Learn about exciting menu innovations and attracting customers with out of home coffee in our article from FSR Magazine’s May issue, “Creating Differentiation with Coffee.”
CLICK TO READWinning with Coffee Beverages for Immunity
With vaccines in wide distribution and the end in sight for consumers and foodservice operators alike, we are starting to see what trends and habits will stay with us. One we’re watching is functional foods and beverages, especially around immunity.
Fast facts about functional beverages
- 65% say they are ore likely to consider drinking functional beverages post-Covid
- 51% wish immunity-boosting foods and ingredients were available at their favorite restaurants
- more than 2 in 5 consumers are very or extremely intereted in functional beverages and 80% are at least somewhat interested
Source: Datassential, 2021
Specialty Drink of the Month:
Caramel Turmeric Cold Brew
Turmeric is a superstar of functional ingredient world, especially when it comes to giving the immune system a boost. It’s now the top selling herbal ingredient in the natural space! Turmeric has a naturally warm spicy profile with some bitter notes, and is best paired with a little sweetness like the caramel, which brings a creamy sweetness. Caramel is also one of the top flavors in coffee-based beverages, so it’s a winner in any pairing – and especially when introducing a less-familiar flavor like turmeric. The cold brew itself is mild, so it will take on these flavors beautifully. If you wanted to up the antioxidant and immunity profile even more, try adding a touch of ginger or cinnamon to the mix.
For more cold brew drink ideas and recipes, click here.
Cold Brew Linked Post
When it comes to essential beverages, coffee ranks right up there with water in the American consciousness. That means we’re always looking for new ways to enjoy it, and make an everyday experience more personal or special. Maybe it’s no surprise then that cold brew coffee has been exploding across both retail and foodservice channels.
- Up 23.5% in menu penetration in 2020 (+245% since 2016!)
- 37% of consumers love it or like it
- 88% know it
- 52% have tried it1
There are lots of signs that even more growth lies ahead for this “young” trend. First, consumers of millennial age and younger have the highest preference for cold brew*, so more fans are likely to join the ranks even as the current ones age up. (*Source: National Coffee Association) Plus, there’s lots of room to grow – cold brew is only on 9% of foodservice menus today.1
Add it up, and it’s no surprise that analysts predict the global cold brew market will grow by 25% compound annual growth rate through 2025.2
Cold brew to go:
According to Grubhub, cold brew coffee was 206% more popular in 2020 for delivery than the prior year – #5 on the list, just behind ubiquitous items like spicy chicken sandwiches, wings and waffle fries.3
Specialty Drink of the Month:
Lavender Vanilla Cold Brew
When putting together a featured recipe for cold brew, vanilla is a natural go-to and the #1 flavor pairing on menus today. Adding one other flavor element can add significant interest and differentiate your offering. In this example, we’re taking advantage of the “functional foods” trend and consumers’ search for calm and stress relief. Lavender is widely known for these benefits, and it’s easy to add to the drink with a pre-made lavender syrup and even a touch of fresh lavender for garnish. As lavender is also in season in late spring and early summer, guests will be seeing it elsewhere too.
We recommend Segafredo Zanetti® Brilliante® blend for an ultra-smooth cold brew, due to its light roast and unique coffee components.
For more cold brew drink ideas and recipes, click here.
Sources:
1Datassential, 2020
2Grand View Research, 2019
3GrubHub
Top Trending Flavors with Coffee
The rush of consumers back to cafes and restaurants has been a welcome sight this summer. One key to keeping that traffic coming back is with a little bit of innovation. With 35% of consumers looking to try new flavors in their coffee, it pays to stay current with what’s new and trending, mixing in new offerings with tried-and-true favorites.
Citrus and Chocolate lead the way
According to trendwatcher Technomic, these are the top 5 fastest-growing flavors paired with coffee. It might not be a surprise to see perennial favorite chocolate make the list in both mint and dark chocolate varieties. But orange – a flavor we called out last month for its immunity credentials – might be a surprise in the #1 spot.
Flavor In Action
Ginger Orange Cold Brew
This cold brew tonic is a deliciously clever way to combine the trending flavors of orange and ginger (another immunity star) in a refreshing summer tonic. Go all in with the hand-crafted version, or speed-scratch with prepared syrups, it’s a sure-fire winner either way.
For more cold brew drink ideas and recipes, click here.
Capturing Customers with LTOs
Recent studies have shown that consumer brand preferences have changed dramatically since the start of the pandemic. That creates an opportunity to capture new customers, and a need to re-engage with your old customer base. A smart play is to use LTOs to draw them in, and let your quality and hospitality earn a return visit
FAST FACT
75% of consumers changed their brand preferences1
MARKETING TIP
Promote cold brew on your mobile app and in-store signage for maximum visibility.
The Cold Brew Hook
Cold brew’s rapid growth it makes an excellent draw. In fact, cold brew was a top 5 delivery item in 2020 according to GrubHub. Simply showcase a new blend of beans like our Brillante® blend, or add a float of sweet cream to keep it easy to execute.
Beautifully Buzzworthy
Leverage the digital shareability of eye-catching coffee creations like this Ginger-Orange Cold Brew Tonic. Whether you’re crafting by hand or using pre-made syrups, it’s all about that slice of orange for the garnish to have this drink ready for its Instagram moment(s).
MARKETING TIP
Invest the time in propping and styling a good-quality photo of your buzzworthy drink, and reshare fan photos while giving them credit.
FAST FACT
This works! About 20% of consumers say LTOs are the reason for their visits to coffee shops and bakery cafes.2
Sources:
1McKinsey, 2021
2Technomic Bakery and Café Trend Report, 2018