Coffee matters to most Brits but just how much is largely defined by generations. As we enter 2022, Café Casa explores the key trends behind modern coffee culture in line with “Generation Z” and how it may develop as we move forward.
How modern British coffee culture is analysed.
Since the very first coffee shop opened here in 1652, coffee has travelled a long way and reached all corners of our country.
In fact, whilst coffee shops remain extremely popular today, British coffee culture has since spilled over into homes and workplaces, with consumers also finding benefits in “on-the-go” coffee, too.
Of course, the Coronavirus pandemic has both accelerated and dampened certain trends. Modern British coffee culture is now more advanced than ever before and it’s interesting to know where consumers prefer to get their coffee fix.
As detailed in the introduction, generations play a key role. From the Silent Generation (born between 1928-1945) to Generation Z (born in or after 2000) there is plenty of diversity in preference.
Using the findings from a YouGov survey, Café Casa explores modern British coffee culture.
Generation Z leading modern coffee culture.
Coffee shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants must consider the coffee requirements of their customers if their business is to be a success.
Generation Z, or Gen Z, are the latest generation so it makes sense to analyse this group carefully. Their expectations are a far-cry from older generations in areas such as preferred location, convenience, and price.
One of the first takeaways from the YouGov survey is that Generation Z have less dependency on coffee than older age-groups. 61% of respondents disagreed that there was no such thing as too much coffee.
Before you recoil in horror, this simply indicates that a great coffee experience is just about the traditional caffeine fix. The coffee industry has been taking shape for some time now and Generation Z are looking for more from their coffee.
The YouGov survey uncovered that taste, sustainability efforts and convenience are top of their wish list. On the latter, 20% of Gen Z said ready-to-drink coffee is important.
With such busy lives that are as much personal as they are professional, this could also indicate why cafes and coffee shops are on the decline. Not helped by the Coronavirus pandemic, 52% of Gen Z said they never visited cafes.
Remarkably, 58% of the Silent Generation also said the same.
Whilst Gen Z are still particular as to whether they would drink more coffee at home and work, they are undoubtedly favouring these locations. Indeed, it’s also worth mentioning that around half of respondents from Gen X (1965-1981) and older said they drank a lot of coffee in these locations.
For the full report, click here.
How you can adapt to modern coffee culture.
These are interesting findings because it should influence your coffee-based products and services and how you offer them to consumers.
Your solutions simply must appeal to Gen Z and millennials. Hospitality environments can provide what’s needed through a deeper coffee culture that outlines the story behind the roast. This is something that younger generations may connect with.
Beyond this, it’s tricky to avoid the stats that are staring you in the face. Gen Z require a rapid coffee delivery, which may explain why freshly ground coffee bags are now more popular than ever before. Whilst older generations prefer to relax with their coffee, coffee bags provide a great alternative.
Meanwhile, as British coffee culture continues to evolve at home and at work, there are more solutions than ever to appease. The rise in home coffee consumption really took off during the pandemic, recording a 6.9% increase.
This transpired into greater investment towards home coffee machines and other equipment. Pod and capsule machines saw a 25% increase alone, largely owing to how easy it is for the consumer to enjoy luxury coffee.
Of course, office coffee machines have long been a valuable employee perk and it’s something that isn’t slowing down. Pod and capsule machines are again a great choice, but to maximise workplace coffee culture a lot of businesses utilise fresh bean and fresh milk machines for their breakout areas.
This type of equipment delivers the quality Gen Z expect, though through the convenience of not having to leave site.
Café Casa provides the ultimate coffee experience for all locations. Talk to our team today about the products and services we can provide.
