Navigating the Coffee Market: Insights from the Specialty Coffee Expo 2024 (1) Product R&D and Brewing

Trade shows aren't merely gatherings for exchanging business cards; they're windows into the fast-evolving landscape of the specialty coffee industry. Beyond networking, these events provide invaluable insights into emerging trends, shifting consumer preferences, and industry regulations. At the recent Specialty Coffee Expo in Chicago, our colleagues Belen and Winnie took a deep dive into the US specialty coffee scene, uncovering the trends that will shape 2024 and beyond.

Winnie, our coach on quality and product R&D, has returned with key observations from the expo floor. Let's dive into the exciting trends she's uncovered:

Convenience is King

From coffee concentrates to drip and immersion bags, the industry is witnessing a surge in products designed to make brewing coffee easier than ever before. Imagine having a perfectly brewed cup of coffee in just 10 seconds with a product like coffee concentrates! While these have long been popular in East Asian markets like Japan, they're now appearing in the West too. The same applies to drip and immersion bags. which offer consumers on-the-go the convenience they need while sipping on high quality coffees.

Cold brew coffee concentrate from Trader Joe’s

Consistency is Key

Amidst the overwhelming array of equipment showcased at the expo, one theme stood out: consistency. Whether it's milk foaming machines, robotic espresso pourers, or automatic roasting machines, the focus is squarely on delivering consistent results with every cup. For roasters, this emphasis on consistency underscores the importance of quality control at every stage of the coffee-making process. Export businesses must take note that consistency will be rewarded as much as quality innovation and experimentation, and perhaps in the long run, it will outgrow them!

Brewing machine which can make batch brew in 5 minutes. It is also the winner of SCA Best New Product in the Commercial Coffee Preparation & Serving Equipment category.

Eco-Friendly Packaging Takes Center Stage

As consumers become increasingly eco-conscious, the demand for sustainable packaging solutions is on the rise. At the expo, a multitude of packaging companies showcased their eco-friendly offerings, from biodegradable drip bags to clay cups. This trend isn't just a passing fad; it's a fundamental shift towards reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact. Export businesses targeting the US and EU markets, in particular, must prioritize eco-friendly packaging and align with roasters’ environmental priorities towards consumers.

Stay tuned for next week as Belen, who covered the industry talks on markets, prices and sustainable business practices will share her biggest learnings from Chicago.

If you were in Chicago, what was the most memorable discover about product R&D and brewing? Share with us!