Companies are turning to automation as a tool to fight back against industrial action. In coffee, that role could well be played by robot baristasāin fact, it sort of already has.
Coffee companies are going all in on automation. Weāre 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?
Fair Trade USA is āfreezingā its green coffee price minimums following an announcement of increased minimums from Fairtrade International (a different organization). Fair Trade USA consulted hundreds of stakeholders, with a majority of roasters, retailers, and importers responding negatively to the suggestion of raising price minimums. I mean.
A truce sealed with a marmalade sandwich. Spectacled Bears (inspiration for the beloved Paddington) have historically been considered a pest by many Colombian coffee farmers, but some producers are now conserving part of their land to help the threatened animals.
Labor issues have rocked Nashvilleās specialty coffee scene over the past few months as workers try to cope with what they call the cityās ābleakā and ādisjointedā coffee industry.
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.
