The world of coffee is ever-changing, and every year, we see new trends emerging. Here are a few of the biggest changes coffee is seeing, and how they will change and impact the way we consume and enjoy one of the most popular drinks on the planet.
Coffee Culture is Growing
From visiting cafes more, to more businesses investing in commercial coffee machines, coffee culture as a whole is seeing rapid growth. This is largely down to the fact that coffee drinkers are getting younger, and people are prioritizing coffee over other popular drinks like soda, alcohol, etc.
Another reason for this is the versatility of coffee, as you can flavor it with so many different things. Additionally, it is perfect for many diets and dietary requirements, as you can drink it black, with any type of milk, etc.
Drinking Demographics
While older generations still consume coffee on a large scale, younger generations have also increased the consumption of coffee, but have simultaneously driven innovation, as they are looking for far more than just a regular coffee.
These younger generation drinkers are also driving convenience. While they still want a world-class cup of coffee, they don’t want to wait for it, forcing cafes and manufacturers to adjust their preparation styles and speeds.
Coffee Rituals are Changing
Nowadays, consumers are moving away from traditional coffee rituals, and the days of waiting, pressing, steaming, etc, are leaving us. This is down to one simple reason that has already been mentioned.
Convenience is driving this change, as consumers don’t want the process of making coffee to be part of the experience, but rather the drinking part. This means consumers don’t want to wait for their coffee, but will sit for 10-15 minutes in the cafe to enjoy it.
Coffee Shop Experience at Home
With the changing economic climate, more and more consumers are looking to bring the cafe and coffee shop experience into their homes. Because of this, they are investing in better coffee and beans, machines, cups, etc.
This also leads to an uptick in the consumption of secondary coffee products like different milks, flavorings, etc.
Experience > Overall Taste
One interesting trend that is taking hold is that more consumers are looking for an excellent coffee shop and cafe experience, and are willing to sacrifice a little bit of taste or variety in drinks that the shop may offer.
For instance, someone may prefer to visit a unique, off-the-wall type of coffee shop that only serves a small handful of drinks, as opposed to visiting a regular cafe that has every variety of coffee under the sun. While this doesn’t mean they are fine with bad or mediocre coffee, it does mean they are willing to be a bit more flexible.
Caffeine Reduction
Another area that is seeing an uptick is the consumption of reduced caffeine, or caffeine-free coffee. Younger generations are cutting back on many things that are viewed as “addictive”, such as caffeine, alcohol, etc.
Because of this, consumers want cafes, coffee shops, and coffee manufacturers to offer more caffeine-free or reduced options. This is leading to a shift in offerings, and businesses and manufacturers need to adjust to keep up with this change in consumption.
Ready-to-Drink Coffee
While there is delicious instant coffee on the market, it is starting to not cut the mustard for many young coffee-lovers. Consumers want coffee that tastes like it’s from a cafe, but in the form factor of instant coffee.
They are also looking for more options when it comes to pre-made iced coffee and coffee-based drinks, such as non-alcoholic cocktails. Instead of an iced caramel latte, consumers want cinnamon or spiced iced coffee, for example.
While the old favorites like lattes are still beloved, consumers want more options and more variety, and have the ability to purchase something that they just can’t or don’t know how to make themselves.
Affordable Coffee-Making Machines
Another change that is being seen is a slight diversion away from top-of-the-range coffee machines, and a turn towards more affordable options. Once again, with the change of economic circumstances, a lot of consumers can’t afford to splash out on an expensive coffee maker.
Because of this, many brands are shifting towards creating simplified coffee machines that come in on budget, but can still create a delicious cup of coffee. This also builds on the point of consumers wanting to bring the cafe experience into their home.
Sustainability
Sustainability has been an aspect of coffee production for a long time now, but each new generation most definitely cares about it more than the previous one. It is now at the stage where young consumers will simply not buy your coffee if it isn’t sustainably produced.
This also extends into the cafe and coffee shop world, with more and more consumers wanting the option to use their own reusable cup when getting a coffee, or have them available for purchase.
In conclusion, the coffee world, like everything else, is changing with the times, and we are seeing more and more unique deviations from the regular coffee-making and drinking experience.
