In a macro environment of higher food and energy prices, as well as weaker consumer demand, staying ahead of the curve and remaining relevant is key to surviving and thriving in the hospitality industry.
In this blog, we’ll be exploring the hottest trends shaping the café scene in 2024, featuring the rise of the UK coffee nerd, the appetite for health-conscious offerings, and the magnetism of a “vibey” décor.
Speciality coffee and teas
The unstoppable rise of the UK coffee nerd is fuelling appetite for speciality coffees. From the vanilla coffees of Nicaragua or Colombia’s La Esperanza through to Microlot coffees such as Moka Guracho, coffee connoisseurs are driving demand for novelty and niche offerings.
By some estimates, the global speciality coffee market is anticipated to double by 2030, with the growth fuelled by an experimental Gen Z, as well as increased awareness of sustainable and ethical practices.
Why not also hop on the bubble tea trend and capitalise on a global market expected to grow at a CAGR of 6%, or cater to the health-minded customers with anti-inflammatory matcha and turmeric teas?
Health-conscious offerings
According to industry watchers, health is due to remain at the top of consumers’ priorities in 2024, with a drive for niche ingredients such as adaptogens, nootropics and synergistic nutrition stacks. Adaptogenic, ashwagandha-infused mushroom coffee anyone?
In the same vein, there is likely to be a strong uptake of nutrition-dense food offerings such as nourishing buddha bowls, Caesar salads, and healthier baked goods.
Aesthetic, experiential interiors
In these penny-pinching times, customers are likely to want some bang for their buck – which means investing in décor, interior design, and the experience you can offer. As well as ergonomics (does your behind-the-counter layout help with staff efficiency?), café owners would do well to think about the experience that their establishment is offering: whether its Scandinavian minimalism, trendy industrialism, or a verdant oasis with cascading plants in every corner, a cohesive aesthetic goes a long way.
And this doesn’t mean a hefty price tag – upcycled furniture or local artwork can add personality.
Social media integration
An instagrammable, TikTok-able (yes, I’ve made up an adjective) décor also serves another purpose: it looks good on social media.
Social media and influencer marketing is being increasingly co-opted by the big foodservice players, such as Dunkin’, to bring in the crowds. Unsurprisingly, food and drinks establishments lend themselves well to the visuality of social media: according to Metric Connect, some 22% of customers are inspired to revisit a restaurant due to its social media presence.
Getting on the bandwagon of viral trends and sounds, and creating fun or visually-appealing reels requires little to no investment and can make all the difference for your brand awareness.