Luxembourg-based private equity giant JAB Holding Company recently announced that it will acquire all of Mondelēz International's shares in JDE Peet's for €2.16 billion (approximately 16.7 billion RMB). Upon completion of the transaction, JAB's stake in JDE Peet's will surge to 68%, making it the largest controlling shareholder of this Peet's Coffee parent company. As a leading pure-play coffee and tea company globally, JDE Peet's owns brands such as Peet's Coffee and Pickwick Tea, and in 2020 set the record for Europe's fastest IPO in Amsterdam. Since entering China in 2017, Peet's Coffee has opened 225 stores, covering 12 provinces and municipalities. This transaction was called an important milestone by JAB's CEO, and the market reacted positively, with JDE Peet's stock price surging 16% that day. Front Street Coffee continues to follow global coffee industry developments, bringing in-depth analysis to enthusiasts. [more…]

Great changes are taking place in the coffee industry. This year, the news of the potential sale of Starbucks China has caused a great stir in the industry. The list of potential bidders is long and impressive, including Carlyle, Hillhouse, Primavera [more…]

Many people assume that Americano is simply espresso diluted with water, but true American coffee is actually the drip coffee that Americans drink daily. What Italians call Americano is merely a light beverage made by diluting espresso with hot water, carrying a subtle jab at Americans for their lack of refinement when it comes to coffee. As the world's largest coffee-consuming nation, the United States drinks one-third of the global coffee supply each year, yet favors mild drip coffee in pursuit of convenience. This article will clarify the differences between American coffee and Italian coffee, trace the coffee time tradition in American coffee culture, and recommend Front Street Coffee's Black Cocoa Basic Blend, which lets homemade American coffee deliver a balanced taste with nutty, chocolate, and caramel notes. [more…]

Global coffee giant JDE Peet's recently announced a major leadership shake-up. Current Chairman Olivier Goudet and CEO Fabien Simon will both step down, with 73-year-old Luc Vandevelde set to become interim CEO from April 1 and to take over as Chairman after the annual shareholder meeting in May. Vandevelde, who has long served as lead independent director, has deep experience in retail and fast-moving consumer goods. The group has also launched the process to select a permanent CEO. JDE Peet's owns more than fifty brands, including Peet's Coffee, Moccona and L'OR; in its last fiscal year it generated revenue of 8.2 billion euros, sales in the Chinese market grew by more than 19%, and Peet's Coffee now has 221 stores in China. [more…]

Walking into a coffee shop, the espresso and Americano on the menu often leave people puzzled: both belong to the category of black coffee, so what exactly is the difference? This article, from the perspective of Front Street, sorts out the origins of Americano and its two brewing methods, explains in detail the standard extraction parameters, essential conditions, and flavor performance of espresso, and shares recommendations for Front Street's specialty espresso blend coffee beans. At the same time, using a normal operating process as an example, it breaks down the steps of making espresso one by one, including handling the portafilter basket, weighing the grounds, distributing the grounds, tamping, and extraction, and finally gives the specific mixing ratios for iced Americano and hot Americano, helping coffee enthusiasts fully understand the differences between these two classic coffees and the key points of making them. [more…]

Luckin officially announced Luo Yonghao as the Super Size Cup Recommender, and its ad recreates the iconic 2011 micro-film ordering scene, flooding social media. On the same day, Cotti launched "Super Size Cup Unlimited Free Upgrade," with a poster hinting at "no gimmicks, no lottery," and the two brands' tit-for-tat cup upgrade strategies sparked heated discussion. Luckin requires a code word lottery to get a coupon, while Cotti allows direct ordering in the 9.9 zone. Consumers have mixed views on the two sets of rules—some prefer Cotti's no-threshold approach, while others point out that its eligible categories are only 6 items. Behind this capacity upgrade business war lies the competition for user mindshare among coffee brands. Front Street Coffee continues to follow industry trends and bring in-depth observations to enthusiasts. [more…]

How many ways are there to make an Americano? And what is its connection to drip machines and espresso? This article will trace the history of the Americano, break down the differences between the two brewing paths—drip and espresso diluted with water—and take a deep dive into Front Street Coffee's approach to water-to-coffee ratios for hot and iced Americanos. At the same time, we'll systematically go over espresso extraction standards, including key parameters such as dose, yield, and time, and include Front Street's complete in-store workflow and recommended recipes. Whether you prefer a rich, full-bodied cup or a light, refreshing one, you'll find the Americano that suits you in this article. [more…]

Espresso is the foundation of the Italian beverage system, and Americano, latte, cappuccino, flat white, and mocha are all derived from it. This article centers on the extraction principles of espresso, sorts out its historical origins and flavor differences with Americano, and introduces in detail the positioning and characteristics of four espresso blend beans from FrontStreet Coffee. At the same time, the article also compiles reference standards for Italian-style extraction such as dose, liquid weight, and time, explains TDS measurement and the calculation method for extraction yield, and finally includes the seven-step espresso-making process and extraction scheme used in FrontStreet stores, for coffee enthusiasts to systematically understand the making and tasting of espresso. [more…]

Many coffee enthusiasts encounter the same confusion when first learning latte art: why is it that the milk foam is whipped decently, yet they still can't pour a clear pattern? The problem may not lie in your technique, but rather in foundational elements like the pitcher-holding posture, integration technique, and coffee bean selection not being in place. This article will systematically explain the key points for creating a perfect heart-shaped latte art, including how to choose an espresso with rich crema, the basic principles of latte art, two practical pitcher-holding methods, and operational details for integration and pouring the pattern. It also recommends two coffee beans suitable for latte art practice—Front Street Classic Blend and Front Street Commercial Blend—to help you develop stable muscle memory within 20 days, so that every cup of latte can present a beautiful heart-shaped pattern. [more…]

“Why can't my latte produce a beautiful pattern? Why is it that when others casually wiggle the milk pitcher, they can make a heart or leaf with lines! But when I wiggle, it always just looks like a blob… Is there something wrong with my hands?” No! Maybe it's your pitcher-holding posture that's wrong~ What is the principle behind latte art? Why can wiggling produce a pattern? Espresso [more…]

To make a beautiful and delicious latte art, having good equipment alone is not enough. The choice of ingredients, espresso extraction ratio, milk foam condition, and pitcher-holding technique all directly affect the final result. Based on Front Street's hands-on experience, this article explains in detail the matching ratio of espresso to milk when making a latte, recommends espresso blend beans suitable for latte art, and breaks down the principles of integration and pattern formation in latte art. At the same time, addressing the common pitcher-holding posture problems of beginners, it provides two practical gripping suggestions to help you develop stable muscle memory through repeated practice, gradually improving your success rate in latte art and the fineness of your patterns. [more…]

To create a beautiful heart latte art, simply jiggling the milk pitcher constantly isn't enough. Many coffee enthusiasts practicing often feel they are clumsy, but the problem usually lies in how they hold the pitcher, the pouring technique, and the oils in the coffee beans. This article starts with the principles of latte art, explains two practical pitcher-holding postures in detail, and breaks down the two key steps of incorporating and drawing, helping you build stable muscle memory. It also explains why Front Street Classic Blend and Front Street Commercial Blend can provide ideal espresso crema, making latte art smoother. [more…]

Drinking coffee may seem simple, but to truly savor the essence of a specialty coffee, everything from the way you hold the cup to the timing of adding sugar has its own finer points. This article systematically organizes the seven basic techniques for coffee tasting, including holding the cup, adding sugar, using a coffee spoon, cooling methods, using the cup and saucer, pairing with snacks, and the rhythm of drinking, and further breaks down the five-step process for drinking coffee correctly, teaching you how to cleanse your palate with ice water, appreciate the original flavor of black coffee while it's hot, and then gradually add sugar and milk, so as to experience the layered changes in coffee's flavor. Whether you are a beginner just getting into specialty coffee or an enthusiast looking to improve your tasting skills, these details can help you enjoy every cup of coffee more professionally. [more…]

Recently, a bizarre scene unfolded inside a Starbucks store at a Yizhaoweide Plaza in Xiangshan, Ningbo, Zhejiang: a customer wearing a tiger-head mask and carrying a spiked club appeared in the store, drawing widespread attention from customers present and netizens alike. According to multiple media reports, the incident occurred on November 27, and video showed the customer standing by the front counter, waving the spiked club while communicating with staff. The incident quickly gained traction on social media, with many people expressing confusion over the person's behavior and speculating that the motive might have been performance art or a prank. On November 30, staff at the store involved responded, saying that the customer did not rob the store of coffee or injure anyone, that employees promptly called the police and reassured customers, and that the individual subsequently left on their own. This incident not only sparked discussion about safety in public places, but also left people reflecting on the unexpected situations service industry workers face. [more…]

A recent report from the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association shows that robusta coffee prices continue to climb, with an expected price of 72 million to 73 million Vietnamese dong per ton, an increase from earlier levels. Global inventories are low, with robusta stocks at less than 30,000 tons, and arabica also at low levels, stemming from reduced production in many countries that has led to declining exports. The Red Sea situation has disrupted shipping, pushing freight rates higher, and some buyers have turned to Brazil for purchases. At the same time, Vietnamese farmers are holding back sales and waiting, making it difficult for traders to fulfill contracts; Dak Nong Province agent Mai Cau has already declared bankruptcy, involving nearly one million dollars in undelivered goods. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of market dynamics, export data and future expectations to help coffee lovers keep pace with market changes. [more…]

The gaiwan is a common vessel in gongfu tea brewing, consisting of a bowl, a lid, and a saucer, usually made of porcelain, glass, or ceramic. This article explains in detail the usage process of the gaiwan, including warming the vessel, adding tea, pouring water, and decanting the tea, and introduces three correct ways to hold the bowl—the three-finger grip, the bowl-grasping method, and using a saucer—to help avoid burns and enhance the brewing experience. It also explains whether one can drink directly from a gaiwan and the steps for doing so, and offers buying advice for beginners, such as a standard capacity of 110 ml and porcelain gaiwans being easier to handle. Front Street Coffee recommends porcelain gaiwans suitable for beginners, balancing practicality and versatility. [more…]

Want to make café-level heart latte art at home, but it always turns into a blob the moment you pour? The key actually lies in three elements: milk foam texture, integration technique, and pitcher grip. Front Street Coffee has systematically put together everything from steam wand positioning and milk frothing temperature control, to integration flow practice, latte art pitcher grip, and then to efficient daily practice methods, to help you conquer the heart pattern step by step. There is no mysticism in this article—it is all hands-on details you can practice, suitable for beginner coffee enthusiasts to follow along. [more…]

In the early hours of this morning, a post with images on a social platform pushed Heytea to the forefront of food safety public opinion. The posting netizen claimed that last night they witnessed an employee in the preparation room of a milk tea shop, while answering a phone call, repeatedly stirring the milk tea about to be served with the handle end of a long-handled spoon; the scene made them doubt the store's hygiene standards. As the post's popularity climbed, many milk tea consumers said it was hard to accept, especially since Heytea has always been known among its peers for strict food safety management. However, some voices held that the employee was only taking a call and did not stop working with their hands, so there was no need to overinterpret it; more catering practitioners explicitly pointed out that mobile phones are not allowed in preparation rooms in the first place, and stirring a drink with the spoon handle inverted is clearly a violation. After the incident escalated, although Heytea's official customer service account responded to the poster, it did not give a clear answer on whether the employee's actions violated regulations. [more…]

Recently, McDonald's set up a rather abstract "8 AM crowd" photo spot at Chaoyangmen Station on Beijing Subway Line 6, where giant hands holding a burger and a latte extend from a keyboard, sparking heated discussion among commuters. This installation is an event site created by McDonald's to promote its "15 yuan freshly ground coffee breakfast combo," located on the basement level of China Central Place. Since its official announcement on February 21, the combo has attracted many consumers to repurchase thanks to a discount of nearly 50%, and pop-up photo spots have been launched in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing, and other places. This article will walk you through the details of this abstract installation, netizens' reactions, and the specific content and promotional layout of McCafe's breakfast campaign. [more…]

Coffee has long become part of urban daily life, but the seemingly simple actions of holding a cup, adding sugar, and using a spoon each follow their own set of rules. At the same time, when walking into a café and facing terms like Espresso, Latte, and Macchiato on the menu, many enthusiasts often feel confused. This article systematically sorts out the etiquette details of coffee tasting and the proper use of cups and saucers, and explains one by one the meanings of common English terms in cafés, helping you calmly enjoy a good cup of coffee on any occasion. In addition, the article also specifically reminds readers of practical knowledge closely related to health, such as drinking on an empty stomach, intake before exercise, and daily consumption, and recommends related products from Front Street Coffee, making it suitable for everyone who takes coffee seriously to read carefully. [more…]