Industry Trends: Spotlight on Coffee
What are the latest innovations in the coffee sector? In this article we look at new flavours and functionality, the cultural shifts impacting the industry and share current examples of brands innovating in this space.
Global exploration
As coffee enthusiasts look for novel experiences and flavours, coffee rituals and formats from around the world are gaining greater appeal.
Japanese Tasting Flights
A high-end experience of coffee flights paired with snacks, the Japanese Omakase coffee experience has taken off worldwide, with pop ups in the US and LATAM.
SE Asian Serves
Influenced by the popularity of Vietnamese and Korean serves, such as egg coffee and cold brew, other brands are releasing new flavour innovations.
Aged Profiles
Ageing coffee in used alcohol barrels is becoming a more popular method to add flavour in the premium coffee market, with new varieties produced from Scotland to New Zealand.
Enhanced functionality
Blends and products with increased benefits are flooding the market as drinkers seek more than a caffeine hit from their morning cup.
Collagen Convenience
RTD beverages are saturated with protein-infused options for added health benefits to convenience coffee.
Mushroom Mixes
Lions Mane, Reishi, and Chaga are all popular ingredients infiltrating blends to target the wellness consumers.
Fermented Flavour
Alongside gut health benefits, fermented roasts are targeting consumers seeking more complex flavours.
Expanding café culture
Across the world, the function of coffee shops – and hence the consumption of coffee – is expanding.
Caffeinated Raves
No longer solely a peaceful morning ritual, coffee-fueled occasions are expanding into the party scene.
Home café core
Home coffee set-ups are getting an upgrade via home décor trend ‘café core’: consumers transforming their kitchen and dining areas into calming café spaces.
Brand Collaborations
Many non-consumable brands are creating coffee-shop style activations, as the desire to drink coffee as a social endeavor continues.
Experience Led
Examples of recent experience led activations.
Grind x Penguin Random House
Campus pop ups giving students a free coffee, audiobooks and limited edition merch.
Lavazza x Roland Garros
Lavazza has renewed its collaboration with Roland-Garros until 2030 – bringing coffee lounges and on-site cafes to the tournament.
Taylors of Harrogate
Taylors hosted Barista brunches - designed as a masterclass for baristas to learn about new serves and brewing techniques.
Brand Collaborations
Examples of recent collaborations.
Grind x Pokémon
Grind has partnered with Pokémon to release limited edition cans, merch and branded products – including an in-store launch with TPOSM units to promote the launch.
Miffy x Starbucks
This month Starbucks is launching the limited-edition Miffy + Starbucks collection that includes drinkware, water bottles, gift cards and a plush toy.
Kiss the Hippo x TALA
The brands are launching a ‘coffee run’ limited edition beverage and in-store merchandise in June 2026.
