Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1543967
8 STiR coffee and tea | 2026 Quarter 1 Spring (Mar/Apr/May) Executive Editor Diana Jendoubi diana@coffeetea.media Coffee Correspondent Fionn Pooler (Scotland) Contributing Writers Mainbayar Badarch (Mongolia) Emilio Bonnet (Colombia) Billy Dietz (USA) Judy Ganes (Panama) Roopak Goswami (India) Seth Griffin (Vietnam) Pacita Juan (Philippines) Dorian Karahalios (USA) Bhavi Patel (India) Art Director Somjet Thitasomboon snt@octobermultimedia.com Administrative Assistant Sommai Jekaram asj@octobermultimedia.com Subscriptions Malisa Kongkatitum malisa@stir-tea-coffee.com Sales Director Emerson Leonard edl@octobermultimedia.com Director, October Inter Co., Ltd. Boonthin Tubsongkroh brt@octobermultimedia.com Founding Editor & Publisher Glenn Anthony John glenn@coffeetea.media c/o October Inter Co. Ltd. 159/19 Soi Ramkhamhaeng 110, Saphan Sung, Bangkok 10240 THAILAND. Tel: +66818299409. www.coffeetea.media Published by A Member of In This Issue T Subscribe to STiR Coffee and Tea Magazine 1 Year – US$60.00 2 Years – US$110.00 3 Years – US$150.00 For inquiries, contact: accounts@octmm.com Secure online payment: https://www.stir-tea-coffee.com/subscribe he rapidly rising tide of Gen Z consumerism can no longer be ignored. Around the world, coffee and tea brands are doubling down on innovative drinks and beverage experi- ences that capture attention and demand reposting. In this issue of STiR, Billy Dietz witnesses Gen Z consumers reprogramming the tea industry (page 40) as tea goes electric with vibrant colors and powerful health-boosting additions. STiR coffee correspondent Fionn Pooler describes how drive-thru coffee chains use fast, friendly service to attract crowds of adoring fans in Convenience Coffee Takes Over (page 24). Both authors elaborate on the growing trends of functional ingredients (Protein Boosts Cof- fee Sales by Fionn Pooler, page 12) and health-consciousness (Sparkling Tea in the No-Low Market by Billy Dietz, page 15). While Bhavi Patel tracks decaf's transition from commodity to specialty in How Decaf Coffee Went From Afterthought to Artisan (page 30). In coffee news, Fionn Pooler reports on rising temperatures threatening global coffee pro- duction (page 11), and Emilio Bonnet weighs in on the impact of another EUDR delay (page 10). While coffee growers are given a reprieve to meet EU requirements, Bhavi Patel breaks down the upcoming packaging reforms set to affect coffee and tea companies around the world (page 12). STiR addresses fluctuating coffee prices by turning to commodities expert Judy Ganes for an explanation on how the C Market Responds to Rising Exports (page 28). Unilever's divestiture of its Indonesian tea subsidiary, SariWangi (page 14), shocked the industry, as the world's largest international tea portfolio now only consists of a few strong- holds in India and Nepal. However, in Hindustan Unilever Brews Success (page 14), Bhavi Patel details the subsidiary's growing strengths. STiR's tea writers travel the globe this issue, highlighting Hawaii's Burgeoning Tea Industry (Dorian Karahalios, page 20) and showcasing the quality of European-grown tea (Roopak Goswami, page 27). Seth Griffin explores the benefits and challenges of sourcing wild tea in Southeast Asia in his article, Wild Tea: Marketing Vs. Reality (page 34). Finally, chair of the Philippine Coffee Board, Pacita Juan, describes how educating the next generation of coffee consumers about the diverse heritage and uniqueness of Filipino coffee culture is helping turn the country's industry around (page 44). Moving coffee and tea forward by uniting young and old, innovation and tradition, with con- servation and awareness. Diana Jendoubi Executive Editor