The ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee market is experiencing rapid growth, with projections reaching nearly $26.2 billion by 2026. Traditional brands still dominate, but emerging companies are making significant investments in grocery retail. The demand for specialty coffee has surged, with many consumers preferring convenience and on-the-go options. Notably, 43% of Americans enjoyed espresso-based drinks last year, and 35% prefer their coffee prepared outside the home, creating opportunities for RTD products.
• 7-Brew recently launched flavored RTD coffee in Walmart, competing with established brands like Dunkin’ and Costa Coffee.
• Cold brew sales increased by 9.5% year-over-year, while RTD shelf-stable coffee grew by 18.5%.
• Specialty and emerging brands are driving growth, achieving double-digit increases despite some legacy brands losing market share.
• Health-conscious consumers are drawn to RTD coffee, viewing it as a “permissible indulgence” with familiar ingredients.
This shift matters as it reflects changing consumer preferences towards health and convenience. The future of RTD coffee will likely see brands focusing on health benefits and unique flavors, tapping into the growing “proffee” trend to attract more customers.
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