06th January 2026
The coffee industry continues to grow as more customers seek new experiences and high quality drinks. In 2026, trends in coffee offer cafés and businesses fresh ways to attract customers, improve sales, and stand out from the crowd. Understanding these trends early can help your business stay competitive and meet customer expectations.
At John Street Beverage, we have over 40 years of experience in the coffee trade. We work with independent cafés, restaurants, and coffee shops of all sizes to help them stay ahead. Below, we explore the key coffee trends that will shape the year ahead and help your business succeed.
Specialty coffee will continue to be one of the strongest trends in 2026. Customers are no longer content with average quality. They want coffee that is carefully roasted, sourced from known farms, and brewed to highlight distinct flavours. This means your business needs to pay close attention to the beans you offer and how they are prepared.
Sourcing high quality beans from trusted producers will help build your reputation. Many customers want to know where their coffee comes from and how it was grown. Cafés that share this information create trust and show their commitment to quality. Training your staff on bean origins and flavour profiles will also improve service and customer satisfaction.
Cold brew coffee has been growing for a few years, and in 2026 this trend will strengthen further. More customers are choosing cold coffee drinks, especially in warmer months. Cold brew offers a smooth flavour that many people enjoy, and it can be a profitable menu item for your business.
Cafés should consider offering a variety of cold coffee options, including nitrogen cold brew, iced lattes, and specialty cold drinks. These can attract customers who might not normally order hot coffee. Using quality beans and the right brewing methods ensures these drinks taste great and keep customers returning.
Plant based milks are no longer a niche option. In 2026, customers will expect oat, almond, and soy options as part of every coffee menu. These alternatives are popular for health, ethical, and taste reasons. Offering a choice of plant based milks will help your business meet customer needs and increase sales.
It is also important to train staff on how different milks behave when steamed or mixed. Oat milk, for example, can produce a good texture for latte art when done correctly. Having knowledgeable baristas enhances customer experience and improves drink quality.
Sustainability will be one of the biggest trends in 2026. Customers expect businesses to think about the environment and fair treatment of growers. This goes beyond bean sourcing and includes waste reduction, recycling, and energy use in your café.
Using compostable cups, recycling coffee grounds, and choosing suppliers that practise ethical farming will help your business appeal to eco conscious customers. Cafés that adopt visible sustainability initiatives are likely to attract more loyal customers and build a strong local reputation.
Single origin coffee, where beans come from one country or region, will continue to grow in interest. Customers enjoy tasting the unique flavours that beans from a specific location offer. This trend gives your business the chance to create special menu items and talk to customers about taste differences.
Offering single origin coffees as limited editions or seasonal features can create excitement and encourage repeat visits. Educating customers about why these coffees are special adds value to their experience and helps you build a more refined menu.
Technology will play a larger part in coffee businesses in 2026. From digital menus to ordering apps and contactless payments, technology helps improve the customer experience and speed of service. Smart coffee machines that control temperature and extraction precisely can also ensure consistency and help baristas produce better coffee.
Investing in mobile ordering or a loyalty app can increase sales and keep customers engaged. These tools are particularly important for busy cafés or those with a strong take out trade.
With all these trends, training your baristas remains important. Skilled staff can take new trends and deliver them in ways that customers enjoy. Offering barista training for your team will help them understand new drinks, brewing methods, and how to use equipment effectively.
At John Street Beverage, our barista courses help teams build confidence and improve coffee quality. From basic espresso training to advanced techniques, well trained staff can make a real difference to the success of your business.
The coffee landscape in 2026 will offer many opportunities for growth and innovation. By focusing on specialty beans, cold drinks, plant based options, sustainability, single origin coffee, and technology, your café or business can meet customer expectations and stay competitive.
With the right team and the right training, these trends can turn into real gains for your business. Keep learning about new developments, listen to your customers, and always strive to offer great coffee. Your customers will appreciate it and your business will benefit from stronger loyalty and better sales.
