Companies are turning to automation as a tool to fight back against industrial action. In coffee, that role could well be played by robot baristas—in fact, it sort of already has.
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?
Starbucks is being sued by a consumer advocacy group for touting its “100% ethical” sourcing policy while knowingly using coffee from farms with alleged labor and human rights violations.
Korea’s coffee industry is booming, but now international brands like Dunkin’ and Tim Horton’s are targeting the country for expansion. With almost 100,000 coffee shops, how many more can they really handle?
A new app wants cafes to expand their customer base by charging for bathroom access. That’ll end well.
The International Coffee Organization’s outlook report has a lot to say about the weather, most of it bad. For example in Côte d’Ivoire, which produces more coffee than El Salvador or Kenya, yields fell nearly 65% last year due to drought.
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.
Fionn Pooler
