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?
I knew the lack of Starbucks news couldn’t last forever. This week:
A new report from China alleges labour violations in the supply chains of both Starbucks and Nestlé. The violations—including child labour and lax safety standards—allegedly took place on “ghost farms”, small family-run plots that supplied coffee to larger estates that were verified by the two companies’ in-house certification schemes.
Specialty coffee is gaining popularity in India, and it’s also spreading outwards from the big cities. One young entrepreneur opened a coffee shop in the (relatively) small city of Jalandhar in northern India—three years later, it has expanded to 40 locations.
For more on coffee in India, why not read my article on the enduring popularity of the communist-founded, worker-owned Indian Coffee House:
New Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol has had several brainwaves for how to revitalise the ailing brand. Most of them are fairly nostalgic: bringing back comfy sofas, handwritten names on cups, and a shorter menu. Now he’s going for speed: “My hope is we can get you a brewed cup of coffee in less than 30 seconds”, he told Good Morning America.
For more on all these stories—plus new research that shows coffee could extend your life—check out the full roundup on Fresh Cup Magazine:
(Extra points if you spot the Simpsons reference...)
In case you missed it, why not check out my latest article, a coffee-focused riff on the systems thinking phrase “The purpose of a system is what it does”:
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
