What can we expect for the coffee sector in the future?

From premium coffee brands like Starbucks to independent stores in a quirky location, coffee shops are popping up nationwide — with already around 21,000 in the country. The selection and availability of one of the world’s most loved beverages has expanded massively in recent years, with ingredients and ways of offering the ‘coffee drinking experience’ becoming more innovative with every new creation.

With a great focus on sustainability, organic sources, health-conscious options, and quirky flavours, we look at the rise in popularity of coffee beverages and which trends we can expect to become the standard in UK coffee shops of the future.

Coffee worldwide

You can’t deny that coffee is one of the most consumed drinks around the world, especially in developed nations. World coffee production for the 2017-18 period is estimated at around 158.78 million bags — an increase of 0.7% compared to 2016-17 — while coffee’s global market value is anticipated to see a 5.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Looking at the industry from a UK perspective, the British Coffee Association claims that we drink around 95 million cups of coffee a day.

Have you tried cold-brew coffee?

Expect cold-brew coffees to become a momentous trend here in the UK. Cold-brew is more than just ‘cold coffee’ — and it’s not iced coffee either. Cold-brew coffee is brewed with cold or room-temperature water over 12 to 24 hours. The reason it’s growing in popularity is because it often features a mellower, sweeter, more full-bodied taste with less acidity. More than that, it’s easily bottled and ideal for on-the-go coffee consumers, which makes it convenient for those who don’t have time in the morning to queue and order a hot option.

Considering that cold-brew coffee is also easier to brew in large batches, there’s no reason that coffee shops shouldn’t be on board.

Have you tried nitrogen-infused coffee?

There’s a great space in the market for nitrogen infused coffee. Nitro-brew coffee is a type of cold-brew beverage served on tap and infused with nitrogen that delivers a creamy, ice-cold drink that has the look and texture of a pint of ale! Recently, Starbucks introduced it to its UK outlets after success in the United States and it’s highly probable that other chains and independent shops will follow suit.

Have you tried flat coffee?

Research has suggested that through premium coffee shops, flat whites make up 10% of all orders. Currently an emerging trend and set to become a regular entry on most coffee shops’ menu boards, drinks such as flat blacks and even flat mochas are gearing up to challenge the popularity of the flat white — so keep an eye out for it at your local cafe.

A look at alternative coffee mixers

Figures released by Agribusiness Intelligence found that in Britain, the alternative milk sector is set to increase by 43% in the next four years — currently worth an astonishing £6.9 billion. Recently, the trend for non-dairy foods and drinks and other milk-substitute products that suit lifestyles, like vegetarianism, and conditions, such a lactose intolerance, has grown — and this is affecting the coffee shop industry, too.

There’s a lot of variation too. Oat, soy, rice, almond, cashew, coconut, and macadamia milks will likely grow in availability in UK coffee shops, with greater creativity around how baristas infuse their gourmet and speciality drinks with these alternative mixers.

Pop-up street coffee

There’s no reason why independent coffee shops should be taking advantage of the pop-up street market — all they need is great coffee and sturdy paper coffee cups. Head of marketing at KERB — a street food event organiser — Alison O’Reilly, said: “Now a lot of people are leaving nine-to-five jobs in finance, tech and marketing. They see it as a low-risk way of setting up a restaurant without having to invest hundreds of thousands of pounds.”

The idea has caused a lot of conversation and has led to many great experiences for coffee drinkers. Considering the rising popularity of cold-brew coffee — suited to spring and summer — alongside hot-coffee options — ideal for autumn and winter; launching a coffee street food business offers the potential to be a lucrative, year-round venture.

Sources:

https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/coffee-market

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/uk-coffee-week-2018-british-people-drinking-millions-cups-day-consumption-rise-a8307206.html

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/flat-white-coffee-culture-antipodean-mcdonalds-advert-starbucks-latte-a8246111.html

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/street-food-2018-sophistication-why-kerb-club-mexicana-bao-pop-brixton-street-feast-a8186716.html

https://www.plantbasednews.org/post/uk-milk-alternative-sector-to-soar-by-43-by-2022

https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-to-pilot-bean-to-cup-traceability

https://www.ft.com/content/a3f69e50-51c8-11e7-a1f2-db19572361bb

https://www.statista.com/statistics/779089/coffee-sales-growth-type/

It doesn’t seem like that long ago that people deemed ‘going vegan’ as something strange and extreme, as though starting a vegan lifestyle meant giving up anything tasty or fun in the kitchen. But suddenly, the plant-based, animal-product-free dietary choice has exploded into the mainstream. With celebrity endorsements from sports superstars like Venus Williams, to singer Miley Cyrus, there’s no shortage of delicious vegan meals showing up on our Instagram and Facebook feeds. What was once a mocked concept is slowly becoming the respectful, supported choice it should be – in the UK, plant-based food sales increased 1,500% between 2016 and 2017.

On veganism’s surge in the UK, The Vegan Society released data surrounding the current consensus and viewpoint of the public on the dairy and meat-free way:

• 56% of adults in the UK practice vegan buying behaviours
• 19% have cut down on buying meat and are checking cosmetics and toiletries for animal-testing
• 13% actively choose meat-free or dairy-free meals when eating out
• 51% are happy to see vegan food in shops and restaurants

Perhaps the increase has come as a result of a more flexible approach; many of us who aren’t vegan are trying out a few vegan options each week, actively decreasing our intake of meat and dairy (a viewpoint named as the ‘flexitarian’ approach). Perhaps because of this, the mindset towards vegans has drastically improved, with 43% of people saying they respected vegans for their lifestyle.

But what factors have contributed to veganism’s popularity? Looking at the results of 2018’s Veganuary, a movement that challenges people to sign up for a month of vegan eating, the top reason for people signing up was animal rights concerns (43%). This was followed by 39% of people who signed up for health reasons, and 10% who said it was for environmental reasons.

There’s a certain element of trend-following and vanity, The Independent observes, as the increase in Google searches for the word ‘vegan’ correlate with searches for the word ‘Instagram’. In a world where we love to take photos of our meals and share them on social media, it’s not difficult to believe that Instagram has helped circulate numerous brightly-coloured vegan dishes to help improve its previously ill-held reputation of being nothing but leaves.

Take a look at the top vegan food trends for 2018, and you’ll easily see the appeal:

• Veggie chips, such as parsnip chips and sweet potato chips, make for a healthier option than normal potato.
• Edible flowers, to make your meal Instagram-worthy!
• Vegan desserts, bringing back ice-cream and cakes in vegan-friendly ways. Ben and Jerry’s have released three delicious vegan-friendly ice creams: Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Chunky Monkey, and Peanut Butter and Cookies are all sure to be a hit with vegans and non-vegans alike!
• Fermented foods, while they might not conjure the most delicious image to mind, are coming into food trends in a big way. Think colourful kimchi and nutty-flavoured tempeh.

Looking outside of the kitchen, there’s a rising demand for businesses to cater more for vegans with on-the-go food options. A recent survey found that 91% of vegans are having a tough time finding to-go meal options. The market is certainly there, and restaurants and supermarkets are slowly picking up on the potential gains to be made by catering to veganism.

Even if you’re not going vegan, adding a few vegan choices to your diet can be wholly beneficial. A new study was brought to the public eye by The Guardian, outlining that the “five-a-day” notion for fruit and vegetable consumption is, sadly, not entirely accurate. In fact, the study from the Imperial College London advises 10-a-day! The now-recommended 800g of fruit and veg daily would help reduce heart disease, strokes and premature deaths. Picking up a few vegan meals throughout the week, or switching to a vegan diet entirely, would certainly help hit this healthy target.

Whether you’re debating going vegan or just increasing your veggie intake, you might want to consider growing your own. Even a small garden can house a few home-grown herbs and fruits! You just need some compost bags and a few garden tools to start cultivating your own supply of tomatoes for a home-made tomato sauce, or cucumbers for the freshest salad you’ll ever taste!

You can also grow proteins in your garden for a vegan-friendly meal. Think beans and seeds, like sunflower seeds or soybeans.

How do you feel about the rise in vegan popularity in the UK? Are you going to try out some vegan offerings at cafés and restaurants? You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how far vegan cooking has come, and if nothing else, you’ll reap the many environmental and health benefits.

Swiss food is broad and diverse, but the cuisine takes a huge amount of its influences from neighbours Germany, France and Italy. It has even been said that because so much of the foods take influence form other countries that uniquely ‘Swiss food’ may not even exist. Jeff Wilson, host of ‘Real Rail Adventures’ has spent several months travelling the country for his show and has experienced the cultural blend of influences on Swiss dishes:

“Their cultural traditions are more farm-focused, so dishes include the nutrition required of hay-balers, cow-milkers, and others with a very active lifestyle. The Swiss are extremely active and focused on organic, locally-raised produce, meats, and dairy, so the dishes, which are traditional and hearty, fill up the bellies of folks who have hiked a couple of dozen kilometres before lunch or spent the day skiing in the Alps.”

Despite this, Swiss families live a very healthy lifestyle. Most food is fresh and organic and dining is a social experience allowing everyone to relax and enjoy quality time together. While many meals rely heavily on meat and dairy, it is still possible to enjoy a balanced and healthy diet to complement your active lifestyle, as these delicious dishes demonstrate:

1. Papet Vaudois

A delicious form of hotpot stew, papet vaudois is made from stewing leek and potatoes for many hours and is topped with saucisson vaudois, a traditional sausage from the canton of Vaud (located in western Switzerland), making this a very characteristic regional dish.

Not only will this dish satisfy your appetite, its simple construction makes for an excellent combination of local cuisine and healthy eating.

2. Züri-Gschnätzlets

As the name suggests, züri-gschnätzlets is a dish with its origins in the Zurich region of Switzerland. The first mention of the dish came in a cookbook from 1947 and since then this ragout dish has become an instant classic which is now popular nationwide.

The literal translation of züri-gschnätzlets is “Zürich style sliced meat”, but the dish is a little more complex than that. Often made with veal, liver or kidneys, it is served in a delicious mushroom sauce alongside rosti and vegetables. Hearty and healthy, this is the ideal Swiss combination.

3. Rosti

One of the most iconic national dishes Switzerland has to offer, the rosti, which is essentially grated potato which is then pan fried, offers plenty of opportunities for creativity. Versions of this dish such as rosti valaisanne can include egg, cheese, bacon and onions. While this is delicious and ideal for the winter months, it is not particularly healthy.

Instead, why not use the humble rosti as a base on which to experiment with seasonings or try adding cabbage and other vegetables to make your own delicious creations.

4. Birchműesli

The creation of early 20^th century Swiss doctor Maximilian Bircher-Benner, bircher muesli began life as a starter that was intended to be eaten before every meal as a way of adding more fruit to the diets of his patients. Originally made from rolled oat flakes, fruit, nuts, lemon juice and milk, Bircher had unwittingly developed what would become the healthy breakfast staple we know today.

Nutritionist Monica Auslander Moreno recommends bircher muesli as the ideal healthy breakfast when living in Switzerland. “Full of prebiotic fibre and unique antioxidants, you’ll be yodelling for joy here after you’ve brewed a Swiss coffee to accompany this classic breakfast.”

5. Capuns

A tasty meal from the Graubunden region (St Moritz), capuns are such a traditional dish that there are almost countless variations of fillings and cooking methods, making them another ideal opportunity for experimentation.

In their simplest form, capuns are essentially dumplings wrapped in a chard leaves and simmered in milk. Capuns began life as a dish for farmers and labourers, but today it seems almost every family has their own unique recipe and this dish is popular among locals and tourists alike.

With such diversity, it is a dish that could easily be constructed with healthy eating in mind, for example, it could become vegetarian simply by replacing the filling with squash or other vegetables.

6. Bündner Gerstensuppe

Nourishing, delicious, easy to make and deeply traditional, bündner gerstensuppe is probably Switzerland’s most well-known soup. This barley soup is said to come in more than 150 varieties – there is a famous saying that there is a different recipe for each of the valleys in Grisons.

A typical recipe includes leek, cabbage, carrots, celery, onions and beans. It is often served with traditional, crispy bündner rye bread. Quick to prepare and cook, bündner gerstensuppe is as healthy as it is delicious, and can easily be made vegetarian by using a different stock.

7. Saffron risotto

Saffron risotto combines culinary culture of Ticino and the Valais to produce one of the high points of Swiss cuisine. The most southern canton in the country, Ticino is heavily influenced by Italy, to the point that Italian is actually an official language of the region.

By adding saffron grown in the canton of Valais to colour and flavour risotto (simply rice cooked slowly with wine, onions and stock), the result is a simple dish that demonstrates why Switzerland’s melting pot cuisine is such an exciting one to experience.

Swiss food is traditionally focussed around providing hearty meals to sustain agricultural workers. While this makes for a huge range of delicious dishes based around meats and cheese, eating healthily while living there might seem challenging at first. But thanks to the simplicity of many traditional meals, taking the opportunity to experiment with dishes is not only encouraged – it is part of the culture.

Alongside this, the healthcare system in Switzerland is regarded as one of the finest in the world – another reason why it’s less difficult for locals and expats to maintain a healthy lifestyle here. To access the country’s highly regarded healthcare system, you will usually have to take out health insurance within the first three months of arrival, but once you’ve applied for a residence permit, you can pay for the state health insurance plan. But to ensure you can access Switzerland’s high-quality facilities as soon as you make the move, it can be wise to look into international health insurance policies.

This means that along with a healthy lifestyle, expats should be able to enjoy a wonderful balance between healthy eating and experiencing the local culture while living in Switzerland.

Home to Australia’s very own city of Sydney, New South Wales is the most populated state in Australia with a myriad of exciting destinations on offer. And if there’s one thing that makes the travel worthwhile and happens to be one of the reasons the area has gained a lot of attractions, it definitely lies in the culinary department. With the wide variety of different culture in New South Wales, cuisine and food options are not only limitless, but as good as a local delicacy. In this post, we’ll uncover more about Sydney’s best food you can certainly watch out for on your visit, and local delicacies off the beaten path in South Coast just a scenic drive away from the city.

Shop & Eat Fresh Produce

As Regional areas of New South Wales is filled with lush greeneries and fertile soil, Sydney has an easily accessible supply of fresh produce sourced from orchards and farms surrounding the area. Indulge in some fresh seafood in Sydney Fish Market, one of the world’s largest seafood market, and fruits plucked straight from a tree in a local farm in country NSW. A ride to Eveleigh from Central Station just a few minutes’ walk away from CBD is Carriageworks Farmers’ Market, where you can enjoy a range of fresh or cooked food every Saturday morning. Or go across the Sydney Harbour Bridge every third Saturday of the month to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables in Northside Produce Market just a 10 minute train ride from the city centre.

Brunch

Brunch Like A Boss

A staple for millenials living in the 21st century, brunch in Australia is as strong as the coffee culture. We take coffee very seriously here in Sydney, battling the hustle and bustle of the city by starting our days very early in the morning – which comes in hand with a great, fulfilling breakfast. As a metropolitan hub, there are many unmissable brunch and cafe spots in Sydney cooking up interesting combinations from traditional, fusion to fine methods to serve classic brunch dishes, like egg benedict and avocado toasts while still maintaining an aesthetically pleasing spread. An area particularly famous for their intriguing Australian food choices is the hip Surry Hills, located in the delightful inner Sydney neighbourhood just a few minutes’ walk away from Central Station. A convenient location with hidden gems tucked within the alleyways and Crown Street, its main road, it is definitely the perfect place to be for your true Australian brunch experience.

Brunch & Swim or Swim & Brunch

Blessed with beautiful, scenic beaches surrounding the corners of the city centre, spend your day escaping the CBD’s fast pace and treat yourself to a glass of wine by the beach. Hop on a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach and enjoy a scenic coastal walk to Shelly Beach for some fun in the sun in an untouched beach only known by Sydney locals. Go for a swim and indulge in a seafood feast at The Boathouse Shelly Beach, accompanied by sparkling mimosas to truly relax and unwind.

Lunch

Wine & Unwind With Long Lunches

As the world’s fourth largest exporter of wine, it is simply impossible to not incorporate a day trip to a local winery during your visit. Hire a car and explore areas outside the city centre, with lush vineyards and great wine, altogether with friendly Australian culture to truly show you a well-rounded experience in your trip. Go North and visit the tranquil and famous Hunter Valley for a day trip, or stay overnight for a relaxed weekend. Start your trip with a long lunch at Bistro Molines, with locally sourced fresh produce and exclusive Hunter Valley wine overlooking green hills and courtyards. Then follow with a wine tasting tour hosted by local wineries for a fine selection of delectable cheeses and wine exclusive to the region.

Seafood in the South

If fresh seafood is what your taste buds are craving for, going south of Sydney is definitely the way to go. Surrounded by breathtaking coastlines and beaches, the South Coast is popular for their freshly shucked oysters from Oyster Coast and some smoked seafood in Eden Smokehouse. Dine by the waters at Batemans Bay or Merimbula, just a few hours’ drive from Sydney city and spend the night in Wollongong or Jervis Bay for a weekend getaway.

Pro Tip: Make sure to make a stop in Kiama Blowhole, a world-famous nature scenery of the South Coast in the town of Kiama, a tranquil beachtown as you drive through the scenic route of Grand Pacific Drive! Although you might want to bring a spare change of clothes, just in case the water splashes gets too hectic.

Off The Beaten Path – Sightseeing in NSW

Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay | Source: flickr

Surely, when you think of Sydney sightseeing, what comes into mind would be the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. However, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to take a few tips from the locals and venture out of the city to really immerse yourself in the landscapes, nature and great people! The famous Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay caters to locals of different demographics by its charming and scenic beauty. There are so many activities to choose from, such as whale watching, water sports and kayaking, or Aboriginal culture in Boodeeree National Park just south of Jervis Bay to discover more about local indigenous heritage and history through their guided tours.

With the variety of things to do in Sydney and the cities surrounding it, what you can take out of New South Wales is definitely a longer list than this one! So be sure to do your research and plan ahead to allow you (and of course, your taste buds) get the most out of this trip.

Great Britain is filled with interesting culinary traditions. Some are quite obscure and hard to find elsewhere, while others have been copied over and over again. No matter what, you’ll want to eat these ten traditional British foods the next time you’re in London.

1) Fish and Chips

There’s nothing quite like the Brit’s version of fish and chips. This makes sense, since they were the first to create this dish. Imagine fried potatoes and fish served with spicy vinegar. You’ll want to go back for seconds.

2) Cockles

A cockle is a tiny clam that’s usually boiled and served with vinegar. In Great Britain, these are more of a snack or a treat than a whole meal.

3) Eton Mess

Yes, this traditional dessert is named after the famous all-boys school. It consists of strawberries, cream, and meringue, served on one single dish. It usually looks like a bit of a mess on the plate, hence the name. Thankfully, you don’t need to be male or attending Eton in order to enjoy it.

4) Pork Pies

Few things are as British as pork pies. The rest of the world refers to them as pot pies, although the Brits skip right to the meat that’s inside of them. These are usually served with mash (also known as mashed potatoes) although in some cases, the vegetables are just cooked inside of them.

5) Bangers and Mash

This is just a combination of sausages and mashed potatoes, but the name of this dish is wholly British. The sausages are seasoned slightly differently as well, turning it into something that you can’t find in any other country.

6) Roast and Yorkshire Pudding

A good beef roast with a side of Yorkshire pudding is a quintessential British meal. Some say that Yorkshire pudding is an acquired taste, but we beg to differ.

7) Afternoon Tea

Even if you don’t like tea, you’ll find yourself wanting to try some. When it’s brewed the British way and served alongside clotted cream, scones, and tiny cookies, you’ll feel right at home.

8) A Traditional English Breakfast

We hope that you’re hungry in the morning! A traditional English breakfast consists of a combination of mushrooms, tomatoes, eggs, and sausages served with a blood pudding, toast, and some potatoes.

9) Toffee Pudding

This dessert is as sticky and sweet as you imagine it to be, making the perfect complement to just about any traditional English dinner.

10) Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington is a classic British entrée. It consists of a fillet steak that has been covered in pate and then a flaky pastry shell. It’s cooked with the shell on it and then sliced thin before it’s served. Typically, you’ll have mashed potatoes (or just “mash”) along with it.

If these classic British meals and desserts sound good to you but leave you with some questions, just follow this link to find out more: https://www.londonxcity.com