coffee business strategies

LONDON (August 29, 2008) – The world’s top baristas will test their coffee making skills in competition using the Nuova Simonelli Aurelia espresso machine and MAHLKÖNIG K30 espresso grinders at World Barista Championship events in 2009 – 2011. Once every 3 years, leading manufacturers of commercial coffee machines vie for the prestigious opportunity to have [...]

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After a one year hiatus, the Cup of Excellence competition returns in November to Brazil, the origin where there first COE was held in 1999. You can read all about it in the organization’s press release: MISSOULA, MT – The Brazil Specialty Coffee Association (BSCA) announces with excitement the 2008 Cup of Excellence® schedule, bringing [...]

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Yes, I realize that it is not about coffee, but there is a connection. Kent Bakke (shown left) is a co-owner of La Marzocco…. and also happens to be one of the nicest and most respected fellows in the business. From The Seattle Times One of the biggest names in Seattle coffee has opened a [...]

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The article Coffee’s trained tasters know their beans and brews in the LA Times today features Los Angeles area Q-graders, including our friend Jeff Chean of The Supreme Bean Coffee Roasters, John Gozbekian of LA Mill, Rocky Rhodes of Rocky Roaster and others. Dora Jaramillo slides off the top of a wooden box to reveal [...]

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BusinessWeek features the story of big investors dumping their interest in Starbucks in a new feature article; I’m Johnny-on-the-spot. RESTORING LUSTER But Schultz faces a tough battle in bringing back the company’s traditionally prolific growth. As recently as 2004, Starbucks’ stock traded at an eye-catching 68 times earnings for the trailing 12 months, according to [...]

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