Is the UK coffee market growing?

Short answer: yes, though the areas of growth are changing

If you thought the UK had already hit “peak coffee,” think again. Brits are now sipping their way through 98 million cups of coffee a day, the highest level recorded in recent years. Back in 2008, daily consumption was closer to 70 million cups, showing clear long-run growth.

Growth areas

Specialty coffee

Walk into any high street and you’ll see it: independent roasters, sleek cafés, and baristas hand-pouring single-origin beans. Branded coffee shops expanded again in 2024/25, with sales reaching £6.1 billion and outlet growth continuing across the UK. Independents also grew their footprint year on year, reflecting strong demand for premium experiences. Artisan-led bakery cafés are part of this trend, with brands like Gail’s reporting record expansion across the eating-out market.

Younger consumers are driving premiumisation, choosing quality, story, and sustainability. More than half of UK consumers say environmental factors influence their purchase decisions, with younger groups especially engaged. Ready-to-drink coffee is also booming, with the segment jumping 37% in value in a single year. Coffee isn’t just fuel anymore. It’s an experience.

Coffee shops

Chains like Costa and Starbucks remain the biggest players, but independents are making their mark. The coffee shop sector generated £6.1 billion in sales in 2024/25 and continued to grow, with branded outlets exceeding 10,900 locations nationwide. Coffee shops have also evolved into remote offices and social hubs where people go to work, connect, and feel inspired.

At-home brewing

Another big shift is happening at home. Nearly 12.6 million UK households now own a pod machine, and roasted or ground coffee continues to gain traction as people seek café-style quality without leaving the house. Mintel research shows this trend accelerated during the pandemic and has become a permanent part of how we consume coffee. Convenience meets quality, and more importantly, control over cost.

Coffee in the workplace

Companies are waking up to the power of good coffee. A survey by Nespresso Professional found that 75% of employees feel more valued when quality coffee is provided, and 68% would recommend their workplace if it offered great coffee. It’s not just a perk anymore. It’s a productivity and retention tool.

Sustainability

Sustainability may not increase the number of cups sold, but it increases value. Deloitte research shows many UK consumers are willing to pay more for products with credible sustainability credentials, and YouGov data suggests younger buyers are especially likely to prioritise eco-friendly packaging and transparent supply chains.

The future of the UK coffee market

Here’s where things are headed:

The overall UK coffee market is projected to reach £7 billion by 2030.
The specialty and premium segment could push the market as high as £9.2 billion, supported by consumer trade-up and brand storytelling.
Branded coffee shop outlets are forecast to grow to over 13,200 locations, generating more than £8 billion by 2030.
At-home coffee, especially pods, is set to rise from £899 million in 2025 to £1.15 billion in 2030.

In other words, growth is far from over. It’s just diversifying.

Final thoughts

The UK coffee market isn’t just growing. It’s evolving. Specialty coffee is booming. Coffee shops remain cultural touchstones. At-home brewing is stronger than ever. Workplace coffee is a new battleground for talent. Sustainability is shaping how brands stand out. Instant coffee is still popular, but it’s no longer where the excitement is. The future of UK coffee is where quality, convenience, and values intersect. And that’s a market trend worth toasting.