Specialty coffee: how quality becomes a premium lever even in vending

Specialty coffee is solidifying its growth path, moving beyond the niche segment. The latest estimates indicate that the global specialty coffee market is expected to reach $32.19 billion by 2026, following a projected $28.81 billion in 2025, with further expansion anticipated in the medium to long term.

Growing demand and roasters' strategies

In Europe, demand for high-quality coffee continues to evolve. Market analyses suggest that Europe represents a significant share of the global specialty segment, roughly 30%. This reflects a broader shift in consumption trends, increasingly focused on origin, sensory profile, and the overall quality of the experience, particularly in out-of-home contexts.

This trend is also influencing roasters’ strategies. Specialty coffee is no longer exclusive to micro-roasters but is becoming more prominent in the lines and projects of larger, structured companies. Investments are being made in origin selection, traceability, and rigorous cup quality control. Alongside single-origin offerings, there is growing interest in blends and products that can expand the specialty coffee audience without compromising its identity.

Specialty coffee in vending: a premium opportunity

Within this context, the market appears increasingly ready for the entry of specialty coffee into vending solutions, particularly in the premium segment, where technology, ingredients, and service standards can support a proposition aligned with consumer expectations. This evolution opens new opportunities across the coffee supply chain, reinforcing the role of vending as an innovation laboratory, and will be a key topic at Venditalia 2026, Rimini Expo Centre, Italy, May 6-8.

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