March 29, 2023

This Week in Coffee; Wednesday 29th of March

The newsletter is back after a short break through March. I've had a great deal going on in my life which meant I had to step back briefly, but the newsletter is back now and better than ever.

Please keep sending me tips and insights. I can't keep across everything and love hearing from readers.

Equipment

• The xBloom has started shipping and available in the US

Really good looking piece of kit which I've been waiting to talk about. It's been in kickstarter mode since September 2022 and is now ready to purchase.

I know there are other teams globally working on similar ideas with smart-pods and it's nice to see people getting out there. However, I think the market for a $800 plug-and-play pour over machine is going to be relatively small. Wouldn't people want to be involved at that price point?

Industry

• How Modest Coffee Lost $250K On A Distributor Order, Then Made It All Back Again

This was a big story on the r/coffee subreddit and they did an amazing job supporting a coffee businesses that had been stung badly by poor fortune.

• Gentlemen, it is with regret that I must inform you that the celebs are at it again.

Snoop Dogg launched a line of coffee.

• More celeb coffee and yes I know I'm part of the problem by featuring them

Jacksepticeye launches a line of 'snobbery free' coffee.

• Lavazza becomes official coffee partner of the Australian Grand Prix

Comps

• MICE2023 to host Richest Barista competition with $40k cash prize pool

Miscellaneous

• The first round of the Latte Art Grading System (LAGS) battle took place in Italy

• Big Shoulders coffee holding first public latte art throwdown on Friday, March 31st in Chicago