In recent years the reputation of the Millennial generation has suffered- they are now regarded as vicious murderers, who killed doorbells, brestaurants, lunch, marriage and many other sacred Baby-Boomer concepts. But amidst their killing spree, Millennials gave a vital push to other trends, including; brunch, ethics, veganism, environment preservation and coffee, all favoured by the generation which is just about taking control over the world.
The 90s-born generation loves coffee so much that “Coffee demand is robust and growing at around 1.5 percent per annum”, according to Carlos Mera Arzeno, a commodities analyst with Rabobank International in London.
In fact, the Millennial’s behaviour has transformed the coffee market in many ways.
According to “The NCA Generational Report: Coffee Through the Ages” Millennials are shifting towards drinking Gourmet coffee, top-tier Arabica beans which make for high-quality, premium beverages. The regular store-bought coffee is no-longer favoured, as young people would rather order online and enjoy specialist blends which come with a Fairtrade guarantee. In numbers, this means 70% of past-day coffee consumed by Millennials were gourmet beverages. Additionally, 32% of Millennials consumed an espresso-based beverage yesterday, which is higher than any other demographic. Drinking espresso ensures that the full flavour of the coffee will be released on the palette, which simultaneously explains why the younger generation searches the market for exceptional-quality brands.
Ethics and Coffee
Millennials also look for the ethical side of the business they are investing money in. They would rather pay more for coffee if the brand can prove that it treats its farm workers in an ethical way- paying reasonable wages and ensuring the workers have established rights.
Sustainability is another key factor for the young generation, as being eco-friendly is considered not a choice but a must nowadays. Biodegradable packaging, PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) or RAC (Rainforest Alliance Certification) awarded cups- these are just examples of the kind of insurance required nowadays in order to market your coffee business successfully to under thirty-year-olds.
Jonny Forsyth, global drinks analyst at research company Mintel says that Fairtrade and ethical practices are now required by the average consumer, as the customers are now willingly choosing to abandon companies which do not implement sustainable practices.
What Kind of Establishment?
Last but not least Millennials are supporters of family-run and independent businesses. Growing up in a world of big brand names, young people know how hard it is to start up your own and remain in the market. And they are ready to sympathise and support- they want to build personal relationships and trust with the businesses they choose to support- from their holiday stay at a family run hotel to their morning coffee- the money for which will support a farmer’s family.
Joseph Anthony, CEO, HERO Group says: “As buzz terms stemming from the millennial generation like ‘shop local’ continue to
catch fire, small businesses remain at a tremendous advantage for wooing millennial consumers.”
We can agree that it is true that Millennials have opposed many concepts considered vital for the previous generation. Instead, they introduced terms like sustainability, premium coffee and ethical business models, which at first might come off as a pretentious way to stand out from the crowd. But as a popular TV character says: “I reckon every new idea was modern once. Until it wasn’t.” And with over 12 million people in the UK being between the age of 19-32, the change is bound to become the rule over the next few years.
Written by Polly Vodenicharova
Or via our contact form.
Check out our social pages for more news and offers that the vending world and RSL are offering.
For coffee connoisseurs, the experience of savoring a cup of coffee goes beyond the brew. It’s about the journey from the bean to the cup. This journey is what a bean-to-cup coffee machine aims to encapsulate — delivering the freshest possible coffee at the touch of a button. Understanding the Bean-to-Cup Process Bean-to-cup coffee machines […]
Selecting the right coffee machine for large events can be a game-changer in the catering industry. As a catering manager, ensuring guests receive quick, quality coffee service is paramount. Here’s a detailed guide on choosing the best coffee machines for large events to enhance guest satisfaction and streamline your operations. High-Capacity Coffee Machines: Essential for […]
In today’s fast-paced world, the modern vending machine industry has evolved far beyond the conventional image of snack-filled machines in office corridors. Modern vending is a dynamic, tech-infused landscape that requires a fresh perspective and strategic approach. Let us explore the key elements shaping the future of vending. 1. Technological Integration: Modern vending is all […]
Posted on 13/09/2023 by Steve May · Categories: Coffee Trends
When we savour our morning cup of coffee, rarely do we think about the intricate machinery and technical expertise behind each perfect brew. Coffee machine engineers are the unsung heroes of our caffeine-driven lives, performing vital tasks that keep our favourite machines running optimally. But what exactly does a coffee machine engineer do, and why […]
Our customers are at the heart of everything that we do. If they are not achieving their goals then neither are we. Their satisfaction is very important to us and we believe that delivering what our customers want and need, means that we can form a long-lasting partnership.
I think the most important advantage RSL had over other potential suppliers was the use of the mobile drinks van. We knew we were getting quality before we switched suppliers!
Kongsberg Automotive
We got our machines very quickly, installed and working in no time, the aftercare is superb, we have weekly visits from our very entertaining replenishment engineer, nothing is too much trouble and we would highly recommend Refreshment Systems to any new/existing business.
Cygnet Health
Refreshment Systems are brilliant, I thought getting vending and coffee machines for our company would be complicated and time consuming, I was totally wrong, from the minute I called and spoke with Frazer I felt confident they could supply what we needed.