COVID-19 not only dominated our lives in 2020, but it also had an effect on coffee. Lockdowns, import and export bans, disruptions to supply chains, a decrease in travel, and other major lifestyle transformations have changed how and what kind of coffee we drink. So, let's take a look at some major coffee trends that are already here or can be expected to take hold in 2021.

 

1.    Drive-Through Coffee

 The pandemic's onset caused many businesses to shut down completely, and coffee shops were no exception. In fact, 2020 was the first year since 2011 when the number of tea and coffee shops in the U.S. declined.

 ·      It was estimated that 7.3 percent of coffee shops would be permanently closed by the end of 2020.

 So, one of the biggest coffee trends will undoubtedly be drive-through coffee!

 

2.    Environmentally-Friendly Packaging

 This was a key coffee trend in 2020 and will continue to gain traction. Expect to see more non-plastic and biodegradable cups for takeaways because of increasing awareness about our carbon footprint.

 The United Nations has promoted eco-friendly materials, ushering in a move by both brands and governments to ban plastic in favor of alternatives.

 ·      Example: Starbucks began using reusable cups made from recycled fiber in 2006. Also, the chain recently started to phase out plastic straws and replace them with straws made of alternative recyclable materials and strawless lids.

 

3.    Homemade Coffee Trend

 Coffee connoisseurs know how they want their coffee to taste. How coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted makes all the difference in flavor. Gen Z coffee drinkers are especially devoted to their coffee preferences, and baristas can't cater to every customer's unique requirements. Thus, home coffee brewers are an increasing coffee trend to satisfy a growing need for individual coffee preferences.

 ·      In 2020, 40% of US consumers owned a single-cup coffee brewing system. 

 

4.    Coffee Automation

 Automation is one of the most significant trends in most industries because it increases efficiency and reduces costs. How does this affect coffee? Well, in 2021, expect to see fewer baristas and more kiosks in coffee houses. Plus, the big coffee chains will increase their investments in automated coffee machines that require no human assistance whatsoever.

 

5.    Coffee Transparency

 The internet and social media are increasingly teaching consumers to pay attention to where products come from, the adverse health impact of some ingredients, and the environmental consequences of using specific materials.

 Questioning consumers requires coffee businesses to offer transparency to their customers to build trust. Expect to see more FAQ sections on coffee websites, lists of ingredients on coffee mugs/cups, and education of customers through social media platforms.

 

6.    Coffee Subscriptions

 This coffee trend surfaced in 2020 and is here to stay. It was introduced to satisfy an increasing demand for unique coffee flavors and online shopping. Consumers liked the convenience of their favorite coffee beans delivered to their doorstep, and the pandemic significantly accelerated this demand.

 ·      Subscriptions enable coffee lovers to automatically receive deliveries of their chosen coffee beans every month. Sign up for Operant Coffee’s subscription service here.

 

7.    Agri-Tourism

 As happened with vineyards, more and more coffee lovers are now interested in touring facilities that grow and harvest coffee beans. With the advent of vaccinations against COVID-19, visits to coffee farms have the potential to become a profitable part of the agri-tourism industry. Coffee lovers can see firsthand how various coffee beans are grown, extracted, blended, and brewed to get the desired final flavor.

 

8.    Decrease in Coffee Bean Supply

 While COVID-19 has only been responsible for a temporary delay in the transportation of coffee beans, climate change will bring about more serious and permanent delays. Rising temperatures mean that coffee crops are more exposed to burning. This leads to lower yields and more pesticide use resulting in an unhealthier final product. With a reduced supply of coffee beans, the purchase price asked of the consumer will surely rise.

 ·      Operant Coffee recognizes all of these coffee trends. But, rest assured, you will still be able to rely on us for your favorite coffee blends. We will continue to offer you only the very best fair trade certified, organic, and sustainably grown coffee throughout 2021 and into future years!