Birmingham, Ala. (Feb. 11, 2026) – What’s brewing for 2026? Red Diamond® Coffee & Tea, a leader in delivering world-class coffee and tea for more than a century, tapped a strategic collective of industry experts to explore how beverage programs are evolving – and what operators can do next to stay ahead.

Hosted by Red Diamond, The Art of Coffee & Tea brought together operators, baristas and industry experts for an in-depth exchange on what they’re seeing inside their establishments, the trends shaping the broader foodservice landscape and how beverages can be leveraged to better meet patrons’ expectations. The result is a forward-looking perspective on how coffee and tea are helping operators build trust, telling compelling brand stories, and creating memorable guest experiences – all packaged into a series of actionable tips and insights at reddiamondbevservice.com/art-of-coffee-and-tea.

“We’ve collected tangible insights to share with foodservice operators – not just where trends are headed, but ideas on how to act on them,” said Emily Wood Bowron Forehand, executive vice president at Red Diamond Coffee & Tea.  “By collaborating with experienced industry innovators and our own team of trendspotters, we’ve uncovered a clear takeaway:  beverages are more than menu staples – they’re tools to expand creativity, connection and, of course, profitability.”

The Art of Coffee & Tea insights highlight the importance of cultivating strong beverage programs through six key themes:

  • Multi-Cup Experience: The beverage occasion has evolved beyond morning fuel. Today, the second cup is all about exploration – the perfect canvas for operators to craft something noteworthy. With 73% of Gen Z and Millennials choosing restaurants based on “Instagram-worthy” menu items, operators must lean into exploration. Elevate customer favorites and LTOs with indulgent syrups and toppings, eye-catching garnishes, and unique, bold flavor combinations to build excitement and loyalty.
  • Branding and Storytelling: From educational signage to branded coffee sleeves, loyalty programs and social media storytelling, every touchpoint offers an opportunity to highlight your operation’s uniqueness. If patrons fall in love with the story behind the brand or product, they’ll become superfans. 
  • Community and Connection: Whether it’s dinner for two at a bustling restaurant or a quick stop at a convenience store, coffee and tea are the beverages that bring people together. Whether through design features like communal tables or menu offerings like coffee flights that encourage discussion, operators can showcase coffee and tea as vehicles for community to make the guest experience more meaningful and memorable. 
  • Wellness and Transparency Build Trust: Health and authenticity remain at the forefront of beverage trends. From functional health benefits to farming practices, consumers want to know what’s in their cup, where it comes from, and how it impacts both their wellbeing and the world around them. For brands and operators, building trust with patrons will be key in driving loyalty.
  • Generational Differences: Coffee and tea preferences vary widely by age. For example, Gen Z favors cold brew and iced tea, while Baby Boomers prefer a simple cup of hot coffee. For operators, customization is key, and add-ons like alternative milks, syrups, flavors and functional ingredients make it possible to meet everyone’s needs. Seek advice from your coffee and tea partner, staff, and customers of all ages to identify new ways to stay relevant.  
  • Boozy Brews: Espresso martinis and spiked lemonades are just the beginning. Coffee- and tea-infused cocktails and mocktails are surging in popularity and offer operators a playground for innovation. Plus, they give operators ample opportunities to tout both their unique flavors and natural benefits to help them stand out on menus, such as coffee’s energy boost or chamomile herbal tea’s calming properties.  

To honor these trends and their potential to enhance beverage programs, Red Diamond Coffee & Tea partnered with operators to craft trend-inspired recipes. With imaginative creations of coffee, tea and lemonade– these recipes highlight the endless possibilities for innovation.

For more information on The Art of Coffee & Tea, recipes and Red Diamond Coffee & Tea products, visit reddiamondbevservice.com/art-of-coffee-and-tea/.  

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About Red Diamond Coffee & Tea 

At Red Diamond, we are driven by an obsession to provide a world-class coffee and tea experience. Since 1906, the cornerstone of our company has been our commitment to unparalleled quality, innovation and customer service. Expect Perfection®. For more information, visit reddiamondbevservice.com.