Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast (2026 - 2031)

The Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market is Segmented by Drink Type (Cold Brew Coffee, Iced Coffee, and More), Packaging Type (PET Bottles, Glass Bottles, Metal Can, and More), Functionality (Protein-Enriched, Energy-Infused, and More), Distribution Channel (On-Trade and Off-Trade (Supermarket/Hypermarket, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, and More)), and Geography. The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market Size and Share

Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market Size
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Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The Europe ready-to-drink coffee market size is expected to grow from USD 2.81 billion in 2025 to USD 3.01 billion in 2026 and is forecast to reach USD 4.28 billion by 2031 at 7.25% CAGR over 2026-2031. Demand from Gen Z and Millennials for on-the-go solutions, coupled with the EU's sustainability push and fluctuating arabica prices, is driving this value surge, even as traditional at-home brewing sees a slowdown. The market is witnessing a transformation, with rising private-label prominence, new traceability mandates from the EU Deforestation Regulation, and a shift towards energy-boosted formulations influencing sourcing and channel strategies. The café culture's premiumisation trend, swift flavour innovations, and a shift to lightweight PET are further propelling the market's growth. However, challenges like limited aseptic-filling capacity and ongoing green-coffee price fluctuations pose constraints. Major beverage players are diversifying across categories, and with Keurig Dr Pepper eyeing JDE Peet’s for acquisition, a wave of consolidation looms. This could sharpen competitive edges, emphasizing brand narratives, functional nutrition, and eco-friendly packaging.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By drink type, iced coffee led with 49.35% of the market share in 2025; cold brew is forecast to expand at an 7.82% CAGR through 2031.
  • By packaging, glass bottles captured 35.10% share of the market size in 2025, and PET bottles are advancing at a 7.65% CAGR to 2031.
  • By functionality, energy-infused products accounted for 68.85% of the market size in 2025 and are progressing at an 7.88% CAGR through 2031.
  • By distribution, off-trade held 62.30% of the market share in 2025, while on-trade is expanding at an 8.54% CAGR to 2031.
  • By geography, the United Kingdom generated 37.10% of demand in 2025; Italy records the fastest 7.73% CAGR to 2031.

Note: Market size and forecast figures in this report are generated using Mordor Intelligence’s proprietary estimation framework, updated with the latest available data and insights as of 2026.

Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market Segment Analysis

By Drink Type:

Cold Brew Outpaces Iced Coffee Despite Smaller Base

In 2025, iced coffee captured 49.35% of the market, underscoring its widespread appeal and resonance with Europe's traditional preference for milk-forward, sweetened brews. Cold brew coffee, while a smaller player, is set to grow at an 7.82% CAGR through 2031, bolstered by its specialty positioning and the smoothness attributed to its low-acidity extraction. Nestlé debuted Nescafé Iced Lattes in multi-serve cartons in March 2025, aiming squarely at the at-home consumption market. Meanwhile, Lavazza rolled out a trio of iced coffee cans in June 2024, featuring a protein variant to tap into the growing functional demand. Cold brew's premium pricing, typically 20% to 30% higher than iced coffee, finds favor with urban millennials, who are willing to pay a premium for its craft credentials and reduced bitterness. Grind, a specialty roaster from the UK, broadened its cold-brew concentrate line in 2024-2025, focusing on single-origin offerings for cafes and retail.

While other ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee formats like nitro coffee, espresso shots, and flavored lattes cater to niche occasions, they collectively command a significant market share. In 2025, Emmi introduced a 230 ml decaffeinated CAFFÈ LATTE and a 650 ml resealable "Mr. Huge" variant, catering to late-evening consumers and those seeking multi-serve convenience. JDE Peet's inaugurated a Modular Innovation Lab in Utrecht in October 2025, equipped with dedicated RTD cold-brew production capabilities, signaling a clear intent to fast-track format innovation. The market segmentation reveals a clear divide: while mass-market iced coffee drives volume, it's the cold brew and specialty formats that are fueling value and margin growth. Brands face the challenge of balancing their portfolios, offering entry-level iced lattes to entice trials, while also featuring premium cold-brew SKUs that command higher retail prices and fend off private-label competition.

Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market Share by Drink Type, 2025
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Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market Share by Drink Type, 2025

By Packaging Type:

PET Gains on Glass as Sustainability and Convenience Converge

In 2025, glass bottles commanded a 35.10% market share, lauded for their premium appeal, inert nature, and perceived quality. Meanwhile, PET bottles are set to expand at a 7.65% CAGR through 2031, driven by trends like lightweighting, recyclability mandates, and consumer convenience. European Union regulations are pushing for a 30% recycled PET content by 2030 and ramping up to 65% by 2040. This has led brands to swiftly adopt food-grade rPET. Notably, Coca-Cola European Partners reached an impressive 63.2% rPET usage in Europe in 2024. Reusable PET bottles, designed for 15 to 25 cycles, are gaining traction as a circular substitute to single-use glass, boasting advantages like reduced weight and diminished transport emissions. Metal cans, though holding a smaller market share, enjoy stability thanks to Europe's impressive recycling rates, surpassing 70%. Additionally, innovations like new water-based, BPA-free coatings, as highlighted by Canmakers UK, are alleviating food-safety concerns.

Aseptic packages, predominantly Tetra Pak and SIG cartons, are revolutionizing distribution. They allow for ambient storage and extended shelf life sans preservatives, a boon for convenience stores and vending machines. Tetra Pak's 2024 foray into paper-based barriers and certified recycled polymers underscores a commitment to circularity. Their push for 360-degree printability further elevates premium branding. However, disposable cups, a staple in on-trade settings, are grappling with regulatory challenges. The EU Packaging Regulation is steering the industry: it mandates that by 2030, 10% of on-premise consumption should utilize reusable packaging, escalating to 40% by 2040. This shift is nudging cafes and restaurants towards refillable systems. As the industry pivots, PET and aseptic formats emerge as frontrunners, striking a balance between sustainability, cost, and consumer convenience. Meanwhile, glass bottles carve out a niche, remaining the go-to for specialty items and gifting occasions.

By Functionality:

Energy-Infused Dominates, Protein-Enriched Carves Niche

In 2025, energy-infused RTD coffee dominated the functionality segment, capturing 68.85% market share and projecting an 7.88% CAGR. This growth mirrors a crossover trend, with energy-drink aficionados gravitating towards coffee-based alternatives, drawn by the familiar caffeine kick. Partnerships between Monster Beverage and PepsiCo, alongside Celsius's foray into Europe, have mainstreamed functional beverages, casting a favorable light on coffee-centric energy drinks. Brands are emphasizing caffeine transparency, often spotlighting 150 to 200 mg per serving, and bolstering their energy claims with additions like B vitamins, taurine, or guarana. This segment resonates with shift workers, students, and fitness buffs, who prioritize effectiveness over subtle taste variations.

While protein-enriched RTD coffee occupies a smaller niche, it's on the rise as brands zero in on post-workout recovery and meal-replacement scenarios. In June 2024, Starbucks unveiled three protein-packed coffee drinks, each boasting 20 grams of protein and no added sugar, with distribution through Asda, Tesco, and Morrisons. Lavazza followed suit, launching its protein-infused iced coffee can in June 2024, merging the realms of coffee and functional nutrition. In July 2024, Arla Foods poured USD 29 million into its Esbjerg, Denmark facility, ramping up protein-beverage production to cater to brands like Starbucks and Cocio Stack3d. The "Others" category in functionality encompasses decaffeinated, low-calorie, and adaptogen-infused variants, catering to evening drinkers, weight watchers, and wellness enthusiasts. Notably, decaffeinated coffee made up 20% of Spain's total coffee consumption in 2021, hinting at a burgeoning appetite for decaf RTD options, as highlighted by CBI, a Dutch government agency. While functionality segmentation allows brands to command premium prices and secure multiple shelf spaces, it necessitates clear on-pack messaging to rationalize the price difference from standard RTD coffee.

Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market Share by Functionality, 2025
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Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market Share by Functionality, 2025

By Distribution Channel:

On-Trade Gains as Operators Seek Labor Efficiency

In 2025, off-trade channels, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialty stores, and online retail, captured a 62.30% market share, buoyed by impulse buys, promotional efforts, and the allure of private labels. Supermarkets and hypermarkets lead the charge, with Spain's top five chains, Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl, Eroski, and DIA, jointly accounting for over half of the nation's grocery sales. In the UK and the Netherlands, convenience stores cater to commuters and urban dwellers, pushing high-margin single-serve SKUs. Meanwhile, online retail, boasting a global growth rate of 16% CAGR, entices with subscription and bulk-purchase deals. Notably, Nestlé highlighted the significance of e-commerce, attributing 20.2% of its Group sales in H1 2025 to this channel.

On-trade channels, encompassing cafes, restaurants, hotels, and foodservice, are set to grow at the fastest pace among distribution segments, with an anticipated CAGR of 8.54% through 2031. In a strategic move, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company expanded its reach by adding 5,000 outlets in 2023, bringing its total to 13,000, by providing ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee to cafes aiming to streamline labor and ensure consistent quality. Coca-Cola European Partners, catering to over 4 million customers outside the home, is bolstering its RTD coffee ambitions by investing in aseptic filling lines. Looking ahead, EU HORECA's refill and reuse mandates, set to kick in between 2027 and 2028, will push operators to provide reusable packaging for a tenth of on-premise consumption by 2030. This shift could tilt the scales in favor of RTD formats, especially in returnable glass or refillable PET. The on-trade's expansion signals a broader transformation: operators are opting for the predictability of RTD costs over the unpredictability of barista wages and equipment upkeep. In turn, consumers are embracing the convenience of RTDs, finding them more wallet-friendly than traditional handcrafted espresso drinks. While specialty stores and other channels, like vending and travel retail, cater to niche demands, their collective contribution to volume is significant.

Geography Analysis

United Kingdom Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market

The UK accounted for 37.10% of Europe's demand for ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee. This dominance is driven by the UK's mature adoption of cold brews, a dense network of convenience stores, and a strong presence of private-label brands. In the three months leading up to 2024, 16% of UK consumers bought RTD coffee, primarily driven by convenience. Major brands, including Starbucks, Lavazza, Alpro, and Marks & Spencer, launched new products like protein drinks and cold-brew oat lattes, predominantly in the UK, showcasing retailers' commitment to innovative offerings. Nestlé's investment of GBP 28 million (USD 35 million) in its Dalston, Cumbria factory in 2024, aimed at boosting frothy coffee sachet production, underscores its confidence in the UK's coffee demand. While Germany, France, and the Netherlands boast significant volumes, their growth is hindered by established home-brewing traditions and a competitive landscape dominated by price-sensitive private labels, especially in Germany's discount-driven grocery market.

Italy Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market

Italy is set to spearhead geographic growth with a projected 7.03% CAGR through 2031. This surge is fueled by Italy's rich espresso culture, 75% of adults indulge in daily coffee, and a 15% hike in cafe prices over three years, nudging consumers towards more portable coffee formats. As Europe's second-largest green coffee importer and home to major roasters like Lavazza and Illy, Italy enjoys inherent supply-chain advantages and brand credibility for its RTD launches. A 2024 joint venture between Coca-Cola and Illy aims at the premium RTD coffee segment, capitalizing on Illy's esteemed Italian legacy and Coca-Cola's expansive distribution. While 95% of Spanish adults consume coffee, and 20% opt for decaffeinated, the country's 43% retail share of private labels pressures branded pricing. Yet, this landscape hints at a burgeoning demand for functional and decaf RTD formats. Meanwhile, Poland, Belgium, and Sweden, though smaller markets, are experimenting with cold brews and expanding specialty cafes. Eastern markets, where instant coffee reigns supreme but disposable incomes are on the rise, remain fragmented but promising.

Spain Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market

Spain is an important RTD coffee market in Europe, supported by its established coffee-drinking culture and increasing consumer interest in convenient, ready-to-consume beverages. The country’s substantial coffee consumption provides a strong base for RTD coffee adoption, while demand for cold coffee, flavored coffee, and on-the-go formats is expanding the category beyond traditional at-home and café consumption. The presence of established beverage and coffee companies, together with continued product innovation, is further supporting the development of Spain’s RTD coffee segment.

Competitive Landscape

The Europe ready-to-drink coffee market is moderately consolidated, with multinational giants like Nestlé, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, JDE Peet's, and Danone leveraging their brand portfolios, expansive distribution networks, and co-packing partnerships to secure a dominant foothold. In H1 2025, Nestlé celebrated "very strong growth" in its European RTD coffee segment, buoyed by double-digit price hikes and a marketing push that saw investments soar to 8.6% of sales. JDE Peet's, grappling with surging green-coffee prices, funneled EUR 5 million into its Kostinbrod plant in Bulgaria in 2024, boosting roasting and packaging capacity by 25% to cater to 18 European markets. Keurig Dr Pepper's ambitious USD 18 billion bid for JDE Peet's, unveiled in August 2025 and set to finalize in H1 2026, promises to redefine Europe's distribution landscape and brand lineup, with a spotlight on consolidating RTD innovations under flagship labels like L'Oréal, Jacobs, and Peet's. In a strategic move, Coca-Cola and Illy have joined forces, harnessing Illy's esteemed Italian legacy and Coca-Cola's vast distribution prowess to carve a niche in the premium RTD coffee arena.

There's a burgeoning demand for functional RTD variants, think decaffeinated, protein-boosted, or adaptogen-infused options, catering to evening drinkers, post-workout enthusiasts, and wellness aficionados, yet these remain largely untapped by mainstream iced coffee and cold brew offerings. Smaller players, such as the UK's Grind and GoodBrew, fresh off a crowdfunding boost for their UK expansion in December 2024, are sidestepping traditional supermarket hurdles. They're doing this by forging direct-to-consumer pathways, subscription services, and cafe collaborations. Technology is rapidly reshaping the landscape: JDE Peet's inaugurated a Modular Innovation Lab in Utrecht in October 2025, equipped with cold-brew production, freeze-drying tech, and eco-friendly packaging trials, all aimed at speeding up market entry and swift SKU adjustments.

Aseptic-filling capabilities have emerged as a key competitive edge, underscored by Tetra Pak's hefty EUR 100 million investment in European Centres of Excellence in 2024, bolstering the stronghold of established players. Meanwhile, supermarket chains like Mercadona, Carrefour, and Lidl are ramping up their private-label offerings, intensifying market competition. This surge pushes branded entities into a tight spot: either they align their prices, risking profit margins, or they channel resources into premiumization and innovation, seeking to validate their brand's premium pricing.

Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Industry Leaders

  1. Nestlé SA

  2. Starbucks Corp.

  3. The Coca-Cola Company

  4. Arla Foods amba

  5. PepsiCo Inc.

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market Concentration
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Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market Companies Covered in this Report

  • Nestlé SA
  • Starbucks Corp.
  • PepsiCo Inc.
  • The Coca-Cola Company
  • Arla Foods amba
  • Emmi AG
  • Danone SA
  • Luigi Lavazza S.p.A.
  • Illycaffè S.p.A.
  • Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd.
  • Lotte Chilsung Beverage Co. Ltd.
  • Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.
  • Rauch Fruchtsäfte GmbH & Co OG
  • Sodiaal Union
  • Califia Farms LLC
  • Monster Beverage Corp.
  • UCC Ueshima Coffee Co.
  • Müller Group
  • JAB Holding
  • Dean Foods

Recent Industry Developments in Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market

  • November 2025: Kerry acquired a manufacturing facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, specializing in coffee roasting and extraction, upgrading assets to support natural, high-quality coffee flavors and ingredients across beverage, dairy, and foodservice applications. The investment advances coffee extraction technology and accelerates innovation pipelines, with implications for RTD coffee ingredient supply in Europe and North America.
  • October 2025: JDE Peet's opened a fully renovated Modular Innovation Lab in Utrecht, Netherlands, a global research and development center with RTD cold-brew production capabilities, capsule filling machines, freeze-drying systems, and sustainable packaging prototypes. The EUR 8 million investment (including a separate Joure facility) aims to accelerate product development and rapid deployment across JDE Peet's manufacturing network.
  • August 2025: Keurig Dr Pepper announced a USD 18 billion acquisition of JDE Peet's, creating a global coffee powerhouse. The transaction, expected to close in H1 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, will consolidate RTD coffee innovation, distribution, and brand portfolios across North America and Europe.

Table of Contents for Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 On-the-go consumption trend among Gen Z and Millennials
    • 4.2.2 Premiumisation and cafe-culture influence
    • 4.2.3 Flavour and format innovation
    • 4.2.4 Expansion of supermarket private-label RTD portfolios
    • 4.2.5 Sustainability-driven switch to recyclable carton formats
    • 4.2.6 EU deforestation-free sourcing rules spurring traceable offerings
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Volatile coffee-bean prices squeezing manufacturer margins
    • 4.3.2 Intensifying private-label and discounter competition
    • 4.3.3 EU deforestation-free traceability compliance costs
    • 4.3.4 Limited aseptic-filling capacity for small entrants
  • 4.4 Consumer Behaviour Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Landscape
  • 4.6 Technological Outlook
  • 4.7 Porter’s Five Forces
    • 4.7.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.7.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.7.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.7.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.7.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE)

  • 5.1 Drink Type
    • 5.1.1 Cold Brew Coffee
    • 5.1.2 Iced Coffee
    • 5.1.3 Other RTD Coffee
  • 5.2 Packaging Type
    • 5.2.1 PET Bottles
    • 5.2.2 Glass Bottles
    • 5.2.3 Metal Can
    • 5.2.4 Aseptic packages
    • 5.2.5 Disposable Cups
  • 5.3 Functionality
    • 5.3.1 Protein-Enriched
    • 5.3.2 Energy-Infused
    • 5.3.3 Others
  • 5.4 Distribution Channel
    • 5.4.1 On-Trade
    • 5.4.2 Off-Trade
    • 5.4.2.1 Supermarket/Hypermarket
    • 5.4.2.2 Convenience Stores
    • 5.4.2.3 Specialty Stores
    • 5.4.2.4 Online Retail
    • 5.4.2.5 Other Distribution Channels
  • 5.5 Geography
    • 5.5.1 United Kingdom
    • 5.5.2 Germany
    • 5.5.3 France
    • 5.5.4 Italy
    • 5.5.5 Spain
    • 5.5.6 Netherlands
    • 5.5.7 Poland
    • 5.5.8 Belgium
    • 5.5.9 Sweden
    • 5.5.10 Rest of Europe

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles
    • 6.4.1 Nestlé SA
    • 6.4.2 Starbucks Corp.
    • 6.4.3 PepsiCo Inc.
    • 6.4.4 The Coca-Cola Company
    • 6.4.5 Arla Foods amba
    • 6.4.6 Emmi AG
    • 6.4.7 Danone SA
    • 6.4.8 Luigi Lavazza S.p.A.
    • 6.4.9 Illycaffè S.p.A.
    • 6.4.10 Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd.
    • 6.4.11 Lotte Chilsung Beverage Co. Ltd.
    • 6.4.12 Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.
    • 6.4.13 Rauch Fruchtsäfte GmbH & Co OG
    • 6.4.14 Sodiaal Union
    • 6.4.15 Califia Farms LLC
    • 6.4.16 Monster Beverage Corp.
    • 6.4.17 UCC Ueshima Coffee Co.
    • 6.4.18 Müller Group
    • 6.4.19 JAB Holding
    • 6.4.20 Dean Foods
  • *List Not Exhaustive

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market Report Scope

RTD (Ready-to-Drink) Coffee refers to pre-prepared coffee beverages that are packaged and sold for immediate consumption without requiring brewing or additional preparation. The Europe ready-to-drink coffee market is segmented by drink type, packaging type, functionality, distribution channel and geography. Based on drink type, the market is segmented into coldbrew coffee, iced coffee and other rtd coffee. Based on packaging type, the market is segmented into PET bottles, glass bottles, metal cans, aspectic packages and disposable cups. By distribution channel, the market is segmented into on-trade and off-trade. By geography, the market is segmented into United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Poland, Belgium, Sweden and Rest of Europe. For each segment, the market sizing and forecasting have been done in value terms (USD billion).

Segmentation Overview

Drink Type
Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market segmentation breakdown
Cold Brew Coffee
Iced Coffee
Other RTD Coffee
Packaging Type
Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market segmentation breakdown
PET Bottles
Glass Bottles
Metal Can
Aseptic packages
Disposable Cups
Functionality
Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market segmentation breakdown
Protein-Enriched
Energy-Infused
Others
Distribution Channel
Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market segmentation breakdown
On-Trade
Off-Trade Supermarket/Hypermarket
Convenience Stores
Specialty Stores
Online Retail
Other Distribution Channels
Geography
Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market segmentation breakdown
United Kingdom
Germany
France
Italy
Spain
Netherlands
Poland
Belgium
Sweden
Rest of Europe
Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market segmentation breakdown
Drink Type Cold Brew Coffee
Iced Coffee
Other RTD Coffee
Packaging Type PET Bottles
Glass Bottles
Metal Can
Aseptic packages
Disposable Cups
Functionality Protein-Enriched
Energy-Infused
Others
Distribution Channel On-Trade
Off-Trade Supermarket/Hypermarket
Convenience Stores
Specialty Stores
Online Retail
Other Distribution Channels
Geography United Kingdom
Germany
France
Italy
Spain
Netherlands
Poland
Belgium
Sweden
Rest of Europe

Market Definition

  • Carbonated Soft Drinks (CSDs) - Carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) refer to non-alcoholic beverages that are carbonated and typically flavored, containing dissolved carbon dioxide to create effervescence. These beverages commonly include cola, lemon-lime, orange, and various fruit-flavored sodas. Marketed in cans, bottles, or fountain dispense.
  • Juices - We have considered packaged juices which encompass non-alcoholic beverages derived from fruits, vegetables, or a combination thereof, processed and sealed in various packaging formats such as bottles, cartons, or pouches. Excluding fresh juices, this market segment involves commercially prepared and preserved juices, often with added preservatives and flavors.
  • Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Tea and RTD Coffee - Ready-to-Drink (RTD) tea and RTD coffee are pre-packaged, non-alcoholic beverages that are brewed and prepared for consumption without further dilution. RTD tea typically includes various tea varieties, infused with flavors and sweeteners, and comes in bottles, cans, or cartons. Similarly, RTD coffee involves pre-brewed coffee formulations, often mixed with milk, sugar, or flavorings, and is conveniently packaged for on-the-go consumption.
  • Energy Drinks - Energy drinks are non-alcoholic beverages formulated to provide a quick boost of energy and alertness. Whereas, sports drinks are beverages designed to hydrate and replenish electrolytes, particularly after physical exertion, exercise, or intense activity
Europe Ready-To-Drink Coffee Market Glossary of Terms
Keyword Definition
Carbonated Soft Drinks Carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) are a combination of carbonated water and flavouring, sweetened by sugar or a non-sugar sweeteners.
Standard Cola Standard Cola is defined as the original flavor of cola soda.
Diet Cola A cola-based soft drink containing no or low amounts of sugar
Fruit Flavored Carbonates A carbonated beverage prepared from fruit juice/fruit flavor with carbonated water and containing sugar, dextrose, invert sugar or liquid glucose either singly or in combination. It may contain peel oil and fruit essences.
Juice Juice is a drink made from the extraction or pressing of the natural liquid contained in fruit and vegetables.
100% Juice Fruit/vegetable juice made from fruit in the form of its juice with no water added to make up the volume. It is not permitted to add sugars, sweeteners, preservatives, flavourings or colourings to fruit juice.
Juice Drinks (up to 24% Juice) Fruit/vegetable juice drinks with up to 24% fruits/vegetable extract.
Nectars (25-99% Juice) Juices that can have between 25 and 99% of fruit, with the minimum legal limits defined depending on the type of fruit
Juice concentrates Juice Concentrates are those form of juices when most of this liquid is removed resulting in a thick, syrupy product known as juice concentrate.
RTD Coffee Packaged coffee beverages that are sold in a prepared form and are ready for consumption at the time of purchase.
Iced Coffee An iced coffee is a cold version of coffee, usually a combination of hot espresso and milk with ice added to it.
Cold Brew Coffee Cold brew also called cold water extraction or cold pressing is made by steeping ground coffee in room-temperature water for several hours.
RTD Tea Ready-to-drink (RTD) tea is a packaged tea product ready for immediate consumption without brewing or preparation
Iced Tea Ice tea or iced tea is a drink made from tea without milk but with sugar and sometimes fruit flavourings, drunk cold.
Green Tea Green tea is a tea beverage which promotes mental alertness, relieving digestive symptoms and promoting weight loss.
Herbal Tea Herbal tea beverages are made from the infusion or decoction of herbs, spices, or other plant material in hot water.
Energy Drink A type of drink containing stimulant compounds, usually caffeine, which is marketed as providing mental and physical stimulation. They may or may not be carbonated and may also contain sugar, other sweeteners, or herbal extracts, among numerous possible ingredients.
Sugar-free or Low-calories Energy Drinks Sugar-free or Low-calories Energy Drinks are sugar-free, artificially sweetened energy drinks with few or no calories.
Traditional Energy Drink Traditional Energy Drinks are functional soft drinks containing ingredients designed to boost the consumer's energy.
Natural/Oraganic Energy Drinks Natural/Organic energy drinks are energy drinks free of artificial sweeteners and synthetic colorings. Instead, they contain naturally derived ingredients such as green tea, yerba mate, and botanical extracts.
Energy Shots A small but highly concentrated energy drink that contains large amounts of caffeine and/or other stimulants. The quantity is comparatively smaller compared to energy drinks.
Sports Drink Sports drinks are beverages designed specifically for the rapid supply of fluid, carbohydrates, and electrolytes before, during or after exercise.
Isotonic Isotonic drinks contain similar concentrations of salt and sugar as in the human body, and are designed to quickly replace fluids lost during exercise but with an increase of carbohydrate.
Hypertonic Hypertonic drinks have a higher concentration of salt and sugar than the human body. They are best drunk after exercise as it is important to replace glycogen levels quickly after exercise.
Hypotonic Hypotonic drinks are designed to quickly replace fluids lost during exercise. They have very low carbohydrate content and a lower concentration of salt and sugar than the human body.
Electrolyte-Enhanced Water Electrolyte water is water infused with electrically-charged minerals, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Protein-based Sport Drinks Protein-based sports drinks are those sports drinks which has added protein in it that will improve performance and reduce muscle protein breakdown.
On-Trade The on-trade refers to places that sell beverages for immediate consumption on the premises like bars, restaurants, and pubs
Off-Trade Off-trade usually means places like liquor stores, supermarkets and other places where you don't consume the beverage right away.
Convenience Store A retail business that provides the public with a convenient location to quickly purchase a wide variety of consumable products and services, generally food and gasoline.
Specialty store A specialty store is a shop/store that carries a deep assortment of brands, styles, or models within a relatively narrow category of goods
Online Retail Online retail is a type of eCommerce whereby a business sells goods or services directly to consumers from a website.
Aseptic Packaging Aseptic packaging refers to the filling of a cold, commercially sterile product under sterile conditions into a presterilized container and closure under sterile conditions to form a seal that effectively excludes microorganisms. These includes tetra packs, cartons, pouches etc.
PET Bottle PET bottle means a bottle made of polyethylene terephthalate.
Metal Cans Metal containers made of aluminum or tin- plated or zinc-plated steel, which are commonly used for packaging food, beverages or other products.
Disposable Cups Disposable Cup means a cup or other container designed for single use to serve beverages, such as water, cold drinks, hot drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Gen Z A way of referring to the group of people who were born in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Millenial Anyone born between 1981 and 1996 (ages 23 to 38 in 2019) is considered a Millennial
Taurine Taurine is an amino acid that supports immune health and nervous system function.
Bars & Pubs It is a drinking establishment licensed to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption on the premises.
Café It is a foodservice establishment serving refreshments (mainly coffee) and light meals.
On the go It means doing / dealing with while busily engaged with something and not diverting plans in order to accommodate.
Internet Penetration The Internet Penetration Rate corresponds to the percentage of the total population of a given country or region that uses the Internet.
Vending Machine A machine that dispenses small articles such as food, drinks, or cigarettes when a coin or token is inserted
Discount store A discount store or discounter offers a retail format in which products are sold at prices that are in principle lower than an actual or supposed "full retail price". Discounters rely on bulk purchasing and efficient distribution to keep down costs.
Clean Label Clean label on the beverage market are drinks that are made from few ingredients of natural origin and are not or only slightly processed.
Caffeine An alkaloid compound which is a stimulant of the central nervous system. It is mainly used recreationally, as a mild cognitive enhancer to increase alertness and attentional performance.
Extreme sport Action sports, adventure sports or extreme sports are activities perceived as involving a high degree of risk.
High-intensity interval training It incorporates several rounds that alternate between several minutes of high intensity movements to significantly increase the heart rate to at least 80% of one's maximum heart rate, followed by short periods of lower intensity movements.
Shelf life The length of time for which an item remains usable, fit for consumption, or saleable.
Cream Soda Cream soda is a sweet soft drink. Generally flavored with vanilla and based on the taste of an ice cream float
Root Beer Root beer is a sweet North American soft drink traditionally made using the root bark of the sassafras tree Sassafras albidum or the vine of Smilax ornata as the primary flavor. Root beer is typically, but not exclusively, non-alcoholic, caffeine-free, sweet, and carbonated.
Vanilla Soda A carbonated soft drink flavoured with vanilla.
Dairy-Free A product that does not contain any milk or milk products from cows, sheep or goats.
Caffeine-Free Energy Drinks Caffeine-free energy drinks rely on other ingredients to boost the energy. Popular choices include amino acids, B vitamins, and electrolytes.

Research Methodology

Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.

  • Step-1: IDENTIFY KEY VARIABLES: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step 1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set, and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
  • Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period for each country.
  • Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables, and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.​
  • Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated reports, custom consulting assignments, databases & subscription platforms
research-methodology
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01. Crisp, insightful analysis
Our focus is NOT on word count. We present only the key trends impacting the market so you don’t waste time finding a needle in the haystack.
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02. True Bottom-Up Approach
We study the industry, not just the market. Our bottom-up approach ensures we have a broad and deep understanding of the forces that shape the industry.
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03. Exhaustive Data
Tracking a million data points on the soft drinks industry. Our constant market tracking covers over 1 million+ data points spanning 45 countries and over 150 companies just for the soft drinks industry.
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04. TRANSPARENCY
Know where your data comes from. Most market reports today hide the sources used behind the veil of a proprietary model. We proudly present them so you can trust our information.
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05. CONVENIENCE
Tables belong in spreadsheets. Like you, we also believe that spreadsheets are better suited for data evaluation. We dont clutter our reports with data tables. We provide an excel document with each report that contains all the data used to analyze the market.

Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is the current value of the European ready-to-drink coffee market?

The Europe ready-to-drink coffee market size is valued at USD 3.01 billion in 2026.

How fast is cold brew growing compared with iced coffee in Europe?

Cold brew is forecast to expand at an 7.82% CAGR to 2031, outpacing iced coffee, which nonetheless remains the larger volume segment.

Which packaging format is gaining the most traction?

PET bottles are recording a 7.65% CAGR owing to lightweight, recycled-content mandates and portability advantages.

Why are on-trade channels important for RTD coffee growth?

Cafés and restaurants embrace RTD formats to cut barista labor and ensure product consistency, enabling on-trade to post the fastest 8.54% CAGR.

How will EU deforestation regulations affect RTD coffee supply chains?

From December 2025, geolocation traceability becomes mandatory, compelling brands to upgrade digital due diligence systems or narrow sourcing bases.

Which companies dominate the European RTD coffee space?

Nestlé, PepsiCo/Starbucks, Coca-Cola, and JDE Peet’s together control a little over 60% of category value through broad portfolios and extensive distribution.

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