The U.S. is still the largest coffee-consuming nation in the world, but the amount of coffee people are drinking at home has generally declined over the period 1998-2003. Excluding Wal-Mart, sales through FDM channels fell by close to 15%, from $3.4 billion in 1998 to an estimated $2.9 billion in 2003, and part of this is due to declining coffee prices. Per capita, Americans are simply drinking less coffee at home and the trend is likely to continue.

Coffees that convey a lifestyle tie-in—specialty coffees, socially and environmentally conscious coffees, creamy ready-to-drink beverages—are experiencing more success than standard ground coffee. Ready-to-drink coffee also has the added advantage of requiring no preparation. But these areas of the market, though growing, are still quite small compared with the more traditional segments, and so far have had only limited effect on the total coffee market.

Coffees experiencing the most success are those coffees that convey a lifestyle tie-in—specialty gourmet coffees, socially and environmentally conscious coffees, creamy ready-to-drink beverages. Consumers seem to want more than “just a cup of coffee.” Ready-to-drink coffee also has the added advantage of requiring no preparation. But these areas of the market, though growing, are still quite small compared with the more traditional segments, and so far have had only limited effect on the total coffee market.

This is an update of Mintel’s previous report on the Coffee market, Coffee—U.S., consumer intelligence, January 2003.

Key issues covered in this report include the rise of premium coffee awareness, cause-related coffees, the successful growth of Starbucks, age patterns in coffee consumption and the relative performance of different segments in the market. Original consumer research examines attitudes and behavior by age, gender, ethnicity and income, and a six-year trend analysis predicts future growth.

This report covers coffee and coffee beverages sold for home consumption. It excludes coffee substitutes, additives, and flavorings. Also excluded is prepared coffee sold through outlets such as coffee houses, restaurants, convenience stores, vending machines, and other venues.

Coffees covered in this report include:

Ground, whole bean, or instant

Light, medium, dark, or espresso roasts

Straight (made from a single variety of bean) or blends

Caffeinated, decaffeinated, or “light” (reduced caffeine content); decaffeinated coffee includes different formulations

Flavored or unflavored

Specialty and premium beans

Sustainable and cause-related coffees, including organic, shade-grown, bird-friendly, eco-friendly, and fair trade

Bulk (loose beans), prepackaged multi-serving, and single-serve filter packs

Coffee beverages made with added flavorings, sweeteners, or other ingredients; these may be sold as instant or ready-to-drink coffees

Freeze-dried, spray-dried, granulated, or powdered instants.

This report includes IRI InfoScan data.

A number of U.S. reports covering related sectors have been published, are planned, or are in preparation, including:

Coffee Shops—U.S., consumer intelligence, February 2004

Bottled Water—U.S., consumer intelligence December 2003

Hispanics and Drinks—U.S., consumer intelligence, November 2003

Store Brand Drinks—U.S., consumer intelligence, October 2003

Functional Beverages—U.S., consumer intelligence, September 2003

Energy Drinks—U.S., consumer intelligence, July 2003

Tea—U.S., consumer intelligence, June 2003

Dairy/Non-Dairy Creamer and Dairy Cream—U.S., consumer intelligence, March 2003

Carbonated Soft Drinks—U.S., consumer intelligence, February 2003

Coffee—U.S., consumer intelligence, January 2003

Breakfast Drinks—U.S., consumer intelligence, November 2002

RTD Noncarbonated Beverages—U.S., consumer intelligence, August 2002

Beverages: Volume 1-The Consumer—U.S., consumer intelligence, July 2002

Beverages: Volume 2-The Marketplace—U.S., consumer intelligence, July 2002

Sports Drinks—U.S. consumer intelligence, July 2002