What's Happening?
Convenience stores are increasingly becoming a popular destination for coffee consumers, as coffee consumption extends beyond traditional breakfast hours. According to the National Coffee Data Trends report, coffee is the most consumed beverage in the U.S. after water, with American coffee drinkers consuming an average of 2.8 cups per day. Convenience stores are recognized for their ability to provide high-quality coffee, with 68% of consumers agreeing that these stores can offer quality cold coffee comparable to fast-food restaurants and coffee shops. The Technomic Q2 2025 C-Store Consumer Market Brief highlights that convenience stores have the highest purchase frequency of hot coffee across foodservice, surpassing quick-service restaurants and cafes. This trend underscores the importance for convenience-store operators to maintain fresh and accessible coffee throughout the day.
Why It's Important?
The shift in coffee consumption patterns presents a significant opportunity for convenience stores to capitalize on consumer demand for coffee at various times of the day. By offering fresh coffee throughout the day, convenience stores can attract more customers and increase sales. The ability to serve coffee during non-traditional hours gives convenience stores a competitive edge over coffee shops, which may have limited operating hours. This trend also reflects broader changes in consumer behavior, where convenience and accessibility are increasingly prioritized. As convenience stores adapt to these changes, they can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, potentially leading to increased revenue and market share in the foodservice industry.
What's Next?
Convenience stores may continue to innovate and invest in technology to streamline coffee service and maintain quality throughout the day. The BUNN Premia® system, for example, offers automated grinding, brewing, and freshness management processes, ensuring a quality cup of coffee with minimal waste. As convenience stores implement such technologies, they can better manage resources and meet consumer expectations for fresh coffee at any time. Additionally, convenience stores might explore partnerships with coffee brands or expand their product offerings to include specialty coffee options, further attracting diverse consumer segments.
Beyond the Headlines
The growing demand for coffee at convenience stores may influence broader industry trends, such as the development of new coffee products and services tailored to convenience store environments. This shift could also impact supply chain dynamics, as convenience stores require consistent and reliable coffee supplies to meet consumer demand. Furthermore, the emphasis on convenience and quality in coffee offerings may drive innovation in other areas of the convenience store industry, encouraging operators to enhance their overall service and product range.
