GlobalData Survey Points to Growing Demand for Specialty Coffee Across Retail and Foodservice

Consumer preferences support category growth

Specialty coffee is gaining a larger role in retail, foodservice and packaged beverage markets as consumers place more importance on quality, sourcing information and products that reflect their values, GlobalData said in a new report.

The market research company describes specialty coffee as coffee associated with single-origin sourcing, distinct flavor profiles and craft production credentials. It said these characteristics are being used by brands to develop products ranging from ready-to-drink cold brews to functional coffee blends and more sustainable single-serve formats.

GlobalData’s 2025 third-quarter consumer survey found that 51% of respondents globally said information on a product’s country of origin, manufacturing details and professional certification affects their purchase decisions. The survey also found that 67% said they would buy more products from brands aligned with their personal beliefs and values.

The survey included 22,203 respondents in 42 countries, according to GlobalData. The findings indicate that information about provenance and production may be increasingly relevant to coffee buyers, particularly in premium product segments.

Functional ingredients and customized formats

Coffee has long been associated with energy and alertness, but companies are adding ingredients and formats intended to appeal to consumers focused on wellness and personalization.

GlobalData cited Four Sigmatic, which sells mushroom coffee made with specialty-grade Arabica beans, as an example of this direction. Other companies, including Artizan Coffee, are using cold-brew products, flavor variations and clean-label formulations to target consumers looking for products positioned as both indulgent and health-conscious.

Shagun Sachdeva, practice head for consumer and foodservice at GlobalData, said specialty coffee is broadening its role by combining taste with functional ingredients and customized options.

This trend could allow coffee companies to position products for different occasions, including morning routines, work breaks and on-the-go consumption. However, product claims relating to health or functional benefits may be subject to varying regulatory requirements across markets.

Cafes remain central to consumer discovery

Foodservice outlets continue to play an important role in introducing consumers to specialty coffee, according to the report. Cafes are being used not only as places to purchase drinks but also as locations where customers can learn about brewing methods, product origins and limited-edition offerings.

GlobalData said coffee shops are also functioning as social and remote-working spaces, particularly for younger consumers. These settings can give operators a way to test new menu items and establish consumer familiarity with specialty formats before they are introduced into retail channels.

The report cited Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, Starbucks, Intelligentsia and Onyx Coffee Labs as examples of companies using a mix of cafe operations, retail distribution, digital ordering and subscriptions. Their offerings include single-origin coffees, seasonal drinks, cold brews and customized beverages.

Sachdeva said that foodservice gives consumers an opportunity to try unfamiliar coffee varieties and interact with baristas in ways that packaged products cannot always offer. GlobalData said this makes cafes, restaurants and coffee-focused chains relevant to expanding awareness and repeat purchasing in the category.

Traceability and packaging concerns

Sourcing and environmental considerations are also becoming more significant in specialty coffee purchasing decisions, GlobalData said. The company identified farm-to-cup traceability, direct trade relationships and verified quality standards as factors that can affect consumer trust.

Packaging is another area of development. Home-compostable coffee pods and capsule-free brewing systems are being introduced as companies respond to concerns about the waste associated with single-serve coffee products. Such formats aim to maintain convenience while reducing packaging disposal issues.

GlobalData cited Luckin Coffee and Laviet Coffee as examples of companies using direct-trade sourcing, single-origin claims, vertically integrated operations and sustainability-related packaging measures to support their market positioning.

The report said specialty coffee companies face a need to balance product quality, sourcing transparency, environmental considerations and convenience. It concluded that coffee businesses able to address these areas across retail, foodservice and packaging could be better positioned as the category reaches a broader consumer base.