HOT BEVERAGES What Gen Z wants to drink


and what operators need to deliver


M


atcha, chai, cold brew, superfood drinks and customisable recipes have long become part of everyday consumption – and this is increasingly so in offices, bakeries, hotels and


self-service environments. This was demonstrated at At Internorga 2026, the trade fair for the foodservice and hospitality industry in Hamburg, where SEB Professional Beverage Germany demonstrated how beverage concepts are evolving in response to shifting consumer habits, and which technical solutions support this development.


NEW BEVERAGE FORMATS RESHAPE THE MARKET Traditional coffee remains a key part of beverage offerings, yet operators increasingly complement it with new options such as matcha and chai variants, colourful latte creations, cold brew and seasonal signature drinks – particularly popular among younger audiences. This shift is driven primarily by Generation Z, who look for visually


appealing beverages with tangible added value. For operators, this means drinks must not only taste great but also attract attention, offer personalisation and perform reliably all day. “Consumption patterns, especially among Gen Z, have moved well beyond classic coffee variations. Guests are looking for customisable, seasonal and lifestyle-inspired beverages that enhance cafés, hotel buffets and bakery counters alike,” explains Axel Fähnle, head of marketing at SEB Professional Beverage Germany. WMF and Schaerer machines, both brands under the SEB


umbrella, provide the technological foundation for this variety. Features such as hot-and-cold functionality, integrated syrup and powder modules, and dual milk systems enable sophisticated recipes at consistently high quality.


20 | vendinginternational-online.com


FROM COFFEE TO MATCHA LATTE: BEVERAGE DIVERSITY ENTERS THE OFFICE Emerging beverage trends are spreading beyond cafés and bars – workplace environments are increasingly expected to offer similarly diverse menus. New entry-level models enable operators to serve matcha latte, chai, cocoa variations or protein-based mixed drinks in addition to high-quality coffee. These fully automatic machines combine compact design with attractive operating costs and versatility.


Thanks to the integrated powder option, on-trend mixed drinks can be prepared reliably and with ease – which suits today’s dynamic working routines.


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