US Coffee Shop Growth Slows, RTD Coffee Market Booms, and Sustainable Tech Advances

US Branded Coffee Shop Market Growth Decelerates Amid Cost Pressures

The US branded coffee shop market grew 4.2% to reach 45,277 stores, but outlet expansion slowed year-on-year as operators grapple with soaring commodity prices, persistent inflation, and trade tariffs (World Coffee Portal, 8 October 2025, https://www.worldcoffeeportal.com/news/growth-slows-in-58-5bn-us-branded-coffee-shop-market-amid-unprecedented-cost-pressures/). Market leader Starbucks announced plans to close hundreds of company-owned outlets in September 2025. Much of the net growth came from drive-thru operators like Dutch Bros, which now operates 1,055 stores, and fast-expanding chains such as 7 Brew and Black Rock Coffee Bar, the latter following a $294.1 million IPO. China’s Luckin Coffee and Cotti Coffee also entered the US market, while over 50 formerly independent operators expanded to become branded chains. Despite price hikes boosting sales, economic challenges continue to overshadow industry optimism.

Ready-to-Drink Coffee Market Set for Major Growth, Driven by Innovation

The global ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee market is projected to reach USD 45 billion by 2033, fueled by cold brew, nitro coffee trends, and health-conscious formulations (Strategic Revenue Insights, 8 October 2025, https://www.openpr.com/news/4212826/ready-to-drink-rtd-coffee-market-set-to-grow-to-usd-45b-by-2033). Eco-friendly packaging and online retail accessibility are key differentiators. Automation and smart packaging technologies are enhancing production efficiency and consumer engagement, with advances in biodegradable materials extending shelf life while supporting sustainability goals.

Dutch Bros Expands in Florida with New Drive-Thru-Only Location

Dutch Bros Coffee is planning a new drive-thru-only kiosk in St. Johns County, Florida, near the proposed Walmart Supercenter at 3405 International Golf Parkway (Jax Daily Record, 8 October 2025, https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2025/oct/08/dutch-bros-coffee-planned-off-international-golf-parkway/). The 986-square-foot building will feature a dual drive-thru and no interior seating, consistent with the brand’s format. This marks at least the twelfth Dutch Bros site announced in Northeast Florida, with four already operational. The St. Johns County Development Review Committee is scheduled to discuss the project on 5 November.

University of Sharjah Patents Carbon Capture Tech Using Spent Coffee Grounds

Researchers at the University of Sharjah have patented a method to capture carbon dioxide using spent coffee grounds blended with PET plastic and potassium hydroxide (Global Coffee Report, 8 October 2025, https://www.gcrmag.com/spent-coffee-used-in-new-carbon-capture-technology/). The technology aims to reduce industrial emissions and repurpose coffee waste, which otherwise contributes to landfill methane. The resulting activated carbon shows strong potential for carbon capture from fossil fuel systems, aligning with global sustainability targets.

Interactive Coffee Flavor Wheel Launches to Broaden Consumer Palates

Steel Oak Coffee has launched the first interactive coffee flavor wheel designed to help consumers explore and identify coffee tasting notes (Citizen Times, 8 October 2025, https://www.citizen-times.com/press-release/story/33604/steel-oak-coffee-launches-first-interactive-coffee-flavor-wheel-for-consumers/). The tool targets the 80% of Americans who drink coffee daily but only 10% who choose specialty coffee, aiming to bridge the gap between mainstream and specialty coffee experiences.