Wholesale Coffee

With Americans collectively consuming 491 million cups of coffee daily — the NCA declares it the most popular beverage in the U.S.

Given this lifestyle choice, it's no wonder that the coffee industry is thriving.

In terms of revenue, the U.S. topped the global charts, generating $85.2 billion in 2022.

You see, this brew isn't just popular; it's profitable.

So, if you own a coffee shop or café, know that Americans aren’t just looking for a quick caffeine fix; they want consistency in taste and quality.

But how do you hit that mark consistently when you’re not growing your own beans?

Bulk purchasing. When you buy in bulk, you not only save costs but also ensure that every batch of coffee you brew comes from the same high-quality source.

And what about retail outlets like supermarkets and grocery stores? Variety is key. Offer ground coffee, whole beans, robust blends, and more.

Why? Because casual sippers and coffee lovers both walk your aisles. Be the go-to for both!

Diving Deeper: What's Brewing in the Coffee World?

To benefit from this profitable niche, you need to know the insights to stock accordingly.

Here are the basics that you must be aware of:

Roasted vs. Instant

The demand trend shows a clear shift from instant to roasted coffee among consumers. They prefer richer and more authentic flavors.

As per Statista, the roasted coffee sales in 2023 are way up, hitting $78.17 billion while instant coffee is at $17.41 billion.

And by 2025, this sales gap will be even bigger: $83.61 billion for roasted versus $18.8 billion for instant.

What to do: Stock more roasted coffee varieties to tap into this growing demand.

Arabica and Robusta — The Dominant Duo

These two species lead global coffee production.

With its delicate taste, Arabica is often the choice for black coffee drinkers.

In contrast, with its strong flavor, Robusta is popular with those who prefer coffee with milk.

What to do: Having both in stock allows you to cater to every taste/palate, thus a chance for more sales.

In-House Roasting — A Game-Changer For Coffee Shops

Coffee shops and cafes who want to sell more coffee, here’s the thing:

Purchase wholesale coffee and roast in-house.

The aroma of those freshly roasted beans isn’t just nice − it’s a sales driver. It pulls customers in and keeps them coming back, provided the taste is exceptional.

Trends in the Coffee Segment

Whether it's a new type of bean, a brewing method, or flavor infusions, staying updated will keep you ahead of the curve.

Here are some noteworthy trends:

Fairtrade Coffee

More than half (53%) of consumers prefer to buy certified coffee that is good for the environment, farmers, and communities.

In today’s eco-conscious era, offering sustainably grown beans, organic selection, and eco-friendly packaging can give you an edge.

Coffee Pods/Capsules (Pre-ground coffee in small containers)

This emerging market was valued at $25.9 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $39.9 billion by 2028, representing a CAGR of 7.3% .

The rising popularity of pods/capsules is attributed to the convenience they bring to the lives of coffee drinkers.

Just pop a pod into a coffee machine, and the coffee will be ready in seconds!

So, to meet the needs of the modern, on-the-go consumer, ensure you’re well-stocked with a range of flavors and strengths. This will help maximize your profits.

Coffee+

Here’s what could be the next big thing: Coffee is now finding its way into other beverages like teas, cocktails, etc.

You can capitalize on this trend by including fusion beverages in your offerings and capture sales!

Unlock the Profit Potential of Monthly Subscription Boxes

Consider this : 41% of Americans use a pod coffee machine, 39% prefer a drip coffee maker, and 13% use an espresso machine at home?

That’s not just a statistic; that’s an opportunity for a specialty coffee store or brand.

Introduce monthly subscription boxes that allow customers to choose their preferred blends and flavors from your premium coffee range.

This brings the specialty experience right to their doorsteps, building brand loyalty and ensuring repeat business.

Also, incorporating brew guides or stories behind each bean’s origin can further distinguish your brand.

Legal and Regulatory Guidelines

If you plan to sell coffee in the U.S., you need to comply with the regulations of your state and locality. These include :

• Food Handling Permits: Some states require special permits for businesses that deal with food products. So, always check your state laws.
• Labeling Requirements: Coffee is subject to the same labeling and safety requirements as other food products. Therefore, make sure the coffee varieties you’re buying have proper labels including information like nutritional content, ingredients, and allergen warnings.
• Trade and Organic Certifications: For fair trade or organic coffee, ensure the supplier you’re buying from has proper certification.
• Alcoholic Coffee Drinks: If you plan on selling coffee cocktails or other alcoholic drinks, you will also need a liquor license.