Fourth Wave Coffee

The US coffee market is moving into its fourth wave, marked by Gen Z’s coffee preferences and growth in at-home specialty coffee drinks. This wave will be defined by creative drinks, bottom-up innovation, and a fresh approach to coffee marketing. Home-made premium coffee drinks will be the focus of innovation, as many consumers upgraded their home coffee bars during the pandemic. With the decline in commutes and increase in remote work, there is a rise in ownership of specialty brewing equipment, presenting opportunities for retail coffee brands, coffee additives, and coffee appliances. Home baristas are becoming more skilled and sophisticated with a focus on better grinding, espresso preparation, and high-quality water. The fourth wave is geared towards high-end machinery for home baristas and there is an increased interest in coffee education. While this does not mean the end of the café experience, home consumers are advancing their coffee brewing knowledge and can match their favorite coffee shops.

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