Some like it hot
ShelfLife explores the latest launches, consumer trends and innovations - highlighting what's hot in hot beverages and how retailers can capitalise on demand
Print22 September 2026
Ireland’s appetite for quality coffee and hot beverages continues to grow, with consumers increasingly looking for premium experiences, distinctive flavours and products that reflect changing lifestyles. From specialty coffee and barista-style options to tea, organic and sustainable choices, the category is full of opportunities for retailers.
Hot beverages are a successful and growing market in Ireland, particularly within the coffee shop and café sector. According to Bord Bia’s Irish Foodservice Market Insights Report 2025, the coffee shop and café sector in the Republic of Ireland generated €436 million in turnover in 2025, representing 4.9% growth in value compared with the previous year. Bord Bia also forecasts a further 5.0% growth in 2026, demonstrating continued consumer demand for coffee and other hot beverages. This suggests that hot beverages are a strong sales opportunity in the Irish market, with consumers continuing to spend significantly on products such as coffee and tea.
Grocery retailers should bear this in mind, as customers stopping for a hot beverage present a key opportunity to upsell complementary products, such as pastries, snacks, sandwiches and impulse purchases, increasing overall basket spend.
Frank and Honest finds consumers wary of charges
Frank and Honest offers self-serve oat drinks without an additional charge
New research commissioned by Frank and Honest has found that 92% of Irish consumers have thought twice before purchasing because of extra charges.
Nearly half (42%) actively avoid businesses that add them, while one in three (31%) would rather look for a cheaper alternative altogether.
If Ireland could ban one extra charge forever, airline baggage fees would be the first out the departure gate (23%), followed by food delivery charges (17%) and airline seat selection fees (17%).
The research also suggests younger consumers may be more tolerant of everyday extras.
Four in ten (40%) 18-24-year-olds say they don’t mind additional charges if they’re clearly explained, compared with just a quarter (23%) of those aged 55-64, suggesting younger consumers are becoming more accustomed to everyday surcharges than older generations.
Coffee charges When it comes to coffee, the research found that consumers are more accepting of paying extra for certain additions, including caramel syrup, larger cups and extra shots.
However, non-dairy milk alternatives appear to be a different matter.
More than one in three consumers (35%) believe non-dairy milk alternatives should cost the same as dairy milk.
Despite this, just 7% of coffee drinkers say they are happy to pay an additional charge for a non-dairy milk alternative.
The research puts the average oat milk surcharge at 40 cent per cup.
When deciding where to buy their coffee, Irish consumers identified great taste (65%) and good value (54%) among the factors that matter most, alongside avoiding unexpected additional charges.
Frank and Honest offers self-serve oat drinks without an additional charge.
Jennifer Whinney, brand manager, Frank and Honest, said: “Nobody enjoys discovering another extra charge at the checkout.
“While we’ve become used to paying for everything from baggage fees to booking charges, this research shows that paying more for oat drinks is one extra many people still struggle to get behind.
“At Frank and Honest, the belief is that choosing oat shouldn’t feel like an upgrade or a luxury, it should simply be another way to enjoy your coffee.
“That’s why our self-serve oat drinks come at no extra cost.
“Whether you’re team dairy, team oat or somewhere in between, we want people to enjoy great coffee, made the way they like it, without worrying about another surprise extra.”
For more information visit: www.frankandhonest.ie
Kenco unveils ‘best ever’ relaunch with improved taste, premium new look and major Irish activation campaign
Kenco Decaf, Smooth and Rich coffee
Kenco is set to unveil its biggest relaunch in years, bringing Irish shoppers a new and improved Kenco that delivers both a superior taste experience and a bold new look on shelf. The relaunch reinforces Kenco’s premium quality credentials while strengthening its distinctiveness in an increasingly competitive coffee category. Featuring enhanced recipes and improved coffee credentials, the range delivers what Kenco describes as its “best ever” taste, while the redesigned Jewel Jar packaging creates a more contemporary, premium and impactful presence in-store.
To support the relaunch, Kenco is rolling out a major activation programme throughout September under its new “Uplift the Everyday” platform. The campaign will come to life through a striking Chancery Street mural in Dublin, designed to create standout visibility and spark conversation around the brand’s fresh new look. Alongside this, Kenco will deliver immersive sampling experiences, giving consumers the opportunity to experience the improved taste credentials firsthand. High-impact activations at Dublin’s iconic Golden Square and a major takeover of Heuston Station will further drive awareness, trial and consideration among Irish coffee drinkers.
The programme will be amplified through PR, social and media activity, with a strong focus on building mental availability and reinforcing Kenco’s position as a premium yet accessible coffee choice for Irish consumers. Extensive in-store visibility and sampling will further support conversion at the point of purchase.
With a striking new look, enhanced taste profile and one of its most ambitious activation campaigns to date, Kenco is aiming to reignite growth, recruit new shoppers and strengthen consideration across the category.
Evaro premium coffee, roasted locally
O’Reilly’s Wholesale ‘wanted to create something different in coffee — a premium brand built around quality, freshness, craftsmanship and responsible sourcing’. That’s where Evaro was born.
Evaro is a carefully crafted blend of high-quality Arabicas from Central and South America, combining washed, natural and honey-processed coffees for sweetness, depth and complexity. A small percentage of polished Robusta adds body and exceptional crema, without the bitterness traditionally associated with Robusta.
The result is a smooth, naturally sweet and full-bodied coffee that works beautifully black or with milk.
Quality and freshness
Quality starts with the bean. Evaro uses carefully selected, hand-harvested coffees, with a rigorous approach to quality ensuring only the finest beans make the blend.
The coffee is roasted locally on the island of Ireland, helping maximise freshness and preserve the aroma and character of the beans, the brand noted.
The blend has also been developed to perform exceptionally well through modern bean-to-cup equipment, delivering a consistently great cup throughout the day.
Built for independent retailers
Evaro is currently exclusive to MyDaily, backed by O’Reilly’s Wholesale.
Its retail partners have access to training, marketing support, POS materials and a complete range of bean-to-cup machinery, including servicing and technical support.
So, O’Reilly’s is ‘not simply supplying coffee — it is providing a complete coffee proposition designed to help retailers grow their sales and offer customers a genuinely premium experience.’
Responsibly sourced. Built for the future
Evaro is developed with responsible sourcing in mind, working with farms and cooperatives that prioritise ethical practices and fair conditions.
Its ambition is to establish Evaro as a recognised premium Irish coffee brand, with plans to develop new blends, single origins and limited editions as the brand grows.
Evaro premium coffee. Locally roasted.
BREVATO Q&A with Brendan Egan, head of Coffee, Brevato
Brendan Egan, head of Coffee, Brevato
Q: How would you describe the biggest changes you’re seeing in Irish consumers’ coffee habits at the moment?
A: The past few years have shown a shift in Irish consumers’ behaviour and preferences as they have become increasingly more discerning about their coffee choices. Convenience remains hugely important, but people are no longer willing to compromise on quality. They expect a great coffee whether they are in a café or picking one up on the go. We are also seeing growing demand for personalisation, non-dairy and iced coffee options, along with expectations of trending flavours and coffee alternatives such as matcha.
Q: How does Brevato stand out from competitors?
A: Brevato was developed with a very clear ambition: to bring a more elevated coffee experience to our customers. We have focused on every aspect of the proposition, from the quality of our coffee and equipment to our menu and overall brand experience. Backed by the scale and expertise of BWG Foods, Brevato combines exceptional coffee with a bright and welcoming experience in-store at selected SPAR, EUROSPAR, MACE and Londis stores nationwide. With Brevato’s Rainforest Alliance certification, our customers are assured that we are putting people and planet first in all that we do. Now with more than 100 locations nationwide, we are making great coffee more accessible to consumers across Ireland.
Brevato reports huge growth in iced coffee
Q: What is driving growth in premium and specialty coffee, and how can retailers tap into it?
A: Coffee has become an affordable everyday treat, and consumers are increasingly prepared to spend more for a noticeably better experience, and for a greater range offering. They are more knowledgeable about quality than ever before, and expect barista-standard coffee wherever they buy it. For retailers, a strong coffee proposition can drive footfall, loyalty and basket spend. The key is to focus on the complete experience, and at Brevato that has been our priority and focus from the very beginning; bringing quality and convenience together in every sip.
Brevato Coffee available in selected Spar, Eurospar, Mace and Londis stores nationwide
Q: Are consumers becoming more adventurous with coffee?
A: Absolutely. We can see that while traditional coffees such as cappuccinos, flat whites and lattes remain popular, consumers are increasingly experimenting with iced coffee, alternative milks, flavours and limited-edition drinks. Iced coffee in particular has moved beyond being a seasonal trend and is now an important part of the year-round coffee market. Coffee alternatives such as Matcha are also a very popular choice with consumers, and we at Brevato were delighted to introduce a ceremonial grade Matcha offering from our bean-to-cup machines in selected stores earlier this year, to meet this need for our customers.
Q: How important are sustainability and ethical sourcing?
A: They are becoming increasingly important, particularly for younger consumers who want greater transparency around the products they buy. Traceability and responsible sourcing are key considerations for the coffee industry. At Brevato, we recognise sustainability as an ongoing journey and along with our Rainforest Alliance Certification, we continue to look at opportunities to improve across sourcing, packaging, waste and our wider operations.
Q: What is the next big opportunity for Brevato?
A: The biggest opportunity is continuing to expand and bring great coffee to more locations and to meet consumers’ needs during more occasions. Given the high expectations and standards that we see our consumers demand, we feel best placed at Brevato to continue to meet those needs with our innovative and elevated coffee offering. Having recently opened a second stand-alone café at Thomas Street, Limerick, following the opening of our first café at Dublin’s George’s Dock last year, we are excited to explore ways in which the Brevato brand can pair great-quality coffee with exceptional food. We are always evolving and considering new locations, new drink formats and capitalising on trends, expanding our portfolio and finding ways to bring greater personalisation. Ultimately, while innovation is important for a fledgling brand, quality and consistency will always be at the heart of Brevato.
Lyons ‘Pieta Tea & Talk’
Lyons ‘Pieta Tea & Talk’ special pack. 80 Biodegradable Tea Bags
Ahead of World Mental Health Day this October, Lyons is ‘proud to support’ Pieta Tea & Talk, encouraging people across Ireland to put the kettle on, come together and start conversations that matter, while raising vital funds for Pieta’s life-saving services.
In Ireland, a chat over a cup of tea is one of the simplest ways we connect. It can be a chance to catch up, check in or simply make time for someone. Through Tea & Talk, Pieta and Lyons are using that everyday ritual to help support people and families impacted by suicide and self-harm.
Families, friends, workplaces, schools and communities across Ireland are encouraged to host their own Pieta Tea & Talk Morning around World Mental Health Day. Every cup shared, conversation started and euro raised will help Pieta continue to provide its vital services free of charge.
The partnership will also be supported by limited-edition Lyons packs, with 20c from every promotional pack purchased donated to Pieta.
For Lyons, it brings ‘Puts the Talk into Tea’ to life in a meaningful way, using the simple act of sharing a cup of tea to encourage connection, conversation, and support for Pieta’s vital work.
Lyons invites you to sign up today at www.TeaAndTalk.ie, host your own Tea and Talk with friends, family, colleagues or your community, and help raise vital funds to support Pieta’s free services.
Pukka Herbs expands functional tea range with Gut Health and Unwind blends
Pukka’s new Gut Health blend 20 Individually Wrapped Tea Bags
Leading herbal tea brand, Pukka Herbs, is expanding its wellness offering with two new functional blends, Gut Health and Unwind, designed to ‘support consumers’ everyday wellness rituals’.
Pukka’s new Gut Health blend features a unique flavour combination of warming ginger and cooling peppermint, brightened with a touch of naturally fermented kombucha, offering a lively and refreshing taste.
The new Unwind blend is crafted to support a state of normal mental relaxation. It combines chamomile with blueberry, adaptogenic ashwagandha, and nootropic lion’s mane, creating a fruity cup of calm.
These new product launches offer health benefits that attract wellness-motivated shoppers and taps into the growing share of digestion and relaxation benefits.
As with all Pukka teas, both blends support trade sustainability commitments. Each pack contains 20 individually wrapped and 100% home compostable tea bags, with fully recyclable outer packaging made from FSC certified materials. The home-compostable tea bags feature organic string that is stitched rather than glued. Both blends are also organic and fair trade certified according to the Fair for Life standard.
Lipton to bring a burst of flavour to Irish tea market with vibrant new range
Lipton Peach Paradise 20 Pyramid Tea Bags
Lipton Teas & Infusions is set to refresh the Irish tea category with the launch of its new Lipton Hot range. Created to turn cold days into colourful moments, the new range redefines fruit and herbal tea with a fun and flavour-first proposition. With delicious variants designed to warm consumers up from the inside out and brighten their days.
Made with ingredients from natural origin and real fruit pieces, Lipton’s new hot range includes Peach Paradise, Berry Bliss, Mango Passion and Lemon Ginger Refresh. Offering fresh, fruity taste at an accessible price point, the range is designed to broaden the appeal of fruit and herbal teas, enticing younger consumers and newcomers to the category with bold flavours that are fun and refreshing.
The blends are served in plant-based tea bags within a convenient pack of 20. Crafted to deliver vibrant taste without calories or sugar, the new range re-imagines fruit and herbal teas, transforming it into an explosion of feel-good flavours that are as exciting to drink as they are delicious. Better still, the new range of Lipton ‘champions sustainability, as the Rainforest Alliance certified blends come in recyclable boxes, heightening the brand’s commitment to people and the planet’.
Discover Lavazza, ‘Tales of Italy’ through Findlater & Co.
Lavazza Galleria Coffee
Findlater & Co, share the Lavazza ‘passion for excellence’ that make every cup of coffee a unique experience. Proud to be an authorised distributor for Lavazza products and equipment across the island of Ireland let’s ‘take you on an authentic “Tales of Italy” coffee journey’.
According to Lavazza ‘Tales of Italy’ is inspired by places that are symbolic of the Italian espresso. Be transported to one of Italy’s most iconic cities with the Galleria blend: ‘Mirroring the elegance and style of Milan, the shimmering sophisticated spirit of Northern Italy and its cafés are captured in this 100% Arabica blend…’
Complimented with notes of chocolate and dried fruit these Rainforest Alliance Certified beans are further enriched with Cereja Apassita that delivers on hints of honey and raisin.
To elevate your coffee offering and unlock new growth opportunities for your business, get in touch today. Discover how ‘Tales of Italy’ coffee, alongside expert training, dedicated support, innovative marketing and equipment solutions can help take your business to the next level.
For further information visit: www.findlaterandco.com/coffee/ or linkedin.com/company/findlater-co
Contact: Paul Phipps, Commercial Coffee Channel Manager at: Paul.Phipps@FindlaterandCo.Com
Bewley’s seasonal favourites hit all the right notes
Bewley’s Hot Brown Sugar Chai
Bewley’s Iced Peppermint Matcha
Bewley’s Iced Toasted Hazelnut Mocha
As the seasons change, customers naturally look for drinks that feel more comforting and indulgent. Familiar flavours remain important on autumn and winter menus, but consumers are increasingly looking to enjoy those favourites in new and interesting ways.
Colder weather doesn’t mean the end of iced serves either. Seasonal iced drinks continue to offer something different, not forgetting the rise of flavoured and protein cold foams, which create even more opportunities for customisation.
Bewley’s continues to monitor international trends and adapt them for the Irish market, with matcha and chai featuring across the global beverage landscape. This season, classic flavours including Pumpkin Spice, Cinnamon, Peppermint, Hazelnut and Gingerbread have all been given a twist in the Bewley’s autumn/winter menu for customers to enjoy their favourite flavours in new drinks.
The autumn/winter menu is designed around taste, versatility, and customer-led insights. Pumpkin Spice features in a classic latte and warming chai, while Cinnabun is served as both a latte and matcha. Winter brings Toasted Hazelnut Matcha and Mocha, followed by Peppermint Matcha and Mocha for Christmas.
For operators, Bewley’s makes it easier to give consumers what they want and help drive footfall. Customisation is key, whether through a fully automated machine or a traditional coffee with a little extra flavour added. Ingredients across coffee, matcha, chai, chocolate, and syrups help deliver greater choice without unnecessary complexity.
To order contact sales@bewleys.com, call (01) 816 0600 or visit: www.bewleys.com.
Solaris Tea ‘shares its grá for Gaeilge with new loose-leaf range and autumn rituals’
Galway-based organic tea blender and Certified B Corporation Solaris Tea is sharing its grá for Irish heritage with the launch of its new bilingual loose-leaf packaging. Created to celebrate the revival of Gaeilge and native plant folklore, the range features bespoke, hand-carved lino-cut artwork by renowned illustrator Steve Doogan. Blended and packed in Galway using 100% home-compostable materials, this zero-waste format offers retailers an authentic story of craftsmanship, sustainability, and premium shelf appeal.
To embrace the cooler months, Solaris highlights loose leaf as the purest, most sustainable way to brew, spotlighting Solaris Rooibos Cacao Chai. Hand-blended by medical herbalists, this naturally caffeine-free infusion feels like a nourishing, spiced hot chocolate made with herbs. Combining organic South African rooibos with rich cacao peel, sweet honeybush, and warming spices, it is packed with protective antioxidants to ‘soothe the body, keep you cosy, and create a grounding evening ritual that helps you truly unwind’.
Ingredients: 2tsp Rooibos Cacao Chai loose leaf tea or two Rooibos Cacao Chai tea bags 200ml water 200ml Milk or plant milk of your choice 1tsp honey or brown sugar (optional) Sprinkle of Cacao powder or Cinnamon Cinnamon twirl to stir.
Directions: Place the water and Rooibos Cacao Chai in a small stainless-steel pot and simmer gently with lid on for five-10 minutes. Or brew with boiling water and infuse for 10 minutes. Strain the tea into two cups, stir in sweetener if using. Steam milk of your choice until foamy and pour onto the tea. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cacao and a cinnamon twirl to serve. Enjoy!
The Velo Coffee journey continues: Cork roastery launches specialty in-store coffee solution
Velo Dark Chocolate & Sweet Grapes Whole Coffee Beans
Velo Coffee Roasters is bringing its farm-to-cup story straight to the retail counter, launching a new specialty in-store coffee solution designed to turn outlets across Ireland into destinations for quality coffee. It’s the next chapter in a journey that’s taken the Cork-based roastery from small-batch bags to multi-award-winning Nespresso-compatible pods including the Great Taste Awards two-star winning El Salvador pod and Blas na hÉireann finalist Your Pace or Mine — and now into a full, turnkey in-store programme built specifically for retail.
The in-store solution is comprehensive: a specialty-grade coffee offer paired with the equipment and hands-on support outlets need to run it well, dropped straight into one of the sector’s strongest margin-delivering categories. As Ireland’s first B Corp certified coffee roastery, Velo has always led with quality, transparency and connection from bean to cup and this programme is built to bring that same standard directly behind the counter, giving retail partners an in-store experience customers will notice.
If you’re serious about growing your key margin-delivering sector, call Velo Coffee Roasters today.
To mark the launch, Velo Coffee Roasters is offering an exclusive incentive for the first four outlets to sign up quoting ShelfLife Hot Beverage feature: four months of rent-free equipment.
In-Store Coffee Solution for Retail To celebrate the launch of our retail solution, the first four outlets to sign up quoting “Shelflife Hot Beverage Supplement” will receive four months of rent-free equipment. For more information email: john@velo.coffee t. (021) 432 3044 e. john@velo.coffee w. velocoffee.ie
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