The Biggest Coffee News of 2016
2016 was a busy year in coffee, as expansion and progression took center stage. Large companies expanded and small roasting teams continued to push the bounds of coffee quality. Here are our picks for some of the most noteworthy events in coffee from 2016.
Howard Shultz stepping down from Starbucks
Howard Shultz stepped down as CEO of Starbucks to head up the opening of over 100 reserve roasteries in 2017. This expansion is due to give Starbucks Reserve a strong hold on the specialty market nationwide.
BeanGenius Marketplace Launched
The BeanGenius marketplace is now the largest specialty coffee marketplace on the internet. Representing more than 25 independent coffee roasters, the marketplace gives specialty coffee lovers a place to try new coffees as well as subscribe to old favorites with the click of a button.
Sudden Coffee Raises Loads of Money
Instant specialty coffee got a huge boost from investors this past year, as San Francisco’s Sudden Coffee fundraised $2.7 million on Kickstarter. Sudden Coffee’s freeze dried specialty coffee is redefining the possibilities for specialty coffee production and consumption.
Brewing Device Production Facilities Keeping Busy
Creating a brewing device was one of the biggest trends of 2016. A week didn’t pass without a new contraption promising to change the way we brew, grind, extract, and make coffee at home. Our favorites from the past year were the Voltaire Smart Grinder, Pascal Press, Flair Espresso Machine, and the Precision Presser by Kitchen Aid. All of the newest and greatest gadgets give the technical brewing feinds many quality options to explore.
No Cold Brew Left Behind
2015 was simply just the beginning of the cold brew coffee revolution. As bottling and popularity grew in 2016, top coffee companies launched multiple products in the space. Innumerable companies have been born in the past year to fill this specific niche. Even Starbucks and Coca-Cola entered the market with a smooth, rich, low-acidity coffee beverage. Ready-to-Drink coffees are the gateway to specialty coffee for many casual coffee drinkers. Keep an eye out on the scene; expansion is not due to end any time soon.
Happy 2016 everyone!