Can Specialty Coffee Survive the Speed of Modern Economies?
Specialty coffee, with its focus on quality and authenticity, is a curious fit in our fast-paced world. While it shares similarities with the slow food movement, its emphasis on small batches, precise preparation, and ritualistic experience clashes with modern economies' obsession with speed and scale. In countries like the United States, this contradiction is particularly evident. The cultural fixation on efficiency – bigger cups, faster service, exponential growth – runs counter to specialty coffee's ethos. Starbucks' 4-minute drink preparation rule stands in stark contrast to third wave coffee's original dedication to craft, intentionality, and precision. Brands like Blue Bottle and…
