UK: some of the emerging trends in the British coffee market

So much so that many young Britons are approaching coffee through cold specialities – from frappés to cold brew and nitro – now ubiquitous on the menus of independent cafés and major chains alike.

Social media trends and delivery platforms have, of course, contributed to this success.

Observers also note the entry into the mainstream of functional coffee drinks, which are now a regular feature on menus and on shop shelves: coffee infused with mushrooms and adaptogens, blends containing unusual ingredients such as lion’s mane, Indian ginseng or turmeric, to name but a few.

The reduced and more conscious use of sugar should also be seen in the context of health-conscious trends; this reflects a shift in habits, to which awareness and consumer education campaigns have contributed significantly.

This has also led to greater demand for transparency from consumers, who want precise and accurate information on the quantities of sugar and sweeteners contained in the specialities served in coffee shops and in products sold in retail outlets.

Milk alternatives (plant-based milks, including flavoured varieties) have now also become mainstream, and the range on offer has expanded considerably to meet the expectations of a clientele that is increasingly discerning in terms of product variety and quality.

The success of super-automatic machines and smart cafés

A further emerging trend is the increasing prevalence of bean to cup coffee machines in cafés, driven by the shortage of skilled labour as well as the need to streamline workflows and strengthen operational resilience.

This trend is also supported by technological advances and machine innovation, which have improved grind calibration, extraction control, and milk texturing.

Finally, operational challenges are reflected in the out-of-home sector, with a trend towards opening smaller, smarter premises that are more focused on a specific customer target, thereby increasing efficiency and adaptability whilst reducing exposure to fixed costs.