Sales of coffee and tea at U.S. restaurants, drinking places projected to reach US$18.7B in 2012, buoyed by aggressive menu innovation, strong foothold in breakfast daypart, study shows

Nevin Barich

Nevin Barich

NEW YORK , February 14, 2012 (press release) – Coffee and tea remains a key foodservice industry growth driver, buoyed by aggressive menu innovation and a strong foothold in the breakfast daypart, according to Coffee and Tea Foodservice Trends in the U.S., a just-released study from market research firm Packaged Facts.

Sales of coffee and tea at restaurant and drinking places are projected to reach $18.7 billion in 2012. Sales spiked 11% in 2011, driven by the return of consumers to the restaurant industry, aggressive coffee and tea menu innovation, increased penetration of coffee and tea among restaurant units, and menu price increases.

Some 173.5 million consumers drink tea and 183 million consumers drink coffee, according to David Sprinkle, publisher of Packaged Facts, eye-popping numbers that also imply limited usage growth potential. The challenge for foodservice operators, therefore, involves expanding varieties and occasions for use while converting home and office coffee and tea users into foodservice users.

"The Big Four" in this market -- Dunkin Donuts, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, McDonald's, and Starbucks -- each generate coffee and tea revenue in excess of $1 billion. Led by these mavericks, coffee and tea players continue to outperform restaurant industry growth, with restaurant brands across the foodservice spectrum pursuing incremental profits through improvements in coffee and tea quality and variety.

Data provided in Coffee and Tea Foodservice Trends in the U.S. show that most leading coffeehouse/donut shop brands have grown same-store sales since 2005. Tim Hortons stands out, nonetheless, by not only posting a 21% cumulative increase in same-store sales, but weathering the recession with sales growth of 7% during 2008-2010 period.

While the percentage of restaurants that offer coffee rose across the board in the 2007-2011 period, especially notable is the increased presence of specialty coffee drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes, Americanos, and Macchiatos. Macchiato penetration has risen by over 50% since 2007, according to Datassential MenuTrends Direct data.

Correspondingly, the average price for coffee on the restaurant menu has risen 25% since 2007, with the highest increase at quick-service restaurants. In part, however, this price trend reflects operators passing on coffee commodity cost increases to consumers, as has also been the case at retail.

The rise in coffee prices has created significant challenges for industry players. Naturally, coffee commodity prices significantly affect coffeehouse expenditures, as well as those of restaurant operators with a significant coffee stake on the menu. But after rising to record levels in early 2011, coffee prices have begun to trend downward. Tea pricing stability may provide operators with higher margins than they receive for coffee, and, if history proves a barometer for the future, leave them less vulnerable to pricing volatility.

In addition, all regional and national coffeehouse chains now complement their beverages with food, and food platforms continue to expand. Against a competitive backdrop that includes quick-service restaurants offering quality food and beverages, coffeehouses need to supplement their beverages with a quality food selection or risk losing sales to players providing both, according to Packaged Facts.

For more information, please visit MarketResearch.com or https://www.packagedfacts.com/Foodservice-Coffee-Tea-6483369/

About Packaged Facts - Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com, publishes market intelligence on a wide range of consumer market topics, including consumer demographics and shopper insights, consumer financial products and services, consumer goods and retailing, consumer packaged goods (including foods and beverages, health and beauty care, and household products), and pet products and services. Packaged Facts also offers a full range of custom research services. To learn more, visit: www.packagedfacts.com. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

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