What shifting coffee habits could mean for grocers: Study
Even amidst economic pressures and rising food costs, Canadians’ coffee consumption has stayed steady, show the latest results of the Coffee Association of Canada’s (CAC) 2025 Canadian Coffee Drinking Trends study.
The study surveyed 1,519 Canadians aged 18-79. The company notes the data is "nationally representative of the Canadian population on age, gender and region."
The study found that while eight in 10 Canadians have noticed coffee prices rising, coffee has continued to be a daily staple for consumers, with 71% of Canadians reporting they drank a coffee beverage the previous day.
Coffee purchasing habits have changed to reflect these cost-related pressures. The study notes 21% of consumers say they have reduced their out-of-home coffee spending and 31% said they stock up on coffee when it's on sale. Fifteen per cent have tried a new brand of coffee to drink at home.
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The study also found that more than half of consumers reported cutting back on non-essential spending, including socializing less.
This shift in daily routines gives grocers a chance to adapt marketing and merchandising tactics to reflect consumer buying habits.
"Coffee remains a core driver for grocery retailers. As the top consumed beverage by Canadians, coffee presents grocery retailers with a clear opportunity to build lasting category loyalty. By offering value-driven private labels alongside premium innovations, grocers can convert daily routines into habitual store loyalty, driving sustained traffic and sales," Robert Carter, president of the Coffee Association of Canada told Canadian Grocer.
The study notes that traditional coffee remains the most popular choice, with 45% of Canadians consuming a traditional coffee beverage the previous day, followed by 29% having espresso-based drinks.
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“These trends highlight the resilience of coffee demand in Canada,” said Carter in a press release. “Consumers are still choosing coffee, but in new ways—buying on sale, experimenting at home and making thoughtful choices about where they spend their money.”
