For food and beverage franchises, keeping up with the latest coffee trends is essential to staying competitive and reach customers. Coffee is the second most popular drink worldwide and its popularity continues to climb. It is one of the most vital aspects of the food and beverage industry as it is consumed widely and is often an enjoyable social activity. Therefore, it is vital for food and beverage franchises to remain cognizant of the coffee trends across popular culture, nutrition, and the industry itself. This article will explore the top 10 things to consider regarding coffee trends before expanding your food and beverage franchise.
When considering the current coffee trends, it is important to start with the effects of the cultural shift on the industry. Coffee has evolved from merely being an energy-boosting beverage to a social and recreational activity, as well as being a way to explore and experience different flavors and types. The number of creative and exciting options available have rapidly grown and advanced since the dawn of the third wave of coffee. New flavors, aromas, and presentations of coffee have become enticingly popular within the United States and across the world. This has caused a wide range of specialty coffee houses and artisanal cafes to spring up and offer wildly unique experiences.
The influence of nutrition on coffee trends is often overlooked but is equally as important to remain aware of. In the ongoing discussion of wellness, coffee has taken a focus on the market with the growing interest in healthy products containing mineral, vitamins, and antioxidant-rich ingredients. Thus, health-enthusiasts and the more health-conscious are taking the opportunity to increase their daily intake of antioxidants to support their health. As a result, dairy-free milk alternatives, cold brews, and alternative coffee-based beverages have exploded in popularity over the last several years.
From a market perspective, coffee trends are shifting with the growth of the “third wave” of coffee quality, sustainability, and ethics. Many third-wave roasters are combining a unique in-house experience, a unified message, and advancements in bean-to-cup technology as a way to differentiate themselves from the competition. They have also taken a focus on how the beans are sourced, thus creating an emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices. Additionally, direct-trade coffee makes it possible for roasters to purchase from farms and cooperatives at a more competitive price. Alongside this, more and more coffee providers are focusing on ethical practices and improved sourcing, as well as using the latest brewing technologies to create long-lasting flavors for consumers.
Knowing the coffee trends before expanding your franchise is key to success. In large and small cities alike, the current coffee trends show that there are opportunities for operators to cater to different needs of the customers and engage in competition. At the same time, this competition requires innovating and focusing on the latest trends, techniques, and products. Operators should therefore take advantage of this opportunity to stand out and be innovative.
Operators should also note that the competition within the industry is intense, thus requiring them to find ways to differentiate their brand from other franchises. Thus, franchises can look to incorporate unique data.com/en/platform/’ target=’_blank’>menu items or services such as pour-over coffee, cold brews, and espresso-based drinks as a way to differentiate themselves while still offering the latest trends for customers. As the foodservice market continues to evolve, franchises should take advantage of the trends and differentiate their message to customers.
Finally, food and beverage franchises should consider the importance of their front-of-house operations. Smaller-sized stores or franchises should pay attention to the ambiance they are creating. Items such as furniture, wall displays, and seating should make customers feel welcome and provide them with an enjoyable experience. Furthermore, technology can be used to create a dramatic effect and improve the customer experience.
Food and beverage franchises should always look for ways to stay competitive in the market by staying ahead of the coffee trends. By understanding their clientele, staying up-to-date with industry trends, presenting customers with unique menu items, and infusing technology into their business, food and beverage franchises can remain competitive and work towards boosting their profits.
