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Weekly Coffee News: AeroPress Makes Something Clear, Bot Bars in Brooklyn, and More

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APClear

The AeroPress clear. Daily Coffee News photo by Howard Bryman.

AeroPress Finds Clarity

AeroPress this week launched the AeroPress Clear, a transparent version of its flagship manual brewing device. The AeroPress Clear is currently selling for $49.95. DCN caught a sneak peek of the Clear model at last month’s Specialty Coffee Expo in Portland, Oregon, where AeroPress also showed off versions of its forthcoming XL and Premium models.

Robot Coffee Shop Boots Up in Brooklyn 

Signage is now up for Botbar Coffee in Brooklyn, New York, and robot-made coffee is expected to be flowing within the next two weeks, according to an Eater report. Las Vegas-based robotics manufacturer Richtech Robotics said the robots at the center of the new shop can make up to 50 drinks per hour. The shop reflects a growing trend of coffee made by robots.

Glasgow Coffee Festival Launches Scholarship for Teens

The team behind this weekend’s Glasgow Coffee Festival has partnered with Hub International to introduce a scholarship for disadvantaged teens to receive training and job opportunities in the coffee industry. The program was developed with support from Glasgow-based roasting company Dear Green.

ICO Releases April 2023 Global Market Report

The International Coffee Organization (ICO) has released its latest monthly Coffee Market Report. The ICO Composite Indicator Price gained 5% from March, averaging $1.7857 per pound. Global green bean exports in March totaled 10.9 million bags, as compared with 12.06 million bags in the same month last year, a 9.6% decrease.

Fender Opening Tokyo Flagship Store with Verve Coffee Roasters

The Japanese wing of guitar brand Fender is planning to open the international brand’s first flagship retail store in Tokyo next month. The store will include a cafe featuring coffees from the Japan-based arm of California-born Verve Coffee Roasters.

Tim Hortons Entering South Korea

Canadian coffee giant Tim Hortons is expected to launch for the first time in South Korea this year through a franchise agreement with hospitality group BKR, which also operates Burger King in South Korea. Tim Hortons currently has about 5,600 locations in 15 countries.

Couple Plans 10 Foxtail Coffee Locations in Southwest Florida

Diana and Scott Willis have opened a Foxtail Coffee Co. location in North Naples, Florida, with plans to open 10 more franchise locations in the region, according to a Gulfshore Business report. Foxtail Coffee Co. has expanded rapidly since opening its first location in 2016. The North Naples location represents the franchise-focused company’s 50th store.

Wunderground Coffee Takes Flight at Seattle Airport

Travelers can now experience Seattle-based mushroom beverage brand Wunderground Coffee at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. A new retail stand at the airport offers the brand’s adaptogenic mushroom-infused coffee products, which Wunderground claims improve focus and immunity while reducing stress.

Keurig Releases New Iced Coffee Makers

Keurig Dr Pepper has announced three new coffee makers as part of the Keurig K-Iced line, alongside five new “iced K-cup pods.” The new machines have a “brew over ice” option that automatically adjusts the brew temperature to minimize ice melting. According to the company, 73% of consumers between ages 18-24 drink iced coffee weekly.

Biggby Coffee Becomes Official Coffee of the Detroit Tigers

Michigan-based franchise chain Biggby Coffee has been named the official coffee brand of the Detroit Tigers Major League Baseball team. The youthful Motor City Kitties are currently 17-19 in the American League Central division.

Caribou Coffee Adds Espresso Tonics for Summer

Minnesota-based coffee chain Caribou Coffee has unveiled its summer drink lineup, including a classic espresso tonic and a cherry peach espresso tonic made with Fever Tree brand tonic water. Other summer drinks include a raspberry green tea with bubbles and a frozen matcha with bubbles (coffee jellies).

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii Launches New Energy Drinks

Colorado-based Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii introduced a line of energy drinks through a collaboration with Lotus Plant Energy. Available in three flavors, the “Mana” drinks include organic adaptogenic botanicals and caffeine from green coffee beans. The Hawaii-themed coffee chain, which is owned by Centennial, Colorado-based Royal Aloha Franchise Company, has announced plans to open some 150 new locations over the next five years.

In Case You Missed It

Here are some of DCN’s top stories from the past week…

Chad Vera

Chad Trewick and Vera Espíndola Rafael of Azahar Coffee Company. Courtesy photo.

Three Questions With Chad Trewick of Azahar Coffee Company 

With a remarkable 30 years spent in and around the coffee business, Chad Trewick is embracing his next adventure as head of green coffee at Azahar CoffeeRead more

Research: Decaf May Open Doors for Placebos in Other Drug Treatments

A group of researchers has used coffee to suggest that using placebos to treat drug addiction may be effective, even when the subjects are fully aware that they are getting placebos… Read more

New Commercial Drip Brewers at the 2023 SCA Expo

Boilers, beware: If the new commercial drip brewing products on display at the 2023 SCA Expo are any indication, the end times are approaching… Read more

Six US Equipment Companies Merge as Lotus Beverage Alliance in $100M Deal

Six United States craft beverage equipment manufacturing companies merged through a $100 million deal last month to form a new company called Lotus Beverage AllianceRead more

Ceado Jumps Into Brewing Through the Hoop Manual Brewer

Italian coffee equipment maker Ceado has thrown its hat into the ring — or the hoop, as the case may be — of coffee brewing equipment… Read more

New Research Explains How Finer Grounds May Lead to Weaker Espresso 

Research published yesterday shines a new light on a counterintuitive phenomenon in espresso craft, when finer grinds may lead to underdeveloped, or “weaker,” espresso… Read more

Valor Coffee Extends Coffee Values to Second Metro Atlanta Cafe

North suburban Atlanta roasting company Valor Coffee has opened its second brick-and-mortar cafe, bringing its coffee heroics to the Dunwoody Village shopping center… Read more

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