For paid subscribers: A look at what makes coffee health studies so attractive to news organisations and readers, and how such stories also benefit the coffee industry.
Coffee is always in the news, from health studies to novel products to stunt job postings. But what do these “earned media” stories tell us about the motivations behind such coverage?
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
