Coffee Industry Trends for 2018

Experts expect the coffee industry to keep growing.

As January hits us with its chilly weather, here at That Coffee Roasters, we are doing everything we can to keep our cups of coffee warm and cozy. Let temperatures drop and join us instead at exploring what this 2018 might bring for the coffee industry. What trends will we see? What changes are coming to the market? We might get some clues about it thanks to the coffee festivals that were celebrated last year.

We’re specifically speaking about World of Coffee 2017, which was celebrated in Budapest last year. At the coffee-specialty website The Perfect Daily Grind, they interviewed owners, roasters, manufacturers, competitors and coffee associations to find out more about where they believe our beloved drink is headed this 2018. Here’s what we can learn from what they had to say.

Coffee industry will keep on growing

Even though the last few years, we’ve seen how successful third wave coffee has become, experts were expecting the trend to slow down and the market’s growth to eventually flatten. However, that never happened. More and more consumers are getting into the world of specialty coffee and this allows the industry to keep on growing and specializing itself. Micro-roasteries, and cafes will continue to open in diverse places. Soon enough, Middle Eastern and Eastern Europe countries will be joining the wagon in full force.

Diversified coffee shop offerings

It seems like our beloved coffee shops’ menus will be expanding on this 2018. Some experts predict an increase in coffee shop diversification that will go beyond their regular desserts. Products like beer, wine and cheese are proving to be an interesting alternative to accompany our favorite coffee. This can result in the possibility of reaching new and wider audiences, which means a new opportunity for commercial growth.

New year, new preferences, new coffee

As coffee starts to reach new audiences, baristas will start getting more creative in what they offer. Cold brews, for example, are getting increasingly popular, especially among people who are not regular coffee drinkers. Since cold brew is sweeter in taste and allows a wide variety of recipes, it’s perfect for non-coffee-lovers demographics. Younger drinkers will be especially attracted by the new combinations we might taste this year.

We’ll probably be seeing a greater demand on sweet coffees over acidic ones. Sweet notes are the new trend and we’ll have to see if the industry is up to meet the market’s new demands.

Producers are getting the hang on alternative processing methods

Producing countries are expanding their array of processing methods like never before. Some of these include raised beds, honey processing, natural processing and lactic fermentation. Embracing diversity means that we might see a larger variety and options in the market. Buyers and consumers are asking for it, so farmers are providing it! However, many of these new processing trends are expensive and they might leave poorer farmers behind, as producers with resources will exploit them.

Brewers are focusing on water

Although technology is also taking center-stage with new and more precise machinery that expands options for baristas, coffee professionals are also inspecting the benefits and uses that water can add to the brew. Water components can have a very strong effect on our coffee’s taste, more than people would expect. Aspects like temperature and purity matter on all beverages. Water can affect performance, and the lifespan of coffee makers as well. It even seems that products like “third-wave water” are making their way into the community, so expect to hear more from it.

What would you like the coffee industry to put an eye on this 2018? What else would you like to see in your favorite cafés and roasters? Tell us all about it on our social media and stay updated to see where is coffee taking us for the next 12 months!

What do you want to see in the coffee industry?

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