European coffee shop leaders indicated that consumers are demanding more products with no added sugar | Photo credit: Tyson Moultrie

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A survey of more than 250 coffee industry leaders conducted by World Coffee Portal has revealed that no added sugar, gluten free and dairy free options are considered the top health-based coffee shop trends among consumers. 
 
Specialty coffee is also gaining traction in European markets according to industry leaders surveyed. The majority (65%) believe that consumer appetite for speciality coffee has significantly increased over the last 12 months, an increase of 15% since 2021.
 
The findings underline a broader trend towards healthy food and beverage options and more premium coffee that has been brewing in developed coffee shop markets over the past decade.
 
Meanwhile, with sustainability once again rising on the agenda following the pandemic, industry leaders surveyed by World Coffee Portal indicated that packaging and food waste were the sustainability issue they felt were the most immediate issues to tackle.
 
Europe’s branded coffee chains have largely rebounded from the pandemic, with World Coffee Portal data revealing that 29 out of the largest 40 European markets by outlets expanded in size over the past 12 months.

Project Café Europe 2022 shows the total European branded café market grew 3.2% over the last 12 months to exceed 40,600 outlets.