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Cold & Nitrogen-Infused Coffee
The popularity of cold coffee, especially cold brew,
has grown significantly in recent years, driven by
various consumer preferences and market trends.
Since 2016, cold brew consumption has increased
by around 300%! This trend reflects both a shift
in consumer tastes and the evolution of coffee
culture toward more refreshing and customizable
options.
1. Seasonal Flexibility and Year-Round Appeal:
Cold coffee beverages, including iced and nitro
cold brew, defy seasonality. Many brands, including
Starbucks, report that cold drinks constitute the
majority of their beverage sales, even during
colder months. This flexibility helps coffee shops
attract customers regardless of weather changes.
2. Preference Among Younger Consumers:
Millennials and Gen Z have embraced cold coffee
as part of their lifestyle, valuing the ability to
customize drinks with flavored syrups, plant-based
milks, and toppings. These consumers appreciate
the smooth, low-acid taste of cold brew, which
differs from traditional hot coffee or iced coffee
made by cooling hot brew over ice.
3. Convenience through Ready-to-Drink (RTD)
Products: Cold coffee, particularly in the RTD
format, offers on-the-go convenience. RTD
beverages, including cold brew, fit modern
consumers' busy lifestyles and contribute to the
coffee industry's shift toward innovation and
customization.
4. Increased Caffeine Content and Flavor
Innovation: Cold brew often contains more
caffeine than other coffee types, which appeals
to those seeking a stronger boost. Additionally,
the coffee industry has embraced new flavor
combinations, such as nitro cold brew, further
enhancing the appeal of cold coffee beverages.
Several factors explain this growth: