How Can Coffee Businesses Respond to the Latest Trends

They say change is the only constant.  This has never been more true than in today’s society where digital advances are happening every day.

With the access we have to the internet and social media, consumers are constantly bombarded with new ideas and product information. As such, this means brands have a greater number of trends to contend with – in the coffee sector and beyond.

Keeping up with these ever-changing consumer preferences can be challenging. However, they also present opportunities for coffee companies looking to keep their existing customers and attract new ones, too.

Coffee shops that can identify and adopt trends early stand a better chance of renewing their customers’ profiles with the younger generations.

So what’s the answer? It’s simple:

Stay relevant

This is key to survival and success for the long-term, especially in the current climate where cafés are increasing in popularity and the competition is growing daily.

Keep note of what your customers are ordering.  Even if you personally think coffee is best hot and black, if you only served hot black coffee, that wouldn’t necessarily help you to keeping your doors open.

Use good equipment

In order to prepare quality drinks or make new additions to your menu, you need to start by investing in the right equipment.

Which machine you choose will depend on a variety of factors; do you have a large number of staff using the machine or will one or two trained baristas be serving your coffee.  For establishments with a high number of servers a bean to cup espresso machine is best, since it will produce consistently high-quality coffee no matter who is using it.  Whereas for establishments with a few trained baristas a traditional espresso machine is best, since it provides the theatre of producing a delicious coffee and trained baristas can also ensure you achieve consistency. 

Adjust your service and be aware of your space

Your service model and often your menu are determined by the structure and design of your space.

Use this to your advantage. Tweak your operations to make sure customers and staff are as comfortable as they can be, and make sure your premises’ design communicates quality and aligns with changing consumer preferences.

With the Covid-19 pandemic still on people’s minds, too, we recommend offering some more accessible ordering routes. Mobile ordering apps are a great way to proceed.

Adapting to the ever-changing preferences and tastes of the coffee consumer is easier said than done. But by keeping an eye on trends and being open, you can generate new opportunities for your coffee shop brand.

To make sure you’re prepared, design your space appropriately, make sure your menu stays relevant, and invest in high-quality equipment. In the end, this will mean you’re in the best position to evolve along with your customers’ tastes.