, this time against Brazil, has once again enveloped the coffee industry in chaos and uncertainty. When will it end?
The United States has long been at the centre of the global coffee industry. But as policies shift under the Trump administration, that dominance is under threat.
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.
