News, From the Lab

Friday, April 12, 2024

Beyond the Hot Cup: The Appeal of Cold Brew Coffee

In recent years, the beverage landscape has witnessed a substantial surge in the popularity of cold coffee. Estimates suggest that 15% of global coffee is now consumed cold. The rise in demand for chilled coffee – including cold brew – has not gone unnoticed by coffee producers, retailers, and entrepreneurs. But how big is this market and why is cold brew so popular?

Cold Coffee on the Rise 

Global estimates, by Statista, suggest that the ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee market will reach US$5.5 billion this year and continue growing at an anticipated 13% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to US$10.1 billion in 2029. The user base is forecasted to expand to 700 million consumers by 2029. 

Different countries have varying preferences when it comes to cold coffee drinks. The two most popular options are Cold Brew and Frappe – the latter being cold coffee with ice and usually blended with milk and sugar. Cold brew is particularly popular in the US, while other markets, such as the UK, Japan, Korea, and Australia, tend to favor Frappe. Cold brew and Frappe differ in their preparation methods, flavor profiles, and textures. Understanding the distinction between the two can help your business make the most of this burgeoning sector. In this article, we are focusing on cold brew. We’ll return to Frappe in another post. 

What Is Cold Brew?

Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for an extended period, typically 12-24 hours, resulting in a smooth, less acidic, and naturally sweetened coffee concentrate. It is normally served chilled or over ice, often without milk or sugar, highlighting the coffee's nuanced flavors and subtle sweetness. The profile means the coffee is very refreshing, and it particularly appeals to young adults who may have an aversion to an otherwise bitter coffee experience. 

The global cold brew market was worth US$1 billion in 2023, with a forecasted CAGR exceeding 25% from 2024 to 2030, according to Global Research Corridor. 

A Faster Solution for Delicious Cold Brew

Despite its appeal, cold brew's lengthy preparation time initially meant it was mainly found as part of the artisanal coffee roaster scene. Although RTD cold brew options are available, they are often expensive, making them unaffordable or less attractive for many consumers. Additionally, as consumer expectations continue to evolve, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical sourcing practices. These challenges have tended to limit businesses looking to create cold brew products or use cold brew as an ingredient (in cakes or dairy products, for example), especially outside North America. 

But fear not! At Sucafina Instant, we have a solution for you! Our Cold Brew Instant Coffee is crafted with precision to offer you the ultimate convenience. We begin by steeping freshly roasted ground coffee in cold water, extracting its natural sweetness and creamy texture through a meticulous cold-water process. This primary extract is then expertly dried, resulting in pure cold brew in an instant powder form that effortlessly dissolves in cold water within seconds. 

Our Cold Brew Instant Coffee proved popular from the get-go, with one US writer asking, 'what kind of sorcery did they use to make instant coffee taste this amazing?' The secret lies in our commitment to using only steeped roasted coffee – no additives, no compromises. Not only does our cold brew offer exceptional taste, but it also comes at a fraction of the price compared to other options on the market, making it an ideal choice for retailers and e-commerce platforms. It’s a game-changer for coffee shops seeking efficiency without sacrificing quality. Say goodbye to hours of brewing in advance – now, cold brew can be prepared to order within seconds, delighting customers with its freshness and flavor.  

We are committed to promoting sustainability and we aim to deliver high-quality instant coffee while making a positive impact on the environment and the lives of the people throughout our supply chain. We offer a diverse range of responsibly sourced and certified instant coffee options and environmentally friendly packaging solutions, such as plastic-free and recyclable containers.  

How Sucafina Instant Can Help 

At Sucafina Instant, we pride ourselves on being your one-stop shop for instant coffee. Whether you need retail-ready products or bulk supply for your own packing and bottling operations, we've got you covered. Our cold brew is available in various formats, including powder and liquid concentrate, and is tailored to meet your specific requirements. 

No matter where you are on the globe, we're within reach. With offices spanning various regions, we're committed to delivering the finest quality coffee to you.