As private label coffee roaster Lincoln & York launches its new range of cold coffee solutions, research reveals the extent of cold coffee’s popularity with Millennials and Gen Z, and the growing impact of social media on decision making in the category.
Lincoln & York’s research shows that a staggering 93% of 25 to 34-year-old coffee drinkers now drink cold coffee, with 72% of this age bracket drinking it at least on a weekly basis.
The research shows that social media has a major part to play in driving the popularity of cold coffee, with 53% of 18 to 24-year-olds being influenced by social media regarding their cold coffee choices and one in ten respondents driven to a specific brand because of content they’ve seen online.
With almost 20% of this audience also influenced to be more adventurous with cold coffee flavours, it’s clear to see the impact social media is having on consumer choices in the cold coffee category. Further to this, the research also found the viral iced matcha encouraged 15% of 25 to 34-year-old respondents to try cold coffee, again evidencing the significance social media holds over purchasing decisions.
Looking at the market as a whole, over half of respondents agreed they feel cold is a more modern, trend-led market than hot coffee, with a distinct attraction to the viral moment nature of cold coffee trends.
Among those open to cold coffee, popular flavours and formats mentioned include matcha, caramel, pistachio, vanilla, and unique combinations like coconut, ube, or fruit syrups with experimental textures such as cold foam and whipped frappes.
Lincoln & York’s new range features:
- RTD cans customisable with alternative flavours, milks and matcha
- 3-litre coffee concentrate
- 500ml bottled coffee concentrate
Lincoln & York Managing Director, Ian Bryson commented: “Through our new cold coffee range, we’re equipping out of home operators and retailers with high quality solutions to not only jump on trending products but also create their own. The popularity of cold coffee is set to continue to grow, fuelled by the influence of social media and we’re excited to be a part of the latest creativity and innovation in the coffee market.”
Cold is hot, all year round
Once considered a novelty drink for the summer months, Lincoln & York’s findings show that the popularity of cold coffee is no longer limited to warmer weather.
Over 40% of cold coffee drinkers say weather doesn’t impact when they drink cold coffee, with almost 40% regularly or occasionally drinking cold in the winter.
With many consumers making cold coffee a part of their weekly routine, almost 30% of all cold coffee drinkers drink cold all year round. This rises to almost 40% in 18 to 24-year-olds, demonstrating how cold has become a year-round menu staple amongst younger audiences.
In and out of home appeal
As the roastery launches its new portfolio of out of home and retail cold coffee solutions, its research also shows cold coffee presents growth opportunities for both out of home operators and retailers.
Over 40% of cold coffee drinkers enjoy their drinks in a café or coffee shop, with half of respondents willing to spend between £3 and £4 on a café cold coffee. Looking at the retail space, demand is also high with 62% of respondents buying an RTD, concentrate or cold coffee in a supermarket in the last three months.
Bryson concludes: “We’re really proud to have created a portfolio of solutions which is customisable to the needs of customers across the out of home and retail space. Our range has been designed to enable more businesses to access this dynamic and rapidly growing market, and we look forward to working with existing and new customers keen to explore the opportunities within cold coffee.”
Discover the full range of Lincoln & York’s new cold coffee solutions here and for more information contact: lincolnandyork.com/contact-us
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