Ready-to-Drink Coffee Is Reshaping Green Coffee Demand

Ready-to-drink coffee has become one of the fastest growing segments in the global beverage market, and its impact is now being felt upstream in green coffee sourcing. According to Grand View Research, the global RTD coffee market was valued at over USD 37 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate above 7 percent through 2030, outpacing traditional roasted coffee categories. This sustained growth is driven by convenience-focused consumers, younger demographics, and expanding distribution in Asia Pacific and North America. For green coffee traders, this shift is influencing demand toward consistent, scalable origins and flavor profiles that perform well in cold extraction and shelf-stable formats (Grand View Research).

Unlike specialty café trends that emphasize micro lots, RTD producers prioritize volume, reliability, and cost stability. Data from the International Coffee Organization shows that industrial use now accounts for more than 45 percent of global coffee consumption, a figure that has steadily increased over the last decade as RTD and soluble products expand. Arabica remains important for premium RTD lines, but robusta and hybrid varieties are gaining attention due to price competitiveness and functional performance. This evolution is pushing traders to rethink origin diversification, long-term contracts, and blending strategies to meet manufacturer demand (International Coffee Organization).

Looking forward, RTD growth is also accelerating conversations around sustainability and traceability at scale. Major beverage companies are committing to verified sourcing and lower carbon footprints, influencing green coffee buying standards well beyond traditional specialty markets. World Coffee Research reports increased investment in climate-resilient varieties and productivity improvements to support large volume buyers without sacrificing quality. For wholesale buyers and sellers, understanding RTD demand is no longer optional, as it is becoming a central force shaping green coffee pricing, origin strategy, and long-term supply planning (World Coffee Research).