Xiangpiaopiao recently announced that external general manager Yang Dongyun resigned due to personal reasons, less than a year after taking office. This seasoned manager, who previously worked at P&G and Baixiang Food, was once expected to drive the company's de-familialization, and Jiang Jianqi even transferred shares worth 276 million yuan to bring him into the shareholder ranks. However, first-half performance still failed to turn a profit, and Yang Dongyun was also absent from all investor communication activities. As founder Jiang Jianqi once again takes on the role of general manager, does Xiangpiaopiao's experiment with professional managers come to an end? This article sorts out the sequence of events and key information. [more…]

A recent food safety punitive damages case disclosed by the Supreme People's Court has once again made the topic of coffee for weight loss a focal point. In August 2023, Cui purchased coffee weight-loss products for 2,960 yuan via WeChat. After taking them, he experienced symptoms such as thirst and dizziness. An investigation revealed that the manufacturer indicated on the product had long since had its production license revoked, so he filed a lawsuit in court. The Xiushan County People's Court of Chongqing determined that the merchant sold food knowingly not meeting safety standards and ordered the return of the purchase price plus ten times the compensation, totaling 32,560 yuan. At the same time, discussions on social platforms about coffee for weight loss are sharply divided: some share experiences of drinking coffee during fat-loss periods to boost metabolism, while others expose terrifying experiences of palpitations, cold sweats, and even testing positive for sibutramine after consumption. This article sorts out the case details, legal basis, and the dangers of sibutramine, and retains content related to brands such as Front Street Coffee, reminding consumers to lose weight scientifically. [more…]

Front Street Coffee recently came across a uniquely shaped pour-over filter paper—the dual-chamber filter from Spain's Sibarist. Because its interior is divided in two by a partition, netizens have jokingly dubbed it the "double-flavor hot pot filter." The original design intent was to let coffee beans with different characteristics each be extracted separately in a single brew, but at 37.44 euros for 30 sheets—about 9.4 yuan per sheet—it really is staggering as a disposable consumable. Front Street Coffee decided to make a DIY alternative, using two 01-size filter papers in a 02 conical dripper to replicate the dual-chamber structure, and to explore the water temperature and other parameters that need to be considered when actually brewing with this kind of filter. This article will walk you through the dual-chamber filter's construction principle, its official pricing, how to make a DIY alternative, and the core considerations for using it, so you can see whether it's worth buying. [more…]

Manner recently quietly launched two new drinks—Green Tonic and Arctic Ocean Orange Americano—sparking lively discussion among coffee enthusiasts. The Green Tonic is made with tonic water and matcha liquid, featuring an attractive layered look, but its taste is both sour and bitter, described as "the mood of squeezing onto a peak-hour train in 42°C heat." The Arctic Ocean Orange Americano has been criticized for being highly similar to the existing Iced Orange Americano. Some fans complain that the new items are merely rearrangements of existing ingredients, and even calculated that the brand could still make 33 more drinks. Manner has always been known for consistent quality, but these two new items have left some loyal customers disappointed. [more…]

A counterfeit well-known coffee brand trademark case involving over 40 million yuan was recently successfully cracked by Shanghai Qingpu police. The criminal gang recruited franchisees nationwide under the name "Starbucks Coffee Service," falsely claiming to have official franchise qualifications and guiding the opening of counterfeit stores. In January 2024, the police launched a unified arrest operation, apprehending 17 suspects led by Yin. The case exposed a complete criminal chain from production and manufacturing, warehousing and transportation, to business training and marketing consulting, and also sounded an anti-fraud alarm for investors in the franchise chain sector. [more…]

Recently, a consumer in Hangzhou, Ms. Yang, reported to the media that her long-standing habit of ordering from Luckin Coffee had unexpectedly upset an employee at one of its stores, who even publicly complained, "You can't keep milking the same cow for freebies." This seemingly ordinary consumer friction involves multiple issues, including coupon usage, stores' willingness to accept orders, and the allocation of responsibility for delivery. After being reported by 1818 Golden Eye, the incident quickly sparked heated discussion among netizens. Some understood the pressure on employees, while others believed there was nothing wrong with consumers using coupons normally. This article will recount the incident, sort through the views of all parties, and at the same time provide coffee enthusiasts with a professional channel for discussion. [more…]

For many people, the first impression of coffee is the word "bitter"—that deep, dark flavor can even evoke the experience of drinking Chinese herbal medicine. But can coffee really be equated with Chinese herbal medicine? From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, coffee does indeed have certain medicinal value: it is pungent and warm in nature, and can refresh the mind, boost kidney yang, and promote diuresis. However, hot Americano and Chinese herbal medicine differ fundamentally in extraction method, purpose of consumption, and purchasing channels. This article will examine the similarities and differences between coffee and Chinese herbal medicine from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, and take you through the evolution of coffee flavor from "bitter" to "sour," to see just how rich and varied black coffee can actually be. [more…]

Cotti Coffee announced on February 28 a co-branding partnership with the hit mobile game Honor of Kings, launching the Peach Drunk series of drinks and limited-edition merchandise inspired by the classic images of three highly popular characters: Gongsun Li, Yang Yuhuan, and Wu Zetian. The news immediately drew attention. Although the official launch date has not yet been announced, store materials and netizen photos have already leaked in advance, and store staff revealed that the new products will officially launch on March 6. This is not Cotti's first time using co-branding to build hype. From sponsoring the Argentina team at the World Cup to partnering with the streetwear brand SMILEY, this brand, established only four months ago, is seizing the market through a path of "rapid store expansion + ultra-low prices + marketing," and has proclaimed a goal of 10,000 stores by 2025. However, data from Zhaomen Canyan shows that it actually covers only 81 cities with 232 stores, a gap from the advertised "a hundred cities, a thousand stores." Whether Cotti, which is repeating Luckin's old path, can succeed still remains to be seen. [more…]

Yunnan's coffee planting area has climbed from over 300,000 mu in 2008 to more than 1.4 million mu today, with output once accounting for over 99% of the national total. Yet the expansion of the industry's scale has not been smooth sailing. Since 2012, international coffee futures prices have continued to decline, leaving Yunnan coffee farmers struggling at the edge of the cost line; the 2014 harvest season was hit by a triple blow of drought, cold damage, and the abandonment of harvesting, causing output to plummet from an expected 100,000 tons to less than 60,000 tons, while purchase prices, driven by factors such as drought in Brazil, saw their largest single-month increase in 20 years. Lincang, as an emerging main producing area, rose rapidly, and companies such as Lingfeng Coffee began implementing quality traceability systems. This article will review the cultivation situation, flavor characteristics, and future development trends of Yunnan Arabica coffee beans. [more…]

Geisha is widely recognized in the specialty coffee world as a top-tier variety, and Panama's Hacienda La Esmeralda is what elevated it to legendary status. But why is Geisha so expensive? What exactly is the difference between Red Label, Green Label, and Blue Label? And what different flavors do washed and natural processing bring? Starting from Front Street Coffee's bean selection philosophy, this article systematically covers the origin and spread of Geisha, the terroir of Panama's Boquete region, Hacienda La Esmeralda's three farms and grading system, and includes roasting and pour-over parameters for Red Label, Green Label, and Blue Label (washed/natural), as well as the complete workflows for washed and natural processing methods. Whether you're a beginner just getting started or a seasoned enthusiast chasing flavors, you'll find a clear tasting path and practical reference here. [more…]

Many friends who are just getting into pour-over coffee go through a phase like this: standing in front of the coffee bar, eyes fixed on the barista's every move, trying to replicate a good cup of coffee by imitation. The grind size, the pouring rhythm, the number of circles, the total time—these visible "forms" are certainly important, but what truly determines the flavor of a cup of coffee is often the invisible extraction logic behind them. Drawing on Front Street Coffee's observations and experience, this article discusses just how important pour-over technique really is, and how beginners can start from zero, gradually moving from imitating movements to understanding parameters, completing the cognitive leap from "0" to "1." [more…]

The second Starbucks and Disney collaboration is set to launch on January 15, featuring Mickey and Minnie as the campaign's main characters. In addition to regular merchandise such as mugs and plush toys, the official lineup also includes red envelopes printed with the brand logo, omamori charms, and wooden divination blocks (bwa bwei), sparking lively discussion among netizens. The appearance of bwa bwei, a common divination tool in the Fujian and Guangdong regions, in a coffee brand collaboration has left many people exclaiming over the surprising combination. This article will walk you through the specific merchandise of this collaboration, the cultural background of bwa bwei, and the amusing reactions from netizens. At the same time, Front Street Coffee will continue to follow the brand strategy behind this cross-industry attempt. [more…]

Fancy coffee infuses creativity and romance into the cup, making coffee no longer just a drink, but a unique work of art. From the classic latte to romantic Irish coffee, and to Chinese-style yuan yang, each one blends a double enjoyment of visual and taste. This article takes you into the world of fancy coffee, to learn about the features and stories of the latte, cappuccino, con panna, macchiato, Irish coffee, Royal Flame coffee, Eros sweet wine fancy coffee, and yuan yang fancy coffee, and to feel how baristas turn the ordinary into the magical. If you love coffee, you might as well try the products recommended by Front Street Coffee and experience this romantic encounter in a cup. [more…]

Lychee black tea is a distinctive tea beverage that perfectly blends the fruity aroma of lychee with the charm of tea, and its production process and place of origin are quite particular. This article will start with the production process and provide a detailed analysis of how lychee black tea skillfully combines fresh lychee with tea leaves while preserving the natural sweet fragrance; at the same time, it will trace its authentic place of origin and explore the historical stories and cultural heritage behind this tea. In addition, we will also share the correct brewing techniques, including water temperature, choice of utensils, and steeping time, to help you brew a cup of fragrant lychee black tea at home. Whether served cold or hot, you can taste its unique floral and fruity charm. Front Street Coffee also recommends related products for you, allowing you to easily experience the authentic flavor. [more…]

Recently, the yogurt brand Blueglass launched the "Superboy Boyfriend Power Comeback" series, adding traditional Chinese medicine ingredients such as Cistanche, Polygonatum, ginseng, deer whip, and oyster peptides. The intention might have been to promote a health concept, but it was questioned for borderline marketing due to the poster labeling it "18+" and suggestive copy. Similarly, Coconut Palm brand coconut juice was fined 400,000 yuan for vulgar advertising slogans, yet it generated over 5 billion yuan in sales. In an era where traffic is king, eye-catching marketing emerges endlessly, but not all of it yields good results. After Blueglass was exposed, the Shanghai Municipal Administration for Market Regulation has launched an investigation, and the relevant copy was revised and republished. However, the negative label brought by borderline marketing may not be easily erased from consumers' minds. [more…]

Honduras, as an important coffee-producing country in Central America, was long classified as a "medium-quality blended coffee," but since hosting its first COE competition in 2004, its high-quality potential has gradually been recognized by the world. This article reviews Honduras's six major producing regions and emerging micro-regions, with a focus on two beans offered by Front Street Coffee—Sweet Orange Estate and Washed Caturra—covering origin information, cupping flavors, roasting curves, and brewing parameters, giving you a comprehensive understanding of this Central American producing country's coffee strength and unique charm. [more…]

Coffee has long become part of everyday life for the general public, yet in recent years all kinds of "novel" pairings have emerged one after another, constantly refreshing people's understanding of this beverage. Recently, a "scallion latte" appeared on a CCTV livestream, and after tasting it, the host and guest bluntly said it was "like vegetables fell into the coffee" and that they "tasted a white scallion aroma," quickly sparking heated discussion. From flower tea coffee and fruit coffee to special blends inspired by dishes such as roast goose, white cut chicken, aged vinegar, and fish mint, coffee shop owners have practically moved the entire Chinese menu into coffee cups. Novel flavors can certainly win momentary attention, but coffee ultimately must be held to the bottom line of tasting good. This article will take you through these wildly imaginative special blends and explore the consumer logic behind novelty coffee along with recommendations from the Front Street brand. [more…]

Lychee black tea is one of the representatives of traditional Guangdong herbal teas, and whether its lychee aroma comes from natural lychees or artificial flavoring has always been a topic of concern among tea lovers. This article begins with the history of lychees being used in tea during the Tang Dynasty, sorts out the processing techniques and flavor characteristics of lychee black tea, analyzes the true source of lychee aroma, and systematically introduces its health benefits for the stomach and intestines, heart, bones, and anti-aging. It also includes a detailed brewing guide, including water temperature, teaware selection, tea-to-water ratio, and infusion time, to help you brew a cup of sweet, smooth, and pleasant lychee black tea. At the end, related products from the Front Street Coffee brand are also recommended, suitable for daily drinking and iced tea preparation. [more…]

As an important coffee-producing country in Central America, Honduras has long been labeled as a source of "average-quality blended coffee," but the inaugural COE competition in 2004 made the world re-examine the terroir potential of this land. From the perspective of Front Street, this article will review Honduras's six major producing regions and distinctive micro-regions, with a focus on specialty coffee beans from Sweet Orange Estate in La Paz Department in the southwest and Mocha Estate in the Marcala region, analyzing the source of their orange aroma and their cupping performance. It also includes Front Street's roasting curve and brewing parameters for washed Caturra, providing coffee enthusiasts with a complete reference from understanding producing regions to hands-on brewing. [more…]

The history of Yunnan small-bean coffee can be traced back to 1904, when the French missionary Tian De Neng brought coffee seeds (Typica) from Vietnam into Yunnan and successfully planted them in Zhugula Village, Binchuan County, Yunnan Province. This marked the beginning of coffee in Yunnan, generally known as small-bean coffee, commonly referred to in China as Yunnan small-bean coffee. Small-bean coffee refers to Arabica coffee. [more…]