As someone who loves coffee, I have seen firsthand how coffee trends have shifted since the pandemic began. The move towards more specialty coffee items has accelerated, as coffee lovers everywhere are seeking the unique flavors and experiences that come with the higher-end coffee beverages they can’t find at the local chain coffee shop. People are also seeking convenience, with ordering, delivery, and even subscription services growing in popularity. Finally, the pandemic has driven a resurgence in home brewing, with more and more people rediscovering the joy of making coffee at home. All in all, it’s been an interesting time to observe the coffee world.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, things have been quite different for coffee drinkers around the world. In the past, we’d have our usual cafe visits, coffee breaks with colleagues, or casual catch-ups with friends; but ever since the virus changed our lives, we’ve had to make big changes to the way we consume our cup of joe. First and foremost, we’ve seen a dramatic switch in the way people recreate their café experience at home. From grinders and French presses to delicious pre-ground bags, home coffee brewing of all sorts have become necessary in order to fill our needs for drip coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, and more. People are investing in more sophisticated coffee making accessories and equipment to get a just-as-good-as-a-café-pour at home, and the market for this has been booming. The other major trend in the coffee world since the pandemic is an increase in the number of delivery services. No matter where you live, there has certainly been an upsurge in companies and apps that deliver to your front door either pre-packaged coffee beans or freshly brewed cups. Companies that specialize in this have definitely seen an increase in business since many of us are unable to get to a store or café, and it looks likely that this trend will continue even after the pandemic has ended.
Overview of the effect of the pandemic on the coffee industry
I’ve noticed a huge shift in consumer coffee trends due to the pandemic. Many coffee shops have seen an increase in the sale of whole-bean and ground beans for home brewing or have started offering subscriptions for coffee delivery. Support for local coffee businesses has also grown as customers have become more aware of the importance of buying locally. Additionally, large coffee companies have seen a decrease in the sale of single-cup coffees, instant coffees, K-cups, and other single-serve options due to their higher price point and the fact that many consumers are shifting towards convenience and more affordable options. Furthermore, coffee shops are turning to an online ordering system to limit contact. In addition, companies are increasingly offering more sustainable packaging, subscriptions, and are using delivery services to get their product to customers. In short, customer preferences have shifted within the coffee industry due to the pandemic, with an uptick in demand for whole-bean coffee, sustainable and compostable packaging, and online ordering and delivery services.
Shift away from in-store coffee purchases
I’ve definitely shifted away from purchasing coffee in-stores due to the pandemic. Before, I’d often buy coffee from a local café’ or coffee shop, but now I’m concerned about going there amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, I’m making more of my coffee at home with a French press or pour over and using a variety of coffee grinds and beans for a customized taste. I like that this also allows me to support local coffee roasters, too, since I can buy their beans online and have them shipped right to my door. It’s not quite the same experience ordering delivery or takeout from a cafe, but these days it’s the safest option.
Surge in popularity of online order and delivery services
COVID-19 has had a huge impact on how people order and drink their coffee. The surge in popularity of online order and delivery services has totally changed the landscape of coffee orders. I find myself placing orders for takeout or delivery at least once a week, compared to what used to be the occasional coffee run before the pandemic. As cafes had to temporarily close their doors, I was left without coffee and without my usual cafe experience. Thankfully, online order and delivery services are now providing me with my favorite coffee and helping me to recreate the experience of going to a cafe at home.
Changes in customer behavior
As a coffee drinker, the pandemic has influenced the way I consume coffee drastically. Due to the pandemic, I am now more focused on accessing convenient and hassle-free coffee sources. I prefer to place online orders for coffee rather than visiting a cafe or shop. I also prefer home deliveries and subscription services instead of traditional brick-and-mortar stores. At-home brewing coffee has also become more popular, with people choosing to purchase machines and beans for home use. Additionally, I prioritize health and safety, which motivates me to opt for more hygienic coffee solutions now more than ever. Therefore, I choose ready-made coffee capsules and K-Cups. Finally, I prefer to get my coffee from more experienced specialty roasters, as they tend to guarantee a better quality product.
The Impact of the Pandemic on Coffee Product Design
The pandemic has changed how I make coffee, and many others around the world. From going out to coffee shops to making coffee at home, the pandemic has forced all of us to rethink how we consume and design for this precious beverage. For me, it has shifted from an occasional indulgence to an everyday necessity. The convenience of pre-ground beans has made home brewing more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. I’ve also become more conscious of the quality of my coffee-ingredients, which resulted in me investing in better and fresher beans as well as more expensive equipment to ensure a better tasting cup.
Another big shift I’ve noticed is the emphasis on eco-friendly products. Since the pandemic, it has become more important than ever for coffee producers to focus on sustainability. This means more emphasis has been placed on designing coffee makers that use single-use filters, reducing the amount of waste that comes from them. I’ve noticed more heavy-duty coffee machines that come with stainless steel filters and other eco-friendly features.
Finally, the pandemic has led to more coffee-related trends. Iguanas that use coffee beans to make cold brew, have become quite popular in the last year. The rise of at-home coffee making and the demand for more eco-friendly products has led manufacturers to innovative creations such as biodegradable coffee capsules, compostable coffee filters, and even reusable kegs for cold brew.
Development of new products to meet customer needs
I’ve noticed that a lot of the trends in the coffee industry have shifted due to the pandemic. Drive-thru and to-go options have become prevalent, as people are opting for convenience over traditional sit downs. To meet these customer needs, companies have had to come up with innovative new products and methods of delivery. For example, many coffee shops have come up with new packaging formats, such as sachets and jars, that allow for easy on-the-go consumption. Some coffee roasters have even started providing ready-to-drink coffee, cold brew concentrates, and instant beverages as quick-and-easy solutions for those in need of a caffeine fix. It’s been fascinating to see how the industry has adapted to the current situation and I’m sure we’ll continue to see more creative new products developed in the near future.
Increase in creation of coffee-related products, such as barware and accessories
With the onset of the pandemic, it has become increasingly difficult to visit coffee shops and order specialty coffee-related items. As a result, I’ve noticed that coffee trends have shifted, with more and more coffee drinkers creating their own coffee-infused experiences and products in the comfort of their own homes. The availability of easy-to-find coffee-related barware items, as well as accessories such as coffee beans, roasters, grinders, and other equipment, has allowed people to craft their own individual cups of coffee, recreate cafe favorites, and expand their coffee-drinking arsenal. Plus, with more people spending time at home, there’s been an increase in companies creating and marketing attractive coffee-related products and gifts that are great for any coffee lover. Thanks to these products, it’s easy to feel like a master barista even while confined within the walls of my own home.
Economic Challenges and Opportunities for Coffee Producers
Prior to the pandemic, coffee trends were shifting as the industry shifted towards specialty products and a focus on sustainable and ethical production. While this presented plenty of economic opportunities for coffee producers, it also meant more competition and thinning margins as more producers entered the market. Since the pandemic hit, the coffee industry has remained strong, but consumer demand has shifted. Coffee producers have had to figure out how to adjust their production strategies to cater to the needs of consumers in a pandemic. For example, standards around sustainability, eco-friendliness, and ethical production have not changed, but specialty coffee companies and cafes are now looking for more large-scale production and better assurance of product quality. This has put a strain on roasters, producers, and cooperatives, since more resources and capital are required to meet the demand for large production volumes. At the same time, the demand for convenience and convenience-based coffee products is quickly rising, forcing traditional coffee producers to adapt. Companies are now looking for innovative ways to package their beans for maximum convenience and preserve quality, which has been a challenge due to the volatility of the pandemic.
Impact of changing production methods
It has been interesting to observe the shifts in coffee trends due to the pandemic. One of the biggest changes is in production methods; for instance, many small specialty coffee producers had to pivot quickly to increase production for online or remote ordering. We have seen a proliferation of at-home coffee subscription services, where coffee beans are roasted, packaged, and shipped directly from the producer. Additionally, larger roasters have shifted to larger-scale production, often using automated equipment, in order to meet the increased demand for freshly roasted coffee due to the pandemic.
The impact of these changes has been widespread across the specialty coffee industry, as many producers have had to adjust to new methods of production to meet changing consumer needs. These new production methods have had an impact on the quality of coffee, as well as the cost – generally, higher-quality, freshly-roasted coffees cost more. Nonetheless, specialty coffee producers have been able to continue providing their customers with excellent coffee, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Final Thoughts
During the pandemic consumers had to get creative and turn to the internet to get their coffee fix. More people started taking advantage of online specialty coffee subscriptions so they could get quality and unique beans delivered to their door. There also seemed to be a spike in people purchasing coffee equipment to make their own coffee at home, like pour-over brewers, espresso machines, and French presses. The pandemic has definitely impacted how consumers get their coffee but it has also given rise to new and innovative ways to make sure that everyone can still enjoy their favorite cup of joe.
Pre-Covid, it was all about convenience and that same old cup of joe at your favorite coffee house. Now, people are looking for something different – something unique. At the same time, many coffee roasters are also getting into the game, selling freshly-roasted beans with new exciting flavors. Some bean-to-cup machines are also being developed, giving people a greater variety of coffee-making options. The landscape of coffee-making is forever changing, and I believe it’s only going to get better from here. As people experiment at home, they’ll be able to find new and innovative ways to make coffee, as well as flavors and recipes to explore. In the future, I think the coffee industry will continue to reward those who are willing to explore and experiment with great coffee.
