Melbourne’s prominent coffee roaster, St Ali, has broadened its retail scope with the nationwide launch of its Italo Disco Espresso Concentrate in Coles supermarkets. This move comes after the successful introduction of the brand’s primary assortment of freshly roasted coffee beans in Coles stores in July 2024.
This expansion is a strategic response to evolving consumer preferences towards chilled coffee formats. Company data from St Ali’s South Melbourne cafe suggests that cold coffee variants account for approximately 35% of all their beverage sales. Cold coffee has emerged as a significant trend, with St Ali’s CEO, Lach Ward, identifying it as the most noticeable shift in consumption patterns throughout the brand’s 21-year history.
Sales figures further underline this trend. Innovative cold beverages like the Biscoff Fredo have surged in popularity, becoming the company’s best-selling signature products, outpacing traditional options like magics and black coffee.
The Italo Disco Espresso Concentrate is accessible to coffee lovers across Australia in a 750ml pouch, retailing at $22. St Ali affirms that the shift towards chilled beverages is not confined to independent specialty outlets. Worldwide statistics reveal that cold beverages represent approximately 60% of total sales in major commercial coffee chains, including notable ones like Starbucks.
Earlier this year, St Ali further diversified its product range to accommodate the summer season. This expansion included the introduction of two new beverages and the return of a larger-format cold brew.
What is the Italo Disco Espresso Concentrate?
It’s a product by Melbourne coffee roaster St Ali, recently made available nationwide at Coles supermarkets.
What has been the most significant shift in St Ali’s consumption patterns?
The company has noticed a significant tendency towards cold coffee beverages, marking the most significant shift in their 21-year history.
What is the current trend in coffee consumption?
Chilled coffee beverages are the growing trend, with cold drinks accounting for about 35% of St Ali’s sales and 60% of sales in major commercial coffee chains.
