Welcome Note

Hello hello! And welcome to the very first edition of The Retired Barista Newsletter. I'm Lars Miller, and like many great stories, mine involves a pivot. After two years of crafting lattes and building a local roaster subscription service, I traded my barista apron for a career in marketing and communications. Today, I help brands tell their stories, particularly in the cannabis industry, where I've become known for cutting through complexity to deliver clear, actionable insights.

But coffee? It never really leaves you.

While my professional path led me to marketing, my passion for speciality coffee has only deepened. I find myself analyzing cafe branding strategies with the same enthusiasm I once had for perfecting latte art. It's this unique intersection of coffee knowledge and marketing expertise that shapes The Retired Barista's perspective.

What makes this newsletter different? I bring you coffee industry insights through a marketer's lens, helping you understand not just what's happening in coffee, but why it matters. No industry jargon, no sponsored fluff—just clear analysis and honest takes on trends, products, and culture.

In this first edition, we're diving into what 2025 holds for coffee. From the surprising merger of fashion brands with cafe spaces to the booming cold brew market, we'll explore how these trends affect your daily cup and the industry at large.

Whether you're a casual coffee drinker, industry professional, or fellow retired barista, I'm excited to share this journey with you. Expect monthly deep dives into coffee trends, leader spotlights, and honest product reviews that cut through the marketing hype.

Let's explore coffee together, Lars

P.S. You can find me as @LarsMillerMedia across all social platforms. Drop by and say hi—I'd love to hear your coffee stories!

News Roundup

• 25 New Coffee Roasters to Support in 2025 - Discover 25 emerging coffee roasters making waves in 2025, offering innovative brews and unique approaches to coffee production.

• Iowa’s Euphoria Coffee Finds a Happy Home in Calmar - Euphoria Coffee’s new location in Calmar, Iowa, brings fresh energy to the town, showcasing its commitment to community and quality roasting.

• Design Details: Atomic Coffee Roasters Spreading Energy - Atomic Coffee Roasters’ new design emphasizes sustainability and innovation, reflecting their mission to energize communities through thoughtful coffee experiences.

• Study Shows Links Between Coffee Drinking and Gut Health - A new study highlights the potential benefits of coffee on gut health, revealing its role in promoting a balanced microbiome and overall well-being.

• Drinking Coffee Increases Cognitive Function for Those with Higher Risk of Stroke - Research finds that regular coffee consumption may boost cognitive function, particularly in individuals with an elevated risk of stroke.

Coffee in 2025: A New Era Brewing

The coffee industry has always been intriguing, but 2025 is proving to be a transformative year. There are new innovative cafe concepts and as always we are trying to bring more sustainable practices to the space. What are the trends that are going to shape 2025?

The Evolution of Cafe Culture

The traditional coffee shop model is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Today's cafes are becoming cultural destinations, blending coffee service with immersive experiences. This shift isn't just happening in independent shops, major fashion brands like Zara and Prada are entering the coffee space, creating hybrid environments where retail, art, and coffee intersect. These spaces host everything from morning meditation sessions to evening art galleries, with coffee serving as the connecting thread throughout the day.

What makes this trend particularly interesting is its response to post-pandemic consumer behavior. People aren't just seeking a caffeine fix; they're looking for experiences and community connections. Cafes are answering this call by becoming multi-functional spaces that adapt to different needs throughout the day—a quiet workspace in the morning, a community hub in the afternoon, and an event space in the evening. We all miss third spaces and coffee shops with a unique and innovative twist can serve this gap exceptionally well.

The Cold Coffee Revolution

Cold brew has emerged as a dominant force, with sales reaching an impressive $572M and showing 14.3% growth - according to SPINS. But perhaps more telling is the 26% growth in private label cold brew offerings. This surge indicates that cold coffee has moved beyond specialty cafes to become a mainstream staple, available at various price points and quality levels.

The innovation in cold coffee extends beyond traditional cold brew. We're seeing nitro-infused options, ready-to-drink cocktail-inspired coffee beverages, and even coffee-based energy drinks. This diversification suggests that cold coffee is no longer just a seasonal offering but a year-round category with multiple market segments.

Health and Wellness Integration

The wellness movement will significantly influence coffee trends in 2025. Premium decaf coffee is experiencing unprecedented demand, challenging the long-held stigma against non-caffeinated coffee. This shift reflects a broader consumer interest in enjoying coffee's ritual and flavor without necessarily seeking its stimulant effects.

Functional coffee beverages are also gaining traction, with brands incorporating adaptogens, probiotics, THC, and other wellness-focused ingredients. The plant-based milk revolution continues to evolve, moving beyond the standard alternatives to include innovative options like pistachio, walnut, and pea milk. These alternatives aren't just catering to dietary restrictions—they're creating entirely new flavor profiles and drinking experiences.

Sustainability Takes Center Stage

Environmental consciousness has moved from a marketing buzzword to a core business imperative. The implementation of EU deforestation regulations has pushed the industry toward more transparent and sustainable practices. Regenerative agriculture is becoming increasingly common in coffee farming, while roasters and cafes are implementing comprehensive waste tracking systems.

This sustainability focus extends to packaging innovations, water conservation efforts, and energy-efficient roasting practices. Companies are also investing in direct trade relationships, ensuring fair compensation for farmers while maintaining control over their supply chain's environmental impact. Not to mention Lab grown coffee.

Market Dynamics and Accessibility

The coffee market in 2025 is characterized by historic price highs, pushing the industry to innovate in maintaining accessibility while preserving quality. Roasters are responding with thoughtfully crafted blends that balance premium characteristics with affordability. The market is seeing a particular growth in coffees scoring between 80-84 points, offering specialty-grade experiences at more accessible price points.

This price pressure has also led to increased transparency in pricing structures, with more businesses educating consumers about the costs involved in coffee production and distribution. Rather than simply raising prices, many companies are using this as an opportunity to deepen customer understanding of coffee's value chain.

Technology's Role

Automation and digital innovation are streamlining operations across the industry. From AI-powered roasting systems to automated inventory management, technology is helping businesses maintain consistency while reducing operational costs. However, this automation is being implemented thoughtfully, preserving the craft aspects of coffee preparation while optimizing behind-the-scenes processes.

Looking Ahead

As we move through 2025, these trends point to a coffee industry that's becoming more sophisticated, sustainable, and inclusive. The emphasis on experience, wellness, and sustainability suggests that coffee is evolving beyond its role as a daily stimulant to become a more integral part of contemporary culture and lifestyle.

For consumers, this evolution means more choices in how they engage with coffee—whether through immersive cafe experiences, functional beverages, or sustainable products. For the industry, it represents both challenges and opportunities in meeting evolving consumer expectations while maintaining profitability and environmental responsibility.

The coffee landscape of 2025 is complex and multifaceted, but it's also more exciting than ever. As these trends continue to develop, they're creating a richer, more diverse coffee culture that caters to both traditional coffee lovers and new consumers seeking more from their daily brew.

Gear, Roasters, and Cafes I am Loving Right Now

Normcore - My entire accessories section for my espresso machine is basically all Normcore at this point. Their coffee funnel, WDT Distribution tool, Tamper, and shower screen are all Normcore. I love them. They are fair affordable and high-end products. I just received most of these for Christmas and have been loving using them daily.

Sweet Bloom Roasters - I visited their roasting location last time I was in Denver but I ordered some of their Hometown Blend recently and that shit is fire. If you’re ever in Denver their roastery is just an absolute must visit. LOVE that place and their coffee is amazing.

Illumine Coffee - I was just back home in Indianapolis for the holidays and let me tell you, the coffee scene in Indy is extremely underrated. The amount of roasters not to mention cafes that are locally owned is a super high number, and not just in the “cool” areas of the city. But the suburbs also have great options as well. This was my daily coffee spot while I was staying with my mother. If you catch yourself in Indy hit this place up - or hit me up and I can give you some options that will work for wherever you’re staying!