Cold Brew Coffee - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2026-2031)

The cold brew coffee market size is expected to increase from USD 3.24 billion in 2025 to USD 3.79 billion in 2026 and reach USD 8.36 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 17.12% over 2026-2031. This report is Segmented by Form (Ground, Cold Brew Pods, RTD Cold Brew Coffee, Others), Flavor (Flavored, Unflavored), Packaging Format (Bottle, Can, Others), Nature (Conventional, Organic), Distribution Channel (On-Trade, Off-Trade), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa). Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD) and Volume (Liters).

Global Cold Brew Coffee Market Trends and Insights

Rising consumer preference for distinctive coffee beverages

In a notable departure from traditional consumption habits, 47% of consumers aged 18 to 24 reported having coffee in the previous day, highlighting a growing preference for coffee among younger demographics. In the cold brew coffee market, cold extraction, producing 67% less acidity than the hot drip method, enables roasters to emphasize terroir and adopt innovative techniques like anaerobic fermentation, which enhances flavor complexity and uniqueness. While chains infuse regional flavors, such as ube coconut or banana cold foam, to drive social media buzz and attract a broader audience, independent cafés serve as innovation hubs, experimenting with new ideas and shortening the journey from concept to market to under 18 months. By 2025, a median price of USD 5.58 for ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee underscores consumers' readiness to invest in unique flavor profiles and premium offerings, even as traditional plain drip coffee sees a decline in popularity due to shifting preferences.

Preference for premium and specialty coffee

In 2025, U.S. consumption of espresso-based and cold specialty drinks surged to 45%. This growth in the cold brew coffee market reflects shifting consumer preferences toward premium and innovative beverage options, driven by a demand for high-quality and differentiated products. Brands like La Colombe leverage transparency in direct trade and single origin to bolster their premium positioning, allowing them to market 11-ounce RTD draft lattes at USD 3.29, boasting 50% less sugar than the category average. Within the cold brew coffee market, packaging plays a pivotal role in reinforcing this value: glass bottles exude craft authenticity, appealing to consumers seeking artisanal products, while nitrogen-charged cans mimic a draft pour, enhancing the retail experience and offering a unique sensory appeal. These packaging innovations not only elevate the perceived value of the product but also align with consumer expectations for convenience and premium quality in ready-to-drink beverages.

Persistent preference for instant/traditional hot coffee

In 2025, plain cold brew orders experienced a decline at Toast POS locations, while lattes and energy drinks saw growth. This cold brew coffee market trend highlights cold brew's competition not only with hot coffee but also with other caffeinated beverages. In Brazil, domestic coffee consumption decreased as retail prices for roasted and ground coffee rose. At the same time, consumption of soluble (instant) coffee increased, reflecting a shift by price-conscious consumers. This pattern underscores a structural challenge for cold brew: its lengthy extraction process and premium positioning make it more expensive than instant granules or hot drip coffee, limiting its appeal in price-sensitive markets. In the cold brew coffee market in the Asia-Pacific region, instant coffee continues to dominate in India's tier-2/3 cities and in China, while cold brew remains a niche product in urban areas. Although India's cold brew market is expected to grow significantly, it is starting from a small base. On the on-premise side, cold brew demand was notably higher in summer compared to winter. However, this seasonality creates challenges for brands, including inventory risks and underutilized production during colder months.

Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:

• Popularity of ready-to-drink formats
• At-home mixology culture fueling experimentation
• Stringent global food-safety and labeling regulations

For complete list of drivers and restraints, kindly check the Table Of Contents.

Segment Analysis

In 2025, ready-to-drink (RTD) formats dominated the global cold brew coffee market, capturing a significant 75.23% share. Their ubiquitous presence in supermarket chillers, convenience store coolers, and foodservice fountain systems has ensured easy accessibility for consumers. While growth is projected to moderate to the mid-teens due to market saturation in North America, innovation continues to drive demand. New product extensions, such as protein-enriched variants, plant-based milk infusions, and carbonated cold brew options, are injecting fresh energy into the category. Additionally, the trend of on-the-go consumption further cements RTD's leading position.

Pod-based systems are rapidly emerging in the cold brew coffee market as the fastest-growing segment. Projections suggest an impressive 18.33% CAGR through 2031, with the segment eyeing a valuation of USD 1.46 billion and a 17% share of the global market. This growth surge is largely due to advancements in single-serve technology, especially features like programmable flow rates and flash-chill, which replicate the traditional slow immersion brewing method. Keurig's introduction of K-Rounds, backed by a substantial base of 45 million installed brewers, paves the way for rapid market penetration. At the same time, European appliance manufacturers are developing open-system capsules, broadening compatibility and diversifying consumer options. Unlike ground coffee, pods simplify the brewing process by removing the need for measuring and extended steeping, making them particularly appealing to busy consumers.

In 2025, unflavored cold brew commanded the largest cold brew coffee market share, making up 56.71% of total consumption. Coffee purists, who prioritize single-origin transparency, back this dominance, often paying a premium for quality and authenticity. The segment's strong emphasis on simplicity and craftsmanship resonates deeply with dedicated coffee enthusiasts. Brands are doubling down on origin storytelling and showcasing brewing expertise to nurture consumer loyalty. Consequently, even as the category sees rising experimentation, unflavored offerings enjoy a stable and committed base.

Flavored cold brew is on a rapid ascent, with projections indicating a CAGR of 19.07%, pushing it past the USD 3.1 billion mark by 2031. This surge is fueled by brands rolling out enticing seasonal flavors such as ube coconut, toasted banana, and lavender Earl Grey, which drive repeat purchases. The power of social media is undeniable, with viral sensations like Starbucks’ Iced Ube Coconut racking up over 50 million views on TikTok shortly after launch. Yet, companies tread carefully, balancing innovative flavors with traditional taste preferences, as an overly sweet profile might alienate some consumers. To navigate this, brands are strategically pairing their experimental flavors with classic black offerings, broadening their appeal while keeping the momentum alive.

Complete Report Scope:

• By Form
  • Ground
  • Cold Brew Pods
  • RTD Cold Brew Coffee
  • Others(Liquid concentrates and others)
• By Flavor
  • Flavored
  • Unflavored
• By Packaging Format
  • Bottle
  • Can
  • Others(sachets and others)
• By Nature
  • Conventional
  • Organic
• By Distribution Channel
  • On-Trade
  • Off-Trade
    • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
    • Convenience/Grocery Stores
    • Online Retail
    • Other Off-Trade Channels
• By Geography
  • North America
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Mexico
    • Rest of North America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • France
    • United Kingdom
    • Spain
    • Netherlands
    • Italy
    • Sweden
    • Poland
    • Belgium
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • Indonesia
    • Thailand
    • Singapore
    • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Chile
    • Colombia
    • Peru
    • Rest of South America
  • Middle East and Africa
    • United Arab Emirates
    • South Africa
    • Nigeria
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Egypt
    • Morocco
    • Turkey
    • Rest of Middle East and Africa

Geography Analysis

In 2025, North America held a dominant 40.03% of the cold brew coffee market share, bolstered by its extensive café networks, sophisticated Direct Store Delivery (DSD) routes, and consumers willing to spend USD 5.58 on a ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee can. However, as the market reaches saturation, growth has decelerated to high single digits, pushing brands to innovate with functional blends and eco-friendly packaging. The region's established infrastructure and consumer familiarity with premium coffee products have contributed to its sustained leadership. Additionally, the focus on sustainability aligns with evolving consumer preferences, creating opportunities for brands to differentiate themselves.

Asia-Pacific is on a rapid ascent, boasting an 18.98% CAGR projected through 2031. In 2025, China's coffee servings surged by 15%, Indonesia's consumption saw a threefold increase over five years, and in India, specialty roasters are leveraging direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels to engage urban millennials. The region's growing middle class and increasing urbanization are driving demand for RTD coffee products. Furthermore, the aggressive expansion of café chains highlights the untapped potential in emerging markets, making the Asia-Pacific region a focal point for global players.

In the cold brew coffee market, Europe experienced a 9.4% uptick in RTD coffee value in 2024, driven by petrol stations and convenience stores dedicating more chiller space to canned nitro brews. While France, Germany, and Italy dominate in volume, the UK and Netherlands are setting trends with oat-milk-based cold brew lattes. The ready-to-drink coffee market in the United Kingdom is expanding, mirroring a wider European embrace of cold brew offerings. The shift toward plant-based and specialty coffee options reflects changing consumer preferences in the region. Moreover, the increasing availability of RTD coffee in non-traditional retail channels is further boosting its accessibility and appeal.

The Middle East and North Africa in the cold brew coffee market are also making their mark: Saudi Arabia's coffee market crossed the USD 1.6 billion threshold in 2024, and Dubai, with over 4,000 coffee shops, is experimenting with new RTD flavors to cater to its tourist influx. The region's cultural affinity for coffee and rising disposable incomes are fueling market growth. Additionally, the focus on innovation and premiumization is helping brands capture the attention of both local consumers and international visitors.

List of Companies Covered in this Report:

• Starbucks Corporation
• Nestlé S.A.
• JAB Holding Company
• The Coca-Cola Company (Costa Coffee)
• Danone S.A. (STōK Cold Brew)
• Happy, LLC
• SYSTM BRANDS, LLC (Chameleon Cold-Brew)
• Grupo Mariposa (High Brew Coffee)
• Java House (Cold Brew)
• La Colombe Coffee Roasters
• RISE Brewing Co.
• Grady’s Cold Brew
• Get Bizzy, Inc.
• Bones Coffee Company
• Califia Farms
• Dunkin’ (Inspire Brands)
• Sleepy Owl Coffee Pvt. Ltd.
• Toffee Coffee Roasters
• Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters
• Gruppo Illy S.p.A.

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support