Coffee consumption in the United Kingdom has climbed to an estimated 103 million cups per day, according to new research from the British Coffee Association (BCA). The findings highlight a significant demographic shift, with younger adults now consuming more coffee on average than older generations for the first time.
The study, conducted by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), shows a notable increase from the 98 million daily cups recorded in 2018. Consumption among adults aged 18 to 34 has grown by nearly 50% since 2021, rising from an average of 1.3 cups to 1.9 cups per day. This figure now surpasses the average of 1.7 cups per day reported by those aged 55 and over. The data also indicates that younger consumers spend more when purchasing coffee out of home, averaging £4 per cup compared to £3.20 for the older demographic.
This generational change points to an evolving market where coffee is integrated into a wider variety of occasions and formats, including cold brew and iced coffee. The BCA notes that the drink's versatility and potential for customization are key drivers of its popularity among younger consumers. The report underscores the sector's economic importance, citing European Coffee Federation data that the UK coffee industry contributes nearly €17 billion to the economy and supports over 430,000 jobs.