Most of the coffee trends for 2025 are continuations of previous patterns, although some look to be gaining a stronger foothold. High on the list is the expansion of cold coffee drinks to include not just cold brew but coffee mocktails. Others are variations of previous trends, such as coffee’s role as a central organizing driver within social circles and communities.
Getting social
When it comes to new trends, one of the latest in evidence is daytime coffee raves and coffee dance parties. The current social media generation has also produced a shift away from coffee as the single most dominant caffeine delivery mechanism. Instead, we are seeing a move toward other options, as well as the emergence of micro trends that inform much smaller social circles.
In other trends, the ready-to-drink market is expected to prove strong in 2025. Here, brands are racing to be the first to produce instant coffee that tastes just as great as a freshly brewed cup of specialty coffee. The question on everybody’s lips is whether that will be in the shape of powder or concentrated liquids.
Coffee is here to stay
Here at Mokha 1450, we made a strong pivot toward luxury in coffee several years ago. Since then, several global luxury brands have entered the scene, including some with whom we’ve collaborated. Many of these names have gone on to set up their own cafés, coffee-related pop-ups and experiential platforms. The indications are that the luxury trend is a long-lasting one, with the segment set to continue to expand, although growth may be intermittent and uneven.
Making predictions for the coffee sector is notoriously difficult. However, the segment of coffee alternatives could see investment, due to the current industry crisis, especially the high prices.
A fair price
That said, our love for coffee shows no signs of diminishing. Against this backdrop, the current situation could also usher in a new age of discovery for coffee farming and agronomy practices. Ideally, we’d hope to see the current pricing crisis lead to much better compensation for farmers. It would also be good to witness an increased awareness among end consumers that their go-to drink of coffee has long been taken for granted. We know that unfortunately, some people seem to have a psychological barrier to paying a sum that reflects the true value of coffee.
Let’s think about the labor and skill that go into producing specialty coffee, starting with the farmer picking, with care, the ripest cherries. Then we move on to the well-choreographed logistics to transport coffee across continents. After that, there’s the attention that a Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) certified barista gives to preparing our freshly brewed coffee or expertly prepared espresso. It’s clear that the amount paid for a specialty coffee is rarely likely to match the effort made across the value chain.
Time for change
I believe we’ll have to see change for coffee to become truly sustainable in the future. In this way, we can say that the entire value chain is ripe for disruption. There is a need for it to be made more equitable for all involved. This has to cover both the C and Specialty Coffee markets, delivering the optimum, appropriate pricing across the chain, from the farmer all the way to the consumer. One can only dream.
Garfield Kerr,
CEO at Mokha 1450 Luxury Specialty Coffee
@mokha1450
