Latest news with #Americanos
Arabian Post
12 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
China's Coffee Battle Deepens with Strategic Price Cuts
Starbucks has announced price reductions averaging 5 yuan on select iced and tea‑based beverages in China, marking a significant shift in its pricing strategy within its second‑largest market. The move, effective from this Tuesday, will place some drinks at 23 yuan, aiming to broaden appeal during afternoon hours amid mounting competitive and economic pressures. China's coffee landscape has grown increasingly fragmented, driven by a prolonged deflationary trend and cautious consumer sentiment. Deflation persisted into its fourth month as of May, with consumer prices dipping 0.1 per cent year‑on‑year, prompting retailers across sectors to adjust pricing. Domestic chains such as Luckin Coffee, Manner Coffee and Cotti Coffee now retail Americanos for between 14–15 yuan, while and Alibaba‑affiliated delivery services can bundle drinks via promotions for as low as 2.9 yuan. Bubble‑tea giant Mixue has entered the fray with tea coffees priced at around 6.9 yuan, following a $444 million IPO in Hong Kong. A spokesperson closely involved with Starbucks China, speaking anonymously, maintained that the adjustments are not a capitulation to a price war but rather a strategic effort to attract more afternoon foot traffic, particularly towards non‑coffee offerings like frappuccinos and tea lattes. This follows a subtle shift over recent months, where the company introduced smaller drink sizes and more digital coupons to stimulate transactions. ADVERTISEMENT As of late 2024, Starbucks operates 7,685 outlets across the mainland, having added a roasting plant in Kunshan and continued store expansion. Nonetheless, slowing China growth—4.7 per cent in Q2 2024—and deflationary trends have eroded consumer confidence, with job insecurity prompting tighter spending in discretionary areas such as cafés. Starbucks' appeal has long rested on its 'third‑place' ambience—charging premium for experience. But critics and analysts note that domestic players emphasise product innovation and affordability. Kearney's Sherri He described the shift: 'Starbucks is targeting white‑collar professionals… but broader masses opt for lower‑cost, trend‑driven products'. Indeed, Luckin now runs more than 20,000 stores nationwide, tripling Starbucks' footprint in major urban centres. Luckin's resurgence—after accounting scandals and bankruptcy—has been marked by aggressive volume strategies and rapid recovery in same‑store sales, recording triple‑digit net income growth in late 2024. That firm's continued expansion underscores the pricing threat Starbucks faces, particularly in lower‑tier cities where cost sensitivity is acute. Analysts point to broader strategic recalibrations within Starbucks. Last week, the company reportedly explored partnerships and divestments tied to its China operations as part of a wider turnaround push. In recent financial reports, Starbucks admitted North America and China comp store performance remained under pressure, with CEO Brian Niccol pledging menu simplification and improved customer experience. Starbucks' pivot seems aimed at reintroducing affordability while defending its premium image. While global chains retreat from steep discounting, in China delivering price accessibility may be essential ground‑level defence. Observers will be monitoring whether afternoon footfall increases and if lower price points sustain margins amid stiff competition. The broader market vibrates with innovation and localisation. Domestic players are accelerating menu iterations—bubble‑tea flavours, brown sugar boba lattes, coconut‑coconut variants—tailored to Gen‑Z preferences. Mixue's model, which prioritises ingredient and equipment revenues to franchisees, allows ultra‑low pricing and rapid store proliferation—a direct challenge to Starbucks' directly‑operated format. Starbucks' push into smaller Chinese towns—far beyond tier‑one cities—is another key differentiator. With a goal of opening 9,000 outlets by end‑2025, the company is banking on long‑term expansion even as urban discretionary spending decelerates. But this scale‑up entails heightened exposure to price‑led local competitors.
Jordan News
15-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
Local, Loved, and Delivered: 9 of the Best Coffee Spots in Jor...
اضافة اعلان In the past two years, Jordan's coffee scene has brewed something remarkable. A surge in support for local businesses has turned independent coffee shops into community icons, elevating quality, creativity, and connection in every cup. Whether it's a cozy neighborhood gem or a sleek urban café, Jordanians are sipping local more than ever, and loving every second of local love story continues with Careem, bringing your favorite cafés right to your doorstep. Add to that if you're a Careem Plus subscriber, your coffee routine just got even better!From bold Americanos to velvety iced lattes and hot creamy matchas, we've rounded up 9 standout coffee spots in Amman and their best-selling drinks. Ready to caffeinate your day with a local twist? Here's your go-to list:1)Qahwa BLK —Qahwa BLK has mastered the grab-and-go coffee model with more than 20 branches across fast, reliable, and known for keeping prices accessible — all without compromising on quality. From basic espresso to flavored iced lattes, Qahwa BLK is built for people who want great coffee delivered Their Iced Spanish and Hazelnut Lattes are a cult favorite! sweet, cool, and creamy with a flavor that keeps people coming Abdoun, Boulevard, Fuhies, Sports City, 7th Circle, Khalda, Muqablian, Sweifieh, Abdoun Al Shamali, Bayader, Wadi Saqra, Airport Road, Horya, Muqablian, University street, Irbid.2)Coffee Factory: If you're after rich, bold, full-flavored coffee, Coffee Factory is your place. Their industrial-chic identity carries through into their robust, no-nonsense brews that pack a punch, even when The Iced Coffee Latte is their most popular item on Careem! It is strong and Um Uthaina, Jabal Amman, Mecca Street, Abdoun, 7th Circle, Um Al Summaq3)Dimitri's Coffee: Founded in 2014, Dimitri's Coffee is the brainchild of three brothers passionate about specialty coffee. With multiple branches across Amman. Dimitri's is a pioneer in Jordan's specialty coffee scene, and remains a fan Their Caramel Frappe hits the sweet spot between creamy and bold, offering comfort in a Al Waibdeh, Mecca Street, 7th Cricle, Boulevard, Al Madineh Al Monawara, Jubieha, Wadi Saqra, Swiefieh4)Almond Coffee House: Located in the heart of Amman, Almond Coffee House offers freshly roasted specialty coffee alongside a diverse menu of breakfast options, salads, and desserts. Almond is known for its minimalist aesthetic and strong Their Americano is a bold brew that's perfect for those who like to keep it simple and Mecca Street, Rabieh, 8th Circle5)Astrolabe: Astrolabe Coffee House is more than just a café; it's a hub for creatives and culture roots in artisan coffee, Astrolabe offers a refined selection of brews that are consistently high-quality. Whether you're into espresso-based drinks or experimental flavors, Astrolabe's coffee is crafted to stay bold and balanced, even when delivered!Bestseller: Their Café Latte is a fan favorite, but it's their full menu of hot and iced drinks including seasonal specialsLocations: Khalda, Abdali, Taj Mall, Downtown, Salt Road, Mecca street6)Coffee Co — When it comes to chill vibes and even cooler drinks, Coffee Co nails it, They specialize in iced coffee and flavored lattes that are just as photogenic as they are Careem, Coffee Co stands out for its fun options, fast prep, and consistently smooth delivery Their Iced Latte is a refreshing must-have, especially during Jordan's warmer 7th Cricle, Sports City7)Kofy Haus: Kofy Haus may have a minimalist look, but their coffee is anything but basic. Built on a love for robust, pure flavors, this café has become a favorite for coffee purists who want quality without also enjoy the wide selection of espresso-based drinks and how quickly orders arrive, hot and Their Americano is one of the strongest and smoothest on the platform, perfect for people who don't mess around with their Um AL Summaq8)Base CoffeeBase Coffee is a modern favorite among young professionals and minimalists alike, known for its clean aesthetic, curated menu, and consistent quality. It's not just about coffee here — Base has also carved a niche with its growing matcha Their Iced Matcha is a refreshing, creamy green tea blend that's become a go-to for those looking for a caffeine boost without the jitters. It's smooth, balanced, and perfectly chilled for Abdoun and Boulevard9)Comma Coffee: Comma Coffee is all about comfort and creativity. Known for its cozy identity and thoughtful drinks, it has gained a loyal following for customers who enjoy sweeter, more indulgent coffee options. Whether you're treating yourself or ordering a quick caffeine fix, Comma delivers quality with a touch of Their Toffee Crunch Latte is a top-seller for a reason, it's rich, velvety, and just the right amount of Marj Al Hamam, Boulevard, Abdoun, Abdallah Ghosheh street, Shafa Badran, TabarbourWhether you're looking for bold, sweet, or somewhere in between, these coffee houses deliver Jordan's best local coffee, right to your door. Order now through Careem Food and enjoy the extra perks of Careem Plus! free delivery, exclusive deals, and your daily coffee made better.
NDTV
14-05-2025
- General
- NDTV
Easy Methods of Brewing Coffee You Can Try at Home
For many, coffee is more than just a beverage - it's a daily ritual, a comfort, and sometimes, a small but essential joy. While cafes offer expertly crafted brews, there's something deeply satisfying about making your own coffee at home. Fortunately, you don't need expensive equipment or barista training to enjoy a good cup. Here are some easy and accessible methods of brewing coffee at home, each offering a unique flavour profile and experience. Here Are 5 Ways To Brew Coffee At Home 1. Pour Over The pour-over method is a favourite among coffee purists. It involves pouring hot water over freshly ground coffee in a cone-shaped dripper lined with a paper filter. Gravity does the work, drawing the water through the grounds and filtering into your cup or carafe. Why try it? It allows for precise control over water temperature and brewing time, which helps highlight the subtle flavours in single-origin beans. All you need is a dripper (like a V60 or Chemex), filters, and a kettle. Tip: Use medium-coarse coffee grounds and pour slowly in a circular motion for an even extraction. 2. French Press The French press, or cafetiere, is a timeless, fuss-free method perfect for those who enjoy bold, full-bodied coffee. Ground coffee is steeped in hot water for several minutes before being pressed down with a plunger to separate the grounds. Why try it? This method retains more of the coffee's natural oils, resulting in a richer, more robust flavour. It's also easy to use and clean. Tip: Use coarsely ground coffee to avoid sediment in your cup and let it brew for about 4 minutes before plunging. 3. AeroPress Compact and versatile, the AeroPress is a modern favourite that's great for travellers and home brewers alike. It uses air pressure to push water through coffee grounds, producing a strong and smooth cup in under two minutes. Why try it? It's incredibly quick and allows for experimentation. You can make espresso-style coffee, Americanos, or even cold brews with the right tweaks. Tip: Try the "inverted method" for a stronger brew and use medium-fine grounds. 4. Cold Brew Ideal for warmer days, cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12-18 hours. The result is a smooth, mellow drink that's low in acidity and can be served over ice or with milk. Why try it? It's incredibly refreshing and stays good in the fridge for up to a week. Best of all, it's almost impossible to mess up. Tip: Use a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio for a concentrate you can dilute later, depending on your taste. Here's how to make the perfect cold brew. 5. Moka Pot Also known as a stovetop espresso maker, the Moka pot brews strong, espresso-like coffee by passing boiling water pressurised by steam through coffee grounds. Why try it? It's affordable, produces a bold cup, and gives you a cafe-style experience right from your hob. Tip: Use fine grounds (but not too fine) and keep an eye on the heat - too high and you risk burning the coffee. Brewing coffee at home doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you prefer the clarity of pour-over, the strength of a Moka pot, or the smoothness of cold brew, there's a method to suit every taste and schedule. So, grab your favourite beans and start experimenting.
South China Morning Post
04-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Korean cafe near North-South border where views, art in a bunker inspire hopes of peace
Reclining on sofas at a South Korean cafe, customers sip iced Americanos as they gaze past barbed wire fences and watchtowers at the mountains of North Korea. Advertisement Daonsoop cafe is so close to the North Korean border that to obtain the building permit, its owners had to build it with a bunker and fortified positions for tanks. Founder Lee Oh-sook and her husband, both the children of North Korean refugees, built the cafe less than 2km (about a mile) from the border in Paju, seeking proximity to their ancestral homeland. 'From here, you can see North Korea, so close but inaccessible … Our parents always hoped to return to their homeland, but they died before realising this dream,' 63-year-old Lee says. Lee Oh-sook at her cafe near the North Korean border. She and her husband, who are both children of North Korean refugees, built the cafe to be close to their ancestral homeland. Photo: AFP 'We chose to settle here to think of them more often.'
New York Times
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
David Harbour Is Conflicted About Becoming a Morning Person
The Red Guardian never made the varsity squad of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but that's more than OK with David Harbour. 'Of the people that do love these movies, we are not the favorite,' he said of the antiheroes in the new Marvel film 'Thunderbolts*.' 'But we really poured our hearts into this movie and tried to make something that is about isolation in modern society and light and the darkness that is within all of us.' During what Harbour called a bit of a nightmare, he worked on 'Thunderbolts*' at the same time he was shooting the final season of the Netflix series 'Stranger Things,' in which he plays Hopper, the heroic small-town police chief. He is currently working on 'DTF St. Louis,' an HBO limited series and the first thing he has produced, with Jason Bateman and Linda Cardellini. In a video call from Los Angeles, he elaborated on the headphones, sunglasses and Zen mantra that he considers essential. These are edited excerpts from the conversation. I drink it all day long. My doctor has told me to knock it off, but it is the last vice I have. I have an assistant and she does a lot of great things for me, but probably the No. 1 job is she brings me too many Americanos throughout the day. I love a tangled cord. I used to carry a CD player back in the early 2000s and I would put on headphones and walk around the East Village and have my little soundtrack to my life. Just sort of float through. They're wide, they're big. I like them to be a very light tint so that I can wear them indoors and at night and people don't think I'm wearing sunglasses. But they still sort of shield your eyes. It's a funny thing that when people can't see your eyes, they really don't recognize you as well. There's a shop in Little Five Points, which is the East Village of Atlanta, for Native American stuff, and a guy called Yellowbird paints these wallets. I have a wallet with a bear on it, and I got a drum that I keep out as a talisman for the hawk that just basically sits on my roof until he finds a little chipmunk that hasn't gotten the memo. Thich Nhat Hanh was a Zen monk from Vietnam who was quite an incredible man. His mantra things are so simple, but so profound. 'Breathing in, I'm aware that I'm breathing in. Breathing out, I'm aware that I'm breathing out. Breathing in, present moment. Breathing out, wonderful moment. Enjoy your breath.' It's a bite-size bonbon. Since I was diagnosed bipolar when I was 26, I've always taken mental pills, whatever you call them. I've gone back and forth about the necessity of them so I struggle with the idea that they are an essential to my life. But I do know that it can help people to know that you are not alone if you need these medications and that everybody needs something. One of the things I miss about doing plays is you get to rehearse. Whereas with TV and film, you don't rehearse. My assistant now compiles all the work that I have ahead of me for the next two weeks, two weeks in advance, in a nice little binder. I need to constantly familiarize myself with something so it lives in my body before I go to shoot it. When I first got sober when I was 24, one of the pages of the Big Book [of Alcoholics Anonymous] that was really pivotal is they say acceptance is the key to all my problems. As the world gets more complex, the more deeply I need to find the people that can accept me, the situations that can accept me, and not only that can accept me, but that I can have acceptance for. I was such a theater rat in my 20s. You're out after the play till 4 a.m., so I would sleep in until 1 p.m. Now I'm a more film and TV guy, so you're up early at 6 in the morning. But I still have that beast inside me that wants to sleep till 1 p.m. every day. I feel no shame. I like looking at ugliness in all sorts of ways. It's another Zen concept that Thich Nhat Hanh has where it's like the lotus grows from the mud. If you don't have any mud, you don't have any lotus. Sometimes I can isolate myself into just looking at what's beautiful or hiding my face from situations or people that are ugly. It makes my life thinner and weaker, and it devalues beauty when I see it.
