The Ready-to-Drink Coffee Revolution: A Guide for Coffee Roasters

Introduction: Why Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Coffee is Booming

• The Ready-to-Drink (RTD) coffee market is growing at an unprecedented rate, expected to hit $43.8 billion by 2028.
• As consumer demand for convenience and premium quality coffee rises, RTD coffee has become a top trend in the coffee industry.
• Why are coffee drinkers switching to RTD coffee? Let’s explore the evolution of this trend, key market drivers, and how coffee roasters can capitalize on this lucrative opportunity.

1. The Evolution of Ready-to-Drink Coffee: From Canned Beverages to Specialty RTD Drinks

• 1960s Japan: Canned coffee vending machines first introduced RTD coffee.
• 1990s U.S. Boom: Starbucks partnered with Pepsi to launch bottled Frappuccino’s, paving the way for other brands.
• 2016 Revolution: Specialty coffee brands like La Colombe’s Draft Latte introduced premium RTD coffee, making it a mainstream favorite.
• Present Day: The RTD coffee industry has expanded to include cold brew, nitro coffee, plant-based options, and functional beverages with added health benefits.

2. The Global Growth of Ready-to-Drink Coffee: Market Trends and Regional Demand

• Asia-Pacific dominates the RTD coffee market, accounting for over 50% of sales due to Japan and South Korea’s love for convenience.
• North America sees rapid expansion, with U.S. RTD coffee retail sales projected to reach $19.7 billion by 2024.
• Europe is an emerging market, with Spain and the Baltic region seeing increasing demand but limited RTD coffee availability—an opportunity for coffee roasters to expand.

3. Why Consumers Love Ready-to-Drink Coffee: Key Buying Factors

✔️ Convenience and On-the-Go Lifestyle

• Busy consumers prefer grab-and-go coffee without compromising on quality.
• RTD coffee is perfect for commuters, office workers, and fitness enthusiasts.

✔️ Health and Wellness Trends

• Cold brew coffee is perceived as healthier, with 21% of coffee drinkers believing it’s a better option due to lower acidity.
• Functional RTD coffee with added protein, adaptogens, and collagen is attracting health-conscious and Gen Z consumers.
• Demand for dairy-free, sugar-free, and plant-based RTD coffee is rising.

✔️ Price Sensitivity and Inflation

• Consumers want affordable yet high-quality RTD coffee.
• Roasters must balance cost-effective production with premium offerings.

4. The Role of Innovation: How Technology is Changing RTD Coffee Production

• Advanced Cold Brew Systems: Traditional cold brew takes 24 hours to steep, but new vacuum and vibration technologies (e.g., Baby Hardtank) reduce extraction time to under an hour.
• Nitrogen-Infused RTD Coffee: Creates smooth, creamy texture without added dairy.
• Sustainable Packaging: Eco-friendly cans, compostable coffee cartons, and RTD coffee in glass bottles are appealing to environmentally conscious buyers.

5. How Coffee Roasters Can Succeed in the RTD Coffee Market

✅ Invest in Cold Brew Technology

• Use fast cold brew extraction systems to maintain quality and efficiency.

✅ Develop Unique and Premium RTD Products

• Offer single-origin RTD coffee, custom blends, and infused flavors.
• Experiment with functional ingredients like adaptogens, collagen, and CBD.

✅ Cater to Health-Conscious and Eco-Friendly Consumers

• Create low-calorie, plant-based, sugar-free, and protein-enhanced RTD coffee.
• Use sustainable packaging to appeal to eco-friendly buyers.

✅ Understand Regional Market Preferences

• In Asia, sweetened milk-based RTD coffee is popular.
• In North America, cold brew and nitro coffee dominate.
• In Europe, demand is rising for premium RTD coffee with artisanal quality.

✅ Partner with Co-Packing Facilities

• To scale production and cut costs, collaborate with third-party RTD coffee manufacturers.
• Ensure quality control while expanding product reach.

6. Managing Rising Costs: Strategies to Stay Profitable in the RTD Coffee Industry

• Inflation and supply chain disruptions are driving up coffee production costs.
• Cost-Saving Strategies:
• Bulk sourcing of coffee beans for RTD production.
• Energy-efficient brewing technology to reduce waste.
• Smart co-packing partnerships to maintain profitability.

Conclusion: The Future of RTD Coffee and Why Roasters Should Act Now

• The Ready-to-Drink coffee market is set for massive expansion in the coming years.
• Coffee roasters who invest in technology, premium ingredients, and health-focused RTD coffee will dominate the industry.
• Weaver's Coffee has entered the RTD coffee market—by embracing innovation and catering to changing consumer preferences, our brand will lead the next wave of RTD coffee success.