New “Coffee Omakase” Concept Taking Off With Rising Consumer Interest – CoffeeTalk

A recent Trend Tracker report from Yelp revealed a 5,173% rise in searches for “coffee omakase,” a multi-course tasting experience led by baristas, and an 81% growth in online searches for the “coffee flight.” Coffee omakase is a chef- or barista-curated experience that favors an intimate setting, encouraging conversations between the barista and diners.

The rise of coffee flights is likely motivated by a macrotrend that has gained momentum during the pandemic: special food experiences. Many U.S. specialty cafés now offer the experience, including NYC-based Kona Coffee Roasters and Korea-based Gute Leute Coffee Bar’s domestic foray in Virginia. Abroad, the innovation is more common, especially in Japan.

Consumers today are much more educated about specialty coffee in general, having developed a taste for higher-quality brews and an interest in nuances that arise from varied growing regions, roast levels, and preparation methods. A recent report from the National Coffee Association found that specialty coffee has maintained a 13-year peak in interest, with 45% of Americans saying they’ve had a specialty brew within the past day.

Coffee flights, similar to “coffee omakase,” refer to a selection of coffee tastings that feature a unified experience but are more likely brought out all at once. Starbucks marketing affiliate Max Schwarz explained that the café chain’s Cold Brew & Sweets Flight encourages diners to discover how aroma, flavor, and more change across their tasting experience of Starbucks Reserve’s cold brews.

Coffee Project NYC offers a similar flight in select locations, a Nitro Cold Brew at a more affordable $12 price point that features the brand’s signature eponymous drink served two ways, with maple sugar, and a baked good. Additionally, the small café chain breaks down the classic latte into its constituent parts in its signature Deconstructed Latte, which divides the coffee into a three-glass flight of espresso, milk, and a fully composed latte.

Consumers resonate with experiences that allow them to deepen their understanding of the beverages they love. Innovations abound in the coffee space, with chains eager to differentiate from their competitors while continuing to inspire repeat purchases at a time when shopper loyalty wavers. Mid-sized New York-native coffee chain Gregorys Coffee is leveraging experiential brews to drive traffic and differentiate itself from national giants like Starbucks.

Read More @ The Food Institute