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?
Once again, here's what's been going on in the world of coffee over the past week:
Trump's 50% tariff on imports from Brazil comes into effect in a few days, and although lobbying continues it seems like coffee from the world's largest grower is about to become significantly more expensive in the United States. Much of the media focus has been on what the tariffs will do to U.S. businesses and consumers, but small Brazilian farmers are also going to be impacted. Larger producers and exporters may be able to pivot to new markets (like China) but that isn't possible for everyone. "This principally affects small producers, who have less financial power to make investments or support themselves in a period like this”, professor Leandro Gilio told the Associated Press.
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol made over $95 million in 2024, 6,666 times more than the average barista, according to a report by the AFL-CIO. The typical Starbucks worker's pay that year was less than $15,o00. "The median Starbucks worker would have had to start working for Starbucks in 4643 BC (during the Stone Age!) just to earn what Starbucks’ CEO earned in 2024 alone”, the report stated.
Speaking of Starbucks, unionised workers at a store near Disneyland in California walked out to protest understaffing, poor working conditions, and a lack of support from management. The cafe, in the Downtown Disneyland District (basically a Disney-themed outdoor mall), is notorious for its long lines. The walkout was brief and didn’t halt service entirely, but it still caught the attention of customers: "You don’t expect to see this here. But honestly, I support them. If they’re not being treated right, they should speak up. Even if it’s in the middle of Disneyland", said one visitor.
For more on all these stories, plus what U.S. lawmakers are doing in response to the tariff threat, check out the full Roundup over at Fresh Cup Magazine:
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
Fionn Pooler
