RTD Coffee Market Size - By Product Type, Packaging Format, Additive, Sweetener Type, Milk Type, Price Segment, Distribution Channel, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

RTD Coffee Market Size

The global RTD coffee market was valued at USD 26.2 billion in 2024, with expectations to reach USD 52.5 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.2%.
 

RTD coffee has single-handedly advanced the beverage trend due to its unmatched convenience, portability, and taste sophistication.  Its convenience meets the needs of consumers with hectic lifestyles as well as the growing demand for functional beverages. RTD coffee is the perfect solution for people trying to balance their lives as it offers brewed coffee convenience.
 

Consumers enjoy RTD coffee across various domains. Besides being a must-stock item in convenience stores, supermarkets, and online shopping portals, it caters to busy professionals and travellers needing a reliable energy boost. It has surged in popularity among younger consumers, especially Gen Z and millennials due to it being both energizing and flavourful.
 

Also, coffee consumption worldwide has seen a steady increase over the past decade. According to data, global coffee consumption grew from 142 million 60kg bags in 2012/13 to 176 million bags in 2021/22. This upward trend reflects the beverage's enduring popularity and the expansion of coffee culture across various regions.
 

Smooth cold brews and nitro-infused versions also appear to be rising in popularity due to their creamy nature and association with high-end products. Sustainability remains a top priority as companies adopt policies towards greener packaging, responsible supply chain practices, and better corporate social responsibility. Additionally, the use of functional ingredients such as mushrooms and nootropics in infusion innovations is bound to alter the future of RTD coffee.
 

For instance, world coffee production increased by 0.1% to 168.2 million bags in coffee year 2022/23. This growth in coffee production directly influences the availability of coffee worldwide ensuring the steady growth of coffee and coffee related market like RTD coffee.
 

RTD Coffee Market Trends

Technology is currently one of the most important factors affecting the RTD coffee market, especially in terms of new methods of brewing, packaging, and coffee shelf life. Improvements in cold brew technology, nitrogen infusion, and aseptic processing are increasing flavour and product safety. Advanced smart packaging with QR codes and recyclable materials is also appealing to the younger generation and the environmentally friendly segment of people.
 

The demand of consumers is now leaning towards health, sustainability, and customization. Preferences are shifting towards lower sugar, dairy-free, organic, and clean label options of RTD coffee. Transparency in sourcing and ethical practices along with issued functional benefits such as added protein and adaptogens, especially matter to the millennials and Gen Z consumers. The increasing need for ready-to-drink products designed for active, busy lifestyles is driving the growth across many different demographics.
 

The innovation of spices and other flavouring is used in novels to market coffee as a plateau puller. New competitors are not only focusing on the normal Flavors; exotic infusions such as lavender, cardamom, matcha, and even mushroom blends are marketed which creates a remedy along with taste that targets the functional beverage market. There are limited Flavors for some regions solely to attract niche audiences and these serve as a buzz generating tool.
 

For example, in October 2024, Nestlé expanded its cold coffee portfolio by launching Blue Bottle Coffee’s New Orleans (NOLA) Craft Instant Coffee Blend. This new product joins Blue Bottle’s existing New Orleans-Style Iced Coffee offerings, capitalizing on Nestlé’s expertise in soluble coffee. The blend combines Blue Bottle’s specialty coffee and chicory, capturing the classic New Orleans flavour profile in an easy-to-prepare, instant format.
 

Enhancing marketing initiatives that tap into the vegan and keto consumer bases, lowercase flavour customization, and shifting into new and developing regions pose the most potential in the foreseeable future. Also, incorporating new retail vending machines and DTC are anticipated to revolutionize the accessibility and RTD coffee’s market scope.
 

Tariff Impact

The U.S. government's decision to put tariffs on the imported goods would make a massive hit on the Ready-to-Drink (RTD) coffee market. The chief areas that are expected to be affected are the manufacturing costs and retail prices. The products that are mainly imported, such as coffee beans, flavorings, and material packaging, will be subjected to a sudden and sharp rise in the production expenditures.
 

This would most probably be the case for brands at the top and those in the super-premium segment of the RTD market trade, which are used to sourcing for their special ingredients from far areas. The effect would be that such brands may either have profit margins reduced or get pressured to share the additional costs with the consumers, so much so that they perhaps might tamper with the demand for the products.
 

When it comes to niche or smaller brands, they may get caught in the middle of giving away the cushion they have regarding pricing they enjoy as a result of little or even no economies of scale flexibility. Consequently, the market will see changes that prescribe getting together of companies or less diversity of products. The local origin and a local production approach of RTD coffees, therefore, could be a good counter-strategy, as they can win over consumers and are the easiest ok most of the supply chain channels for the tariff-related increases of retail prices at bay.
 

Further to what has already been said, not only will the tariffs shake the supply chain across the board, but players will also consider coming up with a new recipe for one or more of their brands or doubling down on deploying alternative sourcing solutions. In longer perspective, it may be the case whereby investing more in local coffee bean processing, flavor extraction, as well as package manufacturing capacities is the means by which the nation should inch itself closer to self-reliance. At the same time, though, it will to some extent, make local entrepreneurs on the international scene retreat for fear of cheaper market.
 

RTD Coffee Market Analysis

Based on product type the RTD coffee market is segmented into cold brew coffee, iced coffee, café latte, cappuccino, espresso, mocha, others. The cold brew coffee accounted for 30.2% of the market share in 2024 and is expected to grow with the CAGR of 7.5% in 2034.
 

• Cold brew coffee has captured a major portion of the Ready-to-Drink (RTD) coffee market for its smoother taste, perceived health benefits, and premium appeal. Its naturally lower acidity combined with a mildly sweet flavor makes it highly appealing among other RTD variants. The slow brewing process enhances the perception of quality while simultaneously appealing to younger consumers who are more health conscious. 
   
• Iced Coffee is very popular because of how refreshing it is, and its ease of preparation. For example, Slate is the ready-to-drink (RTD) cappuccino/iced coffee brand which experienced the highest sales growth in the United States in the 52 weeks ending February 23, 2025. Within this time period, the brand's sales grew by over 47%.
   
•  Light creamier drinks are catered to in the form of Café Latte, which is a smooth and creamy milky beverage blended with espresso. For traditional coffee enthusiasts there is Cappuccino which has a robust espresso taste and thick frothy cream. RTD Espresso caters to those seeking bold intensity and quick caffeine fix. Mocha on the other hand, counterbalances the stronger flavor with those looking for sweeter dessert-like beverages with chocolate. All these beverages now add breadth and diversity to the RTD coffee market, as each drink focuses on a specific target market. Furthermore, all coffee lovers, including the bold and the adventurous are pampered by loved ones alongside the growing popularity of cold brew.
   

Based on packaging format the RTD coffee market is segmented into PET bottles, cans, carton packaging, glass bottles, pouches, paper cans & sustainable packaging. PET bottles hold the market share of 31.8% in 2024 and expected to grow at a faster rate of 7% CAGR.
 

• PET bottles remain the most used packaging type in the RTD coffee segment considering their transport efficiency in terms of weight, absence of breakage risk, and cost. The ability to reseal and recycle PET bottles products greatly adds to the ease of use, which benefits mass consumption distribution and mobility.
   
• For instance, in 2020, the global demand for PET was 27 million metric tons. By 2030, global PET demand is forecast to amount to 42 metric tons.
   
• Cans, carton packs, glass jars, pouches, paper cans and sustainable packaging each serve different functions in the RTD coffee market. Cans enhance style, branding and offer great shelf life. Carton packs focus on environmentally friendly minimalism especially when used for multi serves. Glass offers a premium look which well captures organic or gourmet branded items. Paper cans may be niche but defend brand ideas supporting ecological and unique positions. New sustainable such as biodegradable or compostable materials focus on creating environmentally friendly frameworks to fulfil increasing market demand. Not all these formats will challenge PET’s leadership, but they all add variety to the market by competing for differing consumer priorities and contexts.
   

Based on additive the market is segmented into regular/plain, flavoured, functional additives. The regular/plain segment holds a significant market size of USD 13.2 billion of the market in 2024.
 

• The RTD coffee market is led by regular/plain additive owing to customers’ brand loyalty and the product’s mass desirability, which stems from its simplicity and familiarity. Many people favor the standard, unflavored coffee taste that corresponds with traditional drinking patterns, especially in regions where coffee is culturally entrenched in daily life.
   
• This profile of the beverage makes it easy to consume both for casual and frequent drinkers as it satisfies without being overpowering any other flavor. Regular/plain RTD coffee also tends to be less expensive making it appealing to cost-conscious consumers and enhancing repeat purchases. In addition, its clean label and minimal ingredient list are appealing to consumers who want something less processed. Though innovation is elevating the flavored and functional segments regular/plain coffee remains the cornerstone of this RTD category providing reliability, consistency, and broad demographic appeal.
   

Based on sweetener type the market is segmented into regular sugar, reduced sugar, sugar-free, naturally sweetened, artificially sweetened. The regular sugar segment holds a significant market size of USD 15.7 billion of the market in 2024.
 

• The reason regular sugar is still widely used in the RTD coffee market is its availability, affordability, and familiarity to consumers. It provides a well-established and classic sweetness for traditional coffee lovers. Regular sugar also complements the bold flavors of coffee which make it common in many formulations. Even with health trends, regular sugar is still the most popular choice among many mass-market sugary drinks that need to be sweetened because of its price and popularity provided taste.
   
• For instance, U.S. based illy launched illy Cold Brew RTD coffee, which is naturally sweet and has minimal acidity. This development helped the company to enhance its product portfolio.
   
• With more and more consumers becoming health conscious, reduced sugar, sugar-free, naturally sweetened and artificially sweetened alternatives are becoming popular in the RTD coffee industry, Reduced sugar products are designed to cut calories while still containing some degree of sweetness. Sugar-free options target those on low carb or diabetic diets. Naturally sweetened drinks use less processed sweeteners, like stevia or monk fruit. Artificially sweetened drinks offer no-calorie substitutes which greatly lack in popularity such as aspartame and sucralose that provide intense sweetness without sugar. These alternatives represent a change towards diverse consumer tastes.
   

Based on milk type the market is segmented into dairy milk, plant-based alternatives, black/no milk. Dairy milk holds the market share of 65.2% in 2024 and expected to grow at a faster rate of 7.4% CAGR.
 

• Dairy milk dominates the milk type segment in the Ready-to-Drink (RTD) coffee market. The value proposition of RTD coffees based on dairy milk resonates with a diverse range of customers from the middle class looking for cost-effective options to those who appreciate comfort food. Amul and Nestlé have leveraged this trend by introducing reasonably priced, high-quality dairy-based coffee drinks. Moreover, the ever-growing popularity of dairy milk extends to the various flavors of coffee and its cream-increasing tendencies. Even though plant-based substitutes are on the rise, the market’s reliance on and loyalty to dairy milk means it will continue to dominate for some time.
   

Based on price segment the market is segmented into economy/mass market, mid-range, premium, super-premium/craft. Economy/mass segment holds the market share of 50.2% in 2024 and expected to grow at a faster rate of 7.4% CAGR.
 

• The economy/mass hold the dominant share of the Ready-to-Drink coffee market because it is inexpensive, easily available and has a wide consumer appeal. This sector covers a broad range of consumers, including those who tend to be more price sensitive since it is easily obtained at convenience stores, supermarkets, and vending machines. The economy segment’s success is almost entirely based on their price and value given; they usually sell at lower prices, often in bulk or large volumes, appealing to those who want caffeine quickly and at the lowest possible cost.
   
• Mid-Range RTD coffee is tailored towards consumers who are willing to part with a bit more money for a product that uses better ingredients or has more distinctive flavors. Premium grade RTD coffee uses better quality beans, more skillful workmanship, and experienced taste to appeal to more discerning consumers who wish to indulge in deeply flavorful coffee. Finally, the Super-Premium/Craft segment focuses on narrow markets to cater to demands for artisanal small-batch, or organic brews. These drinks are typically branded as exclusive, high-end products, highlighted for their unique flavors sustainable approaches, eco-friendly principles and lavish packaging to appeal to appreciating those who are willing to pay a lot for the very best quality.
   

Based on distribution channel the market is segmented into on trade and off trade. Economy/mass segment holds the market share of 70.2% in 2024.
 

• The off-trade segment has an overwhelming addiction to the RTD coffee market owing to its extreme convenience. This channel of segment includes markets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and even online services. This purchase guarantees boundless selling and advertising and improves profits even more by enabling sales discounts. For example, consumption of on-the-go RTD coffee increases with the growing need for convenience. There has also been an increase in ecommerce and delivery services which is beneficial to the younger population looking for value and ease.
   

In the RTD coffee market, China accounts the major share in Asia Pacific by accounting USD 3.1 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% in 2034.
 

• The Asia-Pacific states region, especially China, is considered the most advanced market for Ready-to-Drink (RTD) coffee. This is primarily due to the booming population, increased urban settlement, and changing lifestyle patterns in the country. The younger, working-class population is becoming more accustomed to and respects on-the-go services which indirectly improve their workplace pride consumption. Additionally, RTD coffee is replacing tea in most metropolitan areas, termed as a fashionable city drink. 
   
• The innovations of sugarless and health focused blends are being met with enthusiastic reception. Ease of access to convenience stores, coupled with the advancement of e-commerce in the country, allows wider access to the products. Additionally, the readily available information on social media plants the idea of RTD coffee not only as a drink, but as an idolized concept.
   
• Also, in India the trend is increasing for instance, between 2023 and 2024, coffee consumption in India amounted to over 1 million bags, each weighing 60 kilograms. This marked an increase from the previous year which shows the increasing interest of Indian consumer in this market.
   

RTD Coffee Market Share

Top 5 companies include Califia Farms, LP, Nestlé S.A., Starbucks Corporation, Suntory Holdings Limited, The Coca-Cola Company. These are prominent companies within the global RTD coffee market operating in their respective regions. These companies hold strong positions globally due to their extensive experience in RTD coffee market. Their diverse product portfolios, backed by robust production capabilities and distribution networks, enable them to meet the rising demand for RTD coffee across various regions.
 

RTD Coffee Market Companies

Califia Farms, LP is a key player in the growing market of ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee with plant-based and dairy-free alternatives. The company has a strong brand presence among consumers who seek clean label, vegan options, given its unapologetic focus on cold brews made from almond and oat milk. Califia is known for its sustainable ingredients, unique packaging, and premium positioning, which separates the company from major players in the super premium RTD coffee market.
 

Nestlé S.A. is a dominant global player in the RTD coffee segment, capitalizing on existing brand equity and distribution reach. It markets a wide assortment of products across all tiers under Nescafé brands. Nestlé invests in emerging trend innovations, like reduced sugar and ready to chill packaging, while also adapting products to regional preferences. Because of its enormous size, range of brands, and diverse marketing capabilities, Nestlé dominates the global market.
 

Starbucks retains a premium status in the RTD coffee industry. Due to its strong brand image and loyal customers, Starbucks has now transitioned the café experience to the bottled segment with a variety of lattes, cold brews, and espressos. Its distribution market share is bolstered with its collaboration with Nestlé for global distribution.
 

Suntory Holdings Limited has substantial importance, especially in the Asia Pacific. The company also pioneered with BOSS Coffee in Japan, famed for its canned coffee culture. Suntory’s RTD coffee products combine traditional coffee brewing with modern methods, making them incredibly popular among rush hour commuters and busy professionals.
 

Through strategic acquisitions such as Costa Coffee, The Coca-Cola Company has been penetrating the RTD coffee market. The company also manufactures cold brews, coffee blends, and milk-based coffee drinks. The company's capacity to grow quickly, aggressively market its products, and enter developing regions foreshadows a tremendous threat to the emerging competitors in the market.
 

RTD Coffee Industry News:

• December 2023: Costa Coffee’s Moroccan franchisee Goldex Morocco has planned to launch five new outlets in Morocco by the end of Q3 2023 at a cost of USD m. Two will be in Casablanca, two in Rabat and the final outlet will be opened in Bouskoura.
   
• In July 2023: Keurig Dr. Pepper Inc. announced a strategic partnership with La Colombe, including a long-term sales and distribution agreement for La Colombe's ready-to-drink coffee. Keurig Dr Pepper will also make an equity investment in La Colombe, enabling KDP to participate in the value creation upside expected from the partnership.
   
• In July 2023: Nestlé Thailand has launched the new NESCAFÉ GOLD Creama Craft Latte and NESCAFÉ GOLD Creama Craft Americano in the RTD coffee category in Thailand.
   

The RTD coffee market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Billion from 2021 - 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product type

• Cold brew coffee
• Iced coffee
• Café latte
• Cappuccino
• Espresso
• Mocha
• Others

Market, By Packaging Format

• PET bottles
• Cans
• Carton packaging
• Glass bottles
• Pouches
• Paper cans and sustainable packaging

Market, By Additive

• Regular/plain
• Flavored
  • Vanilla
  • Caramel
  • Chocolate/mocha
  • Hazelnut
  • Fruit-infused
  • Specialty and seasonal flavors
• Functional additives
  • Protein-enhanced
  • Vitamin-fortified
  • Adaptogenic and nootropic ingredients
  • Collagen and beauty-enhancing

Market, By Sweetener Type

• Regular sugar
• Reduced sugar
• Sugar-free
• Naturally sweetened
• Artificially sweetened

Market, By Milk Type

• Dairy milk
• Plant-based alternatives
  • Almond milk
  • Oat milk
  • Soy milk
  • Coconut milk
  • Other plant-based options
• Black/no milk

Market, By Price Segment

• Economy/mass market
• Mid-range
• Premium
• Super-premium/craft

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Off-Trade
  • Supermarkets and hypermarkets
  • Convenience stores
  • Specialty food stores
  • Online retail
  • Direct-to-consumer
  • Subscription services
• On-Trade
  • Cafés and coffee shops
  • Restaurants and food service
  • Vending machines
  • Office coffee services
  • Travel retail

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa 
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE