It doesn’t matter if it’s hot chocolate, hot tea or a hot toddy. When temperatures go down, who doesn’t like to warm up with a hot beverage? When you factor in continued growth in the at-home coffee and tea markets, it’s an ideal time to connect with consumers on hot drinks that warm their stomachs and soothe their souls.
Coffee and Tea Markets
No matter the season, people love their coffee. According to Drive Research, 2-in-3 Americans make coffee at home every day, and 89% make it at least once a week. Global coffee consumption was also expected to grow 2.2% this year, according to the International Coffee Organization.
Yet, tea is actually the second most consumed beverage around the world (after water), according to the Tea Association of the USA. While tea is more often served iced in the U.S., it’s most often served hot in other countries. The popularity of functional teas – herbal blends that are designed for a health benefit, such as helping with sleep or digestion—is also helping to boost interest in at-home tea making.
“Social media is inspiring a new wave of creativity in coffee and tea cultures,” says Ellie Gunville, co-owner of E-Power, in the “Change is Brewing” portfolio in the HomePage News InSight™ Trend Index 2024/25. “This rise in at-home coffee and tea culture is driving demand for high-quality ingredients, unique brewing tools and customizable options.”
More Than Coffee and Tea
But the hot beverage market includes much more than coffee and tea. Thanks to pandemic-era
necessity and rising restaurant prices, the at-home cocktail market is experiencing similar attention and innovation. As consumers look for creative ways to experiment with at-home mixology, hot beverages with an alcoholic twist are a logical solution during the winter season.
There’s also plenty of room for non-alcoholic hot drink ideas for the sober curious, as well as all the kids out there. After all, there’s nothing like a hot chocolate or hot apple cider to warm you up during colder months, no matter your age or interests.
Serving Up Inspiration
Whether a hot beverage involves coffee, tea, alcohol or cocoa, consumers are sure to be looking for inspiration to try new concoctions. Don’t let the local coffeehouse have all the fun. Home and housewares retailers can help encourage shoppers with in-store tastings, clever recipes and tips for trying out new products or techniques.
That could include anything from clever takes on slow cooker hot chocolate to reimagined classics like hot buttered rum. Coffee drinkers may appreciate the chance to incorporate holiday flavors in their morning java or try a spiked version like Irish Coffee later in the day. The current snacking trend might be a perfect entry point for encouraging moments for afternoon tea. And of course, there’s endless creative variations on the hot toddy, which is supposedly good for colds and sore throats.
Last but not least, don’t forget the latest glassware, appliances, accessories and serving trays. A wide array of products for inspired at-home coffee, tea and cocktail-making can be found in “Change is Brewing,” the fifth portfolio in the HomePage News InSight™ Trend Index 2024/25.