A world first – it has never been easier to get iced coffee at the workplace!
How is Generation Z revolutionizing the workplace, and what coffee trends are emerging?
Generation Z is the first generation to be born and raised in a digital world. They were born between 1997 and 2012 and the oldest are now ready to enter the workplace. While millennials have adapted to the digital age and made sure to help older generations in the same direction, GenZ has grown up with technology. This also means that this group of young people is the first generation that can be considered true "digital natives". As a technologically advanced and diverse generation, GenZ has already shown that they have a different approach to work than previous generations. And last but not least - they have different tastes and expectations when it comes to coffee and coffee solutions.
One of the big changes that comes with GenZ is the desire for a more flexible and adaptable work environment. For many, this means having access to different types of workspaces, from home offices to cafes and coworking spaces. This means that workplaces need to offer more than just filter coffee or a regular coffee machine to be attractive.
Where we see the biggest difference in coffee preferences between generations is the growing trend among GenZ - namely cold coffee! An article from The New York Times concludes that there are five main reasons why this generation has fallen in love with cold coffee1:
The coffee must be drinkable right away. Traditional hot coffee is usually too hot to start with, and while waiting for the coffee to reach the right temperature, you often get distracted and the coffee ends up half-cold. And we can all relate to the fact that hot coffee that has become cold does not give the same taste experience.
More than 65% of 18-24 year olds believe that iced coffee is a better alternative to sugary drinks, such as soda. Iced coffee is perceived as a refreshing treat, and less unhealthy2.
There are many ways to customize iced coffee and make it exactly how you want it. With the help of flavored syrups, you can try several variations and get different taste experiences. This is what makes the category interesting for this target group.
Cold coffee is less intense. Many young people who don’t like regular coffee start with iced coffee because the coffee flavor is not as intense. This is often the introduction to the coffee category, which later leads to the transition to hot coffee drinks. However, this does not mean that one replaces the other3.
Young people love sharing coffee photos on social media. Fun fact: On TikTok, #hotcoffee has 60 million views, while #icedcoffee has a whopping 6 billion views. It just goes to show that cold coffee drinks are popular among GenZ. For example, see our delicious and aesthetic cold coffee recipes here.
1 How Cold Brew Changed the Coffee Business - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
2 https://nationalcoffee.blog/2018/10/04/for-rtd-coffee-cold-is-hot/#more-11123
3 Nytimes.com: Visited 02/06/2023 (Gina Cherelus) Does Anyone Drink Hot Coffee Anymore? - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
There is no doubt that this is a trend that is here to stay. To accommodate the new generation in the job market, JDE Professional is now launching a coffee solution for the workplace that covers all needs: Friele Cafitesse Hot & Cold – the coffee solution that offers both iced coffee and hot coffee drinks! Here you can choose your preferred coffee, hot or cold. And don't be surprised if it's others than GenZ who choose iced coffee! Read more about the coffee solution here.
GenZ also has a strong focus on the environment and sustainable products. At JDE Professional, we work with sustainable initiatives from bean to cup, and we have a very ambitious action plan that focuses on responsible coffee, footprint reduction and social responsibility. Read more about JDE's CSR strategy here.
In short, employers today must adapt to the needs and demands of GenZ in the workplace, while also taking care of other employees in other age groups. For workplaces that want to attract and retain talented employees, it is important to stay up to date on the latest coffee trends and offer their employees what they want.
To learn more and secure this coffee solution, contact JDE Professional.
Your coffee just got a little bit cooler!