The whole bean and leaf

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According to the latest statistics from the International Coffee Organization (ICO), we pour about 1.4 billion cups of coffee a day worldwide. Global coffee production in 2017/18 has been estimated at 158.5 million bags, 0.3 percent down on volumes in 2016/17, due to a number of factors, including the impact of global warming, which is seriously affecting quantity and quality

As the Fifth Wave approaches, bars, restaurants and even petrol stations are getting in on the action. Specialty coffee is on the rise, as is single-origin coffee. Microroasters are mushrooming, alongside coffeetasting rooms and coffee certification classes. Technological advances have led to the automation of the entire coffee experience, while superior coffee-making machines, capable of producing a perfect cup with the press of a button, are driving baristas to reconsider their role in the entire value chain. Customizability is another factor playing a role on the consumption side, with more individuals seeking a one-of-a-kind experience they can call their own, driving the growth of an entirely new industry, namely that of 3D coffee-printing machines.

While the sale of coffee far outstrips that of tea, the latter appears to be in the midst of a return-to-basics revolution, as evidenced by the rise in loose-tea alternatives. On the one hand, hoteliers are increasingly partnering with category experts to offer their guests a more personalized experience, bolstered by an integrated retail corner within their establishments. Furthermore, tea is being used to create new kinds of cocktails and culinary marvels, as consumers demand the incorporation of healthier ingredients into their consumables. Also of interest, and in keeping with the single-serve era, the continued development of tea pods for use in single-serve coffee machines is growing.