Coffee Intelligence

29/01/2025

The days of a simple "black coffee, no sugar" being the hallmark of sophistication are giving way to a bolder, sweeter, and more colourful wave of caffeinated preferences.

75% of 18-34-year-olds customise their out of home coffee orders with syrups.

Sarah Charles speaks with Keely Wade (Lincoln & York), Heather Perry (Klatch Coffee), and Jake Leonti (Gregorys Coffee) about how Gen Z has turned “basic” drinks into proud indulgence, making caramel swirl & matcha lattes the new cool.

The days of a simple "black coffee, no sugar" being the hallmark of sophistication are giving way to a bolder, sweeter, and more colourful wave of caffeinated preferences. 75% of 18-34-year-olds customise their out of home coffee orders with syrups. Gen Z has turned “basic” drinks into proud ind...

24/01/2025

Few brands have managed to transform everyday culture quite like Starbucks. Its influence stretches beyond coffee cups and into the very language of caffeine consumption.

Starbucks has redefined coffee culture, raking in $36.2 billion across 40,199 stores globally. Fans love the creativity, but purists call out the twists on classics like the cortado.

Sarah Charles speaks with Andrew Ellenberg (RISE Integrated Marketing) about how its lingo may build loyalty, but meanwhile Gen Z’s craving for authenticity challenges the status quo.

Few brands have managed to transform everyday culture quite like Starbucks. Its influence stretches beyond coffee cups and into the very language of caffeine consumption. Starbucks has redefined coffee culture, raking in $36.2 billion across 40,199 stores globally. Fans love the creativity, but puri...

21/01/2025

Capsule coffee machines have become a fixture in modern kitchens, synonymous with convenience, style, and, often, the appearance of sophistication.

Nespresso pioneered the capsule system – convenience replicating the sophisticated design of espresso machines. Studies show that most consumers trust products more when designs mimic traditional forms.

Sarah Charles speaks with Jonathan Morris (University of Hertfordshire) about why electric cars have grilles, and capsule machines levers – not for function, but to evoke familiarity and build trust.

Capsule coffee machines have become a fixture in modern kitchens, synonymous with convenience, style, and, often, the appearance of sophistication. Nespresso pioneered the capsule system – convenience replicating the sophisticated design of espresso machines. Studies show that most consumers trust...

17/01/2025

Dunkin’s latest marketing campaign, featuring global pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter, is a frothy mix of humour, celebrity clout, and smart product positioning.

Today, 67% of consumers say humour drives their enjoyment of ads. Dunkin drinks also cost 20–30% less than Starbucks, giving Gen Z a fun, affordable reason to switch.

Sarah Charles speaks with Ian Baer, CEO & Founder of Sooth, about why this campaign hits a sweet spot with today’s young coffee drinkers.

Dunkin’s latest marketing campaign, featuring global pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter, is a frothy mix of humour, celebrity clout, and smart product positioning. Today, 67% of consumers say humour drives their enjoyment of ads. Dunkin drinks also cost 20–30% less than Starbucks, giving Gen Z a fu...

14/01/2025

Dupe culture – short for “duplicate” – is disrupting retail, driven by cost-conscious Gen Z consumers, the thrill of discovery, and the joy of sharing affordable imitations.

71% of Gen Z and 67% of Millennials regularly purchase imitation products. From Starbucks to Luckin, coffee "wars" are intensifying with lawsuits over brand imitation.

Sarah Charles speaks with Fernando Arendar, Founder of Studio , and Ellie Patel, Founder & CEO of -think Legal, about the line between inspiration and imitation, and how copycat brands get away with it.

Dupe culture – short for “duplicate” – is disrupting retail, driven by cost-conscious Gen Z consumers, the thrill of discovery, and the joy of sharing affordable imitations. 71% of Gen Z and 67% of Millennials regularly purchase imitation products. From Starbucks to Luckin, coffee "wars" are...

09/01/2025

The best way to plan ahead is often to look back to see the patterns emerge. Today’s article offers a recap of key patterns and trends that shaped the coffee industry throughout 2024, to help craft a strategy for 2025.

As the C market hovers around $3.50/lb, roasters are shifting to blends and cheaper origins, reshaping sourcing strategies. They are prioritising profits, leaving exporters grappling with slimmer margins. Exporters are pivoting to niche markets and innovation to stay competitive.

Sarah Charles speaks with Henry Wilson (Producer & Roaster Forum and Coffee Intelligence) about what he thinks 2025 has in store for roasters and exporters, and what they can do to survive.

The best way to plan ahead is often to look back to see the patterns emerge. Today’s article offers a recap of key patterns and trends that shaped the coffee industry throughout 2024, to help craft a strategy for 2025.

09/01/2025

The best way to plan ahead is often to look back to see the patterns emerge. Today’s article offers a recap of key patterns and trends that shaped the coffee industry throughout 2024, to help craft a strategy for 2025.

As the C market hovers around $3.50/lb, roasters are shifting to blends and cheaper origins, reshaping sourcing strategies. They are prioritising profits, leaving exporters grappling with slimmer margins. Exporters are pivoting to niche markets and innovation to stay competitive.

Sarah Charles () speaks with Henry Wilson ( and ) about what he thinks 2025 has in store for roasters and exporters, and what they can do to survive.

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07/01/2025

Italy, the birthplace of espresso and a global leader in manual espresso machines, is expanding its brewing repertoire.

Simonelli Group’s investment in 3TEMP highlights Italian brands expanding beyond traditional espresso machines. Meanwhile, global coffee consumption is projected to grow 4.3% annually through 2028 with rising demand for specialty brewing systems.

Sarah Charles speaks with Maurizio Giuli (Nuova Simonelli) about how Italian brands are balancing heritage with innovation, preparing for new consumer demand.

Italy, the birthplace of espresso and a global leader in manual espresso machines, is expanding its brewing repertoire. Simonelli Group’s investment in 3TEMP highlights Italian brands expanding beyond traditional espresso machines. Meanwhile, global coffee consumption is projected to grow 4.3% ann...

03/01/2025

The European Union’s recent decision to delay the enforcement of its landmark European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has set the record straight on whether plans will go ahead or be scratched.

EU coffee imports hit €21.9 billion in 2022, underscoring that compliance is non-negotiable. Looking to cocoa and palm oil offers the industry a roadmap for smarter EUDR preparation.

Sarah Charles speaks with Stuart Ritson (Osito Coffee) about the ramifications of this new delay, and how industry stakeholders will be approaching it.

The European Union’s recent decision to delay the enforcement of its landmark European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has set the record straight on whether plans will go ahead or be scratched. EU coffee imports hit €21.9 billion in 2022, underscoring that compliance is non-negotiable. Lo...

02/01/2025

From high-end to automated milk frothers, technology has streamlined coffee preparation, offering faster, more consistent results.

roles are shifting from artistry to customer engagement. With coffee roasters cutting barista promotions and costs up by 29%, how will the industry balance efficiency and craft?

Jordan Montgomery speaks with Bianca Maria Maschio, Coffee Consultant, about how barista culture will survive this evolution.

01/01/2025

For many owners of specialty coffee coffee brands that have scaled, success hasn’t been all fun and games. Big brands are craving the creativity of their early days.

Side projects like Blue Bottle Studio and Starbucks Reserve help reignite passion while big brands juggle profits.

Sarah Charles speaks with Brian Gaffney (Caravela Coffee) and Nick Mabey (Assembly Coffee) about how with food costs up 29% and labour up 31%, small, focused coffee shops are proving size isn’t everything.
https://intelligence.coffee/2025/01/scaled-specialty-brands-are--nostalgic/

For many owners of specialty coffee brands that have scaled, success hasn’t been all fun and games. Big brands are craving the creativity of their early days. Side projects like Blue Bottle Studio and Starbucks Reserve help reignite passion while big brands juggle profits. With food costs up 29% a...

01/01/2025

For many owners of specialty coffee brands that have scaled, success hasn’t been all fun and games. Big brands are craving the creativity of their early days.

Side projects like Blue Bottle Studio and Starbucks Reserve help reignite passion while big brands juggle profits.

Sarah Charles speaks with ( ) and ( ) about how with food costs up 29% and labour up 31%, small, focused coffee shops are proving size isn’t everything.

Link in bio

27/12/2024

The most-read article of 2024 covered coffee chains' market expansion and entry into new markets.

Earthly this year, Starbucks reported that it has drastically cut its full-year revenue growth forecast.
The iconic US coffee chain's shares plunged by 16%, with key market declines of 3% in the US and 11% in China.

Sarah Charles speaks with Winnie Yeh (Torch Coffee), Brian Clark (Legacy Coffee), and an anonymous coffee business stakeholder in China about the reasons behind this decline and how fierce competition in both markets will make it difficult for Starbucks to recover without a significant pivot.

Read more: https://intelligence.coffee/2024/05/starbucks-loses-market-in-us-and-china/

26/12/2024

The second most read article of the year analysis how Starbucks first entered the Australian market in 2000, expanding to nearly 90 locations across the country by 2008. However, in that year, it closed over 70% of those locations after a sustained period of low sales.

After 23 years and over $140 million in losses, S tarbucks Australia posted its first profit this November with a 35% revenue increase to AU$157 million for the financial year ending June 2023.

Melina Devoney speaks with Rohan Cooke and Kirk Pearson to explore what changed for the global brand.

Read more: https://intelligence.coffee/2024/01/starbucks-australia/

25/12/2024

The third most-read article of the year focuses on new product launches in the soluble and concentrate market segments.

Nescafé, synonymous with instant coffee, has launched a new espresso concentrate product, starting with the Australian and Chinese markets. While concentrates have primarily been used for RTD coffee on shelves, Nestlé seeks to bring fancy customisable cold coffee to people’s homes at a more accessible price and with endless options.

Sarah Charles speaks with Abdullah Ramay (Pablo & Rusty's Coffee Roasters) about Nestlé’s move, and how it shows coffee concentrates are a viable industry product catering to young consumer demand.

Read more: https://intelligence.coffee/2024/05/nescafe-new-espresso-concentrate/

24/12/2024

The fourth most-read article of the year covers historic coffee prices.

Coffee prices have surged to their highest levels since April 1977, driven by fears over supply disruptions in top-producing nations like Brazil and Vietnam, and the anticipation of the EU Deforestation Directive (EUDR).
Arabica hit $3.26 per pound, a 47-year high, fuelled by global supply fears. Coffee prices surged 70% this year, shaking supply chains and consumer wallets.

Sarah Charles speaks with Albert Scalla (Stonex ) and Thiago Marques Cazarini (Cazarini Trading Company) about how producers could gain power, but rising costs and volatility are testing the coffee industry at large, making the impact a complex one.

Read more: https://intelligence.coffee/2024/11/coffee-prices-surge-to-47-year-highs/

23/12/2024

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re sharing the five most popular reads from the past year.

The fifth most-read article explores how advertising enterprises and investors should take note of the younger generation’s high spending power.

While the third wave focused on millennials, the coffee industry is now betting on Gen Z – who are estimated to hold $360 billion in disposable income.

Sarah Charles speaks with William Dunaway about Gen Z and millennial consumer preferences, and how the specialty coffee era will prioritise fun, sustainability, and community brand building.

Read more: https://intelligence.coffee/2024/04/gen-z-highest-spending-power/

20/12/2024

Taco Bell, a brand synonymous with budget-friendly tacos and late-night cravings, is expanding into premium coffee.

Its Live Más Café brings specialty drinks to the $5B coffee market, targeting younger, trend-focused consumers. Fast-food chains added 1,400 coffee outlets in 2023, with Taco Bell joining the race to compete with Starbucks and Dunkin’.

Sarah Charles speaks with Tim Powell (Food Service IP) about how Taco Bell is betting on affordable drinks to stand out in a crowded coffee. space.

Taco Bell, a brand synonymous with budget-friendly tacos and late-night cravings, is expanding into premium coffee. Its Live Más Café brings specialty drinks to the $5B coffee market, targeting younger, trend-focused consumers. Fast-food chains added 1,400 coffee outlets in 2023, with Taco Bell jo...