Consumer needs change over time and companies must be keen to tailor their product
offerings to emerging needs. One conspicuous change in consumer needs has happened in
the past decade and will carry on well into the next; the need for fast coffee. With time
being of essence, consumers are in need of coffee that is ready to serve within seconds. This
particular need has promoted the emergence of instant coffees and single-serve coffees.
Another change in consumer needs is the rising emphasis on fair trade. With the rise of the
internet, consumers have the chance to carefully follow social responsibility practices of
companies online, and rumors and scandals, such as the waste water scandal of Starbucks,
gain publicity a lot faster. According to the market study of Rabobank, the “premiumization”
of the coffee market is another ascending consumer trend. Especially in developed markets,
customers are willing to pay extra money for premium coffee and premium offerings
supported by fair trade, health benefits, and organic and origin.84 In developing countries,
consumers demand coffee at a reasonable price and with a western image.
Starbucks’ current strategic orientation is able to capture most consumer trends that are
expected to make an impact on the coffee market in the future. However, the company
seems to have problems foreseeing emerging trends.