Coffee culture is growing faster than ever. We’ve moved beyond the classic black coffee and embraced the vibrant world of drinking bright green matcha, so what are the biggest driving factors in the coffee industry this autumn?
In this blog, we’ll dive into the latest coffee trends and discover how sustainability is embraced, one sip at a time.
The matcha momentum
Matcha has grown in popularity during the past few years due to its link to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory health benefits and alignment with plant-based milk. The trend is driven by young adults and social media. No longer just a summer refreshment, matcha is embracing autumn vibes with new creative twists. The vibrant green tea powder is being combined with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg or paired with rich milks, both dairy and plant-based, to create comforting, antioxidant-packed beverages.
Matcha lattes are being jazzed up with hints of maple or brown sugar syrup, and some cafés are even introducing matcha-based desserts and cocktails that celebrate the season’s rich flavours.
Matcha has moved from a niche product to a mainstream offering. Drink me Chai Matcha (28557) is simple to serve with a measured scoop. It is the perfect blend of matcha green tea and chai spices, enjoy both hot and cold.
Personalisation
It’s no longer enough to serve just a great cup of coffee, today’s coffee lovers crave customisation, creativity, and an experience tailored just for them. Personalising coffee drinks isn’t just a fun trend, it’s a powerful strategy for cafés and coffee brands to drive incremental revenue and deepen customer loyalty.
With rising operational costs, operators can win back margin by innovating their menus and offering personalised coffee drinks.
One way of doing this is through cold drinks. Driving higher profit margins than traditional coffee offerings, which no longer is a summer drink, in fact 25% of customers buy iced drinks even in the winter.*
Cold coffee pairs well with syrups as it tends to have a smoother, sometimes less intense flavour than hot coffee. Syrups like vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, and seasonal flavours such as pumpkin spice and gingerbread add sweetness and complexity, making the drink more flavourful and appealing.
Syrups are particularly popular with the under 35’s, who are the prime customer for personalisation.** For those who are conscious about spending, iced coffees remain competitively priced, making it an accessible indulgence.***
Try this pumpkin spice latte!
Ingredients:
- 1-2 pumps of Pumpkin Spice syrup
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
- A pinch of ground ginger
- 250ml of the milk of your choice
- 30ml espresso
- Put 1-2 pumps of syrups in your chosen cup.
- Stir in the spices.
- Stir in the espresso.
- Heat the milk until steaming and frothy.
- Pour the milk into the cup.
- Stir to combine and garnish with a dusting of cinnamon.
Sustainability
Sustainability continues to be a driving force in the coffee industry as we move through 2025. Many coffee brands embrace sustainability through various certifications that ensure ethical sourcing and social responsibility, the most known once being Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance.
With our own Black + White Coffee Co brand, we’re proud to work directly with the farmers and communities where our beans come from, ensuring farmers receive a fair price for their coffee. Msia Coffee Club Medium Roast Coffee Beans (61259) – is a single origin, premium grade 100% Arabica beans, sustainably farmed by the Msia Coffee Club and surrounding region in Tanzania. What’s more, we are also supporting youth empowerment coffee growing initiatives at the Msia Coffee Club.
With our recently launched coffee blend; MSAADA Medium Roast Coffee Beans (26990) we have also partnered with a charity closer to home. Its name means ‘support’ in Swahili, a reflection of its purpose. £5 of every case sold is donated to the Youth Sport Trust to build a brighter future for every child through play and sport. We are proud to have to have made our very first payment to the charity, an incredible £4300!
Coffee, cocktails, and cakes
Now that we have exhausted all the ways we can serve up a coffee, what is next for coffee?
Coffee isn’t just for daytime anymore. By extending your service hours and offering coffee-based cocktails, you can boost overall sales and expand your customer base. Some classic cocktails are: Espresso Martini, Irish coffee and Black Russian. Matcha is also emerging into the cocktail scene with its vibrant colour and unique flavour.
Decaf is also a growing trend as more consumers are looking to reduce caffeine consumption but still want to drink coffee throughout the day whilst avoiding caffeine that might interfere with sleep or relaxation. Decaf allows for that “coffee moment” any time of the day.
And you can’t miss coffee-infused cakes, Chef Damon Corey’s pistachio tiramisu is a must-try.
@bidfooduk Tiramisu has been around for years, it's a golden oldie! But it has just got even better when you make it with our Msaada coffee. We have partnered with a leading UK children's charity, Youth Sport Trust and have pledged to donate £5 for every case sold! We are proud to have made our first payment to the charity, an incredible £4,300🎉 Try out this delicious recipe, made with smooth, luxurious coffee that does good too – it's a double win! @youthsporttrust ♬ original sound – BidfoodUK
Coffee culture is deeply woven itself into modern life, it now shapes how people experience brands. It is an opportunity for businesses to connect with customers, turning a simple drink into part of their identity. The new generation values connection over consumption, viewing cafes as a social place to meet, work or unwind.
What is next for coffee? Speaking to Richard Lowry, head of coffee at Bidfood he predicts that the next chapter for coffee culture will not just be about flavour, it will be about belonging. And the UK may follow Europe’s lead, coffee bars staying open until late, transforming our cafes into vibrant community hubs.
We have relationships with numerous brands and coffee roasters finding the perfect coffee solution for your establishment whether that is front of house service, customer self-servicing, and that all-important barista made coffee. Explore our coffee offering here!
