Warming Tales from the Hot Drinks Market

Warming Tales from the Hot Drinks Market

Step aside Frappes and chilled soft drinks, the winter months are for steaming mugs of tea, coffee and hot chocolate. When you return from a brisk walk or a chilly commute, the first sips from a brimming cup hit the spot. So put the kettle on and read some warming tales from the hot drinks market.

What Tops the Hot Drinks Market Polls?

Tea used to be the nation’s favourite and is up there with coffee for beverages we consume at home. However, coffee is more likely to be purchased from cafes, takeaways and restaurants, so that has now become the most popular hot drink option in the UK.

Just over half of our hot drink purchases are made in a supermarket, with 14% made in specialist tea and coffee shops* or cafes. Alongside the big brands, there are incredible independent tea and coffee specialists, creating small batches of their own coffee roasts and tea blends. Which have your vote?

The success of these small companies is due to a shift in our tastes, with people seeking out premium options. The standard teabag or coffee granules might still be consumed, however, we are tempted by a more indulgent experience. What’s more, the shift to premium products and more sophisticated tastes looks set to continue. As a whole, the growth of the hot drinks market is predicted to continue.

Why Buy Hot Drinks from an Independent Specialist?

Buyers are taking a greater interest in the country of origin and bespoke blends. Furthermore, there is growing awareness of the social and environmental impact, leading to an increase in requests for fairly traded and organic options.

When you buy from a small, independent company, they can tell the tale of where the ingredients were harvested and how they bring out the flavours. This insight adds value to the whole experience. What’s more, you get to sample different blends and strengths, until you find the ideal aroma, infusion and taste for your palette.

Coffee Specialists

Do you relish the hit of caffeine and the richness of coffee? If so, we have two great recommendations for you.

Moon Roast

Single-origin beans are carefully roasted every day to supply fresh and delicious coffee to online customers and visitors to their café or courses. Roasting started as a nighttime hobby, hence the company name and has now grown into a successful business.

If you’d like to try something new, but are unsure of where to start, Moon Roast offers Roasters Choice. Simply tell them your taste preferences and how you make coffee and they’ll make a recommendation. Moon Roast subscription boxes are a great gift idea or you can treat yourself!

Missing Bean

Ethically and sustainably sourced coffee has been the focus of Missing Bean from the outset. They were the first independent coffee shop to open in Oxford. Locals and tourists can now enjoy their freshly roasted coffee in a choice of six Oxfordshire cafes.

Their online shop means you can have a coffee delivered to your door. They offer a sample box of best-sellers and subscription boxes, which are great ways to try something new. You can even purchase a branded Keep Cup for coffee on the go.

Tea Specialists

Do you prefer a cuppa, but wish there was a greater selection of choice than English Breakfast? Take a look at these two options:

Mother Cuppa

As a tea sommelier who studied the beneficial properties of plants, owner Candice developed a wellness collection of teas aimed at supporting women’s health. Energise, Hydrate and Relax could be the ideal way to get through the dark winter months.

The latest blend being developed is Clarity and, following a successful crowdfunding campaign, this will soon be added to the collection. Mother Cuppa infusions are caffeine-free, calorie-free and are blended from 100% natural ingredients.

Holy Cow Tea

Another enterprising tea sommelier, Poonam, has sourced fairly traded, premium-grade teas from global plantations and cooperatives. Pairing these with other natural ingredients has resulted in an extensive collection of bespoke blends of loose-leaf tea and infusions.

Explore the delicate flavours of Milk Oolong, the warming spice of Masala Chai or the natural sweetness of a fruity tisane.  If you’d love to learn more about the origins, history and traditions surrounding tea, you can sign up for an experience and tasting with Holy Cow Tea.

Hot Chocolate Specialists

For those with a sweeter tooth, a decadent hot chocolate is a winter delight. Our two recommendations are:

Rumseys Chocolatarie

If you ever visit Wendover or Thame and deserve a treat, the hot chocolates served in Rumsey’s Chocolatarie are divine. This specialist ensures that their supplies come from sustainable sources, that support small farmers.

You can purchase their chocolates online, but not the hot chocolate. We can assure you that it’s a great reason to visit our part of the world!

Knoops

We’d agree with hundreds of 5-star reviewers of the Knoops hot chocolate flakes. Depending on your preference, there are options ranging from white chocolate with vanilla notes, to a 100% extra dark. You add hot milk and stir like crazy until the flakes melt.

They offer a 10-sachet sample pack if you’d like to try a variety of chocolate percentages, along with double or triple gift boxes. What’s more, the range includes vegan options. Alternatively, pop into one of the ever-growing number of Knoops cafes.

Hot Drinks Packaging Supplier

This list of hot drinks specialists includes brands that we love and provide packaging solutions for. We design boxes to perfectly fit and present these premium products, so online orders can be shipped in printed packaging that showcases the brand.

If you are looking for sustainable e-commerce packaging for subscription boxes, gift boxes or the delivery of orders, get in touch: 01296 436888 or enquiries@abcbox.co.uk.

*Source: https://www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/hot-drinks/united-kingdom