Trying to get into speciality coffee? Here’s the coffee trend for 2026 that every coffee lover should know to build your coffee community.
These are 6 speciality coffee trends predicted for 2026.
1) Uniquely processed coffees
2025 saw the rise of experimental coffees. 2026 will continue this trend and be all about how coffee plays with your senses. Keep an eye out for limited-edition coffee launches with unique processing methods.
Why are they so popular? Well, in addition to its distinct flavour profile, it’s a great way for many coffee lovers to experience what happens when a coffee is pushed to its limits. Experimental coffees captivate the senses and are a great way to increase the coffee's value, which in turn helps farmers earn more as well. Expect more coffees with experimental processes and notes used in competitions as well.
2) Storytelling in Coffee – Inspiration and Intention
The speciality coffee drinker sees each cup of coffee as a story waiting to unfold with every sip. Information about the farm, the region, its culture and even about the roaster brings the drinker closer to them. Every cup then gets made with intention and as a way to honour the farmer. Taste notes will get more descriptive yet specific, like they are trying to show you a memory. There will be more open conversations about the coffee and the farmer, especially with the single origins, where traceability and farm reputation are important. Great coffee comes from even greater intentions and is driven by inspiration.
3) Rise of African Single Origin Coffees
2025 was an exciting year for African single origins. This trend is set to continue in 2026, so you can expect a rise in demand for single origins from Africa, especially from countries like Uganda and Ethiopia. Contributing to this trend is the increase of premium coffees from regions in Ethiopia (like Yirgacheffe) and Uganda. There is also the wider trend where African products are being recognised for their benefits, and people are leaning more towards them. Uganda’s popularity as a producer of premium single-origin coffees continues on, signalling a growing appreciation for their unique flavour profiles.
4) Exclusive coffee events
World of Coffee Dubai 2026 is coming around; look forward to other speciality coffee events as well. Coffee is not just about the drink… it’s about the experience as well. If you are new to speciality coffee or are already a part of it, this is a great time to get into the coffee community. With both public and exclusive cupping sessions and tasting events. Grow your palate and your circle while getting to experience some unique and limited-edition beans as well.
5) Innovative blends
Coffee blends are how roasters show their mastery over their craft. You can consider them as the unique artworks of a painter. To create a unique blend, you have to find two coffees with notes that complement the other. After a lot of testing, they find the optimal roast profile for both coffees, sometimes even the roast profile that fits them both. Blends are great for those that like a more stable and recognisable flavour profile. The flavour profile of a blend brings out unique notes and subtle flavours. It can also be used in competitions, giving the candidate an edge flavour-wise.
6) Transparency
As we mentioned before, the focus is on the coffee farmer and coffee production. This, along with international demand for more sustainable practices, means that transparency of coffee production and procurement is considered with increasing importance. With the focus on sustainability and fair trade as well, transparency of coffee production will be put up to the spotlight. This is especially true in the case of infused coffees, where many are processed with essential oils and additives in the coffee before or after roasting. Expect more emphasis on the traceability of coffees, particularly for limited-edition coffees like micro lots or competition coffees.
Find out more about the difference between flavoured and infused coffee here.
In many ways, 2025 was an exciting year for speciality coffee. We saw new and exciting coffee collections pop up and a growing admiration for the technical side of coffee. Looking at possible trends helps to make informed decisions and manage expectations. We hope this year brings you a lot more enjoyable coffee experiences.
