SINGAPORE – Marketing executive Cheryl Lim recently received a gift of cold-brew coffee from her friends that was delivered to her home.
The 27-year-old, who works from home, says: "Since I can't head out to a cafe, I've been drinking the cold-brew coffee at home. And I am planning to order more. I have a Nespresso machine at home too and have stocked up on capsules for the next few months."
Ms Lim and her friends are among a growing number of speciality coffee lovers who are getting their brews sent to their doorstep.
Speciality coffee producers tell The Sunday Times they are seeing a surge in demand for their cold brews, capsules, drip bags and ground coffee; as well as a spike in capsule subscriptions, which ensure a constant supply of coffee to one's home.
Speciality cold-brew coffee producer Bootstrap Beverages says it has increased its production three times since the start of the year.
Business development manager Trina Young notes that more customers switched from ad-hoc purchases to subscriptions.
At coffee boutique PPP Coffee (formerly known as Papa Palheta) – which operates the popular Chye Seng Huat Hardware in Tyrwhitt Road – there has been significant demand for its cold-brew coffee.
In March, it sold 150 bottles a week, says chief executive officer Marcus Foo, 39. The number doubled in April – when the circuit breaker started – and doubled again in May.
Likening the cold-brew coffee trend to the bubble tea craze, he says: "People are willing to spend and will buy more to store or give to friends."
Sales of coffee capsules and retail packs of ground coffee and beans have also doubled, Mr Foo adds. More customers are also buying its home-brewing equipment such as the V60 coffee dripper and coffee grinders.
"When the circuit breaker was announced, besides essentials, people were also stocking up on coffee. We packed more than 300 orders that weekend – about six times our usual amount."
Old Hen Coffee Bar in Rangoon Road even launched a "circuit breaker special" – a one-litre cold-brew coffee with milk ($19.90) specifically catering to home consumption. Its usual 330ml bottles are priced from $6.50.
While retail sales are brisk, wholesale business has been disrupted.
PPP Coffee's overall production has dropped by half, as the supply to cafes and corporate clients has been reduced. Retail sales have "cushioned the fall", Mr Foo says.
Nespresso, best known for its coffee capsules, initially faced disruption with production and shipment of its Swiss-made capsules due to restrictions and safety measures, says Ms May Han, a business executive officer at Nespresso Singapore.
In Singapore, the brand's four boutiques and most of its business partners which use Nespresso equipment are closed. The company is working with them to ensure they are ready when dine-in resumes.
Other coffee retailers are doing their part to be eco-friendly.
The Maks' Coffee recently launched biodegradable and compostable coffee capsules. PHOTO: THE MAKS' COFFEE
The Maks' Coffee and Hook Coffee, which offer subscriptions, recently launched biodegradable and compostable coffee capsules.
Hook Coffee's capsules are compatible with Nespresso machines. Soon, it will also have capsules that can be used with Nescafe Dolce Gusto machines, says chief executive officer Wayne Lai, 28.
Launching capsules a month before the circuit breaker was timely for The Maks' Coffee. Its coffee drip bags – a fuss-free option that does not require a machine – have also been popular.
To cater to demand, founder Chris Mak increased production volume by 10 to 15 per cent after the circuit breaker was announced.
She says: "More people are trying new recipes at home and that includes those for coffee too. For instance, the popular Dalgona coffee trend was a hit among home coffee brewers.
"The trend of gifting coffee has also grown. It's nice to see people cheering others up through gifting, while also supporting small local businesses during this trying time."
CAFE CARTISAN[hhmc] The brewing house's more unusual brew beverages include sea salt hojicha latte, Earl Grey chocolate and honey macadamia milk. PHOTO: CAFE CARTISAN
What: The brewing house's more unusual brew beverages ($6.90 a bottle) include sea salt hojicha latte, Earl Grey chocolate and honey macadamia milk. Check out the Magic Coffee Bomb, which is made up of a double espresso, purple brown rice and black sesame.
Info: WhatsApp 9853-0206 or order online. A minimum order of six bottles is required for islandwide delivery. Delivery charge is $9; free for orders above $80.
BOOTSTRAP BEVERAGES[hhmc]
What: Bootstrap's Mix Pack ($35 for six bottles, includes free islandwide delivery) is a good starter kit for those new to cold-brew drinks. You get a bottle each of its High-Performance Strong Black Coffee, manuka honey coffee and signature black coffee, as well as the dairy-free oat milk coffee, orange tea and hojicha.
For Father's Day, the cold-brew coffee producer – which started in Bali in 2015 – has launched a special pack ($36) with two bottles each of its strong cold-brew coffee, manuka honey coffee and hojicha.
Its cold-brew subscription service allows customers to choose from its range of brews and decide on the frequency and quantity of bottles required.
