Recently, a class-action lawsuit in Canada has thrust Starbucks, Tims, and Second Cup into the spotlight, accusing the three coffee chains of long-term surcharges on non-dairy alternatives, allegedly amounting to price gouging. The plaintiffs point out that plant-based milk does not cost more than regular milk, yet coffee shops have profited tens of millions of Canadian dollars from it. Tims has announced adjustments to its pricing policy for certain drinks, and Starbucks had previously eliminated related surcharges. This lawsuit is not only about consumers' wallets but has also sparked widespread industry discussion on the reasonableness of plant-based milk pricing. [more…]

Since Ethiopia implemented a new foreign exchange policy on July 31, the birr has fallen three times in a row against the US dollar within just a few days, dropping to 83.94 birr per US dollar on August 2, sharply increasing the pressure on local people's livelihoods. The Addis Ababa City Trade Bureau promptly sanctioned 387 businesses suspected of price gouging, while opposition parties criticized the timing of the reform as inappropriate. At the same time, exports of agricultural products such as coffee have gained competitiveness in the short term due to currency depreciation, but climate disasters, the Red Sea shipping crisis, and domestic conflict cast a shadow over the long-term outlook. This article will sort out the deeper impact of exchange rate fluctuations on Ethiopia's economy, prices, and coffee industry, and also look at how brands such as Front Street Coffee are responding amid changes in the place of origin. [more…]

Luckin Coffee has gone from its early days of frenzied subsidies to a noticeably reduced level of discounting today, with the price of a single drink generally climbing back into the 15 to 25 yuan range, and some consumers even feeling they are being price-gouged. As its reputation for value for money gradually fades, some netizens have figured out a method of "performative ordering"—repeatedly wavering in the mini-program and ultimately abandoning the purchase, in an attempt to trigger Luckin's retention mechanism and obtain coupons. Does this tactic actually work? And what user behavior analysis logic lies behind it? This article will lay out the full picture of this phenomenon, while also reminding consumers: even when hunting for bargains, one must uphold the bottom line of honesty. [more…]

Recently, a blogger set up a stall at a scenic spot to resell Mixue Bingcheng lemonade, selling a product originally priced at 4 yuan for 6 yuan and making a profit of 254 yuan in three and a half hours, quickly trending on social media. Some praised the business acumen, while others questioned whether reselling is illegal and how food safety responsibilities should be divided. Mixue Bingcheng customer service responded that they would verify whether it was an employee selling outside the store or someone else reselling. Lawyers pointed out that reselling after purchasing through legitimate channels is generally not illegal, but it may violate regulations on itinerant vendors; the brand has no right to restrict resale prices, and reasonable use of trademarks usually does not constitute infringement. Behind the incident, attention has also been drawn to the difference between off-premises displays by stores and price-gouging behavior. Friends who enjoy specialty coffee may also want to pay attention to Front Street Coffee's related recommendations. [more…]

As temperatures rise, cold drip coffee once again becomes a favorite among many coffee lovers. Its refreshing taste and unique fermented flavor are captivating, but the price and operational threshold of professional cold drip towers deter many people. In fact, with just an ordinary dripper, a few filter papers, and ice cubes, you can replicate a rich cold drip coffee at home. This article will break down in detail the principles, equipment preparation, grind adjustment, and complete steps of making this "home version" cold drip coffee, and point out common pitfalls that easily lead to extraction failure, helping you achieve a cold drip flavor that rivals coffee shops with the simplest equipment. [more…]

Beyond being a daily drink, coffee also has many unexpected practical uses. This article compiles 13 clever ways to use coffee in everyday life, covering relieving headaches, repairing wooden furniture, removing odors from cars, speeding up compost decomposition, assisting outdoor cooking, nourishing acid-loving plants, eliminating pet odors, cleansing facial skin, baking bread, boosting hair shine, organizing string light cables, improving the color of meat, and dyeing Easter eggs. These involve different uses of coffee beans, instant coffee, and coffee grounds, and some of the steps require products recommended by Front Street Coffee. Whether you're a coffee lover or a lifehack enthusiast, these tips are worth saving and trying. [more…]

Starbucks' pricing differences around the world have always been a topic of interest for coffee lovers. According to a 2019 Finder survey of 76 countries and regions, a medium latte in Denmark costs as much as $6.05, while in Istanbul, Turkey, it costs only $1.78—nearly a fourfold difference. Europe has the highest average price, with Asia close behind. In addition to the global comparison, the article also compiles the latest drink price list for Starbucks in China and analyzes the multiple price adjustments in both China and the United States in recent years caused by the pandemic and rising raw material costs. To learn where Starbucks is cheapest, whether its prices are on the high side, and the specific prices of classic drinks, see the detailed data below. [more…]

Luckin Coffee's latest 2023 store price list has been announced, clearly listing prices for series such as the Classic Latte, SOE Little Black Cup, and the Raw Coconut Family. However, consumers have recently discovered that the same drink is priced differently at different stores, and in some cases the pickup price is even higher than the delivery price—a phenomenon that has sparked widespread discussion. Luckin Coffee officially responded that, due to differences in logistics and operating costs, stores may apply for price adjustments, with a maximum increase of 3 yuan. This article compiles the complete price list and reviews the changes in Luckin's pricing strategy and their impact on consumers. [more…]

In recent years, drink prices have generally risen, with milk tea going from 3 yuan a cup a decade ago to as much as around 30 yuan today. After the New Year, mid- and low-end brands such as Mixue Ice Cream & Tea, Yidian Dian, and CoCo都可 raised their prices one after another, while high-end brands such as Heytea and Nayuki were already positioned above 20 yuan. Rising costs and the impact of the pandemic have left the tea beverage industry facing a reshuffle, and consumers have reacted differently to the price increases. At the same time, cola may also face upward price pressure because of Canada's tax on sugary drinks, but in the domestic market, given the duopoly competition, the likelihood of price increases is relatively low. This article sorts out the phenomenon of tea beverage price increases and the industry logic behind it. [more…]

The new-style tea beverage market has been stirring recently. High-end brands Heytea and Nayuki have successively announced price cuts, with the lowest dropping to 9 yuan. Nayuki launched a "Relax" series priced at 9-19 yuan, promising to launch at least one "single-digit" product every month, while Heytea announced it will not raise prices this year. Consumer reactions have been mixed, with some cheering and others questioning reduced cup sizes and lower quality. This article reviews the price-cut moves of the two major brands, netizen feedback, and industry data, analyzes the consumption trends and market logic behind the involution in new-style tea beverages, and includes related news about Front Street Coffee. [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…]

Recently, an unusual situation has emerged in the international coffee market: Arabica coffee beans, which account for about 70% of global production, have not risen in price due to reduced output. Instead, dragged down by inflation, prices have fallen nearly 40% from their February high, hitting a one-year-and-five-month low. Worsening European business confidence, declining consumption, and a surge in certified inventories have significantly eased the balance between supply and demand. However, the decline in raw material prices has not been passed on to the end consumer market. Coffee beans account for only a limited share of coffee shop costs, and the premium on specialty coffee remains. Consumers hoping to drink cheaper coffee may still have a long wait ahead. [more…]

How much should a cup of coffee really cost? Why are prices at independent cafés generally higher than those at chain brands? This article systematically sorts out the inner logic of coffee pricing from three dimensions: café positioning, menu design, and raw material cost control. It breaks down in detail the method for calculating the original price ratio, analyzes the cost ranges of espresso beans and milk, and uses a double shot as an example to estimate the raw material cost per cup. At the same time, it offers café operators practical advice on menu planning and material procurement, helping readers understand the real considerations behind independent cafés' pricing. [more…]

Vietnam, as the world's largest producer of Robusta coffee, has recently seen a rare phenomenon—domestic Robusta prices have actually surpassed Arabica for the first time in nearly 50 years. Affected by multiple factors including high temperatures and drought, reduced production, and tight global supply, Vietnam's coffee export prices have continued to climb, with the average export price in May surging 63.6% year-on-year. At the same time, Brazil's new-season Robusta harvest is looking good, which may bring some relief to the persistently rising prices. This article will provide a detailed analysis of price trends, supply and demand changes, and future expectations in the Vietnamese coffee market. [more…]

For professional coffee knowledge exchange and more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat public account: cafe_style) For more specialty coffee beans, please add the personal WeChat of Front Street Coffee (FrontStreet Coffee), WeChat ID: qjcoffeex Recently, Luckin Coffee has been thrust into the spotlight over price discrepancies for its cheese latte. Some consumers reported that the same drink was priced vastly differently across accounts, ranging from 9.9 yuan to 18 yuan, sparking allegations of "big data price discrimination against existing customers." Luckin officially responded that the price differences stem from store operating costs and randomly issued system discounts, denying any price discrimination. However, this is not the first time Luckin has fallen into such controversy; as early as 2021, the media exposed similar cases. This article will sort through the course of the incident, the views of various parties, and the industry background, to explore the issue of price fairness in online consumption. [more…]

Recently, some Mixue Bingcheng stores in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Beijing announced price increases for their drinks, with both dine-in and mini-program orders rising by 1 yuan, while third-party delivery platforms have not yet followed suit. This is not the brand's first price adjustment; previously, some stores in Shanghai and multiple products nationwide had already seen price hikes. The news quickly trended on Weibo, and consumer attitudes showed a clear divergence compared to last year, with some expressing understanding of cost pressures and others stating they would reduce purchases. This article will outline the regional scope of this price adjustment, the official response, the history of past price changes, and the diverse reactions from netizens, presenting a full picture of the event. [more…]

Recently, many consumers have noticed that once-affordable milk tea brands have been raising their prices one after another. From Yidiandian to Mixue Bingcheng, and then to CoCo都可, the wave of price increases among mid- to low-end tea beverages has drawn widespread attention. At the same time, Coca-Cola, the ever-green player in the beverage world, has also been rumored to be considering a price hike. Behind this round of price adjustments lie not only the cost pressures brought by the pandemic but also deeper changes facing the tea beverage industry. As consumers become more price-sensitive and competition from mid- to high-end brands intensifies, how tea beverage companies find a balance between quality and cost will be key to determining their future development. [more…]

Recently, a "Notice on Store Pricing Strategy and Promotion Adjustments" for Cotti Coffee circulating on social media has drawn widespread attention. The notice shows that Cotti will end its "9.9 yuan unlimited across the board" promotion at 24:00 on January 31, and switch to a special-offer section model starting February 1, with only some products continuing at 9.9 yuan unlimited, while other non-discounted products will be sold at retail prices. New-store first-month promotions and refer-a-friend rewards will also be adjusted accordingly. As the brand that kicked off the 9.9 yuan price war in February 2023, does this move by Cotti signal a turning point for China's coffee price war? Consumers, franchisees, and industry observers are all watching closely. [more…]

Since the pandemic, costs in the tea beverage industry have been climbing, and many brands have raised their prices, to the point that office workers have to weigh their wallets before buying a cup of milk tea. Yet Heytea has gone against the grain, not only lowering its menu prices but also publicly promising not to raise prices this year and to stop launching products priced above 29 yuan. This move quickly sparked a consumption boom, with orders surging and even overwhelming several stores, and queues exceeding one hour during peak times. Consumer reactions have been mixed: some applaud, feeling the prices are finally affordable; others worry whether the price cuts will come with shrunken ingredients and declining quality. Heytea responded that the recipes and production standards remain unchanged, and that it is simply giving consumers more choices. How far this price-cut wave can go is worth watching. [more…]

Many consumers have noticed that coffee shop menu prices are becoming increasingly baffling. An Americano easily costs 30 yuan, and a specialty drink can easily exceed 40 yuan, leaving people feeling "stung" when they pay the bill. So, what exactly makes up the cost of a cup of coffee? And how should independent cafés scientifically price their products? This article examines store positioning, menu design, raw material costs, and original price ratio calculations to sort out the basic logic of coffee shop pricing, and provides reference cost ranges for espresso beans and milk, helping coffee lovers and industry professionals better understand the economics behind a cup of coffee. [more…]