The market for coffee shop furniture is part of a growing trend for the establishments throughout the UK, which has proved to be highly resistant to the effects of the recession over the past decade, according to Mintel.
Coffee shops form part of the larger 'hot drinks out of home' market, which 74% of Britons buy from - 27% from cafes and independent coffee shops, the same again from fast food restaurants, and 14% from hotels, pubs and restaurants.
This has proved to be a valuable boost to the daytime trade in many pubs too, but as the figures show, dedicated coffee shops and cafes lead the market, and any growth is great news for sales of coffee shop furniture as managers seek to make their premises as attractive as possible in a competitive market.
Jonny Forsyth, global drinks analyst at Mintel, said: "The nation's appetite for coffee shops shows no signs of abating. The coffee shop boom has been remarkably recession-resistant in the past decade, which illustrates just how important a part of UK culture the fresh, specialty coffee habit has become.
"However, in 2015, the UK market was also helped by the increase in real incomes and consumer confidence seen during the year, which has led to more spend per visit."
A lucrative market for years to come
Mintel's forecast is for coffee shop sales in particular to pass the £3 billion benchmark before the end of 2016, following 6% growth over the course of last year. The coffee shop segment is up 28% in five years, from £2.32 billion in 2010 to £2.97 billion in 2015.
By the end of the decade, Mintel forecast that coffee shop sales will rise a further 26%, taking the market to £3.75 billion in 2020.
And although there is clearly a claim to market share among restaurants, pubs and hotels, as well as fast food restaurants, there is a sizeable market focused on high-quality coffee too, which is likely to ensure specialist outlets maintain their stake.
"Independent stores are likely to grow significantly as coffee drinkers seek a more unique, artisanal, high quality and 'third wave' coffee experience," Mr Forsyth explained.
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