a $37 billion global market in 2025

The coffee industry is undergoing an accelerated transformation, driven by shifting consumption habits, urban lifestyles, and the search for convenience without sacrificing quality. In this context, ready-to-drink coffee—also known as RTD (Ready to Drink)—has established itself as one of the fastest-growing segments in the global market. According to Statista’s report The Changing Coffee Landscape, this format will reach a value of $37 billion in 2025.

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With innovative packaging, functional formulas, and an increasingly diverse offering, RTD coffee has moved beyond niche status to become a strategic category for coffee shops, premium brands, and major beverage manufacturers.

What is ready-to-drink coffee and why is it growing?

RTD coffee is a pre-packaged beverage that can be consumed without any additional preparation. Its popularity comes down to three key factors:

1. Convenience: perfect for consumers with fast-paced routines who need a quick boost of energy.
2. Portability: ideal for commuting, taking to the office, the gym, or even on trips.
3. Innovation: RTD has evolved beyond traditional iced coffee, now including vegan options, low-sugar formulas, protein blends, adaptogens, and other functional ingredients.

This format reflects a new consumer mindset, in which coffee adapts to daily rhythm without losing flavor or quality. The pandemic reinforced this preference for ready-to-consume products, while also raising expectations for healthier and more sustainable beverages.

How has the RTD coffee market evolved in recent years?

Growth has been steady. According to figures compiled by Statista, the global RTD market has shown the following revenue performance:

• 2021: $29.3 billion
• 2022: $31.2 billion
• 2023: $33.5 billion
• 2024: $35.6 billion
• 2025 (estimated): $37 billion

This increase reflects a sustained growth rate fueled by the entry of new brands, portfolio diversification, and expansion into emerging markets.

Which countries lead RTD coffee consumption?

Although RTD is a global category, some countries stand out for their adoption and market maturity:

• Japan: a pioneer in mass consumption of bottled coffee. Vending machines and convenience stores have offered a wide variety of flavors and styles for decades.
• United States: the second-largest market, with a broad range of products spanning specialty coffee brands to major energy-drink manufacturers entering the category.
• China: rapidly growing, driven by young consumers’ interest in cold coffee, social media influence, and the fast-paced lifestyle of major cities like Shanghai and Beijing.

Other markets include South Korea, Germany, and Brazil, where RTD coffee is increasingly becoming a popular option among students and young professionals.

What types of RTD coffee are available on the market?

The diversity of ready-to-drink coffee is one of its biggest strengths. Today, consumers can choose from:

• Cold brew: coffee steeped in cold water for hours, offering lower acidity and a smoother taste.
• Canned or bottled espresso: with milk or without, and flavors like vanilla, caramel, or chocolate.
• Chilled lattes and cappuccinos: an indulgent option that mimics café-style drinks.
• Functional coffee: with added ingredients such as collagen, protein, adaptogens, CBD, or vitamins.
• Vegan or plant-based options: made with almond, oat, or soy milk, with no lactose or animal-derived ingredients.

This variety makes RTD not only a quick solution, but also a differentiated value proposition for every consumer type.

What is the profile of RTD coffee consumers?

The audience driving RTD coffee growth shares several common traits:

• Young adults: especially millennials and Gen Z, who value portability, product design, and brand identity.
• Conscious consumers: interested in natural ingredients, clean labels, and sustainable practices.
• Urban workers and students: who need an energy boost without spending time on preparation.
• Fitness-minded and health-focused consumers: attracted to functional formulas and no-added-sugar options.

This profile has pushed brands to develop recyclable packaging, personalized digital campaigns, and products aligned with physical and mental wellness.

What role do brands play in the rise of ready-to-drink coffee?

Companies such as Starbucks, Dunkin’, Nestlé, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo (with its Starbucks RTD line), as well as newer independent players, have invested heavily in this format.

In addition, specialty coffee shops have launched their own bottled or canned versions to extend their brand beyond the physical café.

Brands are innovating in:

• Flavor and texture: to deliver a sensory experience closer to freshly prepared coffee.
• Sustainability: through reusable or recyclable packaging and ethical sourcing practices.
• Digital connectivity: integrating apps, QR codes, and exclusive content to build consumer loyalty.

What is the future of RTD coffee?

Everything suggests that ready-to-drink coffee will continue expanding in the coming years, with special emphasis on:

• Personalization: beverages tailored to lifestyle, nutritional needs, or consumer moods.
• Hyper-convenience: broader availability across more touchpoints, from vending machines to delivery platforms.
• Sustainability: growing pressure to reduce the environmental impact of packaging and production processes.
• Brand collaborations: partnerships with designers, artists, or influencers to strengthen identity and reach.

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