Coffee consumption picks up

The packaged coffee consumption is showing signs of rebound, as highlighted in a survey by market researcher GfK Romania. All segments saw growth in the first half, except for the cappuccino, where consumption actually fell 11.7%. Ground roasted coffee consumption progressed by a mere 0.5%, while the highest growth was registered by roasted coffee beans (11.9%) and cocoa (10.9%). Instant coffee consumption increased 9.8%. La Festa chairman Krzysztof Grabowski confirmed cappuccino sales decline in the first half, saying they had been 10-12% lower. He believes the purchasing power has been directed to the bulk coffee, which is very cheap and which registered a surge in sales. La Festa’s chairman also thinks we are witnessing a new trend among Romanian consumers, who used to prefer black sugarless coffee, but are now beginning to like their coffee somewhat lighter and with milk and therefore partly replacing the cappuccino – a more expensive product, with the latter. ZF