We’ve all heard that catchy phrase from the 1928 song: “You’re the cream in my coffee…”, right? Well, these days it could be revised to say: “Will that be for here or to go?”
Options abound for coffee lovers! And, according to a statistics compiled recently, Americans drink 1.64 cups of coffee per day, on the average. We are busy, busy, busy and need disposable cups and containers!
Nationally, about 150 million Americans, or roughly half of the entire population of the country, drink some form of coffee–whether it is iced coffee, cappuccino, latte or espresso. Of all those enjoying a coffee-based beverage, a whopping 65% use creamer in some form. Whatever the individual preferences, the coffee is often served in paper coffee cups with lids.
Yes, many enjoy coffee, but the coffee industry is not just for pleasure and enjoyment. It is a huge business and an economic force. For example, the U.S. imported one-quarter of global un-roasted coffee in 2014. This amounted to 27 million bags of coffee, and made the U.S.the largest single buyer in the world.
Similarly, in the U.S., the retail value of the coffee market is approximated to be $48 billion dollars. Specialty coffees make up 55% of that, with independent coffee shops making annual sales of $12 billion. And what do they all have in common? Paper cups for serving this delicious beverage!
There are two main kinds of coffee, Arabica and Robusta. Of these two types, mostly all of the specialty industry coffee is the Arabica kind. In the smaller, independent coffee shops, brewed coffee is the number one seller, followed by 31% of sales coming from espresso-based drinks.
With all of this coffee being consumed, coffee shops are going to need creamer, sugar, paper napkins, stirrers, paper sleeves—and all kinds of paper coffee accessories. 37% of U.S. coffee cups, which are thought to be the most superior quality, globally, are specialty coffees.
Considering the many ways to prepare coffee, as well as the huge selection of gourmet coffees, it only makes sense that specialty coffees and coffee shops will require their own types of coffee accessories. Items such as custom paper cups, coffee cups with lids, coffee stirrers and paper to go coffee cups are all items that are needed in coffee shops, year round.
And even though the majority drink their coffee in the morning, about 65% during breakfast, some enjoy a coffee at other times of the day. Many shops now include a selection of soups, too, to accompany the specialty coffees for those who might want soup–and a coffee–for lunch. Soups that are served in paper containers are excellent for those who have to get somewhere else fast, but still are trying to eat well!
So, no matter what your preference is for a cup of specialty coffee, or how busy your schedule is, most likely you will be able to find exactly what you’re looking for and be able to enjoy it at your convenience…and most likely your “to-go” container and your accessories will be made of paper!