By Lauren Shipley, Creative & Marketing Manager at Small Batch Coffee Roasters
Decaf Delight
The shift toward decaf coffee surged by 7% in 2024 for us at Small Batch, signalling a growing preference for caffeine-free options. This trend reflects consumers’ desire to enjoy coffee’s rich flavour without the stimulant effect. The speciality coffee movement is leading to more choice when it comes to decaffeination processes. We choose a sugarcane method, which is a natural decaffeination technique that uses ethyl acetate derived from sugarcane to remove caffeine from coffee bean (compared to the use of carbon dioxide or Methylene Chloride used more commonly with commercial decaf options).
Pod-Perfect Convenience
High-quality, speciality coffee pods are trending, driven by demand for traceable, premium coffee without the barista training. With the speciality coffee market growing at 12% per annum, pods are bridging the gap, giving more people access to café-quality coffee from home or work.
Home Espresso Boom
Consumers are embracing the “home espresso revolution,” with sales of espresso machines forecasted to rise by 20% annually. Motivated by a desire to replicate the café experience at home, enhance daily rituals, and reduce long-term coffee costs, this trend aligns with a growing interest in home-centred experiences and home espresso machines offering a way to elevate daily routines.
Matcha Mania and Plant Milk Power
Matcha and alternative milks are set to become even more popular in 2025. Matcha’s aesthetic and health appeal make it a hit on social media and in cafes alike, while alternative milks (oat, coconut, soya) are experiencing rapid growth, catering to consumers with plant-based preferences and dietary needs. We’ve seen a 10% growth in use of alternative milks in our two coffee shops this year alone.
Subscription-Centric Coffee Culture
Coffee subscriptions are trending, with a 25% increase in membership to our coffee club. Consumers appreciate the excitement, discovery of new flavours, quality, and community offered through curated monthly coffee deliveries. With unique origins, tasting notes, and tips, these subscriptions create a connected, enriching coffee experience for members.
Green Bean Goals
Sustainability is a top priority for us. Following a 2023 carbon audit, Small Batch Coffee Roasters plans a 70% carbon reduction by 2030, focusing on green sourcing, logistics, and consumer education. Recent packaging changes to recyclable LDPE bags underscore the brand’s commitment to reducing environmental impact without compromising quality. We predict this to be a growing trend not just for us but for other coffee brands as consumers continue to seek out more sustainable options in every aspect of their lives.
