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If you’re a convenience store owner or operator, you’re constantly looking for ways to boost sales, attract new customers, and stay ahead of trends. One product that checks all these boxes is ready-to-drink (RTD) cold brew coffee. This chilled beverage is more than just a caffeine fix—it’s a lifestyle choice for today’s consumers. Let’s take a quick dive into the 5 compelling reasons why stocking RTD cold brew coffee will be a game-changer for your business.

1. Tapping Into the Growing Cold Beverage Market

Cold brew coffee isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a booming market that’s reshaping the beverage industry. The cold brew coffee market is projected to grow from $3.87 billion in 2025 to $16.22 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 22.71%. Millennials and Gen Z are driving this shift, favoring cold beverages year-round—even in winter. By offering RTD cold brew options, you’re catering to this expanding demographic and capturing sales that might otherwise go to competitors.

Operator Insight: Consider conducting seasonal promotions or limited-time offers to keep your RTD cold brew selection fresh and exciting throughout the year. This can help maintain customer interest and encourage repeat purchases. Read more here.

2. Premiumization (Yes It’s A Word) Equals Higher Margins

RTD cold brew carries an air of sophistication and quality that appeals to health-conscious and experience-driven consumers. Its smoother, less acidic taste makes it feel like a premium product compared to traditional hot coffee or sugary sodas. This perception lets you price RTD cold brew competitively while enjoying higher profit margins. Plus, you don’t need expensive equipment or barista training to deliver this premium experience.

Operator Insight: Highlight the premium nature of your RTD cold brew offerings through in-store displays and marketing materials. Emphasize the quality ingredients and craftsmanship that go into each product to justify the price point and attract discerning customers. Check it out here.

3. Grab-and-Go Convenience for Busy Customers

Convenience stores thrive on offering quick solutions for people on the move. RTD cold brew fits perfectly into this model, providing customers with a chilled caffeine boost they can grab from the cooler and enjoy anywhere. Whether they’re commuting, running errands, or heading to work, these beverages drive impulse purchases and repeat business—key factors in boosting your bottom line.

Operator Insight: Position RTD cold brew prominently near the checkout or in high-traffic areas to maximize visibility and encourage impulse buys. Consider offering loyalty programs or discounts for frequent purchases to further incentivize repeat business. See all the buzz here. 

4. Minimal Labor and Equipment Required

Unlike made-to-order coffee drinks, RTD cold brew requires virtually no staff involvement. There’s no brewing, pouring, or cleaning involved—just stock the cooler and let customers do the rest. This reduces labor costs and frees up employees for other tasks while eliminating the need for costly coffee machines or specialized training.

Operator Insight: Use the labor savings from RTD cold brew to focus on enhancing customer service or optimizing store operations. Train staff to engage with customers and provide recommendations on different RTD cold brew flavors to enhance the shopping experience. See more here. 

5. Catering to Diverse Consumer Preferences

The RTD cold brew market offers an incredible variety of options, from black coffee to flavored varieties with plant-based milk alternatives and varying sweetness levels. This diversity lets you meet the preferences of a wide range of customers—including those with dietary restrictions or unique tastes—and keeps them coming back to try new flavors.

Operator Insight: Conduct customer surveys or gather feedback to understand local preferences and tailor your RTD cold brew selection accordingly. This will help ensure that your offerings resonate with your target audience and keep them loyal to your store. Check it out. 

The Bottom Line: How Your Store Can Stand Out

To truly capitalize on the RTD cold brew trend, consider these strategies:

• Start Small: Offer a line of RTD cold brews to differentiate your store from competitors.
• Leverage Health Trends: Stock options like low-calorie or plant-based varieties to appeal to younger demographics.
• Educate Staff: Train employees to recommend products and highlight key features like flavor profiles or health benefits.
• Innovate with Nitro Taps: Offering nitro cold brew on tap can elevate your store’s reputation as a premium destination.

RTD cold brew isn’t just another product—it’s an opportunity to transform your convenience store into a hub for modern coffee culture. With its growing popularity among Millennials and Gen Z, minimal labor requirements, and potential for high margins, there’s no better time to start stocking up on this chilled favorite. Don’t miss out on capturing loyal customers who view cold brew as more than just a drink—it’s an experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of RTD cold brew coffee today! Then stay tuned for why your customers want the ability to customize their cold brew.