Canned Coffee Is Brewing Big Growth Around the World
Why Ready to Drink Coffee Is One of the Fastest Growing Beverage Categories
Coffee culture has changed dramatically over the last decade. What used to be a hot cup at a café is now a handheld, ready to drink experience in cans and bottles. Canned coffee is one of the most visible examples of this shift, combining convenience with quality and appealing to busy urban lifestyles in cities like Hong Kong and beyond.
The Global Canned Coffee Market Is Getting Bigger
The ready to drink coffee market, which includes canned coffee, was valued at nearly USD 29.4 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to around USD 42.5 billion by 2030 with steady annual growth. The expansion is driven by increased adoption of coffee culture, lifestyle changes that favour on the go beverages, and a rise in demand for premium and innovative coffee products. (Grand View Research)
Different research also shows the broader ready to drink coffee category may grow even faster depending on analysis methodology, with some industry forecasts projecting significant expansion through the early 2030s. (Data Bridge Market Research)
This growth is not limited to one region. As more consumers seek coffee that fits into active daily routines, canned coffee is gaining popularity in North America, Europe, and especially in Asia Pacific where urbanisation and changing tastes are reshaping beverage habits. (Grand View Research)
Asia Pacific Is a Key Growth Engine
Across the Asia Pacific region, demand for ready to drink beverages has surged. Between 2019 and 2023, the value of the ready to drink coffee market in Asia Pacific grew at a strong annual rate, driven by busy lifestyles and a rising preference for premium, convenient beverages. (Research and Markets)
In China, retail revenue for prepackaged coffee drinks nearly more than doubled from 12 billion yuan (about USD 1.68 billion) in 2020 to 28 billion yuan in 2024, showing rapid adoption of RTD coffee among young and mobile consumers. (Bamboo Works)
Hong Kong’s own RTD coffee market has seen strong volume and value growth in recent years, with both new international products and locally crafted options appearing in convenience stores, supermarkets and online channels. (MarketResearch.com)
Why Consumers Choose Canned Coffee
Convenience Meets Urban Life
Canned coffee is the ultimate grab and go beverage. Unlike brewed coffee that requires time to order and wait, a can gives instant access to caffeine and flavour. For commuters, students and professionals, this speed is a key reason canned coffee fits modern life.
Quality That Rivals Cafés
Innovation in roasting, cold brew techniques and packaging means canned coffee can closely approximate the quality of barista-made drinks. Improved processing and flavour engineering have made premium tastes more accessible in a format you can take anywhere.
Health and Variety
Many canned coffees now include plant based milks, lower sugar options and functional ingredients to appeal to health-minded drinkers. Data from plant based beverage categories shows significant growth in consumer preference for alternatives like oat and almond milk across beverage products. (Today's Dietitian Magazine)
How Cultural Shifts Are Driving Canned Coffee Adoption
Young consumers in many countries are opting for beverages that align with their busy schedules and values. Ready to drink coffee, including canned formats, often appears in research about changing consumption habits related to convenience, health and lifestyle. (Research and Markets)
The growth of online sales channels for beverages, especially in China where marketplaces now account for a significant part of RTD coffee purchases, shows how this trend is reshaping how people buy and drink coffee. (Bamboo Works)
What This Means for Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s coffee scene is both traditional and forward looking. Cafés and specialty brews remain popular, yet the demand for convenient, premium RTD options has increased year over year. Local consumers often seek choices that combine café-level flavour with mobility and freshness. (MarketResearch.com)
Because Hong Kong is a dense city with a fast pace, grab and go canned coffee products fit naturally into daily routines. Office workers, students and commuters benefit from products that offer quality without the time cost of a café visit.
The Future of Canned Coffee
Market forecasts suggest the growth of ready to drink coffee will continue through the next decade as convenience remains a top priority for global consumers. Innovation in plant based ingredients, flavour profiles and sustainable packaging is expected to shape the next generation of canned coffee products. (Market Data Forecast). Brands like Busy Brew are leading the forefront of this change to more convenient coffee formats while still maintaining superior quality.
As consumers demand more choice, better quality, and healthier ingredients, canned coffee will increasingly compete with traditional brewed coffee and at-home preparation as a go-to option for daily caffeine.