The DaVinci Gourmet Barista Craft Competition where Lanz Castillo participated is a clear indication of the steady and continuous growth of the global coffee shop market, which is now projected to reach $200 billion by 2025.
In a separate email exchange, Eloise Dubuisson, General Manager of Foodservice Brands at Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, said Asia Pacific is at the forefront of this growth, emerging as a trendsetter rather than a follower.
“Consumers in this region, including the Philippines, are becoming more discerning about coffee quality and are eager for new, inspiring experiences. To keep pace, coffee shops must continue adapting to shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and sustainability imperatives,” Dubuisson wrote.
Dubuisson also shared the current global coffee trends they have been observing and how these trends can directly influence the Philippine market.
1. Specialty coffee boom. Globally, consumers are gravitating towards specialty coffee, with a heightened focus on high-quality beans and signature, high-quality flavored beverages. By 2025, the specialty coffee segment is expected to comprise 30 percent of the global market.
In the Philippines, the rise of specialty coffee is more than just a trend; it’s reshaping the local café scene. Filipino consumers are developing a sophisticated palate, seeking out high-quality, unique flavors. Independent coffee shops are booming, with baristas elevating the coffee experience through innovative signature drinks.
“At DaVinci Gourmet, we are empowering these local establishments to create flavor masterpieces that amaze customers, introducing new drink concepts inspired by global innovations tailored to the local taste,” Dubuisson.
2. Sustainability focus. Sustainability has become a key priority for coffee shops worldwide, with many transitioning to ethically sourced beans, eco-friendly packaging, and carbon-neutral operations. Plant-based milk alternatives have also become mainstream, further driving this sustainability movement. The market for sustainable coffee is expected to grow by 7 to 10-percent annually through 2025.
In the Philippines, while sustainability is becoming an integral part of the coffee culture, it is still at an early stage compared to other markets like Australia or Japan.
“Despite this, we have a responsibility to support local coffee shops in adopting environmentally conscious practices, from using biodegradable packaging to offering plant-based milk alternatives. DaVinci Gourmet is supporting this movement by offering Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa products and creating syrups and sauces in fully recyclable packaging,” Dubuisson said.
3. Digital transformation and technology. Mobile ordering, app-based loyalty programs, and contactless payments now the norm. Coffee-making robots and AI-driven inventory management are enhancing efficiency and elevating the customer experience. Asia Pacific is leading the charge, with innovative players like Luckin Coffee and Tomoro Café at the forefront.
In the Philippines, Dubuisson cited PickUp Coffee as one of the coffee chains embracing digital innovation. The adoption of mobile ordering platforms, cashless transactions, and app-based loyalty programs is making coffee more accessible than ever.
4. Coffee shop evolution and expansion. Coffee shops are evolving into versatile spaces that offer more than just coffee — co-working environments, food pairings, and even retail experiences are becoming part of the mix.
In the Philippines, the café culture is rapidly expanding, with lifestyle cafés (library cafés, retail cafés) and convenience cafés popping up in urban centers. More businesses are integrating coffee into their core operations, offering café-quality drinks in apparel stores, convenience stores, and even gas stations. CA
