MILAN – Covid has changed the habits of British consumers, especially younger ones, according to a nationwide survey conducted by the independent insights agency Opinion Matters and commissioned by Matthew Algie – one of the UK and Ireland’s leading suppliers of coffee, equipment, and training to businesses and organisations across hospitality, retail, education, and industry. The research also found that almost half of Gen Z Brits say they kind of miss the slower pace of the lockdown life as it enabled them to learn new skills.
48% of Millennials and 45% of Gen Z respondents say they drink more coffee now than they did before the pandemic. The percentage drops to 21% for Generation X and 14% for Baby Boomers, says the survey.
It is also interesting to note that 42% of Millennials and 43% of Gen Z say their coffee consumption has changed since the UK’s first lockdown
In particular, more than half of Millennials (51%) and more than 4 in 10 Gen Z (42%) claim that they now attach greater importance to the quality of coffee than they did before Covid.
Expectations are also rising, with more than 6 in 10 respondents (61%) now expecting all coffee to be of a high standard. Among millennials and baby boomers, this figure rises to 64%.
Younger consumers are more open to novelty, with 47% of Gen Z and Millennials saying they try new types of coffee more often, the survey shows
UK consumers are also becoming more sensitive to sustainability issues. In fact, 42% of those surveyed are willing to pay more for coffee from a sustainable supply chain. This rises to 52% for Gen Z and 58% for Millennials, but falls to just 27% for Baby Boomers.
Kate Asamoa, a director at Matthew Algie, said: “The Covid-19 lockdowns reshaped daily life in ways we’re still uncovering, and coffee habits are no exception. With routines disrupted, people sought out small comforts – like coffee – not just as a pick-me-up but as a ritual of consistency and pleasure. For younger consumers, whose preferences were still developing, this period has had a particularly lasting impact.
“One of the most notable shifts has been the growing focus on quality and sustainability. With more time at home and, in some cases, extra disposable income, many consumers embraced home brewing – experimenting with different beans, brewing methods, and specialty coffee brands. A heightened awareness of coffee sourcing and flavour profiles has not only reshaped preferences but also established a lasting trend beyond the pandemic.”
Estelle MacGilp, head of coffee sourcing at Matthew Algie, added: “The lasting effect is a more conscious and engaged coffee drinker. Again, particularly among younger generations, there’s an increased awareness of ethical sourcing, production methods, and the craft behind a great cup of coffee.
This presents an exciting opportunity for the coffee industry to not only meet but exceed evolving consumer expectations – by prioritising transparency, sustainability, and exceptional quality at every stage of the supply chain.”
