Coffee culture continues to boom across the country, but the people of Ireland have had to adapt their coffee consumption habits as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions. According to research by Bewley’s, the majority of coffee enthusiasts (83%) are now preparing their favourite cup of coffee at home.
The annual Bewley’s Coffee Consumption Report, which looks at Ireland’s coffee consumption habits, is carried out to mark International Coffee Day on 1 October. The latest findings examine the changes in purchasing habits and consumer attitudes, as well as the impact that the last few months have had on coffee drinkers across the country.
Coffee During COVID
The research shows that a quarter of adults (26%) consumed more coffee than normal during lockdown. Over half of all adults (52%) decreased the number of takeaway coffees they purchased throughout the lockdown, and 42% confirmed that they now make all of their coffees at home.
However, nearly a fifth (19%) of consumers still purchased coffee out of home at least once a week. As a result of government restrictions and temporary closures, just 2% of the public now only buy takeaway coffees, in comparison with 33% for the same time last year.
Home Brewing
With more people having to prepare coffee at home, 18% of those surveyed have bought a new coffee machine over the past number of months, but nearly a third (31%) of the population opted to stick with filter and cafetiere coffee.
Mid-morning appears to be the perfect time to grab a cuppa, with over half (51%) waiting for their elevenses to prepare a cup.
Ireland’s Favourite Coffee
The Americano was voted Ireland’s favourite coffee for the second year running, with 32% preferring it as their choice of brew, with cappuccinos and lattes following in popularity, at 24% and 21% respectively.
While only a third (31%) of Ireland’s coffee drinkers have experimented with plant-based milk, dairy alternatives are popular among the younger generation, with 68% of 18 to 24-year-olds, and nearly half (48%) of 25 to 34-year-olds trying the variations.
Almond Milk is the nation’s plant-based alternative of choice, with over a third (36%) choosing it for their coffee, followed by Soya Milk (24%) and Oat Milk (21%).
Ultimately, it all comes down to the taste buds for Irish coffee drinkers, with three quarters (76%) agreeing that taste is the main factor when choosing their favourite coffee.
“Our consumers are at the heart of everything we do and we have been loyally serving them for the past 180 years,” says Jason Doyle, managing director of Bewley’s UK & Ireland. “Over the past number of months we’ve seen a big shift in coffee consumption habits, with more people making coffees at home and with a big emphasis on dairy alternatives, particularly among the younger generation.
“To continue to provide our consumers with our products throughout lockdown we launched our new and improved online shop, giving consumers access to their favourite coffee with just the click of a button.
“As well as this, we launch Bewley’s Connect, an online platform that gives our baristas and operators access to a host of tools that they can access online to continue to upskill. As we all continue to adapt to the ‘new normal,’ we want to ensure that we are meeting all of our customers' needs – whether it’s at home, or out and about.”
*iReach Consumer Omnibus Survey conducted on behalf of Bewley’s.
Field work completed September 2020 among 1,000 respondents aged 18+.
© 2020 Checkout – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Maev Martin.
