Global Flavors Influencing Espresso Drinks
Modifying or developing a beverage menu that focuses on espresso drinks can be attractive to today’s coffee consumers. For operators, it can represent greater ability to attract those customers. Simply put, premium coffee beverages and espresso drinks are profitable. It’s important to consider diverse and unique menu offerings to pull in new business.
Research indicates that coffee’s share in the hot drinks category has steadily grown from 40% to 45% between 2018 and 2023. Despite this increase in new product development, coffee sales have seen a slight decline in their share of the global hot drinks market from 2019 to 2023. Nevertheless, coffee remains the leading subcategory for new product launches, with significant activity observed from April 2023 to September 2023.
In North America and Europe, more than half of new hot drink product launches are coffee. These regions have also experienced the most significant increase in coffee new product development share from 2022 to 2023.
Regional Development in Coffee Trends and Espresso Drinks
Europe leads the way in new product development, capturing an average 38% share of coffee product launches between April 2023 and September 2023. Popular products include lungo coffee capsules, single-origin Varietals, roast profiles, specific ground options by brew method, and whole beans with indulgent flavors from innovative processes invested at the coffee farm. Europe also holds the largest share of coffee sales value, averaging 34% from 2019 to 2023.
North America is notable for its high innovation and value growth, driven by vegan options, plant-based blends, nut flavors, energy-boosting formulations, and clean-label claims. This innovation and drive to include global flavors is a sustaining value for coffee providers in the United States.
Positioning Coffee Trends
From April 2023 to September 2023, “indulgent” and “premium” are the top claims for new coffee products, particularly in North America and Latin America. Other prevalent claims include organic, halal, vegetarian, sugar-free, no added sugar, gluten-free, vegan, and low or no fat, reflecting the growing demand for health-conscious and ethical consumption options.
Espresso Drink Flavor Trends
Caramel has emerged as the most popular flavor, accounting for 3.6% of new coffee product launches from April to September 2023. Following caramel, the top flavors are hazelnut, vanilla, milk chocolate, and chicory bean. Regional preferences vary, with hazelnut leading in North America, caramel in Europe and the Middle East, and a close contest between hazelnut and caramel in Asia Pacific. In Latin America, hazelnut is notably less popular compared to the other regions.
Don’t forget about South American influences that really highlight espresso. Add some cayenne pepper and cocoa for a rich, spicy punch to an espresso drink. Here are some unique ways to serve espresso to give your customers a taste that embodies flavors from around the globe:
Espresso with Cardamom
Cardamom is a woody, fruity spice native to India and Indonesia. Often used in sweet and savory dishes, ground cardamom is a perfect addition to espresso. Add a little ginger, cinnamon, and sugar, and you’ll have a spicy espresso perfect for autumn mornings.
Turmeric Lattes
Turmeric is a yellow spice derived from a root. Many cultures have known it as a medicinal spice. However, it also has an earthy, peppery tone that can enhance drinks. Add some, along with alternative milk, ginger, and cinnamon, to a shot or two of espresso for a turmeric latte.
Lattes With Tarragon
Licorice-like in flavor, tarragon is an herb that is a great pairing with espresso. Add some fresh lemon juice to support and enhance the fullness of the espresso.
Relaxing Lavender Latte
Well known for its relaxation properties, lavender also has a distinct aroma that will come through. To create the latte, just make a lavender simple syrup and add it to your espresso along with the milk of your choice.
What’s Next in Coffee Growth Rates?
Looking ahead, coffee value growth is poised to outpace volume growth in many regions. North America, characterized by high innovation and value growth, recorded the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9% for coffee sales value between 2021 and 2023. The Middle East and Africa also stand out with the highest CAGR for new product development, marking a 20% increase in launches between 2022 and 2023 while maintaining stable coffee launches at 8%.
Perfectly execute every espresso drink with the unmatched quality and precision that is synonymous with the Synesso brand.
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