Paris, July 5 – The coffee shop phenomenon is sweeping across France, with a particularly noticeable surge in the capital. According to the Collectif café association, the number of coffee shops nationwide has climbed by 74% since 2010. In Paris alone, there are now close to 1,500 such establishments, with 150 of them opening their doors in just the last 18 months. While this presents significant entrepreneurial opportunities, it also raises questions about the quality of the coffee being served.
A National Trend with Parisian Impact
The proliferation of coffee shops is not limited to major cities; it’s a national trend. In Paris, these establishments have become a common sight on almost every street corner. With 1,500 coffee shops across the capital and over 150 new additions in the past year and a half, this growth is generally seen as positive for coffee roasters, but with certain caveats.
The Importance of ‘Specialty Coffee’
Christophe Servell, founder of Terres de café and a pioneer in the French coffee industry, emphasizes that coffee is a demanding product, especially when marketed as “specialty coffee.” While acknowledging that “most coffee shops do their job well,” he points out that such rapid growth can lead to weaknesses.
“Firstly, coffee is increasingly becoming less central to the project. They serve more matchas, cocktails based on plant-based milks. Why not, but we tend to forget the quality of the raw material we serve. And when you know the coffee industry, it is absolutely essential that everyone who has ‘specialty coffee’ on their shop window knows what kind of coffee they are buying,” Servell stated.
Consumer Guidance: How to Verify Coffee Quality
For consumers seeking genuine specialty coffee, Servell offers a simple verification method. “When you go to a place, if you are really interested in coffee, you ask what they serve: where the coffee comes from, and possibly who the producer is. And if they can’t answer you… You can leave,” he advised.
Given the extensive coffee shop offerings in Paris, consumers should have no difficulty finding establishments where staff are knowledgeable about their products and passionate about their craft.
Source: https://www.europe1.fr/economie/coffee-shops-a-paris-face-au-phenomene-des-torrefacteurs-sinquietent-des-derives-de-certains-etablissements-966414?amp
