IMG Credit: kristidoesPDX.com
When looking at recent trends in coffee, consumption in public settings is higher among the Millennial generation than ever before. The National Coffee Drinking Trends report released by the National Coffee Association reports increased consumption among coffee drinkers of all ages, and an increase in “gourmet” coffee consumption specifically by younger consumers.
IMG Credit: Latteart.org
This consumption increase among Millennials is driven by multiple factors: Millennials are more social and mobile, seeing coffee as a thing to do with friends, go for on a date, or an addition to their daily routine. Younger consumers are also focusing more on the experience than the price: in a consumer survey done by Allegro Coffee, 55% of consumers said they’d be willing to spend more for higher quality coffee. Most Millennial coffee drinkers are looking for new ways in which to experience coffee. The market’s response to this has been to seek innovative brewing methods, limited-time menu options, and aesthetically pleasing designs.
The visual aesthetic is part of the unique experience that Millennials seek. The “coffee” hashtag is used 72.81 million times on Instagram; and features pictures of cups with personalized names scrawled in Sharpie, gorgeous, modern shops with minimalist designs and succulents in the window sills, and professionally poured latte art. This use of social media is an opportunity for dinnerware companies to provide the mugs to fit the aesthetic. By observing the market, one can notice the demand in glassware design, whether it’s hand-thrown or modern and simplistic.
The coffee market is a mature industry that continues to see growth, providing the perfect opportunity for glassware to meet the needs of the coffee shops and consumers, and cater to ongoing trends. Keep an eye out next Saturday for your Coffee Cuppa’, a weekly chat about the coffee industry.
Saturday Wakeup Call: ACME Flat White Cup
-G. Stegall
