I'm back from Coffee Fest Atlanta and finally able to think about the show.
As the first big coffee show of the year, this is the one that I feel sets the trend for how coffee shops will approach us for the rest of the year.
Based on this show - the coffee industry is strong!
Some of the trends I'm seeing from the show are:
- Beer & Wine: More people are looking at adding this as an option in their shops. I heard from multiple owners that they have a drop on coffee sales after four in the afternoon. Beer and wine sales help keep the revenues up after that time.
- Food: A number of shops explained that they were adding more food options to the menu. I hear this every couple years but this was a little different. I heard more about food that focuses on fresh, local and healthy options than just your usual sandwiches.
- Coffee & Not Syrup: I heard from a number of attendees that they were limiting the syrup options in drinks.
Mike.
