Pandemic drives demand for gourmet brews.

 

Global research firm NPD Group has confirmed a major shift in coffee consumption as a result of the pandemic.

 

While the survey findings reflect trends in the US, the conclusions are relevant to Australia, where coffee consumption is booming. 

 

Before the pandemic, consumers sourced about 73 per cent of coffee servings from home and 27 per cent from food service, i.e. the local coffee shop. The split is now 81 per cent and 19 per cent respectively.

 

With fewer opportunities to visit their favourite coffee shop, workers re-created the gourmet coffee experience in their homes. Sales of espresso machines and other coffee appliances grew by double-digits in the year ending May 2021 compared to the same period a year ago. 

 

Sales of frothers, for example, increased by 120 per cent in May compared to a year ago, reports NPD. 

 

“Consumers’ palates are more sophisticated now when it comes to coffee. They’ve invested their time and money in bringing a gourmet coffee experience into their homes,” Joe Derochowski, Home industry advisor at The NPD Group, said.

 

 “Even when they’re back to work or school, they’ll continue to get a return on their investment. Manufacturers can benefit by offering great taste, which is always key, the ability to adjust the taste, and versatility in enabling consumers to get that coffee house experience at home,” he said.