SUMMER 2019
COFFEE AND TEA ARE STRONGSELLERS FOR EVERY GENERATION.
Overall, coffee and tea consumption continues to flourish. Men or women, boomers or millennials, coffee and tea are a guaranteed go-to beverage option across all demographics. As your profit-driving partners, Red Diamond® dedicates this TREND ALERT newsletter to boosting beverage sales across all generational tastes and demands.
IN-DEMAND BEVERAGES
Coffee and tea continue to be the beverages of choice across the country.
159 MILLION
Americans drink tea on any given day.
Teausa.com
OUT-OF-HOME COFFEE
is being consumed at the highest rate ever.
National Coffee Association, 2017
64%
of consumers drank coffee in the past day.
National Coffee Association, 2018
84 BILLION
servings of tea were consumed in 2018.
Teausa.com
53%
of consumers drink specialty coffee weekly (up from 45% in 2016.)
Specialty Coffee Association, 2017
GET TO KNOW YOUR MILLENNIAL AND GEN Z CONSUMERS
According to the National Coffee Association, the surge in out-of-home coffee consumption may be contributed to younger demographics’ interest in exploring new flavors and preparation methods. Partnering with an expert like Red Diamond will ensure that you can build a beverage program with the right flavors and formats to appeal to this influential demographic.
COFFEE AND TEA: A MILLENNIAL AND GEN Z PERSPECTIVE
Millennials tend to select brands that are transparent and authentic and that share a sense of relatability. They demand to know the source of their food and beverage offerings. In the case of coffee, promoting single-source coffees like those from Red Diamond’s High Altitude™ line can help build a following with discerning millennial and Gen Z coffee drinkers.
WHAT TODAY’S UNDER-40 CROWD THINKS ABOUT COFFEE
Millennials drink coffee where and when it works for them: the influence of mobile wi-fi lifestyles means one must meet their consumers “where they are.” 
Give them a reason to make you their destination with a coffee and tea menu that sets you apart.
IT’S A NEW GENERATION OF TEA DRINKERS
While tea is often considered the beverage of choice for the older generations, it’s actually popular with young consumers and continues to gain momentum. In fact, according to the Tea Association of the U.S.A., 87% of millennials drink tea, and tea consumption is highest among 18- to 24-year-olds.
MARKETING TEA TO GEN-Z
Tea is a healthier way of getting a daily jolt of caffeine and provides antioxidants. Because of this, tea’s popularity continues to grow with today’s health-minded under-40 crowd. Whether iced or hot, offering a variety of teas is a great way to appeal to your younger consumers.
Offering tea from Red Diamond allows you to appeal to today’s demand for brands associated with sustainability and ethically sourced tea.
DID YOU KNOW:
Tea supports sustainability in three ways: ecologically, socially and economically.
Tea USA Organization
Clean label plays a major role in many of today’s younger consumers’ shopping decisions.
If you’re already offering Red Diamond’s premium fresh-brewed tea, consider adding Red Diamond’s ready-to-drink tea as well. Both products are made from the same simple ingredients: real tea leaves, water and sugar. (Also available in unsweetened and Splenda® sweetened gallons, half gallons and pints.)
Carbonated beverages are being substituted with beverages like tea that convey a sense of healthiness that today’s consumers seek out.
DID YOU KNOW:
49% of students cite “health/good for you” as a reason to purchase a beverage.
Progressive Grocer
DON’T FORGET THE BOOMERS
With so much marketing and product innovation energy being directed toward the under-40 crowd, it’s important to keep in mind that today’s Gen X and Boomers are still major players in coffee and tea beverage sales. In fact, according to the National Coffee Association, coffee consumption continues to skew older. For the 60+ age group, coffee has increased from 64% in 2016 to 72% in 2018 and remains steady in 2019.
52% GROWTH
in specialty/gourmet daily coffee consumption – the largest growth from 2016 to 2017 of all age groups.
National Coffee Association, 2018
Consumers over the age of 60 have a SUBSTANTIALLY STRONGER past-day coffee consumption as compared with 18- to 24-year-olds.
National Coffee Association, 2018
Certain health benefits of tea appeal directly to the Baby Boomer and Gen X generations. The fact that drinking tea BOOSTS MENTAL CLARITY and focus and may also help SLOW DOWN THE AGING PROCESS helps make tea a favorite beverage choice for the over-40 crowd.
Chinese Academy of Science, 2018
TOP TRENDING FLAVORS*
Leverage the inherent health benefits and enhance the appeal of black or green tea with flavors that are in demand. Consider:
*Food Business News, 2019
ON-TREND COFFEE CHOICES INCLUDE:
(Consider Red Diamond High Altitude® offerings)
(Discover Fitz™ Cold Brew from Red Diamond, offered in both single-serve, ready-to-drink and fresh, brew-it-yourself formats)
YOUR IDEAL BEVERAGE PROGRAM PARTNER
Since 1906, Red Diamond’s family has been at the leading edge of coffee and tea solutions. We continue today with only the finest products, along with the insights, innovations and expertise to help ensure that your customers always enjoy the perfect beverage experience. Learn more at reddiamondbevservice.com.
RED DIAMOND RECIPE CORNER
Red Diamond provides more than just on-trend products and flavors. We partner with our customers to craft a variety of beverage offerings that help operators stand out from the rest.
THE SOUTHERNER’S PEACH TEA
- 5 oz. Red Diamond’s Simple Sweet Tea™
- 1.75 oz. peach-flavored brandy
- 1 tsp. granulated sugar
- Brûléed Peach Skin (for garnish)
Peel the peach. Pat the peel dry with a towel. Lightly coat flesh side with sugar. Blow-torch evenly until browned. Combine the tea and the brandy.
PRESTO ESPRESSO MARTINI
- 2 shots brewed Red Diamond® Espresso
- 1 Tbsp. Coconut Sugar
- 2 oz. Vodka
- Ground cinnamon to taste
Chill the espresso and place it in a martini shaker. Add the sugar and vodka, and fill the shaker with ice. Shake until well mixed…a crema should form. Pour the drink into a martini glass and garnish with cinnamon.
COCOMOKO FLOAT
- 8 oz. Red Diamond® 100% Arabica Coffee
- 1/3 cup chocolate syrup
- 1 Tbsp. sugar
- 8 oz. milk
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
Put the chocolate syrup, sugar and milk into a blender. Pour into a tall glass 1/4 filled with crushed ice. Add nitro coffee. Top with whipped cream.
FIND MORE RECIPES AT:
REDDIAMONDBEVSERVICE.COM/MENU-IDEAS/