Nestle to hire robotic sales staff
Last week we reported on the presence of a robotic barista called Nextage who served up coffee for Kawada Industries at the Japanese Robot Week which was recently held in Tokyo.
Visitors to a purpose-built stall used a tablet device to select their drink of choice and whether they would like to customise it or not. Nextage would then set about making it by selecting the coffee, operating the coffee machine and then adding any extra personal items such as the required amount of milk and sugar.
As we noted, it literally brought about a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘robotic service’.
…continue reading Nestle to hire robotic sales staff
A Robotic barista is on show in Japan
Have you ever been into a branded coffee shop or retail store and felt that you were getting robotic service from the staff members?
That could quite literally become the norm if the mechanical future on show at the Japan Robot Week becomes a dystopian reality.
Visitors to a pop-up café at the Kawada Industries stand were treated to a cup of coffee, served to them be a robot barista called Nextage.
…continue reading A Robotic barista is on show in Japan
Starbucks to take control of their Japanese operations
Earlier on this year the American coffee giant Starbucks reported a staggering 18th consecutive quarter of a 5% plus increase in same-store sales as well as a near quarter (23% to be exact) rise in earnings.
Now after those incredible figures, the Seattle-based chain is growing once against.
Starbucks is planning on taking full ownership of their Japanese operations in a $900 million deal that will see the company fully oversee their own future in their second largest market.
…continue reading Starbucks to take control of their Japanese operations
New coffee pairing in Japan
Coffee and cigarettes is something of a well-known pairing, isn’t it?
It conjures up images of antiquated debate-filled coffee houses of old, doesn’t it?
The coupling even became the title of the black and white urban comedy by Jim Jarmusch.
…continue reading New coffee pairing in Japan
Coffee cats in Japan
According to recent research, the company of cats does you good.
It has been said that survey results disclose that those who spend time with their kitties are less likely to suffer from mental health illnesses, such as depression, than those who do not have feline companionships.
However, in Japan, there are several coffee houses which have taken the benefits of cat company to a new level.
…continue reading Coffee cats in Japan
Japan and Rwanda – a happy coffee partnership?
According to reports, the two nationalities met in a crowded room at a Specialty Coffee Association of Japan exhibition in Tokyo. Of the many Japanese who met at the event (rumoured to be over 6,000), some 2,400 attended coffee-tasting events and rather took a shine to the coffee blends from the African country of Rwanda.
The National Agricultural Export Board was flattered by the attention and invited three groups of Specialty Coffee Association of Japan members to visit, so that they can see if the flames of passion for Rwandan coffee can be fanned higher.
The Association is a Japanese organisation which seeks to improve understanding and knowledge of coffee. As the Japanese members were impressed by the Rwandan coffee, they are hoping to visit the country in May to learn more and find out how the coffee-relationship between the two countries can blossom.
The Rwandan coffee calendar is busy in May and so this was seen as an ideal time to show the Japanese around. However, the Japanese have already ordered over 60 tonnes of coffee from Rwanda since April and that initial meeting. The Japanese have also extended other means of support to the African country and, according to reports, is becoming a significant development partner. For example, this support has taken the form of advancement in human resources, equipment and education of science and mathematics teachers. The tourism flow to Rwanda is also becoming more significant. Long may the partnership continue.
Coffee drinkers work to aid those suffering in Japanese disaster
The news of the devastation in Japan after the terrible earthquake and tsumani has spread far and wide. World leaders have been galvanised to help this country recover from its terrible ordeal. However, those seeking to offer aid to the Japanese are finding many different ways to give their resources, including Grounds for Change, a company which specialises in preparing a coffee roast to assist with disaster relief.
What has Grounds for Change done to help Japan? This coffee roasting company located in Poulsbo has launched a new coffee, called the Japan Relief Blend. Those who buy this blend will be donating to support the disaster-stricken country. This is, in fact, one of a series of blends that the ethically-minded coffee company has prepared in NGO support series – coffee drinkers are helping those around the planet in need.
The Japan Relief Blend has excellent environmental credentials, as it is organic and also Fair Trade coffee, plus being certified carbon free. Grounds for Change will donate $2 to Mercy Corps, a supportive organisation, from the profits of each $9.95 bag of the Japan Relief Blend that it sells.
The Grounds for Change company has done much for the global community in its production and sale of coffee and has made many donations to disaster relief. It has also relationships with other like-minded organisations, such as the Wildlife Land Trust and the Humane Society of the US and gives a percentage of profits to them.
You can buy the Japan Relief Blend here