50 CATEGORY FOCUS Hot Beverages
Hot Beverages
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Confectionery
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Breakfast
Hard Seltzers
Growth in the hot beverage market is still being dominated by coffee and it shows no signs of stopping. Despite a challenging financial year for many, coffee is one thing that consumers think of as an affordable luxury. Having a trusted and popular brand of coffee, be it machine or barista, is an absolute priority for any store. Herbal teas are bringing innovation to the market too
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esearchAndMarkets.com’s country profile report on the hot drinks sector in Ireland states that the Irish hot drinks sector is led by the hot coffee category in value terms and the category is forecast to register the fastest growth in both value and volume terms during 2018-2023. Supermarkets are the leading channel for distribution of hot drinks in this country. Overall, coffee saw exceptionally strong growth in both retail volume and retail current value terms in 2019. This was mainly due to fresh ground coffee pods, which became hugely popular amongst Irish coffee drinkers over the review period. Younger generations of Irish consumers are driving demand for new coffee trends, many of which they have experienced abroad. Third wave coffee houses are increasingly popular in Ireland at present. The third wave coffee movement is led by both consumers and manufacturers as a means to consume, enjoy, and appreciate high-quality coffee. This movement considers coffee an artisanal food, whose consumption experience can be enhanced with greater education and exploration beyond just a cup of coffee.
Terrific tea Tea meanwhile, will always be a staple in Irish households and herbal teas are proving very popular with the 20-40 year-old female demographic. A report by Euromonitor Ireland published in November 2019, found that less traditional tea variants are seeing a surge in popularity. Although black tea continued to see retail
ShelfLife September 2020 | www.shelflife.ie
Milestone in business
Bewley’s is adding a full barista programme to its customer solutions
volume and retail current value growth in 2019, it was lower than the other categories within tea, Euromonitor Ireland reports. “Ireland is in the midst of a health and wellness revolution, driven by the continued government focus on the state of the nation’s health,” the analyst adds. An ageing population and health awareness are supporting the growth of black tea. In fact, Euromonitor points out that Ireland has the fastest-growing older population in the EU. The proportion of people aged 85+ is projected to double by the year 2031. Although Ireland’s tea drinkers have historically been relatively slow to change their preferences, this has been changing in recent years. Premium tea companies began to thrive in recent years, driven by increased consumer sophistication, Euromonitor adds.
In the midst of an unprecedented year, Bewley’s has reached the milestone of 180 years in business. Since introducing tea to the Irish market in 1840, Bewley’s has continued with a history of firsts: the first to roast coffee in-store; the first to import Fairtrade coffee into Ireland; the first to introduce latte art; and the first carbon neutral coffee roastery in Ireland. Today, the Bewley’s business is focused on sustainably selecting, preparing and grading from the world’s most delicious coffees and teas. Bewley’s ranges consist of popular blends, innovative mixes and beautiful single origins. The company’s 100% Arabica Fairtrade coffee beans are carefully roasted locally in Dublin, ensuring optimum flavour and freshness. Bewley’s supports its customers through hot beverage business consultancy; full menu solutions; barista training; quality auditing; full retail solutions; and machinery purchasing, rental and servicing. In 2020, with over 4,000 retail and foodservice customers proudly serving Bewley’s, the company certainly has the expertise and product quality to grow hot beverages in your business. Adding to the success of
Bewley’s branded bean-tocup coffee docks, Bewley’s is adding a full barista programme to its customer solutions. The barista programme focuses on an exceptional hot beverage and food offering, a modern design which takes inspiration from Bewley’s Grafton street café and world class training and supports. The Bewley’s barista programme is a highly profitable solution for operators supported by the number one recognised coffee brand in Ireland*. For more information, call Bewley’s on 01 816 0600, or email sales@bewleys.com. *(Source: Bord Bia brand health check, 2020)
Perfect for Irish tastes As a family-owned Irish company, Barry’s Tea understands the importance of the ritual of tea in the morning. The company has spent years perfecting its muchloved tea blends and the team have used their skill and expertise to blend to Irish tastes since 1901. Barry’s has a large repertoire of teas - including black teas, loose leaf, green teas, fruit and herbal infusions. There is something in the range for every taste and preference from Gold Blend, Decaf, Earl Grey and so much more.
Barry’s Tea range includes great options such as Gold, Original, Decaf and Master Blend varieties
