New data from Nespresso Professional, which supplies B2B coffee solutions for the office and HORECA sectors across the UK, has highlighted consumer curiosity for so-called ‘functional coffees’ that come with added health and wellness ingredients like protein, collagen, and vitamins.
The research comes as Nespresso Professional launches Forte Extra – a variant of its top-selling Professional coffee, Forte, but with added caffeine. An intense coffee with sweet caramel and medium-roasted, toasted notes, this bold flavour profile is best enjoyed as an espresso.
Forte Extra is created using Nespresso’s unique CO2 saturation method – a reimagining of its decaffeination process that infuses extra caffeine into green (unroasted) coffees to deliver a powerful caffeine kick.
Responding to increased consumer focus on the health and wellbeing benefits of food and beverages, Forte Extra follows the successful launch of a range of B2C ‘functional coffee’ capsules including Vivida B12 and Ginseng.
According to recent Nespresso Professional research, nearly one in three younger consumers (Millennials and Gen Z) see ‘health benefits’ as one of their two most important factors when choosing coffee. Over half of those surveyed said they would be likely to swap their regular coffee for a coffee that contains wellness-focused ingredients such as collagen, protein, or vitamins. This rises to three quarters of consumers aged 16 to 43 (Gen Z and Millennials).
Nick Stevens, Commercial Director B2B at Nespresso Professional said: “Many younger consumers see health and wellness venues as social spaces, so it is no surprise the industry is upping its game when it comes to food and drink options. Businesses need to innovate to meet demand for coffee that seamlessly integrates into individual wellness routines. A range of blends and recipes allows consumers to choose what is right for them throughout the day – the perfect offering for the next generation of coffee lovers.”
‘Doing exercise together’ was identified by 1 in 5 (21%) millennials as one of the activities they were most likely to do with their friends. This was roughly equivalent to the proportion (23%) that selected ‘going to the pub or a bar for alcoholic drinks’.
An espresso of Forte Extra contains approximately 115 mg of caffeine, compared to 70 mg for an espresso of the original Forte. A decaffeinated Forte capsule is also available, allowing consumers to choose the caffeine level that works best for them or to adjust the caffeine level at different times in the day.
Nespresso Professional supplies a range of coffee solutions for business big and small, including offices, hotels, restaurants, cafes, gyms and golf clubs.
