Coffee Intelligence
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Coffee Intelligence is an online publication with a simple mission: To dedicate high-quality journalism to the most important topics in the coffee sector. Our coverage includes emerging market trends, challenges at origin, technological innovation, and human interest stories. We feature a range of perspectives and experiences to cater to our global audience, with the aim of presenting a comprehensive view of issues.
We also give voice to those who may otherwise struggle to find a platform, presenting their concerns and opinions to those who can make a difference. As well as relying on the latest data and market research, our team of columnists offer expert analysis to help readers unravel some of the most complicated subjects of today. Source
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| Scope | Consumer |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Country | United Kingdom |
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Recent Articles
Search ArticlesThe coffee industry is no longer looking West - Coffee Intelligence
The coffee industry is increasingly looking beyond traditional Western markets as Asia emerges as a major source of new ideas, products and consumer trends. Asia and Oceania recorded the world's strongest coffee demand growth in 2024/25, with consumption rising 7.4% to 47.4 million bags of green coffee. As influence becomes more geographically distributed, businesses that broaden where they look for inspiration will be better placed to identify the industry's next big ideas.
Third wave roasters' profit centres are blends, not micro lots - Coffee Intelligence
Many of specialty coffee's most respected third wave roasters appear to build their businesses on flagship blends and higher-volume single origins, while using micro lots to showcase quality and innovation. Typically produced in lots of just 7-50 bags, micro lots are inherently limited in scale - making them difficult to rely on as the commercial foundation of a roasting business.
We need another flat white - Coffee Intelligence
The flat white helped transform specialty coffee from a niche movement into the mainstream by providing an approachable gateway into coffee. UK flat white sales increased by 56% year-on-year in 2018 - highlighting how rapidly the drink evolved from an Australasian specialty into a global coffee staple. The challenge now is finding another drink that expands specialty coffee beyond its existing audience. The flat white may be the single most influential product specialty coffee has ever created.
Why private label isn't the best idea for roasters - Coffee Intelligence
Private label roasting can strengthen short-term profitability, but it may come at the expense of long-term brand growth. The global private label market grew from more than US$271 billion in 2024 to almost US$330 billion in 2025, highlighting the commercial appeal of client-branded products. Roasters that focus too heavily on building private-label brands risk becoming manufacturers, rather than focusing on their own brand strength.
The coffee industry's obsession with Gen Z may be misplaced - Coffee Intelligence
The beverage industry's growing obsession with Gen Z may overstate how accurately youth trends predict future consumption. By 2030, Gen Z and Millennials are expected to account for roughly US$12 trillion in global spending growth, helping explain why brands are so focused on younger consumers. Businesses risk overlooking deeper demographic and cultural shifts if they become too focused on whatever Gen Z is drinking today.
The real "coffee hunters" are at origin - not in consuming countries - Coffee Intelligence
Many coffees are identified and matched to buyer requirements long before a buyer ever reaches origin. More than 90% of coffee exported from producing countries is shipped as green coffee, highlighting the importance of origin-based expertise. As transparency becomes a bigger part of specialty coffee, the industry may need to rethink who its real "coffee hunters" are. In specialty coffee, the image of the "coffee hunter" has become a familiar one.
The coffee industry is maturing - and so are its hiring priorities - Coffee Intelligence
Coffee businesses are increasingly prioritising experience, reliability, and operational competence as labour pressures intensify. 89% of Gen Z workers consider work-life balance important when choosing an employer. As coffee becomes more mainstream, employers and younger workers are renegotiating workplace expectations. As labour challenges intensify across the coffee sector, businesses are becoming more selective about who they hire.
Coffee's fastest-growing market is being forced to slow down - Coffee Intelligence
The GCC coffee market has become one of the fastest-growing in the coffee industry, attracting significant investment from brands, roasters, and hospitality operators. The MENA coffee market is forecast to grow up to a 7.75% CAGR through 2033, but conflict-related disruptions are slowing expansion and increasing costs. As logistics, tourism, and investment confidence come under pressure, coffee businesses are shifting their focus from growth to resilience.
The high cost of high turnover: How barista retention is stalling coffee shop growth across the US - Coffee Intelligence
Skilled barista retention is becoming a growing challenge for coffee businesses across the United States US accommodation and food services recorded a 4.3% quit rate in March 2026, highlighting ongoing retention challenges As workforce expectations evolve, operators are being forced to rethink how they attract, develop, and retain talent The modern coffee industry's growth has been built on skilled labour.
Why coffee producers are scaling their presence in key consuming markets
Coffee producers are growing their presence in consuming markets This moves them closer to where value is added along the coffee supply chain However, achieving this remains financially and operationally challenging for many smaller producers Coffee producers are increasingly establishing a presence in consuming markets, from opening cafés and roasteries to setting up import offices.