The global pandemic boosted online shopping levels across all sectors, and while social restrictions are lifting, the ecommerce trend has remained.
That said, as inflation and the cost-of-living increases, many consumers are reevaluating budgets and cutting back on unnecessary purchases. However, global market research suggests customers tend to hold on to pleasurable consumption experiences, even during recessionary times.
While this means some might forgo their daily visits to the cafe, it may increase the demand for takeaway coffee for delivery. Roasters and coffee shops can profit from this trend by offering customers several channels to access their products and providing quality takeaway coffee for delivery.
In order to do this successfully, they will need to consider what takeaway coffee cups to use so the beverage arrives at customers in as good a condition as when it was brewed.
Read on to find out which takeaway coffee cups are best suited for delivery.
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How does coffee delivery differ from other orders?
Offering coffee for delivery will differ significantly from selling it for in-store consumption or as a takeaway.
Coffee brewed in-store or to-go is likely to be consumed almost immediately, meaning baristas will have little concern over its serving temperature, or who purchases it.
That said, the average food delivery time in the UK is 30 minutes. Additionally, late delivery is currently the number one frustration for consumers.
As a result, roasters and coffee shops may have to restrict delivery areas to locations that can be accessed in less time. More so, they will have to take steps to insulate their takeaway coffee offerings for longer.
Together with recent record temperature spikes, roasters and baristas may also see an increased demand for cold coffee offerings. According to a 2022 report, cold coffees are outpacing hot offerings in terms of market penetration, with the demand for iced specialty coffee, lattes, and cold brew rising.
With the effects of climate change becoming more apparent, it is also estimated cold drinks will make up half of all beverage orders within the next few years.
The final and most significant difference between to-go orders and coffee for delivery is the motion the beverage will undergo as it travels to its destination.
Instead of handing the drink directly to the consumer, baristas will pass it over to a delivery driver, who will probably travel by motorbike or car.
Research shows that a person carrying a drink in a cup measuring 7.7cm (3,03in) in diameter and 10cm (4in) tall can expect to agitate the contents enough for it to spill – simply by the motion of walking.
Therefore, roasters and baristas will have to work round this to avoid messy spills and delivering half-empty cups to customers.
Choosing a takeaway coffee cup for delivery orders
Before offering a delivery service, coffee shops and roasters will have to research whether customers actually want it.
Additionally, they will have to decide whether to facilitate the orders themselves or partner with a third-party delivery service. Coffee shops may also need to curate a menu of drinks that are best suited for delivery, as some may be impractical for transport.
By the same token, baristas will have to select the right takeaway cup to keep the drink protected and ensure a seamless delivery handover. This may mean using different takeaway cups compared to those for orders to-go.
Insulated cups
While insulated cups are commonly used to keep drinks hot, they are equallu effective at keeping them cold.
Investing in insulated cups can help prevent coffee from becoming lukewarm, providing a lid is included to prevent heat loss.
A cold beverage will also benefit from a lid, as reducing the amount of air that is in contact with the ice can prevent it from melting too fast.
Bigger cups
Any beverage being delivered may be better suited to a cup that is larger than the drink’s volume.
A larger cup can help reduce sloshing and spills, while also allowing the barista to add ice or toppings such as cream or foam.
Branded cups
While many customers are cutting back on daily coffee shop visits, they are not eliminating it completely.
A study into coffee consumption during economic turndowns suggests people favour coffee shops because they often provide additional services such as internet connectivity and dedicated workspaces.
By branding coffee cups to include an address and operating hours, coffee shops can give customers a visual reminder that the establishment is conveniently located nearby.
Additional takeaway coffee cup options for delivery
Recyclable and compostable materials are often the go-to choice for most roasters and coffee shops. They are not only kinder to the environment but also appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
Notably, a recent study by Deloitte shows 28% of consumers stopped buying certain products due to ethical or environmental concerns.
Therefore, when it comes to finding a takeaway coffee cup for to-go and delivery, choosing recyclable or compostable materials should be a priority.
The type of drinks served should also be factored in. For example, iced coffee performs considerably better in a bioplastic cup than a cardboard or paper cup. This is because when iced drinks are placed in paper cups, the paper acts like a sponge, soaking up the cold and weakening the cup’s structural integrity.
Additionally, baristas will need quality cups that come in a range of sizes that can be branded without distorting images or text.
Choosing the right takeaway coffee cups for delivery – and ensuring they are made from sustainable materials, are affordably priced, and are attractively branded – can feel like a major task.
However, working with a full-service coffee packaging expert can make the process easier. At MTPak Coffee, we have years of expertise in custom-printing takeaway coffee cups for specialty coffee shops and roasters around the world.
We offer 100% compostable takeaways coffee cups in three different sizes: 8oz, 12oz, and 16oz. Each one is available to order as either single or double wall, while we also sell sleeves and lids for all sizes.
We can also help you creatively design and package your ground and roast coffee in a range of sustainable materials, such as kraft or rice paper with a LDPE or PLA lining, as well as colours, finishes, bag shapes and sizes.
We offer a range of coffee bags that can be fitted with a PLA interior. When added to kraft paper, it produces a fully compostable option for customers.
