Exploring New Coffee Culture
Published 07 March 2025
Coffee culture has evolved: globally, younger consumers treat the beverage as a means of flavour exploration, personal expression, and even social connection. Meanwhile, coffee shops are becoming compelling settings for late-night sober gatherings and luxury tasting experiences.
Evolving Customs & Consumers
Expanding Café Culture
Global Coffee Resonates
Many Gen Zers are moving away from a serious brewing-technique-led approach to coffee to embrace fanciful dessert-like flavours – such as candyfloss and cracking chocolate – and elaborate social-media-ready aesthetic drinks. However, as coffee prices have risen, cost has become an obstacle, with some consumers hosting their own coffee pop-ups at home and choosing affordable lo-fi equipment.
Many Gen Zers are moving away from a serious brewing-technique-led approach to coffee to embrace fanciful dessert-like flavours – such as candyfloss and cracking chocolate – and elaborate social-media-ready aesthetic drinks. However, as coffee prices have risen, cost has become an obstacle, with some consumers hosting their own coffee pop-ups at home and choosing affordable lo-fi equipment.
Globally, the function of coffee shops as third spaces is evolving, as consumers seek places to socialise without the influence of alcohol. This is manifesting in cafés serving as cosy late-night sober venues and coffee-shop raves. In China, independent coffee houses are taking on niche themes and formats – think archaeology-themed venues and funeral-parlours-cum-coffee-shops – to stand out in an increasingly crowded market.
As coffee enthusiasts look for novel experiences and flavours, coffee rituals and formats from around the world are gaining greater appeal. Multi-course luxury omakase coffee flights originating from Japan is one such ritual making global waves. Meanwhile, East and Southeast Asian coffee shops, drink formats and flavours are becoming a staple in western markets.
Exploring New Coffee Culture
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