Datassential MenuTrends, U.S. menu penetration growth 2017-2021.

CREATE ON-TREND BEVERAGES WITH COLD COFFEE

The rise in popularity of cold coffee beverages is meteoric, with no signs of slowing down in 2022. Not only has cold coffee consumption grown 23% in the past year alone, but the Coffee Science Foundation predicts that cold coffee will overtake hot coffee by 2030.1 Cold brew is a prime example of the buzz, having grown 166% on menus over the past four years.2 Operators can enliven their cold coffee offerings easily and efficiently thanks to products such as ready-to-use cold foam toppers and plant-based milks.

But the trend is more than just cold brew. Mashup creations featuring tea, alcohol and ice cream are also bringing excitement to the cold coffee space. Maximize profits by approaching the trend with a cross-functional mindset, utilizing products that work across the menu. Cold coffee–inspired evening cocktails, lunch mocktails and desserts demonstrate the appeal of these beverages beyond the morning daypart. These “anytime opportunities” can drive coffee sales beyond traditional occasions while serving as a unique menu differentiator.

 36%

of consumers still purchase iced beverages in the winter months 

Allegra World of Coffee Portal, "Project Iced USA 2020", 2019

 41%

of US consumers state they like to try new and unique beverages at restaurants 

 Technomic, Beverage Global Menu Category Report 2021.

 26%

of consumers say they're more interested in nitro cold brew now than they were two years ago

"5 coffee trends brewing in 2021",Foodservice Director, March 25, 2021.

The Quick Dish

Cold beverage prep methods, toppers and global inspiration are showing strong growth on coffee menus over the past four years:

Datassential SNAP, “Most Popularly Menued Coffees,” 2022.

Brand Focus

Update your beverage program to incorporate cold coffee creations that will captivate consumers and boost profits. Conagra Foodservice products provide simple, versatile solutions that enable operators to continuously innovate while saving on time and labor.

                                               

Chef Tips

The Conagra Foodservice team is here to help you brew up creative and functional ideas for growing your cold coffee offerings. Try these operational tips and easy-to-execute menu ideas.

    • Cold foam without new equipment.

      Stock your reach-in with Reddi-wip® Barista Series Sweet Foam and Nitro Creamer to create an upscale experience for any iced beverage. No special equipment necessary!

    • Flavor your foam.

      Use a pump of J. Hungerford Smith® Syrup as a finishing touch atop Reddi-wip® Barista Series Sweet Foam as an exciting flavor enhancement.

    • Do more with nitro.

      Add visual appeal to creations across your iced coffee bar—try Reddi-wip® Barista Series Nitro Creamer on iced black tea lattes or even shaken cold apple cider.

    • Coffee cocktails galore.

      Offer a variety of sweet signature coffee cocktails leveraging J. Hungerford Smith® Syrups and Reddi-wip® Barista Series Nitro Creamer.

    • Keep the concentration with ice cubes.

      Have leftover brewed coffee? Don’t toss it! Flavor it with a J. Hungerford Smith® Syrup, freeze in ice cube trays and offer as an upcharge to customers who don’t want traditional ice that would dilute their cold coffee drink.

Instagram

You’ll find even more delicious recipe ideas on our Instagram, @conagrafoodservice

Operator Spotlight

There are endless ways to incorporate the cold coffee trend into your beverage program. Here's a look at how some operators are heating up sales with their cold coffee creations.

  • Meno, New York

    This café provides an array of unique coffee juices for a modern tea and coffee experience. The menu includes the PPAP, a cold coffee and pineapple juice drink, and Twilight, their lemon and coffee combination.

  • Blk Dot Coffee, California

    Showcasing twists on popular Vietnamese cold coffee, this coffee house features beverages such as the Iced VTM—house special slow-dripped Vietnamese coffee, creamer and condensed milk over ice. Another standout is the Iced VTMatcha, a chilled mix of Uji matcha and Vietnamese coffee.

  • Elevate Coffee, Illinois

    A popular Mexican beverage meets iced coffee at this independent Chicago coffee shop. The Horchata Cold Brew combines hand-crafted cold brew and homemade horchata flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, almond and turbinado cane sugar.

  • University Club Rooftop Terrace, Pennsylvania

    The University of Pittsburgh’s rooftop terrace bar offers a memorable coffee cocktail called the Seafoam Cold Brew. It features Kentucky bourbon, peanut butter whiskey, mezcal and cold brew coffee with a salted cream topper infused with Himalayan pink salt, black lava salt and mini hibiscus crystals.

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