The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many industries to push the boundaries of innovation and the coffee industry, and coffee market, is no different. With the level of uncertainty that has been unleashed on the global market, accurately predicting the next coffee craze is no easy task. Most countries around the world have experienced some form of lockdown, and with the advent of multiple variants, as well as a slow vaccination rollout, it is impossible to predict what is might come next. COVID-19 has certainly made life difficult for all coffee lovers and coffeepreneurs. The pandemic has complicated just about everything to do with the coffee industry, from how we buy it, sit down and consume, and everything in between.
Despite the uncertainty, our team at the DailyJava.co, have shared some of their thoughts as to how coffee entrepreneurs could utilize the rest of 2021 to thrive and and set new coffee trends.
Throughout 2020, health was and still is a major trend. Since the onset of the pandemic people have become more conscious of what they are consuming and how they can improve their overall wellness. Another major trend on the rise is the increase of online coffee orders, with preference given to companies who utilize environmentally-friendly packaging.
_Health and Wellness _
The buzzword pre pandemic and which has captured us all due to the devastations us human’s have done to mother earth at the moment is sustainability, and the coffee industry needs to ensure that it follows suit. From packaging to its transportation and production, consumers are increasingly switched on when it comes to buying into a brand that is
dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint in a meaningful way.
The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of caring for our health and we are seeing rapid growth in natural and vegan-suitable substitutes to use with your coffee. Biohackers around the globe have been enjoying mushroom coffee [1], ‘bullet-proof’ coffee, collagen coffee and turmeric coffee for some time but now these healthy caffeinated drinks are finding a place for themselves onto coffee shop menus. The rise of alternative milk substitutes has meant that you can get an almond or oat milk cappuccino pretty much anywhere in an urban area.
_Virtual Tasting and online sales_
Covid 19 has kept us stuck inside for most of 2020 and 2021 due to lockdowns or general fear in the public and so it is no surprise that online shopping has increased rapidly. Shoppers who had previously been slow to embrace the move to e-commerce, have been pleasantly surprised by its ease and convenience and most importantly safety to buy online.
Coffee entrepreneurs like Java Roasted coffee [2] who have focussed largely online sales have seen significant growth.
Like wine, virtual coffee tasting has also become an important tool for business owners who host online events, webinars and tastings and this has shown no sign of slowing down in 2021 and beyond. It is expected that this trend will continue well past the time of coronavirus.
_Coffee Clubs_
Coffee clubs and coffee subscriptions have been a major innovation in the market . This has been driven due to the drop in customers visiting their favourite coffee shops every morning on the way to an office, or catching up with colleagues for coffee. This has lead to the rise of a coffee-at-home experience to close this gap. One way that coffee
drinkers can still enjoy their morning rituals is to have their coffee beans or grinds delivered to their door in the form of a coffee club or subscription. Each brand has its own unique offering – exclusive how-to videos, access to people who do the roasting, and the opportunity to try new and different coffees that you may not have been exposed to before. Consumers can sign up and get their coffee at the comfort of their home
_Canned Coffee_
Canned coffee, also known RTD (ready to drink) coffee, is one of the fast-growing segment in the retail coffee market, according to Mintel. It reports that 46% of Gen Z consumers in the US buy and drink canned or pre-bottled coffee. They’re viewed as a healthier grab-and-go option over sugar-laden soft drinks. According to this report, Coffee brands have the opportunity to build long-lasting loyalty among Gen Z consumers and can use flavored coffee varieties to appeal to young Gen Z consumers, as 42% of them are interested in unique flavors of coffee.
Sign up to our newsletter for more coffee news!
If you find this article useful please do share this on your social media pages and tag us and you could get a discount off your next purchase with one of our accredited suppliers.
Links:
——
[1] https://dailyjava.co/2021/08/what-is-mushroom-coffee/
[2] https://www.javaroastedcoffee.com/
[3]
https://www.mintel.com/press-centre/food-and-drink/americans-turn-into-home-baristas-to-get-their-coffee-shop-coffee-fix
