The coffee industry is moving at lightning speed. By 2024 the out of home coffee market will have changed in some really big ways. Whatever shape operations take, be it a bustling standalone coffee shop, a fashionable boutique hotel, or sophisticated office canteen being in the know will set you way ahead. Use the changes to build a strong and exciting proposition for your audience.
Sustainable Sourcing and Ethical Coffee
Today’s consumers know more. They care more. They’re not just asking where their coffee comes from — they’re also asking how it got to them. More than just a buzzword, a premium placed on sustainable sourcing and ethical practices has now become a major part of the purchasing decision. Joining with suppliers that share this perspective can set your business apart and drive repeat business.
Technology and Innovation in Coffee Service
Technology is increasingly changing how we interact with coffee in out-of-home channels. By 2024, smart coffee machines that operate via the app and allow full customisation and contactless payment from wearables will be normal in some environments. More than an operational tool, this means something very different for the consumer experience.
Embracing these technologies can significantly boost efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Specialty Coffee and Customisation
People crave unique and personalised experiences — from personalised coffee, personalised drinks. By 2024, people won’t order a cup of “ coffee”. They want a drink that resonate to their identity and soul.
Alright, now, think of how irresistible it would be to offer different personalised coffee — from beans, to brewing style to their milk. Serve this vast segment of specialty coffee drinkers plus attract sophisticated and quality-conscious customers who seek out better taste and personalisation.
Health-Conscious Coffee Options
As consumers continue to prioritise health and wellness, the demand for healthier coffee options is increasing. That includes plant-based kinds of milk, low-sugar or sugar-free options and even coffee as a functional beverage that’s fortified with vitamins or adaptogens.
This consumer-friendly direction works for more than just customer palates. It also places your business in a favorable light, as it meets the needs of today’s health-conscious consumers and keeps up with the latest food trends.
The Importance of Coffee Experience in Business Settings
The out of home coffee sector is still a battleground — and next year, having great coffee won’t be enough to see you in the Top Cafe list of “winning venues.” In 2024, if you’re an office, a hotel, or a restaurant, you’ll need to have created a coffee experience that people will remember.
For an office, that might involve investing in great coffee as part of a wider drive to improve worker satisfaction and productivity; for a hotel or a restaurant, it means creating a point of difference in your coffee experience with a custom blend or brewing method etc.
Conclusion
With 2024 right around the corner, it’s clear that sustainable, technological, customisable, health-focused and experiential out of home coffee is in. Work with coffee suppliers that have their fingers on the pulse of the market and ensure you stay ahead of the game to keep customers coming back for another cup of joy.