Oatly causes a stir over SCA competition rules, the sky’s the limit for Starbucks, Jadakiss waxes lyrical over new coffee venture, Estate Coffee slam dunks new partnership and Pact Coffee sends a clear message on homelessness
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Oatly has penned a tongue-in-cheek letter to the Specialty Coffee Association | Photo credit: Ben Garratt
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Oatly froths over SCA barista championship milk rule
Swedish alternative dairy brand Oatly has penned a tongue-in-cheek letter to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) in protest against competition rules stating that only cow milk can be used in the world’s top barista championships. Given the growing popularity of dairy alternatives globally, Oatly said the regulation was outdated and is seeking to garner support through the sharing of internet memes. The open letter concludes that an update to the non-dairy milk rule would enable the SCA ‘to be absolved of further Mockery for their temporary adherence to the ancient wisdoms of the dairy industry’.
Starbucks has high hopes for Empire State Building store
Starbucks Coffee Company will open a new Starbucks Reserve location in New York’s iconic Empire State Building on 16 November 2022. The store, which will span three floors and cover 23,000 square feet, has been billed by the Seattle-based company as a ‘one-of-a-kind destination’ that will showcase Starbucks Reserve coffee alongside immersive workshops and tasting experiences. The location will be the only Starbucks store to offer beverages crafted with Cold Pressed Espresso, a patented brewing technology designed by the Starbucks Research and Development team, that produces an espresso shot similar to a slow-steeped cold brew.
Jadakiss keeps coffee in the family with Kiss Café
US rapper Jadakiss has followed in his father’s footsteps and ventured into the coffee industry with the launch of Kiss Café. Jadakiss, whose real name is Jason Phillips, has plenty of coffee knowledge to lean upon with his father Bob Phillips having worked in the industry for 40 years, including as CEO of a green coffee trading company for more than 20 years. Jadakiss’ son is also a partner in the new business. A retail packaged coffee company, Kiss Café’s first product is a Central American ‘Beijo’ blend, available on the company’s website in both wholebean and ground formats. Kiss Café plans to announce its first retail partners by the start of 2023.
Texas basketball team holds court for US coffee roaster
Texas-based basketball team The San Antonio Spurs has partnered with Estate Coffee Company to promote the local coffee roaster’s Por Vida Coffee Roast packaged coffee to fans. The sports team said the collaboration celebrates ‘being part of the Spurs family as a lifestyle beyond the court’. From 28 October 2022, fans can purchase the new Por Vida Coffee Roast online or from Estate Coffee Company’s San Antonio café. The San Antonio Spurs fan shop will also host a pre-game coffee tasting for fans ahead of their NBA match with the Chicago Bulls on 28 October.
Pact Coffee makes a visible difference for London’s homeless
UK-based Single Homeless Project has partnered with coffee subscription delivery company Pact Coffee to help promote its ‘Invisible Coffee’ initiative. The programme was created to highlight London’s homelessness crisis, with rough sleepers often left feeling invisible. Invisible Coffee enables customers to make a purchase without receiving any coffee, with funds instead directed to the Single Homeless Project. As part of the collaboration, Pact will promote Invisible Coffee beans and merchandise to its current subscribers.