Imbibe releases seven trends in coffee

Coffee continues to resonate with consumers

Now that fall is here, it’s getting cooler outside, and I have been enjoying a wide variety of hot beverages, including apple cider, hot chocolate, coffee and tea. Yet, coffee remains my go-to drink, and it seems like I’m not alone in my quest for finding the perfect cup of java.

WalletHub recently released its list of 2016’s Best Cities for Coffee Lovers, and Portland, Ore., was ranked No. 1; followed by Seattle; Minneapolis; Pittsburgh; and Orlando, Fla. Not only does Portland have the most coffee shops, coffeehouses and cafés per 100,000 residents, it also is the base of operations for the most coffee and tea manufacturers, which is 38 times higher than Riverside and San Bernadino, Calif., the cities with the fewest facilities.

And right now, it seems as though anything with coffee in it is resonating with consumers. On International Coffee Day on Oct. 1, Nescafé invited consumers from around the world to upload a video of themselves enjoying their morning coffee as part of a 24-hour Facebook live stream. Additionally, for every video uploaded in the celebratory “mug chain,” a coffee plantlet was distributed to a farmer from around the globe, the company says.

Beverage companies also are innovating the ways in which they are delivering coffee to consumers. For example, Imbibe released a list of the seven hottest trends in coffee, including edible coffee, cold-brewed and nitrogen-infused coffees, protein coffees and carbonated coffees that are offering consumers a new twist on flavor and texture. Califia Farms recently launched three ready-to-drink nitro-brewed coffees that are gaining steam in the market. For more information, see the Up Close With (page 28).

Although the seasons might have changed, consumers desire for innovative coffee options has not.

Barbara Harfmann, managing editor of Beverage Industry, visits beverage companies for cover stories and facility tours, and writes and edits for the magazine’s print and online components. She also represents the magazine at trade shows and events. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications and Public Relations from Illinois State University.

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

The Non-Alcohol Beverage Market, analysts at Beverage Marketing Corporation detail how established categories ― like carbonated soft drinks, bottled water, fruit beverages ― and emerging beverage segments ― such as plant milks, ready-to-drink coffees and teas ― are navigating these shifts.

This important industry event is a learning and information sharing experience for warehousing, distribution and fleet management professionals who will have the opportunity to continue to share ideas and network with their industry peers in a safe and productive format as we continue to navigate these challenging times.