US Foodservice Coffee and Tea Market Report 2024

Explore how foodservice coffee and tea providers can tailor their offerings to consumer preferences with this report. What drives away-from-home (AFH) coffee consumption? Which coffee shop attributes are most important to consumers? Answer critical industry questions with this report.

US Foodservice Coffee and Tea Market – Current Landscape

In 2024, the foodservice coffee and tea industry sees strong consumer demand and visitation traffic, with nearly 40% of consumers purchasing more coffee away from home (AFH) compared to the last year. Interest in trying out new drinks, premium options and discovery of new locations is driving increased visits on the basis of variety and convenience.

Operators have an opportunity to expand their offerings, with 60% of consumers purchasing at least three different types of AFH coffee and tea beverages, highlighting a robust demand for variety on the menu. A wide array of beverage options will keep consumers engaged with brands as they continue to develop innovative beverage selections, pushing them to opt for more frequent AFH coffee/tea experiences.

To continue attracting consumers, brands must find a delicate balance between retaining traditional offerings and innovating the menu to cater to a range of consumer preferences. Operators should continue to tap into the BFY movement in new ways that complement developing needs, such as beverage enhancements like added-protein and adaptogens. By offering a diverse range of hot and cold options and incorporating unique flavors and health-friendly ingredients, operators can significantly broaden their appeal while tapping into niche markets.

US Foodservice Coffee and Tea – Market Statistics

• Foodservice coffee market challenge: Climate change has significantly disrupted coffee production in recent years, with consistent price increases each year since 2019. The average price of a pound of green coffee beans has increased 25% which is attributed to extreme weather events impacting yields.
• Foodservice coffee market insight: 45% of foodservice coffee consumers are drinking more because they want to try new options, indicating that beverage innovation by operators will drive engagement. Premium options are desirable, as only a few state prices as a point of consideration by comparison.
• Foodservice coffee and tea preferences: When visiting a coffee/tea establishment, service is just as important as taste for most consumers. As consumers seek convenience to justify their away-from-home coffee/tea visitation, small gestures that offer a welcoming environment will gain preference.

US Foodservice Coffee and Tea Market Report – What’s Inside?

Key Topics Analyzed in the Report

• Changes in away from home (AFH) frequency of coffee and tea ordering
• Reasons for purchasing AFH coffee more/less
• Consumer ordering motivations and visitation factors relating to coffee and tea
• Type of food items ordered with coffee/tea
• Attitudes towards AFH coffee and tea

Report Scope

For the purposes of this Report, Mintel has used the following definitions:

This Report focuses on coffee drinks (regular hot brewed coffee, iced coffee, specialty espresso-based drinks) and tea drinks (regular tea, iced tea, specialty tea drinks) found at foodservice establishments (coffee shops, QSRs, FSRs, c-stores).

While tea trends are analyzed here, this Report primarily focuses on the AFH coffee market.

The retail coffee and tea markets are discussed briefly, but this Report excludes any in-depth analysis on the retail coffee and tea markets. For information on retail coffee and tea please see:

• Coffee and RTD Coffee – US, 2024
• Tea and RTD Tea – US, 2024

Meet the Expert Behind the Analysis

This report was written by Pooja Lal. Pooja is an Analyst for US Foodservice and Mintel Menu Insights. She has over 5 years of experience working in Sales and Consumer Insights with CPG companies on both the Retail and Foodservice segments of the business. Pooja earned her Bachelors of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University in Nova Scotia, Canada. She is based in New York.

Foodservice coffee & tea operators will sustain interest with flavor-rich, customizable options and versatile innovations that cater to evolving preferences and convenience.

Pooja Lal
Research Analyst