Coffee Shop Industry Trends: Menu, Marketing, and Management

The global coffee market in 2024, amounting to more than $90 billion in revenue, is expected to grow annually by 3.54% until 2028. 

This only means that the demand for coffee-related businesses is continuously growing, and to get ready for this progression, equipping your establishment with coffee shop industry trends is a wise decision you’ll make. 

You can integrate technology like QR code menus into your services or discover new coffee menu explorations. 

This is a redefining move to create an unforgettable customer experience,  setting up your business for success.

So, let’s get into these exciting developments, from sustainable initiatives to experiential design and specialty brews to digital innovations. 

Coffee shop industry trends and statistics you should know 

Whether you’re just opening a coffee shop or have been in the industry for decades, you need to tailor your strategies to the current data in the market. 

Here is a list of current coffee shop industry statistics you should be updated on: 

• In 2020-2021, more than 100 million coffee bags with 60 kilograms worth of coffee each were produced worldwide (over half of the number were from South America), marking the highest production so far. 

• The United States ranked first in the 2022 revenue of the coffee market with $82.5 billion, followed by Japan with $40.2 billion, and Brazil with more than $30 million. 

• The total imports for 2022-2023 are around 136 million, while the total exports are expected to go up by 3 million. 

• The coffee market analysis size has a value of more than $205 billion in 2022 and is expected to increase by 3.5% towards 2029. 

• DriveResearch released a report that 73% of the 1,300 American respondents drink coffee every day, and 36% of them can consume 3 to 5 cups a day. 

• Statista conducted a survey in 2022 on the type of coffee roast Americans prefer, and it revealed that more than 50% liked medium roast. 

• As a preferred coffee drink, cold brew coffee has reached a global market value of $1.4 billion in 2023. 

This results from the agricultural commodity of various coffee beans, making these accessible for local and franchised coffee shops. 

Further, the rising disposable income among the younger generation and the demand for cafes are also indicators of the growing coffee market. 

Coffee trends for 2024 to add to your menu 

Step up in this industry with these coffee shop trends that will open an opportunity for growth and development in your cafe. 

Cold brew

With a forecasted growth of $1.37 billion by 2025, this popular coffee is a must on your menu. But don’t offer it the usual: make room to experiment with your options to maximize your revenue. 

Matcha lattes 

Zion Market Research published a report that in 2024, the global matcha market will reach $4.83 billion from 2.68 billion in 2017. 

This increase shows its popularity among consumers due to the main ingredient’s health benefits, containing various antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that prevent chronic diseases. 

RTD coffee options 

Ready-to-drink coffees like store-bought canned or bottled options are taking over the market, amounting to $35 billion in 2024, and are expected to grow annually by 5.36% in 2028.

Its growing demand comes from changing consumer preferences, specifically Gen Z,  who want a fast and convenient way to drink coffee. 

Floral tisanes 

Flavor Insights, a flavor development company, has projected that floral flavors like rose, lavender, hibiscus, and jasmine are to experience growth in 2024. 

The demand for health and wellness products among consumers is quite prominent as an analysis reported in 2020, 44% of the customers are willing to pay an average of 9% additional price for health and and wellness food products. 

Offering floral tea or tisanes are good options for these motivating factors, making your items diverse for various customer bases. 

Tea menu 

The global tea market value of $66 billion is expected to increase by 6.6% by 2029, making it a great addition to your coffee shop.

 With its eye-catching visual appeal and distinctive flavor profile, you can upgrade your drink menu with an herbal taste that will surely loved among tea enthusiasts and health-conscious customers. 

7 Coffee shop marketing trends to consider 

Coffee shop industry trends on sustainable practices

Heightened environmental consciousness among businesses becomes the defining factor for consumers when choosing where to spend their money. 

To reduce carbon footprint, implement eco-friendly initiatives such as compostable packaging, recycling programs, and energy-efficient equipment. 

This is one of the best sustainability practices you can impose on your coffee shop to appeal to environmentally conscious customers. 

Community engagement using social media 

Build a strong community around your coffee shop through your social media channels. 

Share behind-the-scenes clips of your coffee stations and operations, giving your followers a peek into the craftsmanship and passion that goes into every cup. 

Also, highlight customer stories and promote upcoming events like open mic nights, art exhibits, or coffee tastings.

These help build anticipation and excitement that encourages followers to participate actively in your activities. 

Don’t forget to respond to the comments and messages on your posts to show your followers that their opinions are heard and valued. 

Brand storytelling

Make your coffee shop stand out by sharing unique brand stories and values with your customers. 

You can highlight your commitment to quality, sustainability, and community involvement through authentic storytelling on your website, social media channels, and in-store signage. 

Don’t forget to engage with your customers on a personal level and cultivate a loyal following who resonate with your brand identity. 

Ambient coffee shop interiors

Enhance the current decorations of your shop to create an inviting atmosphere that attracts customers and encourages them to stay longer. 

Also, it makes your business distinct from its competitors, helping you stand out in this saturated industry. 

So carefully curate the elements such as seating arrangements, color schemes, and natural materials that evoke positive emotions of comfort and relaxation. 

This sensory experience exudes enjoyment among your customers. It can urge them to share their moments on their social media platforms, effectively serving as free advertising for your business. 

Expanded menu 

Aside from offering traditional coffee beverages, add gourmet pastries, artisanal sandwiches, and healthy snacks to your menu.

This caters to customers with a wide range of tastes and preferences. 

Make sure to experiment with various food and drink pairing ideas with seasonal specials and limited-time promotions to keep your menu fresh and exciting. 

Remote work adaptation

With the rise of remote work and digital nomadism, coffee shops have become popular destinations for professionals seeking a conducive work environment outside the office. 

Known as the “Coffee Shop Effect,” employees who work remotely from cafes reported being more focused and productive. 

To cater to this demographic, offer high-speed internet, ample power outlets, and comfortable seating options to accommodate remote workers and freelancers. 

Premiumization on specialty coffees

Consider having upgraded versions of your current specialty coffees that not only taste good but also look good in photos. 

Since the height of the pandemic, everyone learned to do almost everything at home, including making cafe-quality coffees. 

So, your customers expect to be served something new, something they can’t create by themselves. 

You can offer add-ons on the ingredients used or let them choose the design of the plates and mugs they want their orders to be served.  

Word-of-mouth marketing

Recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues are often perceived as the most trustworthy and credible than traditional advertising. 

This claim is backed up by Nielsen—a global platform for audience insights, data, and analytics—which reported that 92% of consumers trust the recommendations from their friends and family over other forms of promotion. 

A Research Journal Article also indicated that  54% of purchasing decisions are influenced by word of mouth. 

With this data,  this can be a powerful tool for building brand awareness, fostering customer loyalty, and driving sales for your coffee shop. 

Technology trends for cafe businesses

Coffee shop trends on integrating menu QR codes 

Consider having the right technology to streamline operations and enhance your customers’ experience. 

Think of QR codes. Try implementing a QR code menu ordering and payment system in your cafe. 

In a scan, your customers can access your offerings on their smartphones, place orders, and pay for them at their own pace. 

Additionally, leverage the data analytics generated from this tool to gain insights into customer preferences to tailor your offerings accordingly. 

Kitchen display system 

Instead of relying on traditional paper tickets, this system uses digital software to manage and display orders in the kitchen in real-time. 

This can speed up the communication between front-of-house and kitchen staff and reduce the risk of order errors. 

Additionally, it offers features such as order tracking, customization options, and analytics capabilities that allow you to gain insights into your operations to optimize the workflow of your business. 

Self-service kiosk 

This offers a touchscreen interface where customers can browse your offerings, customize their drinks, and place their orders independently. 

This allows them to take control of the ordering process, minimizing the waiting times and freeing up staff to focus on other tasks. 

Cloud point-of-sale systems

This technology is becoming popular in cafes due to its flexibility, scalability, and convenience. 

It operates using internet connectivity, where you can access the POS software and data from smartphones, tablets, and computers. 

This accessibility enables you to manage business activities remotely, monitor sales, and make data-driven decisions from anywhere.

Digital customer loyalty programs 

Unlike traditional punch cards, digital loyalty programs use technology to foster a more seamless and personalized experience for your valued customers. 

Patrons can quickly sign up for these programs through your cafe’s website or mobile app, where they can track the rewards and points digitally. 

Moreover, these loyalty programs are often integrated with the POS system that enables automatic point accrual and redemption during transactions. 

Reasons to upscale your coffee shop operations with  QR code menu technology

One of the notable industry trends in the coffee shop industry is having technologies like QR codes integrated into your operations. 

Here’s how you can benefit from using these: 

Simplified order and payment processes

Make it easier for customers to access your menu and place orders directly from their smartphones.

This reduces the need for them to wait in line, improving their experience in your coffee shop.

Additionally, online ordering through a digital menu QR code can integrate seamlessly with your POS system, automating order processing and lessening the likelihood of payment errors.

This streamlined workflow enables staff to focus more on delivering excellent customer service rather than manually managing orders. 

Cost-saving opportunities using a digital menu QR code 

There is no need for you to reprint your menus when you want to introduce new items or adjust the prices. 

You can easily update your offerings digitally with a food menu QR code at minimal expenses.

Also, it helps you with promotions and special offers, as these codes can be included in your social media postings as an alternative for flyers and other printed marketing materials. 

Analytics and insights

Smart menus can provide valuable data on customer preferences, popular items, and ordering patterns. 

This information can help you optimize your items, inventory management, and pricing strategies for better profitability. 

MENU TIGER: An innovative QR code menu software at your service

It is a guaranteed win if you choose the right software provider that best fits your needs and aims to assist you in your daily operations. 

And that’s what  MENU TIGER is here for. 

Easy menu updates

This smart menu software is designed to have a user-friendly interface that can be easily navigated if you update your offerings. 

You can change the images, descriptions, and other valuable information. 

A reliable assistant for your staff

Most coffee shops have fewer employees due to the business’s size. And they are cross-trained in different areas, from the counter to the coffee bars. 

With the help of an intelligent menu, it takes away the hassle of taking orders and making them simultaneously. 

All the customers need to do is scan the QR codes on table tents through their devices and complete their transactions. 

Provides automated tools for marketing campaigns

You can send out your promos, discounts, new offerings, and loyalty programs through a newsletter, where you can add or edit your marketing campaigns that let your customers subscribe. 

This is one of the notable benefits of QR code menu software. It is an easy way to connect with your customers without the need to spend money on marketing and advertising. 

Let’s brew your success by adopting these coffee shop industry trends to your business 

Putting your coffee shop business on the map is a challenging task to do. 

You have to equip your business with the ever-evolving coffee shop industry trends that commit to providing excellent and updated service. 

Of course, these trends come with technology like MENU TIGER QR code menu software that expedites your workflow. 

So, let’s stay ahead of the grind with the freshest trends and ideas for your coffee shop! 

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