2020 Coffee Shop Trends to Boost Your Sales and Stay Relevant

A staple of morning routines, coffee provides a boost of much needed energy to get any day started. In recent years, however, the traditional drink has transformed to provide more than just your daily caffeine fix. New innovations and trends within the industry are shifting the product towards an experience for the consumer rather than just a means to wake up. Staying current and incorporating some of these shifts into your menu are ways to keep customers interested and while pulling new ones in. Below are some of the top coffee trends that have gained traction in 2020 and that your business should hop on right away!

1.  Create Specialty and Limited-Time Items

Coffee Cola: One of the newest trends within coffee is the innovation of coffee infused cola. The past few years have seen a massive shift towards carbonated and sparkling drinks; this specialty drink not only brings in the carbonation, but the added flavor of different colas.

Non-Dairy: As consumers become more and more health conscious with what they put into their bodies, many have been shifting towards non-dairy add-ins in their coffee. Options include almond milk, soymilk, oat milk, and more! It is important to listen to your customer and try to adapt to their changing desires and concerns. If providing low-fat or low-sugar options is what will bring people into your store, then that is what you should do.

Ready-to-Drink: Convenience is another trend that has become almost a necessity to the general public. As services and technology have improved, consumers expect more from businesses in terms of speed and accessibility. One way that coffee shops have adapted to this is by providing ready-to-drink beverages. Canned or prepackaged goods allow customers to quickly grab what they need and check out without having to wait. 

Unique/Odd Flavors: Some coffee shops have found success by creating and promoting strange concoctions to customers. Whether its creative, funny, or downright weird, drinks and pastries that are different from the norm are great attention grabbers for your business. Even if the product is a flop, many will still want to make the trip to give it a try. If customers like the creation, it may be a great new addition to your menu. However, if it has mixed reviews or is too odd to keep around, labelling it as a “limited-time” item could incentivize more customers to get in and try it before it’s gone.

2.  Coffee Subscriptions and Bulk Items

Coffee Subscriptions: Like many other services, the coffee industry has begun to offer subscriptions for their products. Instead of having to go into a store to purchase a cup of coffee or a bag of grounds, customers can now have their supply automatically refilled every couple of weeks. Again, this provides convenience to the consumer while also lessening the risks that come with COVID-19.

Take-and-Bake Options: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, some consumers still refrain from buying food and drinks from restaurants and shops. One way to reduce fears of contamination is to provide take-and-bake items where customers can bake the final product in the safety of their own home. One additional benefit of this strategy is that it reduces production costs for your business while also showing that you care about health and safety.

Bulk Items: Similar to subscriptions and take-and-bake, providing your items in bulk quantity is a convenient and safe alternative to regular products. It allows the customer to buy their favorite items without having to continuously travel to your store. Especially during COVID-19, this is a great way to retain sales that may have been lost to fears of going out in public more than needed.

3.  Use Social Media and Technology to Your Advantage

Mobile/Contactless Ordering: Even before the coronavirus became a daily concern, many businesses were making the shift to digital and mobile ordering. Now more than ever, this is becoming essential. Allowing customers to order from their phone or from a QR code promotes good safety practices and reduces risk of contamination.

Rewards Programs/Loyalty Apps: Recently, there has been a huge push from companies to create their own, branded apps. As digital channels continue to evolve and grow, loyalty program apps can provide a plethora of benefits. From ordering online, sending push notifications, and collecting contact information, applications simplify many regular processes of a business while building brand loyalty.

Social Media Polls/Contests: Interacting with your followers over social media is a great way to keep them engaged and your brand at the top of their minds. It is also a great opportunity to poll your customers for what types of products they want to see in your store. Allowing your consumers to submit flavor ideas or vote on potential new products will give you great insight into what will sell!

4.  Sustainability and Current Events

Sustainability: Goods that are sustainably sourced and packaged have become increasingly important to consumers. People want to know that the purchases they are making are ethical and not causing harm to themselves or others. Putting the extra effort into your products and processes shows customers that you care.

Brand Local: Shopping and supporting local businesses has become a priority among many throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As small businesses are struggling, we see a push from communities to show their support and shift their purchases to their own neighborhood. If you are a local or small business, it is important to further promote this message and brand yourself as unique to the community. If you have a larger following, then consider incorporating local products into your menu or offerings. 

About MunchEm

MunchEm's mission is to provide local, budget restaurants with superior technology to create a level playing field with larger, corporate restaurant chains. It is their belief that the world should be experienced through the food made by hardworking, local restaurants; not just food made in a boardroom.

MunchEm is a technology and custom software provider for restaurants aimed at providing a premier ordering experience across devices including web, iOS®, Android™ and self-service kiosk platforms. Utilizing OrderEm.com or OrderEm App (available on Google Play Store and Apple App store), restaurants can manage their online ordering settings, menu, branding and marketing tools from any device connected to the internet.

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