Iced coffee continues to ascend to gourmet status through a focus on texture
Implications - The rise of coffee culture has mimicked that of wine or craft beer, and so a natural next step in coffee's ascent to gourmet status is a focus on texture. Experimenting with the texture of iced coffee provides a multisensory experience that speaks to the experience-obsessed modern foodie.
Workshop Question - What is one small tweak you can make to your product to boost its high-end appeal?
Trend Themes
-
Textured Coffee — The rise of coffee culture has generated experimental textures in coffee, a multisensory experience that speaks to the experience-obsessed modern foodie.
-
Nitro Coffee — The infusion of nitrogen has revolutionized the iced coffee experience, giving the drinks a bolder taste and a smooth carbonated texture that is similar to beer.
-
Foaming Creamers — Foaming coffee creamers have become increasingly popular as they offer a premium mouthfeel and replicate the sensory qualities of a frothy milk beverage.
Industry Implications
-
Coffee and Beverage Industry — Coffee shops and other beverage retailers can adopt textured and nitro coffee to their menus, appealing to customers who are looking for unique and adventurous flavors and textures.
-
Consumer Packaged Goods — Food and beverage companies can capitalize on the trend towards texture and offer innovative product offerings like flavored nitro coffee stouts, that can appeal to customers who have adventurous tastes.
-
At-home Coffee Products — Companies specializing in home coffee products can offer foaming creamers and other convenient yet premium options that enable consumers to replicate cafe-quality experiences at home.
