The Importance of Iced Coffee

Cold coffee beverage sales have surged in popularity, especially among younger generations. We’ve probably all heard about Starbucks’ iced data: in 2023 a remarkable 75% of their beverage sales in the US were cold or iced, with cold espresso drinks alone increasing by 13% year-over-year. But that’s just an American thing, right? Think again. The global cold coffee market is projected to grow by 22% annually, reaching approximately $1.4 billion by 2027. 

Cold coffee is also distinctly appealing for younger consumers. Data indicates that 28% of 18-34 year-olds regularly purchase cold brew beverages, a significant 11 percentage points higher than their counterparts aged 35 and above. This shift highlights a broader trend of younger coffee drinkers gravitating towards innovative and refreshing coffee options throughout the year. (link here to the Gen Z blog) 

Sounds like we should all start planning for more ice.

Incorporating cold coffee in your café

Adding cold espresso drinks to your café’s menu can be transformative, attracting new customers and demographics while boosting sales. However, cold drinks require a different workflow, so being strategic about how it's incorporated into your systems and which equipment you use is vital.

Streamlining workflow with Eversys

Eversys super automatic espresso machines are uniquely suited to support iced espresso beverage production. Here’s how:

1. Unwavering Quality: Eversys machines are the only super automatic espresso machine that can deliver high TDS espresso that’s extracted like a traditional machine. Unlike with competitors, your espresso won’t get lost in your large iced latte. You’ll have unwavering quality across both hot and cold beverages. This reliability is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction, fostering brand loyalty and pushing frequency.
2. Rapid Production: Leaning on automation like Eversys allows you to prepare a lot of espresso in a short amount of time. In fact, you can even batch your espresso shots to make multiple iced drinks all at once. (Watch this video on batching) This speed is vital during busy periods to meet high demand without compromising quality.
3. User-Friendly Operation: Eversys machines are designed for intuitive use, reducing the training time required for baristas and allowing them to focus on perfecting your iced espresso menu. As these menus get longer and more complex, your team will easily understand how to make new drinks while maintaining an efficient workflow.
4. Versatile Customization: Eversys machines offer extensive customization options, allowing baristas to fine-tune brewing parameters to perfectly suit cold drinks. The flavor of your espresso stays present in the drink you serve. This flexibility is essential for experimenting with new cold coffee recipes and staying ahead of market trends.

“[Eversys is] an absolute beast that has done everything we could have imagined and more. Coffees are amazing, wait times have halved and an added bonus with super happy staff! Gone are the days of stressing about huge volumes – it’s a breeze!” Josh Van Der Sluys – Operations Manager Fairfield Boathouse.

The iced espresso drink trend is more than a passing fad, driven by a strong preference among younger consumers. By incorporating cold coffee options into your café’s offerings and leveraging the efficiency and precision of Eversys super automatic espresso machines, you can capitalize on this movement, attract younger coffee drinkers, boost your sales, and maintain your espresso extraction preference. Embrace the cold coffee movement and let Eversys empower you to deliver refreshing coffee experiences with market leading consistency and quality.