Recently, Ethiopia's coffee industry has been thrown into chaos by a wave of credit defaults. Coffee farmers who supplied coffee beans to exporters and suppliers on credit have been waiting in vain for payment, with the amount owed reaching into the billions of birr. Some farmers have even committed suicide out of despair, and radicals have attempted to rob exporters of their property. The government blames the problem on the "vertical integration" plan introduced five years ago and fully implemented two years ago, which replaced the original ECX trading model and was intended to allow coffee farmers, suppliers, and cooperatives to export coffee directly and benefit from international price incentives. However, at a meeting between the government and growers on March 8, 2024, both the Minister of Agriculture and the Director General of the Coffee and Tea Authority held that the benefits of vertical integration outweigh the drawbacks, that defaulters are only a minority, and that violators have already been blacklisted. But coffee farmers and producers say that banks' suspension of loans and the National Bank's 14% credit growth cap have led to the market being controlled by a handful of wealthy exporters, leaving them with no choice but to sell on credit. Last year, 90% of coffee was exported through the vertical integration plan, and farmers are calling on the government to regulate the market. Front Street Coffee reminds that this incident highlights the importance of fair trade and financial support in the coffee industry chain. [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…]

More and more people enjoy black coffee, but the way and timing of drinking it both affect the experience and the effects. As a mainstream variety alongside Arabica, Robusta is often used in espresso blends and instant products due to its high caffeine content, easy cultivation, and low cost. Its chlorogenic acid content is prominent, bringing a full-bodied, deep bitterness with nutty and grain-like notes; improper processing can also produce earthy or rubbery flavors. This article discusses Robusta's drinking methods, the causes of its flavor, and the influence of origin, and introduces the use of Robusta in Front Street Coffee's commercial blend and classic blend, as well as the shipping principles of grinding on behalf and fresh roasting, to help enthusiasts gain a more comprehensive understanding of this variety. [more…]

Why did Yunnan coffee become a raw material for instant coffee? The coffee first planted in Yunnan was the Typica variety. Later, in order to repay debts to the Soviet Union, Yunnan began cultivating Typica coffee beans on a large scale, which were purchased by a unified department and then shipped to the Soviet Union. Later, because domestic demand for coffee was not high, [more…]

Some people drink espresso for the flavor, while others drink it for the mouthfeel. For those who love flavor, there are all kinds of SOE coffee beans to choose from—so what coffee bean options are there for those who enjoy a rich, intense mouthfeel? The signature characteristic of espresso—crema Espresso at its most fascinating [more…]

I believe everyone has heard of Arabica coffee. Most of the coffee in specialty coffee shops on the market today is made from Arabica beans, just like the coffee varieties at Front Street Coffee, which are basically all Arabica. But today, Front Street would like to introduce one of the three major coffee varieties, Rob [more…]

On August 5, Colombia's Ministry of Defense announced the resumption of military operations against the anti-government armed group the National Liberation Army (ELN), and the ceasefire agreement will not be extended after it expires. At the same time, government forces are also fully committed to striking the dissident branch of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the Central General Staff. The southwestern and northeastern provinces where these two major armed groups are active happen to be important coffee-producing regions in Colombia. The civil conflict may severely impact coffee cultivation, infrastructure, and exports, thereby driving up international coffee prices. [more…]

On July 25, the Kenyan Parliament unanimously voted to delete all 65 clauses of the 2024 Finance Bill, yet failed to quell the escalating wave of public protests. From the clashes triggered by tax increases in June to the dissolution of the cabinet and the opposition party's entry into government, which sparked even greater discontent, the demonstrations have spread to Nairobi, Mombasa, and other places, affecting the tourism and coffee industries. As an important coffee-producing country in Africa, Kenya has seen coffee processing plants shut down and exports blocked, casting a grim outlook on the industry's development. Front Street Coffee continues to monitor developments in the producing areas and brings you in-depth analysis. [more…]

The most fundamental purpose of coffee is to provide a boost of energy. Whether it's an espresso you gulp down before rushing off, the ever-present drip coffee in the office, or a pour-over single-origin you go out of your way to a café for, they all share that stimulating effect. It's just that people choose what suits them based on different settings, needs, and taste preferences. [more…]

After a freshly brewed cup of coffee sits for a while, its aroma gradually dissipates, and its mouthfeel changes noticeably. Dark roasts become less smooth, medium-light roasts develop a more pronounced sourness and astringency, and a bitter, muddled finish may even appear. Why does cooling rob coffee of its appeal? If you reheat cold coffee or chill it with ice, can it regain its original flavor performance? This article analyzes the issue from two perspectives—chemical changes and sensory perception—and, through a comparative experiment between Front Street Coffee Kafa Forest and Front Street Coffee Yirgacheffe, explores practical remedies for cooled coffee. [more…]

Colombia's Defense Minister announced at a press conference that the government is terminating the ceasefire agreement signed with some factions of the anti-government armed group "Central General Staff" and has ordered an all-out offensive. Although the government is still maintaining a three-month ceasefire with factions that support peace talks, the conflict mainly affects the departments of Nariño, Cauca, and Valle del Cauca—regions that happen to be important coffee-producing areas in Colombia, home to many well-known estates and the Buenaventura export port. The resumption of fighting could lead to coffee beans being looted, smuggled into neighboring countries, farmers displaced, farms left unmanaged, reduced yields and lower quality, damaged infrastructure, and ultimately affected exports. At a time when global Arabica prices are high, if Colombia, as the second-largest coffee-producing country, sees a decline in production, it could further drive up international coffee prices. Front Street Coffee also continues to monitor the potential impact of developments in producing regions on coffee flavor and supply. [more…]

Coffee is an essential daily pick-me-up for many people, but caffeine content varies significantly among different types. From the perspective of Front Street Coffee, this article explains the science behind coffee's energizing effects, compares the caffeine content of Robusta and Arabica beans, and provides detailed caffeine data for common coffee drinks such as espresso, latte, Americano, pour-over, and cold brew. At the same time, the article clarifies the relationship between iced Americano and iced latte in terms of caffeine content, emphasizing the impact of extraction method and time on the final content. Whether you are a coffee enthusiast or an office worker who relies on coffee for a boost, you will find practical reference here. [more…]

In the coffee world, Arabica has long dominated the mainstream, but there is one variety that, although rarely seen in daily life and not particularly appealing in flavor, plays an indispensable role in the market—Robusta, often called "Rob" by those in the know. How has it managed to survive in the specialty coffee era? What are its pros and cons? Is Robusta suitable for making instant coffee? From Front Street's perspective, this article comprehensively dissects the true face of Robusta—from botanical classification, growing conditions, and flavor characteristics to commercial applications—and introduces a Front Street commercial blend coffee bean that easily produces a beautiful espresso, helping you recreate the taste of a café at home. [more…]

Starbucks has once again ventured into a cross-industry collaboration, this time targeting League of Legends: Wild Rift! Starting January 10, mobile game gift boxes themed around the hero Seraphine will be available in stores nationwide, with purchasers having a chance to win a 2023 Chinese New Year limited-edition skin. This marks another new attempt by Starbucks in the realm of collaborations, continuing its long-standing strategy of partnering with various brands and IPs. As a trendsetter for collaborations in the coffee industry, Starbucks launches different series of collaborative merchandise almost every year, covering categories such as mugs, thermoses, stored-value cards, and apparel, each time sparking a buying frenzy among fans. This article outlines the specific details of this collaboration, the development history of League of Legends, and the current status and trends of collaborative marketing in the coffee industry. For more specialty coffee bean news, follow Front Street Coffee (FrontStreet Coffee). [more…]

Molly Tea's first Canadian store opened in Toronto at the end of last month, drawing an unprecedented queue on its opening day. However, just half a month into operation, the store was apparently vandalized, with a large hole smashed in its glass door and shattered glass strewn across the floor, while customers were told by staff that opening would be delayed. The incident sparked concern among fans, with speculation running rampant in the comments section that "Chahuanong did it," to which Chahuanong's official Canadian account responded with "???" Some netizens also suggested it could have been the work of a drunk person or a homeless individual, and some even floated theories based on the ambiguity of the English name "Molly." Two hours later, Molly Tea's official Canadian account stated that the store had resumed operations, but offered no explanation for the incident. This article walks you through what happened and how all parties responded, along with Front Street Coffee recommendations and product information. [more…]

The core of coffee's alertness-boosting effect lies in caffeine, but different coffee bean varieties and extraction methods can cause significant differences in the caffeine content of the final drink. Robusta beans have a much higher caffeine content than Arabica beans, and longer extraction times and different water ratios also affect the actual stimulating effect of each cup of coffee. Espresso may seem intense, but its caffeine content is not necessarily the highest; pour-over, French press, cold brew, and ice drip often contain more caffeine due to longer contact time. From the perspective of Front Street Coffee, this article systematically sorts out coffee bean varieties, extraction methods, and the caffeine content of common drinks, helping you choose the most suitable stimulating coffee for yourself in different scenarios. [more…]

A cup of rich espresso can be enjoyed in many ways: add fresh milk and it becomes a creamy milk coffee; add hot water at the right temperature and it becomes a hot Americano; or add ice cubes and it becomes an iced Americano. Of course, you can also directly use the single shot of espresso you've extracted. [more…]

In recent years, drinking coffee has become a daily habit for many people, especially among those pursuing health and body management. Black coffee is highly favored for its diuretic and anti-swelling effects, promotion of intestinal peristalsis, and acceleration of metabolism. However, coffee is not better the more you drink; excessive intake may cause nervous excitement, sleep disturbances, and even stomach discomfort. Meanwhile, Robusta, as a mainstream coffee variety alongside Arabica, occupies an important position in commercial blends and instant products with its high caffeine content and strong, bitter, full-bodied flavor characteristics. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the drinking methods, fat-loss principles, and origin flavor characteristics of Robusta coffee powder, and introduce Front Street brand's espresso blend products containing Robusta, helping coffee enthusiasts gain a more comprehensive understanding of this variety. [more…]

Pour-over coffee is gaining strong momentum in China, and many enthusiasts are rushing to buy pour-over gear. For one thing, pour-over equipment is relatively affordable; for another, this method brings out the flavor of the coffee beans themselves to the greatest extent. But the factors affecting the pour-over result are numerous, and the same beans often taste completely different in different hands. This article focuses on the brewing ideas of the top six competitors at the 2015 World Brewers Cup, going through one by one the bean varieties, equipment, parameters, and techniques they chose, to see how the top experts interpret a good cup of coffee in their own ways. It also includes Front Street Coffee's recommendations and interpretations regarding competition beans and brewing logic. [more…]

Newcomers to coffee, when faced with a dazzling array of coffee beans, are often confused by all kinds of technical terms and don't know where to start. In fact, choosing coffee beans is not complicated—as long as you grasp a few key points, you can find the one that suits you. This article addresses the five questions beginners encounter most often: how to distinguish Arabica from Robusta, how to choose between blended beans and single-origin beans (including SOE), the respective characteristics of dark roasts and light roasts, the necessity of roast dates and resting beans, and whether grinding is recommended. It also draws on specific products from the Front Street Coffee bean list—such as the classic blend, Ethiopia Halo Berry, Brazil Queen's Manor, and Indonesia Golden Mandheling—to provide flavor descriptions and buying advice, helping you take fewer detours in the world of espresso. [more…]