Weekly Trends & Innovative Insights for Convenience Store Owners.
The Top 5 Reasons Cold Brew is Brewing Up Big Business

Alright fellow beverage enthusiasts! Ever wondered why cold brew seems to be everywhere lately? It’s not just a fleeting trend; the cold brew market is experiencing some serious growth, and today, we’re diving deep into the 5 key factors fueling this caffeinated surge. Think of it as your insider’s guide to understanding why this chilled coffee is such a hot commodity – pun intended!

1. The Premium Proposition: Paying More for the Good Stuff

Let’s talk dollars and cents—or should we say sense? Cold brew isn’t just coffee; it’s a premium experience, and consumers are willing to pay for it. Unlike your average iced coffee, cold brew commands a higher price point because of its smoother taste and perceived quality. According to recent studies, 89% of consumers are happy to shell out extra for that premium feel. Plus, the brewing process itself uses more coffee grounds and takes longer, adding to its exclusivity.

So, whether you’re grabbing a bottle from your local café or picking up an RTD option at the store, you’re not just buying coffee—you’re investing in a better coffee experience. Read more here.

2. Health is Wealth: The Health Appeal

Cold brew isn’t just delicious; it’s also tapping into the growing health-conscious consumer base. With significantly less acidity than traditional coffee, cold brew is easier on sensitive stomachs—perfect for those who want their caffeine fix without the bitterness or discomfort. And let’s not forget the antioxidants packed into every sip! These little health boosters can reduce inflammation and even lower risks of heart disease and diabetes. Check out all the information here.

For anyone chasing a healthier lifestyle but unwilling to give up their daily buzz, cold brew is a win-win.

3. Customize Your Buzz: Boosting Transaction Value

Here’s where things get interesting (and profitable). Cold brew’s smooth base makes it a blank canvas for customization. Think syrups, milk alternatives, cold foam toppings—you name it! Every added flavor shot or topping bumps up the total transaction value. Starbucks alone credits $1 billion in annual revenue growth to these “modifiers,” with cold beverages making up 76% of their sales.

Customization isn’t just a trend; it’s a way for customers to make their drink uniquely theirs while boosting business revenue. Talk about a buzz-worthy combo!

4. Convenience is King: The RTD Revolution

Let’s be honest—we live in a fast-paced world where convenience reigns supreme. Enter Ready-To-Drink (RTD) cold brew options: grab-and-go caffeine that doesn’t compromise on quality. With U.S. RTD coffee sales projected to hit $5.3 billion by the end of 2025, it’s clear that time-poor consumers love this format.

Whether you’re rushing to work or heading out for an adventure, RTD cold brew has your back—and your energy levels.

5. Riding the Wave of Growth: A Massive Market Opportunity

Finally, let’s talk numbers—big numbers! The global cold brew market was valued at $604 million in 2023 and is projected to skyrocket to $3.75 billion by 2032. That’s an impressive CAGR of 22.71%. Thanks to technological advancements like nitro cold brew and increased accessibility through production innovations, cold brew is reaching more consumers than ever before.

For businesses looking for their next big opportunity, this market growth signals one thing: now is the time to ride the cold brew wave.

The Bottom Line

The significant revenue and sales growth in the cold brew market isn’t due to just one factor—it’s a perfect storm of premium pricing power, health appeal, customization potential, convenience through RTD formats, and massive market growth fueled by accessibility. For businesses ready to tap into this caffeinated craze, there’s no better time than now.

Stay caffeinated, friends!

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I’m Kevin


I’m a convenience store specialist with a unique background. For over sixteen years, I was a chef, giving me a deep understanding of the food service side of the business. My passion for convenience store brand development was born from seeing the unique challenges C-store owners and managers face every day.

That’s why I created The5For, a blog dedicated to sharing practical, real-world strategies for C-store success. My goal is to help you streamline C-store operations, improve customer satisfaction, and increase your profit margin. Here, you’ll find clear, actionable advice to help you take your business to the next level.

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