With our warm climate here in the UAE and the demand for refreshing beverages year-round, specialty iced coffees have emerged as a tour de force among the local coffee community. From trendy cafes to gyms and concept stores, iced coffees are rewriting the menu on what it means to consume your usual cup of coffee.
So let’s dive into the factors fuelling this rise, explore unique recipes from local heroes like RAW, and check out the future of this coffee segment.
1. The Rise of Specialty Iced Coffees
Several factors have contributed to the ascent of specialty iced coffees here in the UAE:
- Appeal to Younger Consumers: With a penchant for unique flavors and experiences, younger demographics are more experimental, embracing new ideas and always looking for innovative ways to consume their caffeine.
- Consistency and Convenience: Specialty iced coffees offer a consistent and convenient alternative to traditional hot coffee menus, perfect for our fast-paced lifestyles.
- Environmental Consciousness: Unlike capsule-based drinks, specialty iced coffees cause minimal environmental impact, while resonating with eco-conscious consumers.
- Warm Climate and Season-Defying Growth: The UAE’s warm climate provides the ideal backdrop for chilled beverages, driving demand regardless of seasonal fluctuations.
- Accessibility and Low Equipment Outlay: Home connoisseurs can easily recreate their favourite cold coffee recipes with minimal equipment, making it accessible to all.
- Growth of Ready-to-Drink Segment: The ready-to-drink market, including nitro-infused options, has expanded, offering a broad sensory experience to consumers.
2. Unique Recipes and Local Twists
Cafes like RAW are infusing local flavors into their iced coffee offerings, tantalizing taste buds with creative blends:
- Coffee Frappe: A blend of ice, cold brew coffee concentrate, oat milk, and sweeteners like date syrup an indulgent treat.
- Summer Iced Coffee Quencher: Sparkling water or soda mixed with cold brew and a twist of fresh or dehydrated orange delivers a zesty and refreshing coffee.
- Iced Latte with a Twist: Freeze cold brew coffee into ice cubes, then pour over your preferred milk for a personalised latte.
3. Middle Eastern Flavors Infusion
Local ingredients can add a Middle Eastern flair to traditional iced coffee drinks:
- Incorporating Local Spices: Cardamom or other spices can enhance the coffee’s appeal to the local palate.
- Natural Sweeteners: Date syrup or local honey provide a healthier alternative to traditional sweeteners, complementing the coffee’s flavor.
- Camel milk: Can be substituted for other dairy / non-dairy milks for a local experience.
4. Consumer Feedback
Feedback from B2C cafes and customers we supply cold brew concentrate to, highlights the convenience, consistency, and profitability of specialty iced coffees. These drinks streamline operations, reduce waste, and cater to the growing demand for quality beverages.
5. Popularity and Sales
Specialty iced coffees are gaining popularity due to their refreshing nature, cleaner ingredients, and appeal to health-conscious consumers. With less sugar and fewer calories, they can offer a guilt-free indulgence without compromising on taste.
6. Future Trends
Looking ahead at future trends in the world of specialty iced coffee:
- Support for Local Roasters: Conscious consumers will increasingly support local coffee roasters, prioritizing freshness and quality.
- DIY Culture: More people will embrace home brewing, experimenting with different beans, flavors, and brewing methods.
- Focus on Quality and Water: Increased awareness of coffee quality and water purity will shape consumer preferences, driving demand for premium ingredients.
- RTD Drinks: Ready-to-drink options will expand, catering to on-the-go lifestyles and convenience-seeking consumers.
Well-known UAE culinary identity Chef Jesse Blake shares his refreshing take on cold brew, emphasizing its versatility and simplicity. His concoction with young coconut juice and lime epitomizes the creativity driving Dubai’s iced coffee scene.
“I drink cold brew every morning, we make it at home and always keep it stocked in the fridge. Lately have been drinking it with young coconut juice and a bit of lime as the days have been super hot and it’s nice and refreshing to drink throughout the day. I just pour the cold brew over ice in a tall glass and top up with young coconut juice and a squeeze of lime. If using the fresh coconuts, I add some of the young coconut flesh as well.”