From high-end espresso machines to automated milk frothers, technology has streamlined coffee preparation, offering faster, more consistent results. Barista roles are shifting from artistry to customer engagement. With coffee roasters cutting barista promotions and costs up by 29%, how will the industry balance efficiency and craft?

For many owners of specialty coffee brands that have scaled, success hasn’t been all fun and games. Big brands are craving the creativity of their early days. Side projects like Blue Bottle Studio and Starbucks Reserve help reignite passion while big brands juggle profits. With food costs up 29% and labour up 31%, small, focused coffee shops are proving size isn’t everything.

Taco Bell, a brand synonymous with budget-friendly tacos and late-night cravings, is expanding into premium coffee. Its Live Más Café brings specialty drinks to the $5B coffee market, targeting younger, trend-focused consumers. Fast-food chains added 1,400 coffee outlets in 2023, with Taco Bell joining the race to compete with Starbucks and Dunkin’. Taco Bell is betting on affordable drinks to stand out in a crowded coffee space.

For decades, the label “Made in China” carried a stigma, particularly in industries that prided themselves on craftsmanship, precision, and performance. Now, building on decades of experience in manufacturing, processing, supply chain management, and quality control, China’s manufacturing capabilities have made leaps – including coffee equipment.

Colombia has long been viewed as the ultimate source for experimental coffees. For decades it has been synonymous with high-quality microlots with exceptional processing standards. Colombia’s microlot market share is shrinking alongside a reported 20% increase in coffee production in 2024, driven by competition and high production costs. Refined innovation may be required to beat more competitive value propositions.

McDonald’s has launched a limited-time Dulce de Leche Frappé, signalling a calculated nod to the Latino community, their fastest-growing demographic in the US and a key driver of specialty coffee consumption. The frappé offers a workaround for their espresso machine troubles, with espresso drinks off the menu in several cities. With Latino spending power set to hit $2.6 trillion by 2025, McDonald’s blends cultural relevance with practicality.

There is no shortage of coffee shops that label themselves as "specialty" – but the number of coffee shops that serve a cup of coffee that would meet James Hoffmann’s expectations are few and far between.  91% of consumers prefer authentic brands, but misuse of the term "specialty" is eroding trust. Rising YOY sector growth is fuelling subpar cafes prioritising profits over quality. Clear standards are crucial to protect quality cafes and preserve value chains.

As tough economic times hit, the core values of specialty coffee – commitment to quality, sustainability, and fair practices – seem to be getting diluted. Two-thirds of young consumers prioritise ethics, but rapid growth often sacrifices transparency and producer welfare. Mayorga Coffee’s 5x facility expansion shows scaling can align with fair prices and socio-economic impact.