Although older Americans were more than satisfied with any run-of-the-mill coffee, millennials and Gen Z are pretty picky when it comes to their favorite brews. The result is that an increasing majority of potential customers are looking for delicious, unique, and ethically-produced coffee. In response to demand, 2020 coffee trends are emerging.
To compete in the foodservice industry, you have to offer a wider variety of beverages on your menu. Incorporating specialty coffees with customizable flavors is one of the best and easiest ways to please your customers without having to worry about the additional licensing required to serve beer, wine, and liquor. Unfortunately, if you aren’t a coffee drinker yourself or you prefer a more straightforward coffee experience, then it may be difficult to identify what 2020 coffee trends are capturing the palettes of your target audience.
It Starts with Location
More than ever, people want to know where their food and drink come from. This is especially true with coffee, given its complex history regarding colonialism and continued economic exploitation. Therefore, it is essential that you invest in brands that are guaranteed Fair Trade. To explain the additional cost to your customers, include a detailed description of where the coffee is grown. Even add the particular processes that make it unique on your menu. In most cases, the brand will already include this on their packaging.
Ditching Milk and Cream
Although fewer Americans add sweetener to their coffee, they aren’t drinking it black. Instead, coffee drinkers are opting for milk alternatives and natural flavors to customize their experience. Initially, coconut and almond milk were center stage, but industry experts are noting a rapid rise in oat sales that indicate oat milk may be the new fan favorite. To keep guests happy, you should offer at least 2-3 options to help them enjoy their gourmet drink.
Although it may be more complicated to include on your menu, cascara is another natural flavor to watch. Cascara is the dried husk from a coffee cherry. It adds a subtle sweetness to any drink and comes naturally packed with antioxidants. Given the parallel spikes in coffee and health food culture, including cascara coffees and teas, it is a great way to finish off your gourmet coffee bar.
Ice is Always Nice
The global community may find the American obsession with ice-cold drinks odd, but there’s no denying the truth of the matter. As a society, we like the vast majority of our beverages filled to the brim with ice. It was only a matter of time before iced coffee took over the American market.
Now, iced coffee and cold brew coffee remain two of the most popular ways to serve our favorite caffeinated beverage. Both of these options are easily made. Especially in a busy restaurant where it can be challenging to keep fresh, piping hot coffee available at all times. Keeping iced coffee or cold brew on the menu will give your staff a break during peak times. Even more, it also gives your customers options they’ll love.
Bringing Coffee to Your Customers
These three easy steps show your customers that you have invested in providing a superior experience. If you wish to, you can certainly take this a step further by investing in espresso equipment and training staff in its use. However, the three core trends listed above require no specialized equipment or training other than your standard commercial coffee system.
By offering sustainable beans, multiple milk alternative options, and an iced option, you can participate in the most popular 2020 coffee trends with minimal additional investment. If you are considering purchasing your first commercial coffee system or need to upgrade your current system, contact SC Beverage to learn more about our high-quality options for commercial coffee makers.
