Gen Z refers to the generation of people born between 1997 and 2012. The oldest among this group are around 25 years old, meaning they’re often out of college and employed. Individuals in this group are younger than Millennials, and are already playing an important role in shaping the future of the coffee industry.
If you’re the owner of a coffee bar or are planning to launch your café, understanding the trends of this generation will be beneficial to your marketing strategy. Interested in learning more about how Gen Z is impacting our multi-billion dollar industry? Here’s a look into what to expect:
Gen Z’s Coffee Consumption is Surging
The Fall 2021 National Coffee Data Trends (NCDT) report indicates that upwards of 60% of Americans enjoyed a coffee in the past day. Coffee is popular among all age groups, but the consumption among Gen Z is growing–and quickly.
Although Millennials still drink more coffee than Gen Z, the younger group may catch up quickly. According to a recent survey, 65% of Millennials (aged 25-39) reported drinking a coffee beverage within the past day, compared to 46% of Gen Z-ers (aged 18 to 24). However, Gen Z’s numbers have increased by 10% since January.
Cold Coffee is the Way of the Future
Cold coffee in all forms has been a huge driver of sales in recent years. Although once almost unheard of, cold brew coffee is now a wildly popular menu option from small specialty shops to large chains. Cold brew isn’t the only mainstream way to enjoy cold coffee–refrigerated and ready-to-drink beverages are on the rise, too.
The Experience Is Paramount
Whether you’re a café owner or simply someone who likes to keep up with all things coffee, you’ve undoubtedly noticed that the price of coffee is steadily creeping up. If you’re a business owner who’s concerned about having to increase your prices, rest assured that Gen Z tends to be more concerned with the coffee and café experience.
To land more sales from Gen Z, focus on making your brand synonymous with quality and sustainability. Everything from how the beans are roasted to the ingredients you use (and of course, the ambiance) can make a notable impact on this demographic.
Gen Z’s appetite for coffee is growing quickly, so now is the time to start thinking about how to connect with this group. If you’re preparing for the launch of your café, you’ll need high-quality equipment and an efficient way to produce cold coffee and specialty offerings such as pour over.
At Voltage Coffee Supply, we’ve got everything you need to distinguish your brand as the best in the business. Ready to learn more about our products or financing options? We’d love to chat. Contact our customer service team with any questions you may have.