The Future Is Brewing & A New Generation Of Coffee Products Are Mixing Things Up

Aotearoa has a long history of innovative coffee operations fueled by good beans and that famous “Kiwi ingenuity,” from the zeitgeist of the early 1990s speciality coffee revival to the thriving cafe scene across the country today, and the investment in at-home setups to brew that perfect cup. Coffee’s future appears bright, with new products on the market and a thriving community, and the industry is advancing. Rob Lockyear, global brand lead for the iconic Allpress Espresso, has been reflecting on what’s making headlines right now and what will be critical for the industry’s future.

The physical spaces in which we connect are critical to coffee culture and society’s social fabric; they help shape the rhythm of daily life. “We cannot discuss the future of coffee without discussing cafes,” Rob explains. “They are the reason we get out of bed each day, and it’s heartbreaking to see how much the industry has struggled in recent years.”

Time spent away from these institutions has increased people’s appreciation for them as places to reconnect with friends and family, indulge in some alone time, and witness their neighbourhoods’ human tapestry in action. “Nothing comes close to the cultural significance and connection that cafes provide.” He’s excited to see how they adapt and evolve in the future — and cafes are already incorporating retail and technology into their operations. “There has been widespread adoption of digital tools such as ordering apps,” Rob explains, adding that these changes have prompted Allpress to evolve its support strategy for its cafe community worldwide. “Excellent training and technical support were critical to our long-term success — the cafe model has evolved, and we must adapt as well. Everything from our communication methods to our training and technical support are ripe for innovation.”

People’s palates are also evolving as they become more adventurous, while technological innovation has created new categories. Coffee and consumer tastes are evolving, and a steaming cup of coffee is no longer the only beverage option. Canned coffee, in particular, is gaining popularity as the quality of the product improves — Allpress introduced premium speciality coffee cans last year. “At long last, technology has become affordable to speciality roasters like us. We are taking beautiful, high-quality coffee combined with our brewing and roasting expertise and applying it to what was once a commercial packing format.”

Read more • viva.co.nz