Global Instant Coffee Market Size By Material (Freeze Drying, Spray Drying), By Packaging (Jar, Sachet, Pouch), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Business-to-Business, Independent Retailers), By Geographic Scope And Forecast

Instant Coffee Market Size And Forecast

The Instant Coffee Market size was valued at USD 30.47 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 40.89 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.13% from 2024 to 2031. Instant coffee, also known as soluble coffee, is a convenient form of coffee made from roasted or ground coffee beans that have been processed to enable quick preparation. While fresh coffee remains a staple in the global coffee industry, instant coffee is gaining significant popularity due to its ease of use and speed of preparation. It has been a favored choice for decades, offering a simpler and faster way to enjoy coffee without the need for brewing equipment or extensive preparation time.

The growing demand for convenience in today's fast-paced lifestyle has led to a shift from traditional brewed coffee to instant varieties.

Consumers appreciate instant coffee for its ability to deliver a quick caffeine fix while maintaining the flavor and aroma of regular coffee. This trend has even influenced other beverage segments, with the "instant" approach becoming more common in tea products as well.

Spray-drying coffee extract is sprayed into hot air, causing the liquid to evaporate quickly and leaving behind fine coffee powder or small granules.

Freeze-drying involves freezing the coffee extract and then cutting it into small pieces. These pieces are dried at a low temperature in a vacuum, preserving the coffee's flavor and aroma.

Global Instant Coffee Market Dynamics

The key market dynamics that are shaping the global instant coffee market include:

Key Market Drivers

Increasing Coffee Consumption and Changing Consumer Lifestyles:

The growing global coffee culture, coupled with busy lifestyles, is driving demand for convenient coffee solutions like instant coffee. According to the International Coffee Organization (ICO), global coffee consumption reached 170.83 million 60-kg bags in 2021/22, up from 164.02 million bags in 2020/21, indicating a steady increase in coffee consumption worldwide.

Rising Urbanization and Growing Middle Class in Emerging Markets:

Rapid urbanization and the expanding middle class in developing countries are fueling the demand for convenient, affordable coffee options. The United Nations reports that 56.2% of the global population lived in urban areas in 2020, and this is projected to increase to 68% by 2050.

Product Innovations and Premiumization:

Manufacturers are introducing premium and flavored instant coffee varieties, attracting a wider consumer base and driving market growth.

Key Challenges:

Health Concerns Related to Acrylamide Content:

The higher levels of acrylamide in instant coffee compared to freshly brewed coffee pose a significant health concern, potentially restraining market growth. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), coffee substitutes (surrogates) contain on average 818 μg/kg of acrylamide, compared to 522 μg/kg in roasted coffee and 358 μg/kg in instant coffee.

Growing Preference for Fresh-Brewed Coffee and Specialty Coffee Shops:

The rise of coffee culture and the increasing popularity of fresh-brewed, artisanal coffee pose a challenge to the instant coffee market. The Specialty Coffee Association reports that the market share of specialty coffee has grown from 40% to 59% in the last decade in the United States.

Environmental Concerns and Sustainability Issues:

The instant coffee production process and packaging have raised environmental concerns, potentially restraining market growth among environmentally conscious consumers. A life cycle assessment study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production found that instant coffee has a higher environmental impact in terms of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions compared to filter coffee when consumed in moderate amounts.

Key Trend:

Premiumization and Specialty Instant Coffee:

There's a growing trend towards premium and specialty instant coffee products, catering to more discerning consumers who seek higher quality and unique flavors. A study by the National Coffee Association USA found that 59% of coffee consumed daily is now classified as "gourmet," up from 46% in 2012, indicating a shift towards higher-quality coffee products.

Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing:

Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainably sourced and ethically produced instant coffee, driving companies to adopt more responsible practices. According to a 2021 survey by the National Coffee Association, 53% of coffee drinkers say they're more likely to buy coffee that is certified as sustainably sourced.

Innovative Packaging and Formats:

The instant coffee market is seeing a trend toward innovative packaging solutions and new product formats to attract consumers and enhance convenience. According to Mintel, 29% of U.S. coffee drinkers say they're interested in coffee pods that are flavored with non-dairy creamers, indicating a demand for innovative, convenient coffee products.

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Global Instant Coffee Market Regional Analysis

Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the global instant coffee market:

Europe:

Europe substantially dominates the global instant coffee market driven by its high per capita income and consumer spending power.

The high per capita income in many European countries contributes significantly to the region's dominance in the instant coffee market.

According to Eurostat, the GDP per capita in the EU-27 was €27,810 in 2020, with countries like Luxembourg (€84,690), Ireland (€75,290), and Denmark (€53,470) having particularly high figures.

The European Coffee Federation reports that the total value of the European coffee market reached €38.9 billion in 2020, indicating substantial consumer spending on coffee products.

Europe has a deeply ingrained coffee culture, with high per capita consumption rates driving demand for convenient coffee solutions like instant coffee.

The European Coffee Federation states that the average per capita coffee consumption in the EU-28 was 5.2 kg in 2020, with top consumers like Finland (12 kg), Norway (9.9 kg), and Denmark (8.7 kg) far exceeding this average.

According to the International Coffee Organization, Europe accounted for 32% of global coffee consumption in 2020/21, consuming approximately 54.4 million 60-kg bags of coffee.

European instant coffee manufacturers are at the forefront of product innovation, introducing premium blends, flavored varieties, and eco-friendly packaging to attract consumers.

The European Plastics Converters (EuPC) reports that 74% of European plastics converting companies have already taken steps to make their products more sustainable, including those in the instant coffee packaging sector.

Asia Pacific:

Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness the fastest growth in the global instant coffee market during the forecast period owing to the rapid economic growth and rising disposable income.

The fast-growing economies in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in countries like China and India, are driving increased consumption of instant coffee.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the GDP growth in emerging and developing Asia is projected to be 5.3% in 2023 and 5.2% in 2024, significantly higher than the global average.

The National Bureau of Statistics of China reports that the per capita disposable income of Chinese residents reached 35,128 yuan in 2021, a 9.1% increase from the previous year.

The significant growth of the food and beverage industry in countries like India and China is boosting the instant coffee market.

According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the Indian food processing industry is expected to reach USD 535 Billion by 2025-26, growing at a CAGR of 14.6% from 2020 to 2026.

China's National Bureau of Statistics reported that the revenue of the country's beverage manufacturing industry reached 795.72 billion yuan in 2020, despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic.

Rapid urbanization and the adoption of Western dietary habits are driving the demand for convenient food and beverage products, including instant coffee.

The United Nations projects that by 2050, the urban population in Asia will increase by 50%, reaching 3.5 billion people, and creating a larger market for convenient products like instant coffee.

Global Instant Coffee Market: Segmentation Analysis

The Global Instant Coffee Market is segmented based on Material, Packaging, Distribution Channel, And Geography.

Instant Coffee Market, By Material

• Freeze Drying
• Spray Drying

Based on the Material, the Global Instant Coffee Market is bifurcated into Freese Drying and Spray Drying. The spray drying segment dominates the global instant coffee market owing to its cost-effective and simple production process. Spray-dried coffee, made by evaporating liquid coffee droplets in hot air, is more affordable than freeze-dried alternatives, appealing to budget-conscious consumers.

Instant Coffee Market, By Packaging

• Jar
• Sachet
• Pouch

Based on the Packaging, the Global Instant Coffee Market is bifurcated into Jar, Sachet, and Pouch. The pouch segment dominates the global instant coffee market owing to its practicality, affordability, and eco-friendly potential. Pouches are lightweight, unbreakable, and easy to store, making them a convenient option for consumers. Their flexibility and availability in various sizes make them more cost-effective than traditional glass jars, boosting their market demand.

Instant Coffee Market, By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
• Business-to-Business
• Independent Retailers

Based on the Distribution Channel, the Global Instant Coffee Market is bifurcated into Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Business-to-Business, and Independent Retailers. The supermarkets/hypermarkets segment dominates the global instant coffee market owing to their widespread distribution, extensive reach, and appeal as convenient one-stop shops offering a variety of brands and products. Growing urbanization and the expansion of retail chains further boost the segment's growth.

Instant Coffee Market, By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Rest of the World

Based on Geography, the Global Instant Coffee Market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. Europe substantially dominates the global instant coffee market driven by its high per capita income and consumer spending power. The high per capita income in many European countries contributes significantly to the region's dominance in the instant coffee market. According to Eurostat, the GDP per capita in the EU-27 was €27,810 in 2020, with countries like Luxembourg (€84,690), Ireland (€75,290), and Denmark (€53,470) having particularly high figures. The European Coffee Federation reports that the total value of the European coffee market reached €38.9 billion in 2020, indicating substantial consumer spending on coffee products. Europe has a deeply ingrained coffee culture, with high per capita consumption rates driving demand for convenient coffee solutions like instant coffee.

Key Players

• The "Global Instant Coffee Market" study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are
• Tata Global Beverages Ltd., Tchibo Coffee International Limited, Trung Nguyen, Strauss Group, Nestle S.A., Starbucks Corporation, Matthew Algie Company Limited, Keurig Green Mountain, Kraft Food, Inc., and Unilever Plc.
• This section offers in-depth analysis through a company overview, position analysis, the regional and industrial footprint of the company, and the ACE matrix for insightful competitive analysis. The section also provides an exhaustive analysis of the financial performances of mentioned players in the given market.

Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.

Global Instant Coffee Market Key Developments

• In January 2022, Sleepy Owl announced the launch of premium instant coffee in three flavors (Original, French Vanilla, and Hazelnut) that are free of artificial flavors and preservatives.
• In March 2022, Melbourne-based coffee roaster Beat Coffee announced the launch of a specialty instant coffee that combines quality, flavor, and convenience in a single sachet. The freeze-drying procedure preserves the coffee's brightness, including caramel and honey flavors.