Every day, 23 million Canadians visit foodservice establishments,[1] indulging in up to five beverages per week[2] and driving significant sales across the foodservice industry.
For businesses looking to launch a new seasonal menu, you must understand consumer preferences and create appealing flavour pairings, while also ensuring that the beverages are profitable and easy to prepare. To help your café stand out and attract more customers, Canterbury’s beverage experts have identified nine seasonal trends to incorporate into your menu.
[1] Restaurants Canada and Angus Reid, survey conducted June 2024.
[2] Technomic 2024 Beverage Consumer Trend Report
Go Nuts
Consumers are increasingly drawn to indulgent beverage experiences, with hot specialty coffee leading the trend. This segment has seen 7.6% growth[3] over the past year, giving foodservice operators a great opportunity to attract customers by adding unique coffee beverages to their menus.
While your baristas expertly craft classics like lattes, Americanos, and macchiatos, your cafe can enhance these offerings with seasonal flavours that resonate with customers. Hazelnut, a top flavour over the past five years,[4] adds warmth and familiarity, while butter pecan and almond bring rich, indulgent notes perfect for the season.
To make these drinks even more enticing, try adding festive touches like cinnamon and decadent sauces. These finishing elements create a seasonal flair that encourages customers to indulge.
Trend essentials: Torani Butter Pecan Syrup, Torani Hazelnut Syrup, Torani Almond Syrup, Stasero Cinnamon Topping, Torani Sauces.
[3] Technomic 2024 Away-From-Home Beverage Update of Category Sales and Volume
[4] Kerry Marketing Insights Taste Program 2023
Sip-Sational
To drive strategic growth, operators can use limited time offers to highlight standout and innovative menu items. Canterbury’s beverage experts recommend Torani Shortbread Syrup for its buttery, nostalgic flavour, which pairs beautifully with both coffee and tea to evoke the taste of freshly baked cookies.
Limited time offers and new flavours are powerful motivators for café customers, and Torani Shortbread Syrup taps into this demand with a distinctive, indulgent flavour that enhances specialty beverages.
Trend essentials: Torani Shortbread Syrup, Shortbread Cookie Cold Brew, Spiced Apple Cookie Tea Latte.
Gingerbread Delights
As the colder months approach, many are searching for that cozy beverage experience, and nearly a quarter of consumers are excited to try new and unique flavours.[5]
Recognized as one of the top 20 fastest-growing flavours over the past three years,[6] gingerbread, a seasonal favourite, features a rich, molasses-based sweetness and warming spices that make it a timeless winter staple.
When added into specialty beverages like lattes and mochas, gingerbread adds delightful depth, making it the perfect option for chilly days.
Trend essentials: Torani Gingerbread Syrup, Gingerbread Chai Recipe.
[5] Technomic 2024 Beverage Consumer Trend Report
[6] Kerry Marketing Insights Taste Program 2023
Comfort with a Twist
Consumers are increasingly drawn to unique flavours and customization options.[7] To meet this demand, operators should reimagine classic beverages with innovative flavour profiles. Think of hot chocolate infused with winter spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom, or adventurous flavours such as oatmeal cookie, coconut, lavender, and marshmallow.
These distinctive combinations capture the comforting, nostalgic essence of winter while offering a fresh, exciting experience for customers.
Trend essentials: Hot Chocolate Recipes, Fusuro Hot Chocolate Powder, Kingsmill White Hot Chocolate Powder, Torani Syrups, Torani Sauces, Mini Marshmallows.
[7] Technomic 2024 Beverage Consumer Trend Report
Winter Wonders
White chocolate and peppermint are timeless winter classics, and both flavours continue to shine in the colder months. White chocolate has been one of the fastest-growing flavors over the past three years[8], while peppermint consistently ranks as a top choice each winter.[9] These flavours are not only crowd-pleasers but also are incredibly versatile, making them great for creating menu items that can appeal to crowds across different dayparts.
This year, expect to see both white chocolate and peppermint used in creative new ways—paired with herbal tea, chai, cider, or even in a mocha—for a more sophisticated twist on winter beverages that can elevate menus and keep customers coming back for more.
Trend essentials: Torani White Chocolate Sauce, Torani Peppermint Bark Sauce, Torani Peppermint Syrup, West Coast Fog, Holiday Chai, Raspberry White Mocha, White Chocolate Cider.
[8] Kerry Marketing Insights Taste Program 2023
[9] Kerry Marketing Insights Taste Program 2023
No Sugar, No Problem
Nearly half of Canadian coffee drinkers use some form of sweetener in their coffee.[10] While specialty beverages are often considered indulgent treats, consumers are becoming more aware of sugar and calorie content. They desire drinks that not only taste great but are also healthier options. As a result, operators need to find a balance when creating new menu items.
This is where Torani Sugar Free Syrups come in. These syrups deliver all the flavour without the calories or added sugar. They can easily replace traditional syrups in lattes, iced drinks, and even fogs. By adding just one more product to your offerings, operators can cater to a new range of customers looking for indulgent beverage experiences while still maintaining their health goals.
Trend essentials: Torani Sugar Free Syrups.
[10] Canadian Coffee Drinking Trends June 2024
Spruce Up Your Sips
Add-ons and extras are popular at all times of day and across menu segments,[11] and incorporating them into your winter offerings can enhance both appeal and perceived value. With one in four consumers reporting that beverage options influence their choice of destination—especially among 18-34 year-olds—there’s an opportunity to create experiences that draw customers in.[12]
Consider adding small, memorable touches to each order: a dollop of whipped cream, a rich chocolate drizzle, or even a sprig of rosemary or cranberries for added flavour and a festive look.
These thoughtful additions can elevate the customer experience and increase order value, inviting customers to indulge in something special and memorable.
Trend essentials: Torani Sauces, Winter Recipes.
[11] Technomic State of the Canadian Menu 2024
[12] Technomic 2024 Beverage Consumer Trend Report
Apple’s Time to Shine
Apple is making a strong comeback this year, showing up on more menus as a refreshing alternative for those tired of pumpkin spice. Apple-flavoured beverages appeal to all generations, with fruit-forward drinks particularly popular in the colder months.
To capitalize on this trend, Canterbury’s beverage experts suggest enhancing traditional apple cider with creative twists. A drizzle of white chocolate, a shot of vanilla, or a sprinkle of cinnamon can transform a classic cider into a memorable seasonal treat that your customers will love.
Tea is another excellent way to embrace the apple trend. Four O’Clock’s Apple Crumble Tea is a unique and innovative addition to your menu. Its tart apple notes blend beautifully with vanilla and shortbread flavours, enabling baristas to craft specialty drinks like a Spiced Apple Cookie Tea Latte or a Caramel Apple Crumble Tea Latte.
Trend essentials: Pearson’s Apple Cider Concentrate, Torani White Chocolate Sauce, Stasero Cinnamon Topping, Torani Vanilla Syrup, Four O’Clock Apple Crumble Tea, Apple Recipes.
Keepin’ It Simple
Without efficient back-of-house operations, sustaining a successful menu can become a challenge. Streamlining your processes is essential for maximizing productivity and ensuring customer satisfaction.
A simple yet effective way to enhance your offerings is by introducing new shelf-stable products to your menu. Even adding just one new syrup, sauce, or cold drink concentrate can open a wide range of beverage possibilities, enabling your team to create a variety of delightful combinations effortlessly.
By utilizing shelf-stable products, you can enrich your menu, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction—all while keeping things simple for your staff.
Trend essentials: Torani Syrups, Torani Sauces, Cold Drink Concentrates.
By tapping into consumers’ interest in festive and experiential beverages, your business can create seasonal offerings that encourage repeat visits. Contact Canterbury’s team today to schedule a menu planning session!