Iced coffee continues to ascend to gourmet status through a focus on texture
Implications - The rise of coffee culture has mimicked that of wine or craft beer, and so a natural next step in coffee's ascent to gourmet status is a focus on texture. Experimenting with the texture of iced coffee provides a multisensory experience that speaks to the experience-obsessed modern foodie.
Workshop Question - What is one small tweak you can make to your product to boost its high-end appeal?
Trend Themes
1. Textured Coffee - The rise of coffee culture has generated experimental textures in coffee, a multisensory experience that speaks to the experience-obsessed modern foodie.
2. Nitro Coffee - The infusion of nitrogen has revolutionized the iced coffee experience, giving the drinks a bolder taste and a smooth carbonated texture that is similar to beer.
3. Foaming Creamers - Foaming coffee creamers have become increasingly popular as they offer a premium mouthfeel and replicate the sensory qualities of a frothy milk beverage.
Industry Implications
1. Coffee and Beverage Industry - Coffee shops and other beverage retailers can adopt textured and nitro coffee to their menus, appealing to customers who are looking for unique and adventurous flavors and textures.
2. Consumer Packaged Goods - Food and beverage companies can capitalize on the trend towards texture and offer innovative product offerings like flavored nitro coffee stouts, that can appeal to customers who have adventurous tastes.
3. At-home Coffee Products - Companies specializing in home coffee products can offer foaming creamers and other convenient yet premium options that enable consumers to replicate cafe-quality experiences at home.
