Archive · November, 2009
Starbucks VIA Doing Better Than Expected
Friday, November 13th, 2009
Starbucks began making Via available in September in all its cafes in the U.S. and Canada, as well as in other locations, such as hotels and bookstores. The company created Via, which sells for $2.95 for a pack of three, in an attempt to reach consumers who aren’t inclined to splurge on a regular coffee purchase.”
Read the full article, “Starbucks CEO: Via Instant Coffee Besting Expectations“, at CNNMoney.com.
High-Tech Coffee Cup Keeps Coffee at 136.4 Degrees F
Friday, November 13th, 2009
“The researchers at IBP came up with the idea of using PCM in coffee mugs. If it works in large office spaces and in jackets, why couldn’t it also keep a cup of coffee warm? To test their theory, they created the first PCM mug. The high-tech mug is made using a porcelain shell whose hollow interior is filled with a honeycomb structure made of ribbons of highly conductive material, such as aluminum. This honeycomb structure is then filled with PCM. ‘So now, if you are drinking hot coffee in one of these cups,” Sinnesbichler explains, “the drink’s heat is directed straight into the still solid PCM. This heat, in term, melts the PCM — kind of like wax — and turns it into a liquid.’”
This sounds like it could be a cool cup. Not only will your cup keep coffee better, but it’ll be a great conversation topic, too.
Read the full article, “Scientists Develop Intelligent Coffee Mug“, at SPIEGEL ONLINE.
Other Resources:
Teechino Caffeiene-Free Herbal Coffee aka Coffee Without the Coffee
Thursday, November 12th, 2009I found an offer for a free sample from Teechino, a coffee substitute “roasted and ground to brew and taste just like coffee.” If you subscribe to their newsletter, they’ll send you a free sample. As much as I love coffee, I can’t help but wonder how similar this can really taste; the fact that the web site claims kids like this as an alternative to coffee and hot chocolate doesn’t help. Besides me when I was younger, how many kids really drink coffee in the first place that they need an alternative?
The confirmation e-mail I received says, “Free sample requests are shipped via bulk mail every 3-4 weeks. Your free sample should arrive in 4-6 weeks via US Mail to the address registered.”
I’ll be sure to update you if/when I get this.
Caribou Coffee Now With Real Chocolate-As of Tomorrow
Wednesday, November 11th, 2009
The company said that beginning from November 12, 2009 guests can have mochas, chocolate lattes, hot chocolates, specialty beverages and cold beverages made with either white, milk or dark Guittard chocolate at all Caribou Coffee locations throughout the US.”
Read the full article, Caribou Coffee Reformulates Mochas With Real Chocolate at Drinks Business Review.
NYSE & Lloyds of London Sprouted From Coffee Shops
Wednesday, November 11th, 2009Did You Know…
Source: Susann Geiskopf-Hadler. A Cozy Book of Coffees & Cocoas.
I think this just goes to show that some pretty important work can come from coffee shops.