Market size for the coffee industry with statistics and tips!

Howard Schultz, the visionary behind Starbucks coffee company, once said: 'Success is best when it’s shared.'

And we think that coffee is one of the greatest shared experiences humanity has ever created. Whether it’s a morning ritual, a first date, or the backdrop to late-night ideas sessions that change the world, coffee is a cultural phenomenon.

And yet, we take it for granted. We walk into cafes, swipe our cards, and barely think about the journey of those beans. Every cup is the result of hands, sweat, and earth. Farmers, roasters, baristas, they’re not cogs in a machine but artists.

Coffee is the beating heart of a global economy. And, if you think the market is oversaturated or that innovation has peaked, you’re dead wrong.

The coffee industry is not slowing down, it’s evolving. Rapidly.

So, if you’re thinking about starting a coffee business, don’t aim small. Don’t just play the game. Lead it. Know the trends shaping this industry, the numbers that show its potential. Know why the coffee market is worth being a part of.

Because there’s always room for those who care more, who think bigger, who do it better.

Coffee shop market analysis

From the global coffee market and how much your cafe business could make, to the average American consumption and the most consumed beverages around the world, here's all the numbers you need:

How much is the global coffee trade worth?

In 2023, the global coffee size market was valued at an astounding $223.78 billion.

Think about that for a moment. Over $200 billion, driven by something as simple (and as extraordinary) as a cup of coffee.

And it’s not stopping there. The market is expected to grow at a steady 5.4% annually from 2024 to 2030 fueled by changing lifestyles, rising disposable incomes, and a booming coffee culture.

Average turnover in a cafe 

Ah, the question of café turnover. It’s the one every aspiring coffee shop owner dreams of cracking like the perfect espresso shot.

Sure, we could throw around numbers like $450,000–$500,000 in annual revenue for small, independent coffee shops, and you’d think, “Wow, I’m set for life!” But let’s not kid ourselves. That’s gross revenue, not profit. And as any café owner will tell you, gross revenue is not the substance that keeps the lights on.

When we factor in the gritty realities, like wages, rent, utilities, inventory, and the ever-hungry taxman, the profit margins narrow significantly. We’re talking $60,000–$160,000 per year.

Now, that might sound like a wide range, and it is, because every coffee shop’s success is as unique as the beans they grind. Location, business model, menu diversity - these are just a few of the variables in the financial brew.

Current pricing for cafe products

The average cup of coffee this year was $3.72. Some of the leading coffee shops, we're talking popular coffee chains like Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Peet's Coffee and Dunkin Donuts, even charge as much for $6.95 for some of the coffee products on their cafe menu.

The simple fact is that coffee prices are on the up, and they’re not coming down. But people are okay with that. In fact, they're demanding it. They seem to be willing to pay that little extra for quality, for craft, and for something a little different.

Think about it. We’ve got French Presses, Chemexes, coffee machines that just require coffee pods, all at-home now, making brewing your own coffee easier than ever. They also have so many ready-made options at convenience stores now, too.

So, when people leave their homes to grab a cup from a café, they expect more. They expect better. They want lattes, dirty chais, japanese matcha green tea, flat whites, cappuccinos, and mochas. They want cute shapes made from frothy milk. They want flavoured syrups, oat milk. Almond milk. Soy. They want artisanal beans, gourmet coffee and nitro cold brew.

In fact, according to the National Coffee Association's 2024 report, 45% of American adults had specialty coffee in the past day, an increase of 80% since 2011. For the first time ever, specialty coffee consumption has surpassed traditional coffee consumption.

What are the top market sizes per country? 

When it comes to the coffee market size, the US is the undisputed leader. With a staggering $85 billion in revenue from coffee alone, it dominates the coffee industry like no other.

Behind the US, Japan comes in second, but there’s a sharp drop-off. Japan’s market size is $35.4 billion. That’s less than half of what the US generates. And while Japan is undoubtedly a powerhouse in the coffee world (thanks to its rich coffee culture, from traditional cafés to cutting-edge brewing methods) it’s still a far cry from the dominance of the American market.

Who are the biggest cafe consumers in the market?

If the US dominates coffee revenue, then surely that means Americans are the biggest coffee drinkers, right? Well, actually, it's not even close. Sure, we’ve got an $85 billion coffee economy, and yes, coffee is more popular here than water with 63% percent of Americans admitting to drinking at least one cup a day. However, we're not actually leading the charge when it comes to sheer regular coffee consumption.

The true coffee titans? The Nordics. Finland. Denmark. Norway. Iceland. According to a global coffee market report, these countries don’t just drink coffee, they worship it. Per capita, they’re drinking more coffee than anyone else on the planet.

Most popular café types

Let’s be real for a second, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to cafés. The coffee world is full of options, and consumers today are more discerning than ever.

That means that, before you open your doors, you better understand the coffee shop business model that is thriving, because each model caters to a different need.So you’ll need to conduct research on your competition. You need to know what’s happening in your local market, who the players are, and what consumers are craving.

Let’s break down the top types of cafés that are dominating the scene at the moment:

• Third-wave coffee shops: Champions of sustainability, transparency, and ethical sourcing. They’re focused on the journey of the coffee bean, from farm to cup.
• Specialty coffee shops: These are the places where coffee is taken seriously. We’re talking about single-origin beans, precise brewing methods, and a commitment to quality in every cup.
• Drive-thru cafés: People are busier than ever, and if you want to capture those on-the-go customers, you’d better have a smooth drive-thru operation in place.
• Concept cafés: These are great if you really want to wow your customers. Think of the trendy cafés that double as art galleries, bookstores, or event spaces. They're for the people who want somewhere to meet friends, network, or just relax in a space that reflects their identity.

If you don’t know your target customers, if you don’t understand exactly what other coffee shops in your area are doing, then you'll never be able to work out what type of coffee shop you should open.

Research is crucial here. If you’re not tapping into what’s working and why, you're setting yourself up for failure. Understand the needs of your community. Figure out where the gaps are. Are people craving artisanal brews with a side of sustainability? Or are they rushing through their day and need a drive-thru café that’s fast, efficient, and doesn’t skimp on quality? Maybe they need a place to connect and collaborate?

The truth is, no single café model will work everywhere. You have to adapt to your location, your audience, their behaviors, and their needs. One thing’s for sure though, if you’re not in tune with what today’s coffee drinker is looking for, someone else will be.

Top 3 growth drivers in the cafe industry

From all of the above data, we can see that the coffee market is being transformed by shifts in culture, consumer demands, and business innovation. Want to know what’s driving this? Pay attention to these 3 trends, because they’re defining the industry. Get these right, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for success. Miss them, and you’re just another café in the crowd.

The rise of coffee consumption

The global love affair with coffee is accelerating. This is a market that’s only getting bigger, and the appetite for coffee is insatiable. It's solidified its position as one of the world’s most consumed beverages.

Higher demand for specialty coffee drinks

Consumers are paying attention to where their beans come from, how they’re roasted, and how that cup is prepared. From pour-overs to cold brews, there’s a growing appreciation for craft. That's because people want more than just caffeine; they want an experience. They want something unique. Something that tells a story. And if you’re in this business, you need to step up your game. The days of “good enough” coffee are over.

Greater focus on café culture among consumers

It's not just about the drink itself anymore. It’s about the space. People want cafés that reflect their values and their lifestyle. The modern coffee shop is a place to linger, to work, to connect. It’s a culture. It's where you tell your friends your big engagement news. Or where you huddle to brainstorm that new app you want to develop. It's where you and your run club drink coffee and load up on carbs after a 10km stit. We’re seeing more and more consumers flock to cafés that offer something more than just a place to sit. They want ambiance. They want community. They want culture

What is the cost to open a coffee shop in America nowadays?

The million-dollar (or should I say $100,000 to $500,000) question. Starting a coffee shop isn’t just about buying a fancy espresso machine and slapping your name on a sign. It’s about building a business from the ground up. The bare minimum you'll be looking at is around $100,000. That's if you’re thrifty, clever, and possibly doing a lot of DIY. But if you want the kind of cozy, Instagrammable vibe that turns casual sippers into loyal regulars, you’re looking at closer to $300,000–$500,000.

Latest trends in coffee shops businesses 

In this industry, you need to be nimble. You need to innovate. You need to always have your finger on the pulse. To help you out, we've put together some of the top trends we're seeing in the coffee industry:

Online ordering and mobile payments are still the key for more sales

DoorDash. Uber Eats. Grubhub. Epos Now Delivery. You’ve heard the names, right? These platforms are everywhere. Because people love the convenience of online ordering and delivery.

While it might have started as a feature for corporate chains or high-traffic locations, the pandemic pushed it to the forefront of the independent coffee shop world, and there’s no going back.

Some coffee consumers want to sit down in coffee shops, gossip with friends and spend an afternoon enjoying the vibes. Others, though, want convenience. They don’t want to waste time standing in line or waiting at the counter. They want to browse your menu, customize their latte, pay with a tap, and either pick it up or have it delivered, all without wasting a second.

Customer behaviour is leaning more towards customized drinks

These days, customers want the freedom to tweak, adjust, and completely change their drinks, and it’s no longer just about a splash of syrup. We’re talking multiple syrup options, plant milks (oat is the reigning champion) and functional ingredients like medicinal mushrooms, turmeric, and even collagen for that glowy skin effect.

And let me tell you, the big players are absolutely killing it with this trend. In July 2024, Starbucks announced they were fully customizing their entire iced drink range offering the UK coffee market 4 different Cream Cold Foam flavors (Strawberry, Crème Brûlée, Matcha Cream, and Cookies & Cream.) A thick, meringue-like sweetened cream sitting atop your drink, taking it from basic to extra. They get it. They understand that customers crave something unique, something that’s theirs.

People want control. The demand is there, and if you’re not meeting it, your competitors will. So, unless you're solely catering to older Americans who still value an affordable coffee, you may just miss out on a big part of the coffee shop market size.

Greater awareness of sustainable consumption 

We think that Sandra Uwera Murasa, Global CEO, and Melissa Duncan, Executive Director of Fairtrade International, said it best when they said, "We are living in a rapidly changing world. Whether it’s related to climate, conflict, cost of living, or new regulations, we are all being called on to adapt and to act."

This year, we’ve seen weather devastate coffee-growing regions, droughts ravaging crops, and labor shortages and staffing crisis exposing how fragile our entire system is. The truth is, we’ve been ignoring the consequences for far too long. The impact of climate change and unethical practices can no longer be swept under the rug.

Consumers are awake. They’re asking questions, and they’re demanding answers. In fact, a study from the International Institute for Sustainable Development found that 43% of coffee consumers say they're influenced by “ethical, environmentally friendly, or socially responsible coffee options.”

Let that sink in. Nearly half of your potential customers are actively looking for a reason to choose you—and they’re making that choice based on your values, not just your espresso-based beverages.

The demand for cafes as co-working environments

Pew Research Center recently found that 14% of people in the U.S. (that’s about 22 million) are working from home full time. And that’s not even including the hybrid workers who spend part of their week at home. So what does this tell us? The lines between work and life are more blurred than ever, and people need a space that allows them to balance both.

Enter the coworking café. It’s a hub for freelancers, entrepreneurs, digital nomads, remote workers, and anyone else who needs a change of scenery from their living room couches.

These are the spaces that offer comfortable seating, fast Wi-Fi, power outlets everywhere, and maybe even a quiet corner for those who need to focus or take a meeting with their managers.

How to grow your cafe in the current landscape 

Check out our scaling tips:

Invest into a strong management software to keep up with the demand

In today’s world, you need the right tools to keep up with everything from online orders to inventory tracking. That’s where solid POS software comes in.

You need the right tools to scale your business, manage customer expectations, and stay on top of operations. And that’s exactly what a hospitality POS system can do for you. It’ll help you streamline everything, from online orders coming in at lightning speed, to tracking inventory without losing your mind.

Create a strong loyalty program to increase customer retention

If you’re not building loyalty, you’re building a one-way ticket to obscurity. Simple as that. A loyalty program is about creating a deeper connection with your customers. Think beyond free drinks though. What about early access to new menu items? Or discounts, or even personalized rewards?

Adjust your menu pricing strategy regularly to remain competitive

Pricing is EVERYTHING. If you’re not regularly tweaking your menu prices, you’re just asking for trouble. The market changes, costs go up, and your competitors aren’t standing still. Your cafe pricing needs to reflect that.

What is the future of the cafe industry?

So there you have it. Everything you need to know about the coffee industry.

Customers want convenience, they want sustainability, and let’s be honest, they want something more than just a cup of coffee. They want meaning. So, if you're still thinking of your café as just a place to get coffee, you're missing the point.

Now, we can’t stress this enough. People care. They want to know their coffee was ethically sourced, the packaging is eco-friendly, and that the business is responsible. If you, and your employees, aren't thinking green, you're going to lose out. Simple as that.

But here’s the big thing, innovation. You have to stay ahead of the curve. Offer online ordering. Give customers the ability to customize their drinks like never before. Build a community around your café.

The future of the café industry is bright, but it’s also competitive. Adapt or get left behind. If you’re ready to innovate, embrace the changes, and think outside the cup, you’ll thrive. Let’s own it. Start working on your coffee shop business plan today.