When coffee arrived in Christian Europe via Venetian trade routes from the Muslim world, some Catholic priests and advisors were concerned. They are said to have characterised coffee as the "bitter invention of Satan" or a dangerous, intoxicating foreign drug. They urged Pope Clement VIII to ban it.
But research suggests that 64% of speciality coffee shops fail within the first five years of trading. Why do shops run into trouble and is it possible to avoid the buzz of your coffee equipment grinding to a halt?
We all know that our coffees, in all their forms, are created using coffee beans. Those beans have been dried, roasted and then ground before brewing. But coffee brewing is only the end of the story. How does that lengthy tale begin?
It has become clear that recent growth has largely been driven by increased coffee drinking amongst 18-34 year-olds. The latest British Coffee Association research found that coffee consumption in this age group increased by nearly 50% between 2021 and 2026. That’s huge and an important consideration for any business serving coffee. Why is it that coffee drinking has increased dramatically amongst younger age groups?
Coffee is certainly established as a part of everyday life for many, but the way consumers enjoy it is changing. From growing demand among younger consumers to greater interest in specialty coffees and sustainability, several trends are now shaping the industry.
Hard water is that which occurs when rainwater has percolated through chalk, limestone, or gypsum. These rocks cause water to collect calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) that lend a hard feel and bitter taste to tap water. Water...
If an application demands that glass that can withstand extreme temperatures, resist chemicals, and endure the rigors of both laboratories and kitchens, borosilicate glass is the gold standard.
Coffee grounds can be beneficial to your garden in several ways and so are worth saving.
Across the pond, independent coffee shops are enabling customers to go very large by offering super-sized iced drinks. These leviathans are increasingly appearing on TikTok and other social media platforms, sparking heightened interest in the buckets, many of which even boast handles.
Donald Trump has been at it again, threatening to inflict 50% import tariffs on commodities from Brazil. How might those tariffs affect coffee prices, and will the impact f Trump’s actions extend to the UK?
If you love coffee, you have probably heard of cold brew but may not have sampled it yet. Cold brew coffee has surged in popularity in recent years—and for good reason. Unlike traditional hot-brewed coffee, cold brew is made by...
