Sunday, March 16, 2014

Nespresso moving into single origins, drip-strength cups





Thanks to a reader for passing along the news that not only has Nespresso been offering a single-origin Ethiopia for some months now, but also this story about them introducing a larger capsule and proprietary brewer that's capable of making an 8 oz. cup as well as espresso.

I found it interesting to see just how tiny their market share is in the U.S., compared to their leading (albeit diminishing) share in Europe, and how intense the competition is worldwide in a market segment that has only existed for about half a decade.

Surely there's plenty of room for truly high-end, single-origin coffees in this form, which has huge freshness/shelf life advantages over K Cups and the like. Of course what I'd prefer is to see an "open source" brewer that can use great, locally-roasted (better still, home-roasted) coffee while providing close to the same level of ease and convenience. Come to think of it, I had Peet's Ethiopia Super Natural in my Aeropress this morning, and it was fabulous.

4 comments:

  1. Hi Kevin. Another piece of related info: "With Keurig 2.0, Green Mountain Wants Its Monopoly Back": http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-03-11/green-mountain-releases-keurig-2-dot-0-to-help-restore-its-monopoly

    Keurig 2.0 will essentially lock out the competition (when released in Fall 2014) and be able to make 28 ounces of coffee at a time: http://www.keuriggreenmountain.com/OurStories/InnovationStories/KeurigCarafeInnovation.aspx

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    1. Thanks so much Jordan. Big changes. I hope GM adds some 90+ point coffees to their line.

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  2. Hello Kevin,

    Yes, the Bukeela is delicious, as are Kazaar, Dharkan and Indriya (some of the latest blends from Nespresso). The Kazaar is reminiscent of espresso shots I've had in Sicily. I think that Nespresso makes such amazing blends, and it's puzzling for those of us that have a Western European coffee palate, why Nespresso is ridiculed amongst American Third Wavers!

    I'm also drinking the Peet's Super Natural which is so amazing. (I can't thank you enough for recommending it.) Also, Peet's Sulawesi is quite astounding too! I'll be ordering their Ethiopian Sidamo next. What is your opinion on this Sidamo vs. their Washed Yirg. (Ethiopian Fancy)?

    Thanks for your input.
    A.

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    1. Thanks for the news on these blends. Nespresso continues to impress. I've only had the Peet's Yirgacheffe medium roast and the Super Natural, both excellent.

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