The Coffee Waves
Coffee's transition to everyday commodity can be studied in three distinct coffee waves. The First Coffee Wave, dating back to the 1800s, saw the initial monetization of coffee and the rise of major chains and pre-ground bags. Coffee's Second Wave, from the 1970s to early 2000s, witnessed a boom in coffee chain giants, as well as a demand for higher-quality coffee. Lastly, the Third Coffee Wave saw the rise of specialty coffee. Similar to wine, today's coffee consumer expects to know roast dates, processing methods, and where their beans come from.