Coffee remains Americans’ favorite beverage and one of the most popular drinks around the world. As more people are drinking coffee at home than before the pandemic, it’s important to keep up with the latest java trends, preferences and product innovations.
Sixty-five percent of Americans drank coffee in the previous day—more than any other beverage—according to an April 2023 survey from the National Coffee Association. That survey also found that the pandemic didn’t change the amount of coffee Americans consumed (1.9 cups per capita), but it did have lingering effects on place of consumption.
Eighty-three percent of past-day coffee drinkers had coffee at home, up 4% compared to January 2020. Thirty-five percent had coffee away from home, which continues to rebound from a low of 31% in January 2021, but is still down from 41% in January 2020.
The United States represents the biggest spending country in the $88 billion global coffee market, according to business intelligence firm Statista. The U.S. is followed by Brazil, Germany, Japan and Italy.
So Many Choices
Coffee brewing methods continue to evolve, allowing consumers many different ways to experiment with and personalize their coffee drinks.
NCA’s survey found lattes, espressos and cappuccinos in a three-way tie for America’s most popular specialty coffee beverage. Respondents most cited drip coffee makers as the way they prepared their coffee the previous day (41%), followed by single-cup brewers (28%), cold brewing (11%) and espresso machines (9%).
Mintel reports that instant coffee and mixes are gaining popularity thanks in part to inflationary concerns, with over half of at-home coffee drinkers in the U.K. choosing this option. They also cite Generation Z’s preferences for iced coffees and cold brew methods—as well as their up-and-coming spending power.
As for the coffee itself: The specialty coffee market is booming, and interest in sustainably produced options continues to grow.
Products to Support
“A new ethos is driving the (coffee and tea) industry that “the perfect brew” is ultimately defined by the brewers themselves,” reports “Fine Lines,” the fifth portfolio in the HomePage News 2023/24 InSight™ Trend Index. “As a result, providing performance and precision alongside new tools and technology shows a new focus on enabling user creativity and discovery—whether the user prefers the simple or the scientific.”
The overwhelming popularity of coffee drinks, evolving preferences and a desire for personalization create many opportunities for those selling housewares and home goods. Offering different types of brewing options—at a variety of different price points—is key, whether it’s cold brew maker or the Mr. Coffee Single Serve Frappe™, Iced and Hot Coffee Maker and Blender.
High-end design adds to the appeal of many coffee makers, such as these stovetop espresso makers from Mopita and a pour-over coffee maker from Cosori. It’s also an important part of these elevated travel mugs from Fellows.
And don’t forget the accessories and related products. As tastes evolve and consumers look to elevate their at-home coffee experience, they’re sure to appreciate options like the Smart Gravity Induction Mug Warmer from Bestinnkits and this airtight coffee canister from Planetary Design.
More design-forward coffee makers and related products can be found in the fifth portfolio of the HomePage News 2023/24 InSight™ Trend Index. The Trend Index is a series of product portfolios examining the latest trends in home and housewares. The first five portfolios have been published in recent weeks, with four more to come.