Feature:Express, Impress with Espresso Time to Spill the Beans and go to Ground
The UK’s coffee machine market is experiencing a surge in demand for premium, high-end espresso machines, reflecting the country’s growing coffee culture.
W
e’re known as a nation of tea and coffee lovers, and together these two
beverages take the top spot for our most popular drink. However, it appears there is an increase of many ‘waking up to smell the coffee,’ whether, Instant, Pod or Ground. As reported by *Statista Market Insights, in 2024, the revenue in the Coffee Machines market of the UK now amounts to over GBP £267m. It is projected to grow annually by 4.32%
(Compound Annual Growth Rate [CAGR] 2024- 2029). A volume growth of 0.5% is anticipated in 2025 and by 2029, the volume in the Coffee Machines market is expected to reach 2.0m units. Though, according to the grocery trade, the
top instant coffee brands reach more consumers than their fresh ground coffee counterparts as we’re still avid consumers of instant coffee. During research, another interesting fact
also revealed, coffee machines are growing in popularity. Not just for pods, the demand for a superior taste of freshly ground coffee from a ‘bean-to-cup’ machine is extremely popular, albeit due to its low cost and convenience, many people still enjoy a cup of instant. The statistics have shown, in recent years, the UK consumer has, however, become more discerning as the coffee market has seen significant growth, with a major shift towards premium and speciality coffees. This new trend has been influenced by the coffee shops and now extends to homes as well. Fresh ‘coffee shop’ quality, made at home, continues to rapidly grow. So how much coffee do we drink? According
to a report by the *British Coffee Association, approximately 95 million cups of coffee are consumed every day in the UK. This equates to a staggering 2.8 billion cups per year. The report also found that coffee consumption has been steadily increasing in the UK over the past decade, with an average annual growth rate of 3%. Over 80% of adults drink coffee regularly, with an average consumption of three cups per day. Surprisingly, the majority of consumption actually takes place at home but of course, a large percentage of that also takes place socially or purchased on the way to a place of work. Today, although around 70% of households now own a coffee machine of some description,
26 |
www.ierdaily.co.uk
demand is increasing every day for first buy or upgrading, as from Pod to Bean. According to statistics, the UK coffee industry
contributes over £17 billion to the economy annually. This includes both retail and food service sectors. The retail sector accounts for around 60% of the total market value, while food service accounts for around 40%. A report by *Allegra World Coffee Portal, the UK
coffee shop market grew by 7.9% in 2019 to reach a total market value of £10.1 billion. This growth is expected to continue in the coming years, with projections suggesting that the market will reach a value of around £13 billion + in 2025. One reason for this growth is the increasing
popularity of speciality coffee as there is now a heavy focus on high-quality beans and brewing methods, creating a more refined and artisanal coffee experience. Speciality coffee now accounts for 23% of all cups served in UK coffee shops. However, increased demand for such is not limited to the high street. The demand for premium, speciality coffee is increasing in the home with a focus on high quality, sustainable coffee beans and suitable ‘barista’ machines. The Rainforest Alliance is a great example for sustainable coffee. At this stage we must focus on the actual
quality of the coffee machine as with any ‘chain’ of producing from ‘bean to cup’, the result will only be as good as the weakest link, and that won’t be the machine and hopefully, not the user. The list of available ‘barista’ products is vast along with the brands and price differentials. From around £300 for a Breville Barista Max, to a Jura Z10 around £2,000 and many in-between, the consumer is faced with a massive choice. Whilst IER have not and do not review, test or compare any products, there are several reputable organisations who have online presence to provide their ‘Best’ line-ups. Obviously, the relevant ‘Best Buy’ information is available for both the retailer and consumer to research for a worthy acquisition.
One such listing is by Ideal Home who
have rated the Sage Barista Express Impress, priced around £650 as their No.1. In second place, the Beko CEG5311X at around £260 with integrated Milk Frother. Third in line is the De’Longhi Rivelia at around £750 followed
PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
*
https://www.statista.com *
https://britishcoffeeassociation.org *
https://www.worldcoffeeportal.com
Winter 2024
by its fourth choice of the Breville Barista Signature Espresso at around £500. The list of recommendations goes on, including, more De’Longhi, Philips, Smeg, Gaggia, Jura, Ninja, Siemens, Dualit, Melitta, Miele, are all deserving brands with highly rated products. There are several brands also worthy of mention, like Bosch, Caple, Whirlpool, Hotpoint, Electrolux Gaggenau, Neff, De Dietrich, Franke, all who provide a wide range of built-in units rather than worktop models. Each of these machines having their own unique features, providing a wide choice that best fits the consumers coffee- making style and budget. Finally, to assist with selling, just a few pointers
to, maybe, impress your customers during your sales pitch. Knowing the best way to store coffee. It appears there is conflicting advice on coffee packs. Some brands recommend placing in the fridge and consuming within two weeks or storing it in the freezer for up to six months. Coffee expert Giles Hilton tea & coffee
merchant at Whittard of Chelsea, states it’s best to avoid the fridge and freezer altogether, as the moisture can cause the coffee to absorb other smells and dampen the flavour. He recommends storing coffee in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. This will help to prevent the flavourful essential
oils from evaporating. If you do want to opt for the fridge or freezer, make sure the container used is well-sealed as this should help to minimise any moisture-related issues.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
