G'DAY from Australia dear Coffee Lover,
It was an incredible experience speaking at the Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) - the Southern Hemisphere’s largest dedicated coffee event.
My keynote focused on mega coffee trends from a global perspective exploring how consumer expectations, sustainability, and technological advancements are reshaping the global coffee industry.
- Booming markets & shifts
Global coffee consumption doubling over the past 30 years. While North America and Europe stabilize, emerging markets like Asia, India, and the Middle East are surging.
- Cold Coffee & Specialty trends
RTD and cold brew are now a $23 market globally with innovations like cold brews and coffee-infused desserts reshaping demand. Matcha lattes are also on the rise.
- M&A & Vertical integration
Industry giants continue acquisitions, while supply chain challenges push for vertical integration. The coffee category remains very diverse.
- Tech & automation
AI-driven roasting, consumer data tracking, and advanced automation are redefining coffee. Coffee mixology and nitro cold brew signal the next wave of innovation and big business.
- Pricing & sustainability pressures
Arabica prices are climbing. Meanwhile, an aging farmer population and climate change raises long-term supply concerns. The Coffee industry must stay on top of margins to stay profitable.
I would like to highlight from my perspective Australia’s contribution to Global Coffee Culture ☕🌏
☕ The rise of the flat white – arguably Australia’s most famous coffee export.
☕ Strong independent café culture – Australia’s coffee scene thrives on independent cafés that focus on quality, community, and craft, setting a high standard globally
☕ Third wave & specialty coffee dominance – Australia embraced the third wave coffee movement earl
☕ Alternative milk boom – with oat, almond, and macadamia milks gaining traction, Australia has been at the forefront of plant-based innovations
☕ Coffee cocktails & specialty infusions – Espresso Martinis may have originated here, but Australian baristas and mixologists continue to experiment with coffee-infused beverage
☕Strong takeaway & home brewing culture – with a highly mobile coffee culture, Australians have embraced high-quality takeaway and at-home brewing
☕ Ready-to-Drink (RTD) cold brew & specialty iced coffee – Australia’s warm climate and innovative approach to cold coffee have popularized RTD cold brews, nitro coffee, and specialty iced lattes, influencing beverage trends worldwide.
☕ Smart coffee technology & automation – from precision grinders to AI-powered espresso machines, Australia is pioneering the integration of technology in coffee making.
Australia’s passion and innovation are why the world looks "Down Under" for inspiration. It’s clear that the future of coffee is bright, and I’m excited to see how our industry continues to evolve ☕🌏
