A survey commissioned by coffee roaster Matthew Algie found that 42% of Millennials (aged 28-43) and 43% of Gen Z (aged 16-27) say their coffee consumption has changed since the UK’s first lockdown on 23rd March 2020.
Nearly half of Millennials (48%) reported drinking more coffee than before the pandemic, while 45% of Gen Z said the same. Older generations have been less affected, with only 21% of Gen X (aged 44-59) and 14% of Baby Boomers (aged 60-78) saying their habits have shifted.
More than half of Millennials (51%) and 42% of Gen Z said they now place greater value on good coffee than before lockdowns. Expectations around quality have risen as well, with 61% of respondents saying they now expect all coffee to be of a high standard – rising to 64% among both Millennials and Baby Boomers.
According to the research, younger Britons have become more adventurous in their choices with 47% of both Gen Z and Millennial respondents saying they now explore different types of coffee more frequently.
Sustainability has also become a key factor for consumers, with 42% of those surveyed willing to pay more for coffee if it is sustainably sourced. That number rises to 58% amongst Millennials and 52% for Gen Z. Just 27% of Baby Boomers said they’d pay more.
Matthew Algie, based in Glasgow, is one of the UK and Ireland’s leading suppliers of coffee, equipment, and training to businesses and organisations across hospitality, retail, education and industry.
Estelle MacGilp, head of coffee sourcing at Matthew Algie, said: “The lasting effect is a more conscious and engaged coffee drinker. Again, particularly among younger generations, there’s an increased awareness of ethical sourcing, production methods, and the craft behind a great cup of coffee.
“This presents an exciting opportunity for the coffee industry to not only meet but exceed evolving consumer expectations – by prioritising transparency, sustainability, and exceptional quality at every stage of the supply chain.”