As good as brew
As Ireland’s coffee culture expands, innovation and sustainability are driving new trends in hot beverages, from premium coffee to functional drinks, writes Shauna Bernard
Print23 September 2024
A hot cup of tea or coffee is what many of us reach for first thing in the morning. While Ireland has a long-standing tradition of tea drinking, there’s no denying that coffee culture is expanding rapidly. Younger consumers, in particular, are increasingly drawn to fresh and organic coffee products.
According to Euromonitor’s recent report on ‘Hot Drinks in Ireland,’ coffee is expected to drive market growth as the trend towards premium products continues. More consumers are opting for higher-end options, such as fresh coffee beans and ground coffee pods.
The 2022 Euromonitor report on ‘Coffee in Ireland’ also anticipates a rise in innovation within the coffee industry, with brands experimenting with unique and exotic flavours to enhance their product offerings.
As with many other categories, sustainability has become a significant factor in the hot drinks market. Environmentally conscious consumers are increasingly choosing brands that align with their eco-friendly values, particularly in terms of reducing plastic waste.
Statista’s ‘Coffee – Ireland’ report shows revenue in the coffee market is projected to reach €27.97 million in 2024. The market is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 10.07%, leading to a projected market volume of €45.20 million by 2029.
Coffee innovation
Tassimo machine
Tassimo offers stylish machines with clever technology, delicious drinks, and consumers favourite brands.
Tassimo brews coffee shop quality drinks at the touch of a button using innovative Bosch technology, giving consumers barista style drinks at home.
Tassimo uses the highest quality Arabica coffee beans in all of its coffee drinks. From creamy Lattes to uplifting Americanos, or indulgent Hot Chocolates; more than 70 drinks from 11 well known brands including Costa, Kenco, L’OR and Cadbury.
Irish customers can recycle all Tassimo pods and packaging by downloading a freepost label from Tassimo.ie and returning for processing.
In 2023, there were more than 47 million cups* of Tassimo sold in Ireland, and so far this year more than 23 million cups** have already been sold.
Tassimo delivers nearly six times more value than an instant cup of coffee at an average of 39 cent a cup***.
*Kantar Worldpanel 2023, **Kantar MAT 7th July 2024, ***Kantar Worldpanel: comparison to a standard Premium Instant coffee)
Barista quality
L’OR barista machine
L’OR has answered the growing demand for coffee shop experiences in the home with the L’OR Barista coffee machine, made in partnership with single serve coffee machine pioneers Philips, alongside a range of unique L’OR Barista XXL capsules which deliver barista-quality coffee for shoppers to enjoy at home.
L’OR capsules have also announced it recently acquired the prestigious Great Taste award in the UK and Ireland.
L’OR Barista is compatible* with both regular single shot capsules, as well as the new and exclusive L’OR Barista XXL capsules.
Containing twice as much coffee, its newer, larger capsules provide a variety of drink sizes, from single and double Ristrettos, Espressos, and Lungos. L’OR Barista’s capsule compatibility ensures retailers can continue to offer consumers capsule choice and flexibility, with customer favourites such as L’OR Espresso single shot capsules, as well as other brands* – a win for the category, retailers, and consumers.
Complete with dual capsule recognition technology, which automatically detects the capsule size and 19 bar brewing pressure, coffee connoisseurs can now enjoy single or double-shot espressos and infinite recipes with milk**, without having to step foot in a coffee shop.
This meets the growing demand from Irish consumers to replicate barista-quality drinks in the comfort of their own home.
The new double-spout design allows two coffees to be made at the same time using the new L’OR Barista XXL capsules (available in six blends and strengths).
Irish customers can recycle all L’OR pods by downloading a freepost label from lorespresso.ie and returning for processing.
*The L’OR BARISTA coffee machines have been designed to work with L’OR Espresso single shot capsules and L’OR BARISTA double shot capsules, as well as Nespresso®*** Original and most Nespresso®*** Original compatible capsules.
**when buying a Latte Edition machine, with a semi-integrated milk frother, or a standalone L’OR milk frother sold separately.
***trademark of a third party not connected to JACOBS DOUWE EGBERTS and/or Philips.
KitKat cocoa
Nescafé Dolce Gusto is bringing its latest innovation: KitKat Hot Cocoa Beverage pods.
Inspired by the iconic KitKat, its new hot cocoa beverage pods allow consumers to indulge in the KitKat signature notes of wafer and cocoa, all in a smooth and creamy cup of hot cocoa from the comfort of home.
Crafted with the utmost care, its hot cocoa beverage pods are designed to deliver the unmistakable taste of KitKat in every sip.
The pods are made with sustainably sourced cocoa as are all KitKat products.
“Inspired by the world’s favourite break, these pods allow you to recreate your coffee shop experience and enjoy the iconic KitKat from the comfort of your sofa,” said Carol Anne Deasy, Nescafé Marketing manager, Nestlé Ireland.
Nescafé Dolce Gusto KitKat Hot Cocoa Beverage pods are available in most major retailers and on the Nescafé Dolce Gusto webshop.
Protein brew
Velo Coffee + Protein
The coffee industry in Ireland is experiencing rapid growth, driven by a focus on quality, flavour, and sustainability.
As consumers demand more from their beverages, functional coffee has emerged as a key player, appealing to those looking to boost energy and enhance nutritional intake with every sip.
Within this booming functional beverage space, protein coffee is leading the way, redefining the traditional coffee experience.
Velo Coffee Roasters is at the forefront of this movement with its innovative Coffee + Protein product, the first to combine real coffee with the benefits of protein.
Coffee + Protein is everything consumers love about the rich, delicious flavour of freshly brewed Velo coffee with the muscle-repairing and satiety-boosting advantages of protein.
It’s a solution tailored to the modern consumer’s need for both convenience and functionality, making it a perfect choice for busy professionals, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to enhance daily nutrition without compromising on taste or time.
As the popularity of Coffee + Protein races ahead, the next evolution is the Coffee + Protein Pit Stop.
Its new offering surpasses traditional ready-to-drink protein shakes and coffee by providing a range of barista-crafted recipes, each enhanced with the ideal protein boost to support energy, focus, and muscle recovery.
In a market where multifunctional products are increasingly sought after, the Coffee + Protein Pit Stop represents the next generation in this growing trend, delivering a perfect balance of taste, convenience, and nutrition.
As coffee continues to evolve, functional coffee is set to stay at the forefront of this exciting transformation.
Returning to roots
Insomnia Coffee has announced the opening of two new locations in Galway, located in Knocknacarra and Westside.
The official openings were celebrated recently with special appearances by Galway Hurler and Insomnia brand ambassador Conor Whelan, and Galway footballer Robert Finnerty, who cut the ribbon in Knocknacarra and welcomed customers to this vibrant new location.
Galway holds a special place in Insomnia’s heart, as the company’s journey began there with the opening of its very first café in 1997 and its still serving more than 27 years later.
The new Knocknacarra café opened at Gateway Shopping Park on the Western Distributor Road, it followed the launch of the Westside Shopping Centre location, marking a significant expansion for Insomnia in Galway, which now operates five cafés.
These openings offer locals cosy and inviting spaces to enjoy their favourite coffees, freshly baked pastries, and seasonal treats, while further strengthening Insomnia’s presence in the community.
“Galway is where our story began, and we are excited to bring more of our coffee experience to the city. Having Conor Whelan and Robert Finnerty join us today made this milestone even more special,” said Harry O’Kelly, chief executive officer, Insomnia Coffee.
Read more: Category Focus: It’s a brew-tiful day
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