Market Size (2018)
$202.84M
Vertical: CFnBBase Year: 2018
Market Size (2018)
$202.84M
Projected (2025)
$507.93M
CAGR (2017–2025)
13.9%
Key Players
10+
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} The global cold brew coffee market has witnessed continued growth over the last few years and is projected to reach USD 507.9 million by 2025 at a CAGR of 14.10%. The growth of the global market can be attributed to the rising awareness of the benefits of cold brew coffee and increasing demand for on-the-go beverages. Additionally, manufacturers can avail of growth opportunities in untapped markets in developing countries. However, the availability of several substitute beverages is hampering the growth of the market.
The Cold Brew Coffee Market market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.9% from 2017 to 2025.
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View Subscription PlansCold Brew Coffee Market
Historical performance and future projections (2020–2030, USD Billion)
Market Size (USD Mn)
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Cold brew coffee is typically made with roasted and ground coffee. The roasted coffee is steeped in water at ambient or cooler temperatures. Technically, cold brew is the process of brewing a beverage using room-temperature or cold water. This process often requires 12–24 hours for preparation. Factors such as contact time, temperature, roast level, grind size, pressure, and steeping method may influence the final brew composition and flavor of the final product.
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View Subscription PlansNormal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Research Process
Wantstats analysis is based on interviews with industry experts who offer insight into the market structure, market segmentation, technology assessment, competitive landscape (CL), market penetration, as well as the emerging trends. Besides primary interviews (~80%) and secondary research (~20%), their analysis is based on years of professional expertise in their respective industries. Our analysts also predict where the market will be headed in the next five to 10 years, by analyzing historical trends and the current market position. Furthermore, the varying trends in segments and categories in each region are studied and estimated based on primary and secondary research.
Primary Research
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Secondary Research
Secondary research was mainly used to collect and identify information useful for an extensive, technical, market-oriented, and commercial study of the global cold brew coffee market. It was also used to obtain key information about major players, market classification and segmentation according to industry trends, geographic markets, and developments related to the market and technology. For this study, analysts have gathered information from various credible sources such as annual reports, SEC filings, journals, white papers, corporate presentations, company websites, and paid databases.
Market Size Estimation
Both the top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the size of the market and to estimate the size of various other dependent sub-markets of the overall global cold brew coffee market. The key players in the market were identified through secondary research, and their market contributions in different applications across the globe were determined through primary and secondary research. This entire process included the study of the annual and financial reports of the top market players and extensive interviews for key insights with industry leaders such as CEOs, VPs, directors, and marketing executives. All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns were determined using secondary sources and verified through primary sources. All the possible parameters that affect the market covered in this research study have been accounted for, viewed in extensive detail, verified through primary research, and analyzed to arrive at the final quantitative and qualitative data. This data has been consolidated, and detailed inputs and analysis from Wantstats added before being presented in this report. The following figure shows an illustrative representation of the overall market size estimation process employed for the purpose of this study.
Base Year
2018
Historical Period
2017 – 2017
Forecast Period
2019 – 2025
Primary Interviews
150+
Historical data (2017–2018) and forecast period (2018–2025)
Our research process spans primary interviews with industry stakeholders combined with comprehensive secondary data analysis, validated through triangulation across multiple independent sources.
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View Subscription PlansNormal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} The global cold brew coffee market comprises several global, regional, and local players. The players compete based on cost, product quality, and regional distribution. It is crucial for the players to offer a wide variety of cold brew coffees with high quality to compete in the global market.
The growth of the players is dependent on market conditions, government support, and developments in the industry. Thus, the key participants are particularly focusing on initiatives such as acquisitions, expansions, product launches, and strategic partnerships. Most of the companies operating in the global market are expanding operations across different geographies, enhancing their production capabilities, and forming long-term partnerships with companies. Nestle S.A., Califia Farms LP, High Brew Coffee, La Colombe Torrefaction, Inc., Groundwork Coffee Company Inc, Venice Cold Brew, LLC, Grady's Cold Brew, Station Cold Brew Company, Starbucks Corporation, and Sandows London Limited are the key players operating in the global cold brew coffee market, who compete in terms of variety, quality, price, and technology. The primary focus of the companies is on offering a variety of cold brew coffees as per consumer demand. Although the international players dominate the global market, regional and foreign players with small market shares also have a significant presence in the global market. The international players are expanding their presence worldwide through strategic acquisitions, expansions, and the launch of innovative products.
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Threat of New Entrants
The threat for new entrants in the global cold brew coffee market is expected to be moderate. There are several brands operating in the market. Therefore, it becomes difficult for new entrants to compete with established brands in the market. New players need to invest heavily in creating a brand name through promotion and marketing. However, the barriers to enter the cold brew coffee market are not very high and the initial investments to start a cold brew coffee company is not high either. Apart from that, the production process of cold brew coffee is not complicated. The easy availability of the raw materials and increasing demand for ready-to-drink coffee might encourage players in the food & beverage industry to extend their product portfolios by adding cold brew coffee.
Hence, the threat of new entrants in the global cold brew coffee market is expected to be moderate.
Threat of Substitutes
The threat of substitutes in the global cold brew coffee market is expected to be high. The close substitutes of cold brew coffee are iced coffee, espresso drinks, mocha, and other ready-to-drink coffee products. The demand for cold brew coffee is high in developed economies, while availability is limited in developing and underdeveloped economies. Due to the growth of the foodservice industry across the globe, the demand for espresso drinks has been rising at a high pace.
Thus, the threat of substitutes in the global cold brew coffee market is expected to be high.
Bargaining Power of Buyers
The cold brew coffee market in North America and Europe is fragmented owing to the presence of several local players along with established players. The buyers in the global cold brew coffee market have several substitute products from which to choose and consumers usually tend to experiment with new products in the market and often change their preferences; these factors increase their bargaining power. Moreover, owing to the presence of established industry players in the market, the buyers have several choices, which also reduces switching costs.
Thus, the bargaining power of buyers in the global cold brew coffee market is expected to be high.
Bargaining Power of Suppliers
The raw material suppliers of cold brew coffee include coffee beans, dairy products, other ingredients. Due to the presence of a large number of suppliers across the globe and moderate costs of raw materials, the bargaining power of suppliers tends to be low. Moreover, the suppliers are not concentrated in any single region but have a cross-regional presence, which decreases the switching costs for manufacturers.
Hence, the bargaining power of suppliers in the global cold brew coffee market is expected to be low.
Intensity of Rivalry
The global cold brew coffee market is marked by a high degree of rivalry. There are prominent players in the market with fierce rivalry based on quality and price. Manufacturers invest heavily in launching products to outpace competitors. Moreover, they are focused on reducing production costs to compete in the cut-throat market. Each player is fighting for a greater market share, which creates intense rivalry.
Hence, the intensity of rivalry in the global cold brew coffee market is expected to be high.
Market estimates by geography (2025)
InsightNorth America leads with $232.33M by 2025.
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View Subscription Plans| REGION | 2017 | 2018 | 2025 | CAGR | SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America | $68.46M | $124.93M | $232.33M | 16.5% | 46% |
| Asia Pacific | $33.49M | $48.27M | $70.76M | 9.8% | 14% |
| Europe | $62.39M | $104.95M | $180.98M | 14.2% | 36% |
| Rest of the World | $14.58M | $19.60M | $23.87M | 6.4% | 5% |
| Total | $178.92M | $297.75M | $507.94M | 13.9% | 100% |
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Analytical insights on Cold Brew Coffee Market covering market dynamics, competitive landscape, and strategic outlook.
The Cold Brew Coffee Market market is projected to reach $507.93M by 2025, growing at 13.9% CAGR.
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Cold brew coffee has gained popularity in recent years owing to the rising awareness of its benefits over regular coffee. Also, the increasing demand for on-the-go drinks has significantly contributed to the rising demand for cold brew coffee. Moreover, untapped markets in developing countries offer opportunities for growth to players in the global cold brew coffee market. However, the easy availability of a variety of substitutes such as regular coffee, tea, and traditional beverages is expected to restrain the growth of the market. The fluctuating raw material prices and high competition are the major challenges faced by manufacturers.
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Cold brew coffee has gained immense popularity lately. Coffee grounds are steeped in water for 12 to 24 hours to draw out the flavor and caffeine. This process makes the coffee smoother and less bitter than hot brewed coffee, resulting in consumer preference. Cold brew coffee is also higher in pH and is thus less acidic and has a lower caffeine content than hot brewed coffee. This has led to its popularity among the health conscious. Cold brew coffee also helps in lowering cholesterol levels and improving metabolic rate.
Cold brew manufacturers are focusing on R&D to introduce value-added products, with increased health benefits. Consumers are becoming more aware of the benefits associated with cold brew coffee and shifting preferences. These factors are expected to drive the growth of the global cold brew coffee market, especially North America and Europe.
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} The trend for cold brew coffee has caught on in developed countries such as the US, the UK, Spain, and Italy due to high consumer awareness and a willingness to experiment. However, the market is limited in regions like Asia-Pacific, South America, and Africa. Low awareness of the product in these regions is the key factor for the limited market share. The manufacturers of cold brew coffee can avail of the immense untapped potential for growth in developing countries boosted by rapid urbanization and increasing spending capacity. In countries such as India, China, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Brazil, urbanization has led to increased working hours, with professionals preferring to on-the-go coffee beverages. The growing tourism industry in such countries is also expected to result in increased awareness of cold brew coffee.
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} The key substitute for on-the-drink cold brew coffee is the cold brew coffee available at foodservice outlets such as cafés, restaurants, and hotels. This poses a direct threat to the market as these establishments serve fresh cold brew coffee. Apart from this, there are several other substitutes for cold brew coffee available in the market including iced tea, iced matcha drinks, and cold herbal teas. These cold beverages pose a direct threat to the sales of cold brew coffee owing to the health benefits they offer. Hot drinks such as traditional coffee and tea and health drinks and functional beverages are all substitutes for cold brew coffee. These products are often more readily available than cold brew coffee, especially hot coffee and tea, and are usually more affordable. Rising health consciousness has also led consumers to opt for natural substitutes such as coconut water and plant-based beverages, including non-dairy products.
Thus, the availability of several options is expected to restrict the growth of the global cold brew coffee market during the review period.
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} The global cold brew coffee market is at a nascent stage and is only booming in North America and Europe. The niche market is highly fragmented owing to the presence of a large number of players that are focused on continuous product innovation. This has resulted in a wide product and brand range available for consumers with low switching costs. As the market is developing, brand recognition and brand loyalty are also low fueling competition among the players. Apart from on-the-go cold brew coffee manufacturers, several foodservice providers have also entered the market.
Near-term growth will likely concentrate in modular bioreactor lines and closed-system media workflows that shorten validation cycles while preserving batch traceability.
Partnerships between CDMOs and instrumentation vendors should accelerate standard datasets for comparability across sites, improving forecasting models used in capacity planning.
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Profiles of 109 companies operating in the Cold Brew Coffee Market market, including revenue, employee count, and market positioning where available.
Showing 109 of 109 companies
Starbucks Corporation
### Positioning statement (150 words) Starbucks is the world's largest specialty coffee company and, by a wide margin, the dominant global operator of branded coffeehouses. It vertically integrates green-coffee sourcing, proprietary roasting and a 41,000-store retail estate spanning 89 markets, monetised through three channels: directly operated coffeehouses, a licensed store network run by regional partners, and a consumer-packaged-goods and foodservice franchise operated principally through the Global Coffee Alliance with Nestlé. The economic engine is North America, which generated 74% of fiscal 2025 revenue. Following two years of comparable-sales erosion, the company is executing a comprehensive operational reset — "Back to Starbucks" — under chairman and chief executive Brian Niccol, appointed September 2024. That reset has produced four consecutive quarters of comparable-sales growth through Q3 fiscal 2026 and two consecutive quarters of margin expansion, alongside a decisive shift in capital structure: the April 2026 divestiture of a controlling interest in Starbucks China converts the company's second-largest market to an asset-light licensing relationship. --- ### 2.1 The company's own characterisation In its fiscal 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Starbucks describes itself as the premier roaster, marketer and retailer of specialty coffee worldwide, operating in 89 markets. It purchases and roasts high-quality coffees, which it sells alongside handcrafted coffee, tea and other beverages together with food through company-operated stores (which the company calls "coffeehouses"). It also sells coffee and tea products and licenses its trademarks through other channels — licensed stores, and grocery and foodservice via the Global Coffee Alliance with Nestlé S.A. Beyond the flagship Starbucks Coffee brand, the company markets goods and services under the Teavana, Ethos and Starbucks Reserve marks. The company states that its primary objective is to sustain Starbucks' standing as one of the most recognised and respected brands globally, and that continuous investment in brand and operations will deliver long-term revenue and income growth. That includes expanding the global store base in both mature markets such as the United States and higher-growth markets, and optimising the mix of company-operated and licensed stores. It emphasises beverage, equipment, process and technology innovation, including its digital platform. ### 2.2 Independent characterisation Starbucks is best understood as three economically distinct businesses sharing one brand and one supply chain: **(a) A capital-intensive, high-fixed-cost retail operator.** Company-operated stores generated 82.7% of fiscal 2025 net revenue ($30,744.8m of $37,184.4m). This business carries the full weight of store labour, occupancy and depreciation. In fiscal 2025 store operating expenses reached 55.5% of company-operated store revenue, up from 51.4% in fiscal 2024 — a 410-basis-point deterioration that is the single most important line item in understanding the fiscal 2025 profit collapse. Almost all of the 21,514 company-operated stores at fiscal 2025 year-end were leased, which is why operating lease liabilities of $10.5bn sit alongside $16.1bn of financial debt on the balance sheet. **(b) A royalty-and-wholesale licensing business.** Licensed stores produced 11.7% of fiscal 2025 revenue ($4,350.4m). Under this model Starbucks earns a margin on branded product and equipment sold to the licensee plus a royalty on the licensee's retail sales; the licensee bears operating costs and capital expenditure. Licensed stores carry lower gross margin but structurally higher operating margin than company-operated stores. This is the model Starbucks is now deliberately migrating toward: the April 2026 conversion of roughly 7,991 China company-operated stores to licensed status was the largest single such shift in the company's history. **(c) A consumer-packaged-goods and foodservice franchise.** "Other" revenue — 5.6% of fiscal 2025 revenue ($2,089.2m) — is recorded largely in Channel Development and comprises packaged coffee, tea and ready-to-drink sales outside the store estate plus Nestlé royalties. This is by far the highest-margin part of the enterprise: Channel Development operating margin was 47.3% in fiscal 2025 and 52.1% in Q3 fiscal 2026. It is also the least capital-intensive, since Nestlé controls distribution and, in some cases, roasting and packaging of Starbucks packaged products outside Starbucks stores. ### 2.3 Revenue model composition *(FY2024 and FY2025 from the Q4 FY2025 earnings release, 29 October 2025; FY2023 components derived from the FY2023 Form 10-K and shown as approximate.)* *(FY2025 Form 10-K, segment note.)* Within company-operated stores specifically, the retail sales mix in fiscal 2025 was 73% beverages, 23% food and 4% other, versus 74%/23%/3% in fiscal 2024 and 74%/22%/4% in fiscal 2023 (FY2025 Form 10-K). The food attach rate has been a deliberate management lever; Q3 fiscal 2026 ticket growth of 3.5% in North America was attributed in part to food attach and beverage modification. ### 2.4 Value chain position Starbucks occupies an unusually long stretch of the coffee value chain for a retailer. It controls substantially all green-coffee purchasing, roasting, packaging and global distribution for its own operations, operates ten farmer support centres (including one in Yunnan Province, China) staffed with agronomists, and owns most of its roasting plants while leasing the majority of warehousing and distribution facilities. Upstream, it does not own coffee farms at scale; it purchases from producers, trading companies and exporters using fixed-price and price-to-be-fixed commitments, hedged with forwards, futures and collars. Downstream in the CPG channel it has ceded distribution to Nestlé in exchange for an upfront payment and an ongoing royalty stream — an asset-light structure that materially improves returns but reduces control. ### 2.5 Customer types and end-markets - **Retail consumers** — the overwhelming majority of revenue, transacting in-store, via drive-thru, mobile order-and-pay, and third-party delivery. Starbucks Rewards had 34.2m 90-day-active U.S. members at fiscal 2025 year-end and 35.5m at January 2026, and the programme drove nearly 60% of U.S. company-operated revenue in fiscal 2025 (2026 Investor Day, 29 January 2026). - **Licensee operators** — regional master licensees and franchisees who buy product, equipment and supplies from Starbucks and remit royalties. Concentration among a small number of large regional licensees is explicitly flagged as a risk factor. - **Grocery, club and convenience retail** — served through Nestlé under the Global Coffee Alliance. - **Foodservice accounts** — offices, hotels, universities, hospitals, airlines and airports. - **Joint-venture partners** — the North American Coffee Partnership with PepsiCo for ready-to-drink, and from April 2026 the Boyu Capital joint venture in China in which Starbucks retains 40%. No single customer accounts for 10% or more of revenues (FY2025 Form 10-K). ---
Wandering Bear Coffee
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Red Thread Coffee Co.
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Sandows London Limited
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Sandows London Limited specializes in the production and marketing of cold brew coffee. The company offers bottles as well as draught products for wholesale. Its product range includes cold brew powdered coffee, coffee in cans, and flavored cold brew soda. Sandows London Limited supplies its products to independent cafés, restaurants, and bars, as well as luxury retailers and grocery stores in the UK.
Station Cold Brew Company
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Station Cold Brew Company manufactures and markets cold brew coffee that is handcrafted and packaged at the company’s brewery which it has coined ‘’Canada’s First Coffee Brewery’’. The company offers cold brew coffee that is certified organic. These coffee beans are responsibly sourced using fair trade policies and are infused in cold water for 18 hours in small batches for a high-quality end product.
Grady's Cold Brew
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Grady's Cold Brew offers cold brew coffees in two forms—ready-to-drink and brew-it-yourself. The company started by offering New Orleans-style bottle concentrate cold brew coffee. It works with Porto Rico Importing Co., the oldest purveyors of coffee in New York City; the company’s coffee is brewed, blended, and roasted at its brewery in New York, US. Grady's Cold Brew offers a special blend of coffee, chicory, and spices that is cold brewed for 20 hours. The coffee offered by the company is traceable back to the farm through the Direct Trade Sourcing standard to ensure the coffee is produced to its highest potential, roasted carefully, and purchased responsibly.
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