Recently, prices for multiple drinks on Luckin Coffee's mini-program suddenly dropped to 6.9 yuan, quickly trending on social media and sparking widespread attention. Consumers noticed price changes for popular items originally priced at 9.9 yuan, such as Americanos and Coconut Latte, with some new light milk tea and fruit coffee products also adjusted simultaneously. However, not all users could enjoy this discount; some only received limited-time redemption coupons. Luckin officially responded that this was a randomly distributed 6.9 yuan coupon activity for the Dragon Boat Festival and Children's Day, not a comprehensive price reduction. Meanwhile, the price war on delivery platforms is intensifying, with brands like Cotti having pushed coffee unit prices down to 3.9 yuan. Whether Luckin's move is a response to competition warrants in-depth discussion. [more…]

After 397 days since the opening of its first store, Cotti Coffee has officially announced the launch of its second brand—Tea Cat, a brand-new tea beverage brand focused on healthy milk tea. Its first store has landed in Pingnan County, Ningde, Fujian, and is currently in the internal testing stage. According to Li Yingbo, Chief Strategy Officer of Cotti, Tea Cat focuses on the whole-leaf milk tea segment, with products covering pure tea, fresh fruit tea, and more. At the same time, Tea Cat continues Cotti's low-price approach, launching a promotional offer of 6.9 yuan per cup, which has sparked heated discussion online. Some industry insiders believe that Cotti's move may be aimed at easing the competitive pressure in the coffee sector and leveraging its existing franchisee resources and supply chain advantages to develop new business. Whether Tea Cat can set off a new price war in the tea beverage industry is worth watching. [more…]

In recent years, the price war in the coffee market has intensified. While brands use prices as low as 9.9 yuan or even lower to attract new customers, they also allow various money-saving guides to circulate freely on social platforms. However, a media investigation found that Luckin Coffee offers vastly different prices to users based on their consumption frequency—high-frequency consumers actually end up paying more. This article sorts out the common channels for money-saving guides, the phenomenon of Luckin's low-price coupons on platforms like Douyin, and a detailed month-long process in which reporters used multiple phones to test pricing differences in the Luckin mini-program, revealing the opacity of the system's recommended discount plans. For coffee lovers, understanding these pricing tricks may help you save a considerable amount of money. [more…]

A Luckin Coffee store received a fine of 5,000 yuan from the market supervision authorities simply because a staff member removed the outer packaging of a food item for a customer. Here is what happened: a consumer reported that they had purchased a pack of "mini mochi" pre-packaged food at a Luckin store, but the staff member removed the outer packaging bearing label information before handing it to the customer without obtaining consent. Upon verification, this act was determined to constitute selling pre-packaged food without labels. Although the illegal gains amounted to only 2.67 yuan, it still violated the relevant provisions of the Food Safety Law. Behind this seemingly minor penalty lies the consumer's right to know the source and quality of food. Front Street Coffee also reminds all practitioners that labels on pre-packaged food are not optional but a mandatory legal requirement. [more…]

Luckin Coffee plans to enter Malaysia, negotiating cooperation with local listed companies and formulating a five-year expansion blueprint. Currently, Luckin has over 20,000 stores in China, with only 38 directly operated stores overseas, all in Singapore. Malaysian netizens have reacted enthusiastically to the brand's entry, looking forward to discounted pricing but also concerned about intensifying market competition. Rumors point to the partner being Berjaya Group, the operator of Starbucks, but other sources say the contact is with a different party, and the final choice awaits official announcement. This overseas expansion comes as the domestic tea beverage market becomes saturated and price wars intensify; Luckin went from profit to loss in the first quarter, making Southeast Asia key to breaking the deadlock. [more…]

Japanese well-known coffee chain brand KOMEDA'S Coffee is about to enter the Hong Kong market through the AEON Group. Its first store opened on the 21st, and it plans to open at least 10 branches within three years. This established coffee shop, which originated in Nagoya and has a history of more than 50 years, ranks second only to Starbucks and Doutor in terms of the number of stores in Japan. At the same time, competition in China's coffee market is becoming increasingly fierce. Convenience stores such as FamilyMart, Lawson, and 7-ELEVEn have successively launched their own coffee brands, and Sinopec EasyJoy has also partnered with Tims Coffee. Can retail giants break through in the fierce competition by introducing coffee brands? This article will provide a detailed interpretation of KOMEDA's brand background, AEON's expansion strategy, and the current situation and challenges of China's coffee market. [more…]

As the year draws to a close, coffee institutions and importers in multiple countries are successively releasing their annual reports. The Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Israeli-Palestinian situation, and inflationary pressures have dampened coffee consumption in some regions, while high interest rates have pushed up trade costs, and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is expected to further increase coffee trade expenses in 2024. In terms of weather, the dissipation of El Niño may be delayed until the second quarter of 2024, posing a threat to producing regions along the equatorial belt that flower in April and May, with Brazil's Robusta particularly affected, leading to rising bean prices. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released its "Coffee: World Markets and Trade" report, forecasting global production for the 2023/24 year at 171.4 million bags, an increase of 6.9 million bags year-on-year; exports are projected at 119.9 million bags, up 8.4 million bags; consumption will hit a new high of 169.5 million bags, while ending stocks remain at a 12-year low of 26.5 million bags. [more…]

Starbucks launched its Oleato olive oil coffee line on February 22, combining extra virgin olive oil with coffee, inspired by CEO Howard Schultz's travels in Sicily. The new products debuted in Italy and include an olive oil latte, an iced shaken espresso, and a foamy cold brew, priced from $4.8 to $6.9. Yet just three days after launch, Italian consumers complained that the drinks were too greasy and that the oil and coffee were hard to blend in the cold beverages. The deputy manager of the Starbucks Milan Roastery explained that the move was intended to fuse Italy's tradition of drinking oil before a meal with coffee after a meal, creating a multisensory experience. This article walks you through the product details and the market reaction. [more…]

Water is the largest component of black coffee and directly participates in and influences the extraction process, so differences in water quality often bring about completely different flavor expressions. There are many types of bottled water on the market, with prices ranging widely from high to low, and whether more expensive water is more suitable for brewing coffee has become a question for many brewing enthusiasts. This article uses two types of bottled water with明显 price differences as test subjects, and adds Nongfu Spring, commonly used in stores, as a control, conducting blind tasting comparisons with two coffees, Yirgacheffe Red Cherry and Diamond Mountain. At the same time, from the perspectives of acidity and alkalinity, softness and hardness, TDS, and calcium and magnesium ions, it explains the principles by which water quality affects extraction, helping coffee enthusiasts understand how to choose more suitable water for brewing coffee. [more…]

Whether tea is acidic is especially critical for people suffering from heartburn or acid reflux. The pH values of different types of tea vary significantly: black tea tends to be acidic, while green tea may be close to neutral or even alkaline. The factors affecting the acidity of brewed tea go far beyond the type of tea—the amount of leaves used, brewing temperature, steeping time, and whether tea bags are used all influence the final result. In addition, the caffeine in tea relaxes the esophageal sphincter, which may worsen reflux symptoms. If tooth pain occurs after drinking tea, it may also be related to acidity. This article systematically sorts out the relationship between tea and acidity, and includes recommendations for tart black teas, helping coffee and tea lovers enjoy flavor while also looking after their health. [more…]

As the primary raw material, water not only makes up the vast majority of a cup of black coffee, but also influences the extraction of different substances, thereby producing distinct flavors and mouthfeel. Therefore, all of us should understand the importance of water to coffee. Common drinking water on the market varies from brand to brand, in the ingredients it contains, and in its purification processes. [more…]

The latest data from the Brazil Coffee Exporters Council shows that Brazil's coffee exports to China have surpassed the 1 million bag mark for the first time, reaching 1,151,768 bags (60 kg/bag), and the growth momentum is expected to continue. At the same time, the European Union remains firmly the largest destination for Brazilian coffee exports, with exports reaching 5,470,729 bags in 2023. The rapid growth of China's coffee consumption, the increase in global coffee production, and changes in the import structures of major consuming countries are reshaping the world coffee trade landscape. Front Street Coffee continues to follow global coffee market developments, bringing the latest industry news to enthusiasts. [more…]

When drinking iced coffee in summer, it tends to become diluted toward the end, so some people have thought of using stainless steel ice cubes instead of traditional ice. Are these reusable metal ice cubes really suitable for coffee? Front Street conducted an actual comparison test, analyzing the structure of stainless steel ice cubes, their cooling speed, and their impact on flavor. The results show that although stainless steel ice cubes have the advantage of not melting, their cooling effect is far inferior to homemade ice cubes, especially performing poorly in the ice pour-over step. The article also shares a pour-over plan using a mix of the two types of ice cubes, and explores why coffee shops rarely use stainless steel ice cubes. [more…]

Yirgacheffe is one of Ethiopia's most renowned coffee regions, and behind this cup of floral and citrus notes lies a story of fair trade and smallholder farmers' struggles. This naturally processed Yirgacheffe from the Oromia Coffee Farmers' Cooperative not only carries the hopes of local coffee farmers to escape poverty, but also wins over countless coffee lovers with its G2 grade, organic certification, and richly layered flavors. This article will guide you through how the Oromia Cooperative grew against the odds during 30 years of low coffee prices, as well as the tasting profile and brewing suggestions for Front Street's Veda Flower beans. [more…]

Since last week, a strong cold wave has continued to sweep through south-central Brazil, with temperatures plunging below zero in many places, and the mountainous region of southern Minas Gerais even setting a new record for Brazil's lowest temperature. Snow and freezing rain have successively appeared in Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, and the Port of Santos was forced to suspend cargo operations due to severe sea conditions. Brazil's coffee harvest for the new season is now nearing its end, but the market is broadly concerned that frost will impact this year's crop and the growth of coffee in the 2025/26 season, especially in the mountainous region of Minas Gerais, which is dominated by Arabica cultivation. Affected by this, Arabica and Robusta coffee futures prices have soared sharply in recent days. Front Street Coffee will also continue to monitor weather developments in the producing regions and bring coffee lovers the latest analysis. [more…]

A recent large-scale coffee festival in Guangzhou has drawn widespread attention, bringing together many well-known coffee brands from home and abroad, with an overwhelmingly popular turnout. However, many attendees found that drink prices at the stalls were generally high, with specialty drinks mostly in the forty to fifty yuan range, Combo packages often exceeding eighty yuan, and pour-over coffee ranging from several dozen yuan to over a hundred, with some even priced at more than six hundred yuan. Some customers discovered after comparison that certain brands actually offer affordable options around ten-plus yuan at their offline stores, yet only the most expensive items were displayed at the coffee festival. What exactly is the reason that turned the coffee festival into a "high-priced market"? What cost pressures are exhibitors facing? Is the visitor experience still as originally intended? This article takes you through a closer look, along with observations and suggestions from brands such as Front Street Coffee. [more…]

At the start of 2025, Luckin Coffee quietly adjusted drink prices at stores in some regions, sparking widespread discussion among consumers. Many netizens noticed that the listed price of the Coconut Latte, originally 29 yuan, rose to 32 yuan even at non-mall stores, while the rules for using cash coupons and the drinks redeemable with group-buy vouchers also changed accordingly. Although most cities remain unaffected, the scope of the 9.9 yuan discount continues to shrink. Luckin officially attributes the price adjustments to factors involving materials, transportation, and commercial districts, with store policies varying from place to place. Does this price fluctuation mean the era of affordable coffee is coming to an end? And how should consumers respond? [more…]

A glass of olive juice selling for 1,000 yuan once put the brand Yecuishan in the trending topics and also drew the attention of market regulators. At the end of 2021, this drink, which was claimed to be made with Golden Jade Sanian olives costing nearly 800 yuan per jin, was investigated by the Shenzhen Municipal Market Supervision Bureau because the actual purchase price did not match the promotion, and the company involved was ultimately fined 500,000 yuan. After Heytea invested in Yecuishan, it also faced questions from netizens. This incident not only exposed the chaos of pricing and promotion in the tea beverage industry, but also prompted people to think about the real cost and authenticity of so-called high-end products on the market. [more…]

In the cold winter, a cup of hot milk tea always brings a bit of warmth. Prices for drinks on the market range from under ten yuan at Mixue Bingcheng to thirty or forty yuan at Nayuki and Heytea, with most still within what consumers can afford. However, recently a thousand-yuan drink has drawn attention on Weibo's trending topics—an olive juice launched by the Shenzhen milk tea brand Yecuishan, priced as high as 1,000 yuan. This drink uses the rare Chaoshan variety Jinyu Sannian olive, with the raw material costing about 800 yuan per jin on the market, and production taking nearly 3 hours. At the same time, Heytea has taken a stake in Yecuishan, holding 60% to become the largest shareholder, and the brand currently has more than 30 stores. [more…]

Manner Coffee, long positioned as an affordable specialty coffee brand, recently opened the second stop of its travel series at The Sanya EDITION hotel, but a high-priced menu has sparked widespread discussion. A consumer who ordered a 50-yuan latte said the taste was no noticeably different from the regular 15-yuan version, and could only be seen as paying for the vacation setting. According to the price list, this pop-up store charges 45 yuan for an Americano, 50 yuan for a latte, 55 to 60 yuan for specialty drinks, and up to 200 yuan for pour-over coffee, in sharp contrast to the 15 to 25 yuan pricing at regular stores. Manner's move is speculated to be imitating Starbucks' strategy of distinguishing between regular and Reserve stores, but against the backdrop of an increasingly fierce coffee price war, whether this differentiated pricing can win market recognition remains to be seen. [more…]