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