Coffee Culture Reinvented

New Expectations:
Coffee as a Lifestyle Catalyst

Coffee is evolving faster than ever. What was once a simple beverage has become a powerful expression of lifestyle, wellness, and personal identity. Consumers today expect more: more variety, more health benefits, more storytelling, and more individuality. For operators, this shift marks a pivotal opportunity to differentiate through high‑value beverage concepts.

Trend Landscape: From Retro Revival to Functional Indulgence

The diversification of coffee culture is redefining menus worldwide. Retro grain‑based alternatives are celebrating a comeback in organic settings, offering natural, caffeine‑free options. At the same time, functional beverages such as Proffee (protein + coffee) and Glow Coffee (coffee + collagen) are reshaping expectations, blending energising benefits with beauty and wellness aspects. These drinks appeal particularly to younger, health‑conscious consumers seeking more than a caffeine kick – they seek purposeful indulgence.

Visual Culture: How Young Consumers Redefine Beverage Trends

A new generation is propelling beverage innovation. For years, the latte macchiato dominated modern coffee culture. Today, colourful creations like matcha, ube, and hojicha lattes rule the roost on social feeds and sales counters. With more than 200 million social views, the ube matcha latte became the trend drink of 2025 – a perfect symbol of how aesthetics and added value drive demand. The matcha market continues to grow strongly, fuelled by Gen Z’s appetite for visually bold, wellness‑oriented beverages.

Proffee and Glow Coffee

A glass of layered green matcha latte with white foam, placed next to a bamboo whisk and a pile of matcha powder on a soft green background.

Why Matcha Wins: A New Energy Philosophy

The rise of matcha beverages reflects a broader mindset shift. Matcha delivers gentle, long-lasting energy thanks to L‑theanine, supporting focus and mental clarity – perfectly aligned with a generation that values mindful productivity. While espresso offers an instant boost, matcha provides sustained balance throughout the day.

Commercial Momentum: When Coffee Shops Become Experience Spaces

Global market analyses show that creative latte variations significantly boost willingness to pay. Customisation, sustainability, and product storytelling at the point of sale strengthen loyalty and increase average spend. Coffee shops are evolving into curated experience spaces where unique beverage concepts become key differentiators.

SEB Professional Beverage Turns Trends into Operational Advantage

To translate these trends into consistent, profitable offerings, operators need technology that ensures precision, flexibility, and uncompromising quality. This is where the SEB Professional Beverage Brands WMF and Schaerer deliver measurable value. The fully automatic machine enables the preparation of both classic specialties and modern trend beverages – from matcha and chai to superfood lattes or protein‑enriched drinks – always with reproducible premium quality.

WMF 2‑Milk Solution: Effortlessly processes two milk types (e.g., dairy & plant‑based) with automatic, cross‑contamination‑safe rinsing.
Schaerer Twin Milk System: Ideal for frequent milk switching, enabling perfect foam consistency for every variant.
Dynamic Milk / Dynamic Milk Assist (WMF): Guarantees exact foam textures – essential for social‑media‑ready beverages.
Hot & Cold Technology / WMF Chilled Coffee: Prepares iced specialties at 30–35°C while preserving full aroma.
Automatic syrup and powder dispensers: Handle up to four syrups and two powders such as chocolate, pink superfood (beetroot), milk powder, and chai, all touchscreen-controlled