Coffee News: Competitions, New Gear, and Health Insights

A Brewing Week in Coffee News

This week brought a flurry of activity in the specialty coffee world. From exciting new gear to important industry shifts and even a lawsuit, there's a lot to unpack. Let's dive in.

Awards & Competitions

The competitive coffee scene is buzzing. The Barista League has kicked off its season with a new format in Prague, crowning Izolda Zogranian and Max Hook as winners. Meanwhile, the US Barista Comp Workshop is hitting the road with three stops to get competitors ready for the new season. And for those looking to elevate their game, there's a great piece on how baristas can stand out in increasingly competitive arenas, especially with the rise of custom brewers being used in events like the World Brewers Cup.

Roaster News

Roasters and equipment makers are also innovating. South Korean roaster maker Stronghold has launched global sales of its compact S2 roaster, perfect for sample roasting and micro-batches. On the larger scale, ColdPerk unveiled the Commissary 70 for producing large batches of concentrate, and Pinecone introduced its new Redwood production grinder at World of Coffee San Diego. Sprudge also highlighted the Molo Mill, a new vertically-integrated flat burr hand grinder now on Kickstarter.

Industry Trends

Several significant industry shifts are underway. Nestlé is selling its majority stake in Blue Bottle Coffee to a backer of Luckin Coffee, a major move in the global coffee market. China is also cutting tariffs on Ethiopian coffee imports, potentially boosting trade. On the sustainability front, seven Certified B Corporations have launched a Global Coffee Coalition, underscoring a commitment to ethical practices. Meanwhile, Thailand's specialty coffee scene is booming, fueled by homegrown production. And in a surprising turn, a lawsuit has been filed against Trader Joe's, alleging their "French Roast Low Acid" coffee has significantly less caffeine than expected.

Sustainability

Beyond the B Corp coalition, the conversation around coffee farming and its impact continues. There's a fascinating exploration of biodynamic coffee farming in Coatepec, Mexico, highlighting regenerative agricultural practices. The trend of co-fermented coffees, though sometimes divisive, shows a clear market demand, indicating evolving processing techniques. And in a bit of a twist, a study suggests unsweetened coffee protects against cardiovascular disease, while sweetened versions do not. Researchers are also developing new, electrifying ways to measure brew strength and roast color, potentially streamlining quality control.

Health & Brewing Tips

For those looking to optimize their daily ritual, there are some interesting insights. Science suggests there's a "right" way to drink coffee to maximize caffeine's effects. And the gut-brain axis connection with coffee is being explored, suggesting potential links between coffee's impact on your gut and your brain. Plus, if you're curious about brewing, new manual pour-over brewers are emerging, and there's a spotlight on how to make the most of springtime drink inspiration for your menu.

That's all for this week's coffee news roundup. Stay caffeinated!