New research by UCC Coffee Ireland has revealed that a third of Irish consumers purchase coffee out of home at least once a day. Taste is the most important factor when buying coffee and is reflected in price expectations. Consumers would be willing to spend €3.08 for a great cup of coffee – a 21% increase since 2013. And one in ten would spend over €5 on that perfect cup.

The survey of 1,011 consumers by Allegra World Coffee Portal, on behalf of the total coffee solution supplier, also revealed that Dubliners consumer the most coffee, with 40% drinking coffee out of home at least once a day, followed closely by those in the South West (Cork and Kerry) with 38%. Counties Kildare, Meath and Wicklow along with the midlands counties (Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath) also came in the top four for their out of home coffee consumption (joint 30%).

Other key findings included:

Women are more brand loyal than men (31% vs. 23%)
The Americano has surged in popularity with a quarter of a million more consumers choosing to regularly drink it out of home vs. 2015*
The most popular coffees on the menu:

1) Cappuccino (55%)

2) Americano (42%)

3) Latte (41%)

Phil Smith, head of category & insight, UCC Coffee Ireland, comments: “The Irish coffee market is making big steps in terms of quality. And this is predicted to continue to grow with coffee shops being forecast to grow seven percent for the next five years. The results from our research show that taste is the most important factor for Irish consumers when buying coffee. And with one in ten willing to spend over €5 on that perfect cup, it’s more important than ever to get your coffee offer right. “The surge in popularity of the Americano also indicates that consumers are increasingly drinking coffee without milk – meaning that the focus on quality and consistency of the coffee produced needs to be king so that consumers get a great experience every time.”  

For more information please visit www.ucc-coffee.co.uk.