Starbucks Vs Specialty Coffee | Are They the Same?

Starbucks dominates the coffee industry, but a small group of roasters and cafes are experimenting with lighter roasting grades, bringing new and exotic flavors to the well-produced coffee. Starbucks is cultivating new breeds of educated coffee drinkers by creating a new group of startups that are entering the scene and offering even greater significance to the beverage.

Starbucks made specialty coffee possible and that they slowly follow and validate the trends of the specialty community.

Specialty coffee is related to the so-called Third Wave Coffee 4.0, especially in North America. There is no government organization in the United States or any other country that oversees quality standards for specialty coffee.

Industry experts believe the third wave of coffee is reaching a tipping point and is beginning to serve coffee fans in coastal cities, with growing numbers in the US and Europe, as well as other parts of the world. What used to be a niche market for small coffee shops in small towns is now moving into the mainstream, just as Starbucks was about to open a café on every street corner.

McDonald’s is also vying for a larger share of the specialty coffee market in the US and Europe as it seeks to gain market share from small premium roasters.

Giuliani’s data suggests that third-wave consumers often find access to specialty coffee in other stores like Starbucks or Caribou, and then return to the mainstream in search of more refined coffee. Big coffee houses offer a wide variety of roasting and brewing methods, but if people perceive specialty coffees as more expensive and professional — made by professionals — they will abandon Starbucks in favor of switching.

As you can see, Starbucks seems to be a pretty competitive brand in the coffee market. As for making a quality drink, I think there are many more options than just the standard coffee from Starbucks.