Industry News
In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
British Columbia Associations
- British Columbia Restaurant and Foodservice Association | Check out the COVID-19 Resources section for helpful pandemic-related downloads.
Canadian Associations
- Coffee Association of Canada | Aims to enhance the coffee beverage experience by providing members and consumers with opportunities to improve coffee beverage knowledge and skills.
International Associations
- National Coffee Association | The largest coffee association in North America serves the public and its members by championing the well being of the coffee industry within the context of the global coffee community. Check out their coffee consumption research.
- International Coffee Organization | Is the main intergovernmental organization for coffee, bringing together producing and consuming countries to tackle the challenges facing the world coffee sector through international cooperation. Check out the extensive Resources.
- Specialty Coffee Association (Canada and international chapters) | SCA is a non-profit organization, based in the US. The Canadian chapter can be found here and was formerly the Canadian Coffee Guild. Both SCA and the Canadian chapter of SCA provide events and education for members; SCA also performs market and scientific research which is available through the member portal and for purchase on their site.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
- Fresh Cup Magazine | Delivers in-depth analysis of the specialty coffee and tea industries, helping you to make informed business decisions and deliver first-rate products and services. Published once a month, they offer blog style articles along with their digital magazine. You can purchase back issues here.
- Roast | Published 6 times per year, Roast describes itself as a technical trade magazine” with a focus on the specialty coffee industry. Their articles cover topics such as the chemistry behind roasting coffee beans, roaster maintenance, and business basics. Their back issues are available for purchase here.
- Tea and Coffee Trade Journal | The Tea and Coffee magazine is published 11 times per year on a paid subscription basis. In addition, they publish a free weekly newsletter. This magazine targets coffee roasters and tea packers, offering information topics such as roasting, brewing, and equipment.
- Barista Magazine Online | Published on a bi-monthly basis, this magazine is available for free through their app, Barista Magazine. Covering a variety of topics such as equipment and coffee market, a summary of their latest issue can be seen here.
Blogs & Podcasts
Blogs
- Timbertrain Coffee Roasters Blog | Run by Gastown’s own Timbertrain Coffee Roasters, this blog dedicates itself to coffee education, industry news, and Timbertrain events. Read their Coffee Knowledge posts here.
- Commonly Coffee | This blog is a Vancouver-born, Calgary-based coffee lover’s homage to great coffee. Posts review coffee roasters and cafes around Calgary, and recommend coffee gear for at-home coffee brewing. Also features the Commonly Coffee Club, a group-buy of wholesale coffee from various U.S. and Canadian roasters for Calgary/Edmonton residents.
Podcasts
- Bean Stuff Coffee Podcast | Paul Allen and Reed Allen, veteran coffee roasters, discuss all aspects of coffee brewing, including roasting methods, the role of olfaction in roasting, and ever-developing coffee culture.
- Coffee Runs Deep | This podcast traces the stories of coffee farmers and coffee roasters, covering all parts of the coffee manufacturing and preparation process.
- Coffee is ME | A podcast for coffee professionals and entrepreneurs, Coffee is Me discussed current events in the coffee industry and aims to inspire future coffee entrepreneurs.
- Coffee Roaster Warm-Up Sessions | The roasters at Mirror Coffee Roasters, based out of Bellingham, WA, discuss the roasting process and coffee shop business while waiting for their roasters to warm up in the morning.
- The Coffee Podcast | This educational podcast for coffee entrepreneurs and enthusiasts discusses topics in the coffee industry from home brewing to sustainability.
Consultant & Other Websites
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.