Global Specialty Coffee Market Analysis and Forecast 2019-2028

Market Introduction: Key Takeaways

With only a 5% market share in the global coffee market, specialty coffee remains a niche. The global specialty coffee market is a rapidly growing segment of the global coffee industry. Specialty coffee refers to high-quality coffee beans that are carefully cultivated, harvested, and processed to maintain their unique flavors and characteristics. The increasing interest in specialty coffee is reflected in the growing number of small roasters, small local brands, coffee bars and chains, and baristas.

These beans are typically grown in specific regions with favorable climates and soil conditions and are often sourced through direct trade relationships with coffee farmers. The specialty coffee market is characterized by a focus on sustainability, traceability, and unique flavor profiles, and has gained a significant following among coffee enthusiasts and consumers who appreciate the art and science of coffee brewing.

The global specialty coffee market has been witnessing significant growth in recent years and is expected to continue to expand at a robust pace during the forecast period. As per analysis, the global specialty coffee market was valued at US$ 4.3 billion in 2022, and is projected to reach US$ 9.7 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 14.5% from 2023 to 2028.

The increasing demand for high-quality coffee, growing consumer awareness about sustainability and ethical sourcing, and changing consumer preferences towards unique and exotic flavors are driving the growth of the global specialty coffee market.

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Market Drivers and Trend Analysis

Several key drivers are influencing the growth of the global specialty coffee market. One of the major drivers is the increasing demand for high-quality coffee among consumers who are seeking unique and premium coffee experiences. Consumers are becoming more discerning about the taste, aroma, and origin of their coffee, and are willing to pay a premium for specialty coffee that offers distinct flavors and characteristics.

Another driver is the growing consumer awareness about sustainability and ethical sourcing in coffee production. Specialty coffee is often associated with sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, such as shade-grown cultivation, organic farming, and fair trade certifications. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the social and environmental impact of their coffee consumption, and are actively seeking out specialty coffee that is sourced responsibly and supports farmers and communities.

Furthermore, changing consumer preferences towards unique and exotic flavors are driving the demand for specialty coffee. Specialty coffee offers a wide range of flavor profiles, from fruity and floral to chocolaty and nutty, which appeal to adventurous and discerning coffee drinkers. The growing interest in coffee brewing methods such as pour-over, cold brew, and espresso-based drinks also contribute to the demand for specialty coffee, as these methods highlight the distinct flavors and characteristics of specialty coffee beans.

Several key trends are shaping the global specialty coffee market. One prominent trend is the increasing popularity of single-origin and microlot coffees. Single-origin coffee refers to coffee that is sourced from a specific region or farm, and is often associated with unique flavor profiles and traceability. Microlot coffee refers to small batches of coffee that are carefully selected and processed to highlight their unique qualities. Both single-origin and microlot coffees are gaining popularity among specialty coffee consumers who appreciate the distinct flavors and stories behind these coffees.

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Key Segmental Analysis

The global specialty coffee market can be segmented based on product type, distribution channel, and region. Product types in the specialty coffee market include Arabica, Robusta, and others. Arabica coffee, known for its delicate flavor profiles and higher acidity, is the most commonly used coffee in specialty coffee production. Distribution channels in the specialty coffee market include cafes and coffee shops, online sales, and supermarkets/hypermarkets.

Global and Regional Market Analysis – Based on Market Intelligence 

North America and Europe are the dominant regions in the specialty coffee market, owing to the high consumer demand for specialty coffee, strong coffee culture, and the presence of a large number of specialty coffee shops and cafes. The US shows nearly 15-20% penetration in terms of the usage of specialty coffee. Whereas, globally the market share is meager with respect to the US and Europe. Asia-Pacific is also emerging as a significant market for specialty coffee, driven by increasing consumer awareness and growing coffee consumption in countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea.

Competition Overview: Market Structure and Leading Players

The global specialty coffee market is highly competitive, with several key players operating in the market. Some of the leading market players in the global specialty coffee market include Starbucks Corporation, Nestle S.A., Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc., JDE Peet’s, Blue Bottle Coffee, Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea Inc., Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Caribou Coffee Company, Inc., Bulletproof 360 Inc., and Peet’s Coffee, among others.

These companies are focusing on product innovation, sustainability, direct trade relationships, and expanding their distribution channels to capture a larger share of the growing specialty coffee market.

Key Market Segmentation: Global Specialty Coffee Market

Rationalstat has segmented the global specialty coffee market on the basis of product type, distribution channel, region, end user.

• By Region
  • North America
    • US
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Chile
    • Peru
    • Argentina
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Western Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
    • Spain
    • Italy
    • Benelux
    • Nordic Countries
    • Rest of Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
    • Russia
    • Poland
    • Hungary
    • Czech Republic
    • Rest of Eastern Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Australia
    • ASEAN (Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, etc.)
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa
    • GCC
    • South Africa
    • Turkey
    • Egypt
    • Sub-saharan
    • Rest of the Middle East & Africa

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Research Methodology

RationalStat has developed a state-of-the-art research methodology to crunch numbers and provide the best possible real-time insights to clients. We combine a varied range of industry experience, data analytics, and experts’ viewpoint to create a research methodology for market sizing and forecasting.

RationalStat combines a mix of secondary sources as well as primary research to assess the market size and develop a forecast. Key steps involved in accurately deriving the market numbers are:

• Defining the problem by understanding the type of market and data required by the client.
• Data gathering and collection through relevant paid databases, publicly available sources, company reports, annual reports, surveys, and interviews.
• Formulating a hypothesis to create market numbers, forecasts, influencing factors, and their relevance.
• Evaluating and analyzing the data by referring to data sources utilized and leveraged.
• Validating, interpreting, and finalizing the data by combining the details gathered from primary and secondary sources with the help of experienced analysts.

Primary Intelligence

• RationalStat utilizes surveys, questionnaires, focus groups, and one-to-one interviews with CXOs, industry partners, trade bodies, association members, ex-employees, and industry professionals to collect insights and quantitative/qualitative data specific to client needs. RationalStat quickly gets to the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’ demonstrated by secondary data.
• RationalStat takes a unique approach to arrive at market conclusions and actionable insights for clients.
• We have the technology and strong in-house resource pool with extensive experience in the global and regional markets, across a wide variety of categories and stakeholders.
• Strong language proficiency and capability with coverage across more than 70 language areas.

Secondary Sources

• Annual reports, company filings, investor presentations, product catalogs, and company documents
• Industry and market-related documents available in the public domain
• Paid databases including Bloomberg, Factiva, S&P Capital IQ, FactSet, Refinitiv Eikon, ICIS, EUWID, and Thomson Reuters, among others
• Whitepapers, research papers, and industry blogs

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The report is intended for service providers, manufacturers, industry stakeholders, government organizations, marketing departments, R&D professionals, insurance organizations, regulatory agencies, and market research firms, among others. The report provides an in-depth analysis of market size, consumption patterns, ongoing market trends and challenges, and future market opportunities. The report will serve as a source for a 360-degree analysis of the market thoroughly delivering insights to clients to find the right answers to their business questions.