Clover to the Masses - via Starbucks?

I literally was just talking about this a few days ago. I was talking about how the new Clover was being used in several of Starbucks stores as a test. Well, I guess it went well... Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ:SBUX) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire The Coffee Equipment Company and its proprietary Clover(R) brewing system. The Coffee Equipment Company is a privately held coffee equipment developer and manufacturer based in Seattle, Wash. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The Coffee Equipment Company is best known for developing the revolutionary Clover(R) system, one of the most significant innovations in coffee brewing since the espresso machine. The Clover(R)'s specialized brewing process allows a barista to quickly deliver one freshly brewed cup of coffee at a time. This technique, which blends the best of the vacuum pot and coffee press methods, further develops and unlocks the unique flavor nuances of specialty coffees. You can read the rest of the article here. I will say that this is quite the buzz on coffee social networking sites like Barista Exchange. People are really trying to figure it all out. What does this mean for independents that have been using this machine to set themselves apart? How will Starbucks use this new machine and acquisition? Will the Clover now be harder to get? Will smaller shops now be using Starbucks as a supplier? In a way, I am happy for the guys at Clover. This is a huge step. In a way, I am happy that Starbucks is going to begin really trying to educate people in their stores that there is more to specialty coffee than big gulp frozen drinks (although there is nothing wrong with those if you are in to them). Is this just a marketing ploy by the company like I talked about when they closed for training? I guess all we have to do is wait and see. I hope that, if anything, these are easier to get in the future. It is a great machine and one that will be great for all stores to use to really explain the differences in coffees. Maybe you will be able to try many different kinds now. I am sitting here thinking about how Starbucks really is concerned with moving lines. I have written about this several times in the past 4 years. Maybe they are changing that but if not, how are they expecting to have people wait around for their cup of coffee? I know the Clover doesn't take that long to brew but it is not going to be as quick as what they probably want. Interesting. This post is a bit of a ramble. I just found out about this a few minutes ago and am basically thinking out loud. More to come on this soon I'm sure.. ...be bold Tagged: cafe evoke, coffee catering, coffee, espresso, tea, oklahoma, oklahoma city The Global Exchange Fair Trade Store is your Online Source for Socially Conscious Gifts