July 1, 2025
Summer is officially here, and we’re all about helping you capture the vibrant energy of the season, one delicious sip at a time! We know that as the temperatures rise, so does the demand for exciting new flavors and refreshing beverages. That’s why we’re brewing up some exciting insights.
The Summer Craze: Why Limited-Time Offers Reign Supreme
Did you know that 47% of consumers strongly associate the summer season with special flavors, dishes, beverages, and Limited-Time Offers (LTOs) from restaurants? It’s true! People are actively seeking out unique and seasonal experiences, making summer the perfect time to introduce something new and exciting to your menu or shelves.
And the interest doesn’t stop there. A whopping 57% of consumers are interested in purchasing limited-edition retail items or restaurant specials/LTOs during the summer. This presents a massive opportunity for businesses to drive traffic and boost sales by tapping into this seasonal excitement. Major chains certainly seized this in Summer 2024, releasing the most LTOs, new items, and returning favorites in June – proving that early birds catch the worm (or in this case, the highly sought-after summer sip!).
Beyond the Usual Suspects: Surprising Summer Flavor Trends
While citrus and berries often dominate summer menus, the past year brought some unexpected stars to the forefront. Beyond the usual suspects, some of the top summer menu trends in 2024 included:
- Guava: A tropical delight that adds a unique sweet and tangy twist.
- Maraschino: Bringing a nostalgic, cherry-infused sweetness.
- Chai: Proving that warm, aromatic spices can still find a place in cooler creations.
- And the most surprising of all… PUMPKIN! Yes, you read that right. Pumpkin appeared in a remarkable 89 LTOs, new menu items, and returning items at major chains in Summer 2024. This signals a growing consumer openness to familiar, comforting flavors in unexpected seasonal contexts.
Westrock Coffee’s Forecast: Top Summer 2025 Beverage Trends
Looking ahead to Summer 2025, we’re seeing some exciting beverage trends that are perfect for incorporating into your offerings:
Coconut Water Americano: This innovative twist on a classic combines the refreshing hydration of coconut water with the bold kick of an Americano. It’s a light, yet energizing option that appeals to health-conscious consumers and those seeking a unique flavor profile.
Iced Coffee Float: A nostalgic and indulgent treat that’s sure to be a hit. Imagine a rich, cold brew base topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s customizable, fun, and a perfect way to beat the heat.
Partnering for All Seasons: Your Year-Round Beverage Solution
We are your partner in crafting winning beverage programs, not just for summer, but for every season of the year. While we’re currently focused on helping you capitalize on these hot summer trends, our team is already looking ahead. We continuously analyze consumer data, track emerging flavors, and develop innovative solutions to ensure your menu stays fresh and exciting, no matter the weather.
Whether you’re a bustling foodservice establishment looking to diversify your cold brew offerings, a retail store aiming to stock the hottest grab-and-go options, or a C-store seeking to enhance your self-serve beverage station, we have the solutions.
Want to explore how Westrock Coffee helped elevate one of our customers’ beverage program? Check it out here.
Source: Datassential 2025 Summer Trends
