Nestlé launches first plant-based instant coffee

As more and more consumers begin to pay attention to areas such as health and sustainable development, plant-derived products, especially plant proteins, active plant ingredients, plant sweeteners, and plant colorants, have developed rapidly and achieved amazing results. According to data from Innova Market Insights, the global compound annual growth rate of new plant-based food and beverage products has reached 62% from 2013 to 2017.

The rise of plant-based foods fits the development trend of the market and the shift towards consumption upgrading. It also caters to consumers’ demand for healthy eating to a certain extent. Consumers’ desire for overall health bodes well for plant-based products.

Recently, Nestlé said it will launch three plant-based lattes under its Nescafé Gold instant coffee brand: almond, oat and coconut. The specifications are Nescafé Gold Almond Latte 6x16g (96g), Nescafé Gold Oat Latte 6x16g (96g), and Nescafé Gold Coconut Latte 6x15g (90g), with 6 packs per serving. This plant-based latte will complement the existing 17 types of Nescafé Gold instant coffee.

It is understood that the plant-based instant coffee will be launched first in the UK and Ireland, and then in several markets in Asia, Europe, Latin America and Oceania. It will be available in Tesco and will be available in other retailers in the UK after February 2020.

According to Nestlé, the 100% Arabica coffee is certified by the Vegan Society and is suitable for vegans, which will meet the growing demand for plant-based and non-dairy products among British consumers.

Neil Stephens, head of Nestlé Coffee UK and Ireland, said: “Our Nestlé Gold Instant Coffee is taking the plant-based latte trend out of the coffee shop and into the home. Our plant-based vegan latte blend is the latest in a series of innovations designed to bring new and exciting sensory experiences to our loyal Nestlé consumers.”

Coffee is one of Nestlé's high-growth products. Nestlé said it will continue to invest in this market, create more value for the brand and provide consumers with high-quality coffee products.

Last month, Nestlé’s Nescafe Azera brand launched roast and ground coffee bags in the UK and Ireland, the first bags specially formulated to be consumed as a hot or cold beverage.

Last year, Nescafé entered the growing Origins category with the launch of the Nescafé Gold Instant Coffee Origins range, where consumers can explore coffees from around the world.