I confess: I'm an addict. I can scarcely get through a day without a cup of coffee. Or two. Sometimes even three. Every morning I make my way to the local coffee shop for my fix. In Oxford, Cafe Nero in Blackwells Bookshop is my cafe of choice. I always opt for a window seat so that I might watch the world go by on Broad as I sip my Americano and peruse the day's news. In Evanston, I found a home in Peet's; the wonderful aroma of coffee brewing hits your nose the moment you open the door. Most recently I discovered the Hungarian Pastry Shop in New York City and am longing to go back. What better way to pass a morning than with a delectable croissant, a perfect cup of coffee and a view on St. John the Divine?
Given my addiction, I can't help but comment on all the coffee related news that I've been stumbling upon recently. Last week I blogged that Starbucks is opening an office in Rwanda, with the hopes of collaborating with local farmers as a way of helping them overcome poverty, and of developing a potentially lucrative export market. According to Appfrica, Africa's first chain coffee factory opened in Uganda just yesterday. The factory is owned by Uganda's Good African Coffee company, which controls a value chain that begins with Ugandan farmers and continues all the way to supermarket shelves. The company has promised 50% of the profits to growers, their families and communities, and further offers training to farmers to help improve the quality and sale value of their crop. What a great initiative to promote local entrepreneurship.
China's coffee market is likewise heating up, with Costa Coffee, 85c and Dunkin Donuts now on the scene. Before, China's coffee market was dominated entirely by Starbucks (and its knock-off, SPR), which is now beginning to lose its grip. Presumably Starbucks is losing its grip in other markets as well, which is why the company has begun an intensive rebranding campaign, and is even considering adding alcohol to its menu. Because the one thing missing in this world is place where you can get free wifi, a bran muffin and a Stroh's.
But who knows: with Tim Horton's now aggressively entering the American market and 85c beginning to dominate in China, a bottle of Stroh's with your latte and muffin may be the perfect marketing pitch. Personally, though, I'd just opt for an Irish coffee. Extra strong, if you please.
Bansky, the British street artist, has left his mark on the African continent. This Flickr page has a wonderful collection of his images which highlight Western perceptions of Africa
China is now an empire in denial, according to the FT's Gideon Rachman
Kindles, iPods and the end of cultural snobbery? Oh dear, this can't possibly be good.
Starbucks has opened an office in Kigali, Rwanda, and is set to partner with local coffee farmers. I wonder if this means that I can get my sugar-free vanilla soy latté fix next time I'm in Rwanda?
According to this projection, China will be the second most populous country in the world by 2050 (it is currently first), followed by the U.S. and Nigeria. India will be the foremost populous, while the Congo will be ninth-most.