X
Table of Contents
X
Table of Contents
Contents
By
Ru Chen
Key Takeaways
Ever wonder how much technology goes into a single cup of coffee? The easier it is to brew your morning coffee, the more advanced the technology. From bean to cup, automation to blockchain, the coffee industry is more advanced than ever. Coffee farmers, companies, and consumers have all benefited from revolutionary technology.
Let’s go over the incredible innovations that have taken coffee production and preparation to the next level.
Farm equipment advances have greatly facilitated the coffee farming process, making it more efficient and safe for coffee farmers. Advanced machinery have completed transformed the way coffee is cultivated, harvested, and processed.
Modern tractors, processing machines, and harvesters greatly improve the efficiency and precision of the coffee farming and production process. Mechanized coffee harvesting and higher quality pulpers can minimize waste, reduce labor costs, and deliver better quality coffee to consumers.
Of course, these innovations in coffee farming have yet to spread to every corner of the coffee farming industry. Advanced machinery requires greater financial investments from farmers, which can be challenging considering price volatility and inequities in the coffee industry. As we look to the future, it’s important to keep an eye on how precision and high-tech farming equipment further evolve and become more accessible to coffee farmers.
Drones and satellite imagery have revolutionized farming practices. Precision agriculture involves using complex imagery to gain valuable insight into coffee crop health, soil conditions, environmental factors, pests, diseases, and more. The macroscopic view of coffee farming areas can help farmers with:
As drones, satellite technology, and analysis capabilities forge new potentials in the coffee industry, it is reasonable to expect yields to be better maximized and environmental impact minimized.
Internet of Things (IoT) technologies have proven effective in replacing tasks that are tedious and time-consuming for workers. They also prevent human errors in certain areas, which is a huge benefit of intelligent automation. Here are some of the IoT technologies that are used in the coffee industry and what enterprises of the industry they help:
On the side of coffee processing, new methods have been introduced. The first is the natural process (AKA dry process), in which coffee cherries are dried whole without water or machines. While this method has been criticized for creating inconsistent final flavors, natural processing has the highest potential in terms of achieving flavorful, clean coffee. In addition, the natural process avoids using underground water. This means coffee farmers can reduce the negative environmental impact on farming coffee.
The honey method (AKA pulped natural) is also used to process coffee. This type of coffee processing involves de-pulping fresh coffee cherries, then drying them without washing. Honey processed coffee typically results in sweeter, more nuanced flavors.
Meanwhile, solar dried coffee is an alternative to traditional, wood-burning coffee dryers. Advanced solar energy technology is used to dry green coffee beans. It is the cleanest way to dry commercial-sized batches, making it a fantastic, powerful, eco-friendly technique for drying coffee.
Businesses and coffee enthusiasts alike have looked into automating the roasting process.
Roaster automation can be divided into four different levels:
While ovens and popcorns are still used by those who roast beans at home, the development of smart roasters has changed the name of the game. Modern roasters are sleek and efficient, allowing for precise temperature control. Data logging capabilities also allow baristas and coffee shops to gain more insight into the coffee roasting process.
Smart coffee makers, espresso machines, and other devices serve to brew the coffee beans into delicious beverages. Technology has streamlined and simplified the coffee brewing process. People are no longer stuck with simple drip brewers. Instead, you can enhance your coffee experience through cutting-edge coffee makers that include:
Smartphone applications have made it easy to discover fun ways to brew delicious coffee. You can also use coffee smartphone apps to customize your brew with more convenience. Some apps that are connected with smart coffee makers even let you brew remotely so you can have your coffee ready in time.
Apps like Filtru are a great way to keep track of your coffees, learn new brew methods, receive real time feedback about your brewing through Bluetooth, and familiarize yourself with coffee equipment through Augmented Reality guides.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the latest frontier in smart brewing technology. Just as you can receive tailored music recommendations using Apple Music or Spotify’s AI algorithms, AI has been incorporated into coffee-brewing devices and apps. These give you personalized brewing recommendations without requiring you to consult a coffee connoisseur. AI analyzes your brewing habits, flavor and user preferences, and even humidity in order to suggest customized brew recipes just for you. While AI might not generate the perfect suggestion at the start, it is able to adapt over time, evolving to become a helpful coffee drinking companion.
Blockchain technology has emerged as an invaluable tool for coffee farmers and businesses. Blockchain technology can enhance traceability and transparency in the supply chain
Coffee farmers use blockchain technology to track the movement of their beans. This helps ensure that they receive fair product prices.
With the help of advances in the packaging industry, coffee companies are able to implement compostable and recyclable packaging. The organic materials of compostable packages don’t leave behind toxic or harmful particles behind. They will break down over time, unlike plastic which poses serious issues due to not being biodegradable.
Packaging has also advanced in designs and technology, enabling coffee packers to use lightweight, minimalist formats that help to minimize the carbon footprint of coffee products. The hope is that more coffee companies will adopt eco-friendly packaging solutions to reduce the overall environmental impact of coffee.
Technology platforms are playing a pivotal role in promoting fair trade and direct trade relationships. These involve coffee producers, farmers, as well as consumers. Users can clearly and transparently provide information about a coffee’s origin, associated farming practices, and social impact. Businesses and suppliers will be encouraged to use sustainable and ethical practices.
Another advantage of these technology platforms is how they foster a sense of trust and accountability within the coffee supply chain. The improved transparency is an essential part of making the coffee industry better for everybody.
Coffee clubs make the latest innovations in coffee products accessible to a wider consumer audience. While certain coffee machinery, devices, and technology are difficult to use for the average coffee drinker, coffee clubs let you benefit from all the advancements by delivering high quality coffee straight to your doorstep.
Here are some of our favorite coffee clubs that offer technologically advanced and sustainably sourced beans.
Driftaway Coffee is committed to sustainable, carbon-neutral operations. Their mission has led them to use energy efficient roasters. They did this by first calculating their carbon footprint, which included all greenhouse emissions from the transportations of their raw material, the electricity for their production space, and shipping their packages.
After determining their carbon footprint, Driftaway Coffee made actionable plans to reduce their carbon footprint. They began to avoid air shipping of raw materials to reduce their impact on the environment. Instead, they limit air over gound shipping to customers when it makes the most sense.
Driftaway Coffee also collaborates with Cool Effect, an organization that is dedicating to protecting the Alto Mayo forest from deforestation. Along with using 100% compostable packaging, Driftaway Coffee is one of the best coffee clubs to source coffee from when it comes to wanting a green, technologically advanced coffee club.
Lifeboost Coffee is known for providing their members with chemical-free and organic coffee. The company tests all their coffees for mycotoxins, heavy metals, and 400+ other toxins. This helps make their coffee beans more safe for coffee drinkers. When drinking Lifeboost Coffee, you might notice a lower acidity in the coffee, which can be preferable to certain coffee enthusiasts.
In addition, Lifeboost Coffee is committed to sustainable farming practices and wildlife protection. These help reduce the overall impact that pollutants and unregulated farming have had on our planet.
If you want a cup of joe, where better place to go than Joe Coffee? Joe Coffee is one of the finest, best regarded coffee roasters in the entire country. Founded in 2003, Joe Coffee offers high quality coffee both online and in brick-and-mortar cafés. If you’re looking for brewing equipment, coffee merchandise, or beans, Joe Coffee is a great place to find what you desire.
When ordering beans from Joe Coffee, you will receive an impressive bag filled with all the info about how your coffee was produced and made. The details contain tasting comments, roast levels, dates, processing techniques, as well as producer information. Joe Coffee ensures that all the coffee you receive uses cutting edge production practices that are reliable, high quality, as well as sustainable.
Joe Coffee implements eco-friendly, sustainable practices throughout its operations, with respectable composting and recycling initiatives.
Big Island Coffee Roasters is the coffee club of Hawaii. If you want outstanding roasts and specialty beans, Big Island Coffee Roasters might be for you. The coffee club offers members an exclusive, new coffee every time. The shipments of rich and flavorful roasts can be personalized, with the roast level, grind, and flavor all curated to your taste.
Big Island Coffee Roasters use sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices while also supporting the local economy. The company is committed to using 100% renewable electrical energy, which has successfully prevented over 29 tons of CO2 emissions. They are dedicated to pursuing innovation and sustainability in the coffee supply chain. If you want to try out specialty coffee, definitely consider Big Island Coffee Roasters.
With IoT monitoring, blockchain traceability, and better precision farming equipment, the coffee industry has seen revolution after revolution behind the scenes. Coffee aficionados are more able than ever to access brewing technology and use automation for their own beverages.
Progress is important, but reducing environmental impact is also key to an evolved, sustainable coffee industry. High quality beans are more commonly roasted and packaged using sustainable practices. New analytics and tools help make the coffee industry more ethical, eco-friendly, and affordable. The horizon is filled with fresh possibilities as technology continues to improve and AI evolves to better handle coffee-related needs.
The next time you drink your morning brew, think about what technological contributions have gone into it. They’ve all worked together to get you your drink, from coffee cherries on a farm to your favorite mug.
Ru Chen
Content Writer
Ru Chen is a content writer with several years of experience in creating engaging and well-researched articles. She mostly writes about coffee, business, digital marketing, and law. In her free time, she can be found watching horror movies and playing board games with her partner in Brooklyn.
Ru Chen is a content writer with several years of experience in creating engaging and well-researched articles. She mostly writes about coffee, business, digital marketing, and law. In her free time, she can be found watching horror movies and playing board games with her partner in Brooklyn.
