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?
First we had coffee fingerprinting, now we’re getting coffee DNA mapping. Italian scientists have used next-generation technology to discover more about arabica coffee’s genetic complexity—and lack of diversity.
Dunkin’ is being sued for discrimination against the lactose-intolerant, specifically around its non-dairy milk surcharges. The lawsuit says that plaintiffs have been charged between 50 cents and $2.15 extra by Dunkin’ for nondairy milk alternatives, which it says is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Among other unionizing news, baristas at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea in my old home of Ann Arbor, Michigan held their union election last week. We don’t yet know the result, but since announcing their campaign in December they’ve had to deal with an owner who told the Michigan Advance that “while she understands the attraction to a union conceptually, she doesn’t believe one is necessary at her stores.” 🤨
I’ll be back on Friday with a new article, but until then it’s goodbye from Merlin, who’s upset about something (probably that I didn’t have any treats):
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.
