Brew can do it!
Following a particularly warm and sunny summer, and the mild chill of autumn sets in, consumers are now craving the comfort of a warm brew. ShelfLife reports
Print17 September 2025
Ireland’s coffee culture is booming, with consumers showing a growing appetite for premium, organic, and sustainable options. From fresh brew formats to innovative flavours, the hot beverages market is evolving fast. Ready-to-drink options are a popular choice for busy parents on the school run, students racing between lectures, and professionals needing a quick caffeine fix to kick-start their day. As lifestyles become increasingly fast-paced, convenience without compromising on quality is more important than ever.
Following a particularly warm and sunny summer, consumers are now craving the comfort and ritual of a warm brew as the milder and chillier autumn weather sets in. This seasonal shift presents an ideal opportunity for retailers to spotlight indulgent hot drinks and limited-edition flavours. It’s important for retailers to note that while consumers often remain loyal to particular brands, they have also become more discerning in their purchasing decisions. Offering a diverse selection—including speciality coffees, rich hot chocolates, and an array of teas from Chai to Green—can help meet evolving tastes and expectations, while also enhancing customer satisfaction and driving repeat purchases.
Velo
Velo Coffee Capsules
Velo El Salvador Capsules
Velo Coffee Roasters Introduces Nespresso-Compatible Coffee Pods: Award-Winning Flavours in Every Cup
Cork’s Velo Coffee Roasters has taken its passion for exceptional quality a step further with the launch of Nespresso-comparable coffee pods – same quality ethos with pod convince. These convenient capsules deliver the bold aromas and rich flavours that espresso lovers expect—balanced intensity, silky crema, and instant brew, all while retaining the sophisticated character of specialty coffee.
Leading the debut line-up is the standout El Salvador pod, which has already garnered acclaim, earning 2-star recognition at the Great Taste Awards, placing it firmly among the world’s finest coffee products . Furthermore, both the El Salvador variant and its companion, Your Pace or Mine pod, have been named finalists in this year’s Blas na hÉireann Food Awards, highlighting Velo’s consistent excellence in Ireland’s most prestigious food competitions.
These new pods combine the craftsmanship of Velo’s small-batch roasting with the sleek convenience of single-serve capsules, offering coffee aficionados an effortless but premium experience at home or in the office. Positioned for busy mornings or indulgent mid-day breaks, the El Salvador pod brings award-winning taste straight from Cork to your cup—effortlessly.
Velo’s move into the pod market reflects both an innovative spirit and a steadfast commitment to quality. Whether you’re craving a quick espresso shot or a leisurely café-style moment, these new capsules promise a delightful, recognized, and satisfying brew every time.
Key consumer trend: Convenient iced options
Kenco Dubai Chocolate Latte
Kenco Mixes Creamy Latte
Kenco Mixes Whipped Americano Frappé
Iced coffee has quickly become a go-to beverage, particularly for under-35s, with 84.5% consuming at least one cold beverage in coffee shops in the last 12 months1. With 26% of consumers seeking convenient iced coffee options2, it’s important for retailers to adapt their coffee offering to cater to these needs.
JDE Peet’s is the number one growth driver in the frothy/specialties coffee segment, contributing an impressive +22% growth per month. Our Kenco Iced/Hot is a flexible innovation that creates even more consumption occasions. These single serve sachets are the perfect fit for any store range, with iced lattes perfect for the summer and hot lattes ideal for the winter months, the Iced/Hot range provides a great opportunity for retailers to maximise their rate of sale throughout the entire year.
Retailers should look to stock a range of frothy coffee products, including options from Kenco such as Kenco Iced/Hot and Kenco Millicano Tins to deliver incremental value to their category.
As the demand for flavoured beverages continues to be popular, the brand recently launched three new flavours to our best-selling Kenco Iced/Hot range: Kenco Iced/Hot Dubai Chocolate, Creamy Latte and Whipped Americano. Building on the already successful Kenco Iced/Hot Vanilla and Kenco Iced/Hot Salted Caramel flavours.
Frothy coffee
The growing trend of recreating the coffee shop experience at home is being proven through the immense growth within the frothy coffee segment. In fact, it has seen an increase in spend in Aug 2024 vs Aug 2025 in frothy coffee, gaining greater penetration than other coffee segments in the past five years, with the segment now worth over €32 million3.
JDE Peet’s frothy (specialty coffee) range, including Kenco and Maxwell House, accounts for 52% of the frothy coffee category4, caters to this and has seen value growth of 6% in the last year, driven mainly by the successful launch of the Kenco Millicano Tins in 2024 and the continued growth of the Iced/Hot range, bringing new buyers into the category. Kenco brought 42,000 new buyers into the category over the last year, mainly driven by iced/hot range growth.
1 Allegra Project Café Report Series–January 2024
2 Toluna/Harris interactive demographically representative poll of 1,105 coffee drinkers–from: Coffee is king of the cuppa: 10 charts that explain UK attitudes to coffee | Analysis & Features | The Grocer
3 Kantar Worldpanel Ireland, MAT Value. August 10th 2025
Q&A with… Arron Potts, head of development, O’Reillys Wholesale Ltd.
Arron Potts, head of development, O’Reillys Wholesale Ltd.
Evaro Coffee
Evaro coffee station
1/ What inspired O’Reilly’s Wholesale to launch Evaro, and how does it reflect the company’s values or vision for coffee?
Evaro was inspired by our vision to bring a truly premium, locally roasted coffee to the Irish market, one that balances craft, freshness, and sustainability. At O’Reilly’s Wholesale, we believe in championing quality products with strong provenance, and Evaro reflects those values. It’s more than just coffee; it’s a brand built on care for sourcing, respect for the craft of roasting, and delivering a consistently exceptional cup to our customers.
2/ Can you tell us about the sourcing and roasting process behind Evaro? What sets it apart in terms of quality and flavour profile?
Evaro is a carefully crafted blend of washed, natural, and honey-processed Arabica coffees from Central and South America, combined with a small percentage of polished Robusta. The Arabicas bring smooth sweetness and complexity, while the hand-harvested and polished Robusta enhances body and crema without the bitterness usually associated with Robusta beans.
What truly sets Evaro apart is its zero-defect count, ensuring only the finest beans make it into the blend. Roasted locally on the island, the beans are delivered with ultimate freshness, so the aromas are only released when each cup is freshly ground and brewed. The result is a smooth, sweet but full-bodied flavour profile that works beautifully as both a black coffee and in milk-based drinks.
3/ How does Evaro cater to the evolving tastes of today’s coffee drinkers, particularly in the specialty and sustainable coffee space?
Today’s coffee drinkers are looking for more than just caffeine, they want flavour exploration, ethical sourcing, and quality they can trust. Evaro meets this demand with a blend rooted in specialty-grade practices, from hand-harvesting Arabicas at high altitudes to polished Robusta that enhance crema while maintaining balance. The attention to chemistry, balancing chlorogenic acids, lipids, and proteins in the bean, means a flavour profile that avoids bitterness and maximises depth. For bean-to-cup brewers, we’ve even adjusted the blend to ensure great body and taste, showing how Evaro adapts to evolving coffee preferences and brewing technology.
4/ What kind of businesses or customers is Evaro designed for, and how are you supporting them with this new offering?
Evaro is currently exclusive to our MyDaily stores and is designed to support our independent retailers through our new symbol brand, backed by O’Reilly’s Wholesale. This gives our partners access to a premium coffee with a strong story behind it, along with training, marketing support, and point-of-sale materials to help them maximise sales and elevate their coffee offering. As part of the Evaro supply, there is a comprehensive range of bean-to-cup machinery for all volume requirements including maintenance service and support. While Evaro is exclusive to MyDaily today, we’re always exploring opportunities for growth, so the door is never fully closed on expanding availability in the future.
5/ Sustainability is a big topic in the beverage industry – what steps has Evaro taken to ensure its coffee is ethically and responsibly produced?
Evaro is built with sustainability in mind at every stage. From sourcing hand-harvested Arabicas in mineral-rich mountain soils to polished Robustas that reduce waste and improve cup quality, we’re working only with farms and cooperatives that prioritise ethical practices and fair conditions. Globally, coffee is the second most traded commodity after oil, but too often this trade happens without benefit to the farmers. With Evaro, we’re committed to ensuring our supply chain is transparent, responsible, and respectful of both people and the planet. Locally roasting also reduces shipping impact and keeps more value within Ireland.
6/ Looking ahead, what are your goals for Evaro as a brand, and how do you see it evolving in the competitive coffee market?
Our ambition is to establish Evaro as a recognised premium Irish coffee brand that marries quality, freshness, and responsibility. In the short term, we aim to expand the range with new blends, single origins, and perhaps limited editions that showcase unique processing methods like honey or natural. Long term, we see Evaro leading the way in sustainable packaging, direct trade partnerships, and education around coffee quality, helping businesses and consumers alike understand what makes a great cup. In a competitive market, we believe Evaro’s combination of freshness, science, and story will set it apart.
Contact details:
Name: Arron Potts
Phone: +44 7442626370
Email: arron.potts@oreillyswholesale.com
Warbler & Wren partners with Birdwatch Ireland
Niall Hatch from Birdwatch Ireland and Garath Scully master roaster at Warbler & Wren
Warbler & Wren coffee cup
Warbler & Wren Craft Coffee Roasters
As a local Dublin based roaster, Warbler & Wren is dedicated to making a positive impact along its sustainability journey. As “Guardians of Great Coffee”, its avian friends are at the very core of its brand, and it has announced its sponsorship with Birdwatch Ireland. This sponsorship embodies the shared passion for wildlife conservation and sustainability. By supporting Birdwatch Ireland, it has taken an important step in helping to protect wild birds and their habitats, while also encouraging others to cherish and conserve the beautiful environment it shares.
At Warbler and Wren sustainability and quality are major considerations in all the decisions it makes. All the blends are of the finest 100% arabica and packaged in 100% recyclable packaging from its roastery which is powered by renewable energy. Further detail on its complete coffee solution that includes training, service & equipment and marketing supports can be found at www.warblerandwren.com
Together, protect the feathered friends and celebrate the wonders of nature, one cup of coffee at a time.
Java Republic research reveals coffee consumption surge in Ireland over last decade
A new study commissioned by Java Republic highlights a significant increase in coffee consumption among Irish adults, with nearly half (47%) of respondents reporting they drink more coffee now than they did ten years ago. Additionally, 25% of coffee drinkers consume as many as four cups per day, reflecting a strong and growing demand for coffee in daily routines.
Coffee consumption trends
The research shows that coffee remains a staple in many people’s lives, with 76% of respondents identifying as coffee drinkers. This number is slightly higher among men (79%) compared to women (73%).
Daily consumption patterns indicate that 68% of coffee drinkers consume one to two cups per day, with this trend being more prominent among females (74%). Meanwhile, 5% drink five-six cups daily, and 2% consume six or more cups each day.
In addition to the decade-long increase, 40% of respondents also reported drinking more coffee now than they did five years ago.
Consumer preferences & purchasing decisions
When choosing where to buy coffee, taste is the most important factor, influencing 88% of consumers, followed by price (62%).
Despite potential price fluctuations, coffee lovers remain committed to their daily brew. In fact, 50% said they would not reduce their coffee consumption if prices increased.
Quality is a priority for many, with 65% stating they would not accept a decrease in coffee quality to save on price.
Additionally, ethical considerations are becoming more relevant in purchasing decisions, with almost a quarter (23%) of consumers factoring in whether their coffee is ethically sourced.
Jeffrey Long, managing director, Java Republic, commented: “The coffee industry is evolving in response to rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and the growing impact of climate change on coffee-growing regions. Yet, one thing remains clear – consumers continue to prioritise high-quality, ethically sourced coffee. Sustainability is no longer just a trend; it is now a decisive factor in purchasing decisions, as more people recognise the environmental and social impact of their choices.
Amid these challenges, the future of coffee lies in innovation and responsible sourcing rather than cost-cutting. Businesses that invest in quality, barista expertise, and sustainable practices will be best positioned for long-term success. At Java Republic, we see these shifts as an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to premium coffee solutions, sustainability, and the evolving expectations of today’s coffee drinkers,”
For more information, visit www.javarepublic.com
Nescafé launches new range of ready-to-drink Iced Lattes
Nescafé is ‘thrilled’ to reveal its latest launch, Nescafé Iced Latte. For the first time ever, a ready-to-drink iced coffee can be found in the ambient coffee aisle (where regular hot coffee products are normally found) in a brand-new multi-serve format.
Consumers are able to enjoy refreshing iced coffee moments in two delicious flavours: Iced Latte and Iced Caramel Flavour Latte.
These truly indulgent tasting lattes were specifically designed to be enjoyed cold and could not be easier to prepare. Simply shake the carton well to mix, prepare your chosen glass with ice and pour 250ml over it, then sip and enjoy.
Each carton contains three servings, making it easier than ever to enjoy a delicious and refreshing iced coffee at home, any day of the week.
Carol Anne Deasy, Nescafé marketing manager, Nestlé Ireland, said: “We are so excited to be introducing the new Nescafé Iced Lattes to coffee lovers in Ireland.
“Whether you’re enjoying a well-deserved break or catching up with friends and loved ones, it’s never been easier to enjoy the sweet taste and creamy texture of a perfect iced latte.
“Nescafé is dedicated to meeting the evolving preferences of consumers and we are delighted to showcase this commitment by providing even more ways for coffee drinkers to enjoy the exceptional taste of Nescafé in the comfort of their homes.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing more unique and indulgent experiences to coffee enthusiasts in Ireland.”
Both products contain 92 calories per 250ml serve, are a source of calcium and high protein, contain no artificial flavours and are suitable for vegetarians.
Nescafé Iced Latte is made using 100% responsibly sourced coffee, supporting coffee farmers to improve their lands and livelihoods. You can learn more here.
Nescafé Iced Latte and Ice Caramel Flavour Latte are available nationwide.
Barry’s Tea strengthens brand presence with fresh packaging and upcoming new launch
Barry’s Tea Master Blend
Founded in 1901 in Cork, Barry’s Tea is a family-owned company with a rich heritage. Its Master Blenders meticulously source the finest tea leaves from renowned growing regions in Rwanda, Kenya, and the Assam Valley in India. This unwavering commitment to quality ensures that only exceptional teas make their way into its blends.
Barry’s Tea continues to strengthen the portfolio with the roll out of new packaging designs across the black tea range on favourites like Barry’s Tea Gold Blend, Decaf Blend and Master Blend. The new designs are fresh and contemporary while retaining the iconic brand colours and heritage cues, ensuring strong recognition on-shelf.
Barry’s Tea Master Blend continues to attract discerning shoppers seeking the best quality and consistency in the black tea category. Later in the year, the brand will extend the Master Blend range with a new 160 teabag pack. The introduction of the larger Master Blend pack size will offer shoppers greater value and ensure they never run out of their favourite tea.
These initiatives underline Barry’s Tea’s reputation for quality, heritage, and consumer loyalty, while providing retailers with a stronger, modernised range to drive growth in the category.
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