No matter the industry, it seems the world has embraced the notion that convenience no longer comes at the cost of quality, especially when it comes to coffee. With consumer lifestyles becoming more on-the-go and workplaces adapting to flexible schedules, ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee has emerged as a modern solution to meet growing demands.
RTD coffee offers a unique combination of premium flavor, instant access, and versatile usage. From retail shelves to office breakrooms, the RTD trend is not just about caffeine — it’s about providing a seamless experience that supports productivity and pleasure. This blog dives into the growing RTD coffee movement and how your business can benefit from integrating it into your beverage offerings.
What is RTD Coffee and Why Is It Growing?
Ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee refers to coffee beverages that are pre-packaged and ready for immediate consumption—no brewing, no waiting, no hassle. These drinks are often found in cans or bottles and are available in refrigerated coolers in offices, vending machines, cafes, and grocery stores. According to a recent report from Hardtank, young consumers prefer RTD coffee, supporting the burgeoning out-of-home coffee market valued at a staggering $39 billion in 2025 and only poised for continued growth to close out the decade.
RTD coffee represents an exceptionally high-quality industry and customer experience alike. There’s not much left of the antiquated (and often, inaccurate) perception that RTD means a sacrifice in quality. Quite the opposite actually. The market is massive and continues to evolve as customer trends demand it.
Common RTD coffee types include:
- Cold brew: Steeped for long periods to extract a smooth, low-acid flavor profile
- Canned lattes: Creamy, milk-based coffee with added flavor and sweetness
- Espresso-based options: Including Starbucks Doubleshot and Tripleshot drinks, ideal for those needing an extra boost
- Nitro coffee: Infused with nitrogen for a frothy, velvety finish that mimics a coffeehouse pour
The rise in popularity can be linked to several larger trends:
- Increased demand for grab-and-go options
- Consumer preference for premium beverages without waiting in a café line
- Busy lifestyles that require convenient caffeine solutions
- Workplace trends moving toward more self-serve, less staffed spaces
Millennials and Gen Z are leading this shift, preferring high-quality beverages that match their fast-paced, wellness-focused routines. RTD coffee’s ability to meet these expectations positions it as a strong player in the evolving beverage market.
5 Business Benefits of Offering RTD Coffee
Adding RTD coffee to your beverage lineup offers several compelling benefits for businesses of all types. Whether you're operating an office, a micro-market, or a retail location, the advantages are tangible and immediate:
1. Efficiency & Convenience
Unlike traditional coffee setups that require brewing equipment, filters, and cleanup, RTD coffee is ready the moment it’s pulled from a cooler. This means less maintenance, fewer operational demands, and faster service.
2. Low Overhead, High Return
With no need for expensive brewing machines or trained baristas, RTD coffee offers a cost-effective way to provide high-quality beverages. Shelf-stable and easy to stock, it simplifies your beverage operations while enhancing your profit margins.
3. Broad Consumer Appeal
From the straight-up bold cold brew drinker to the indulgent Frappuccino fan, RTD coffee offers something for everyone. This variety makes it easy to please a wide demographic — whether that’s employees in a corporate breakroom or shoppers in a convenience store.
4. Enhances Workplace Morale
Employees appreciate having premium beverage options available during the workday. Offering RTD coffee is a small but impactful way to show you value their energy, time, and satisfaction.
5. Supports Wellness Goals
Many RTD coffee drinks now feature lower sugar, cleaner labels, or added benefits like protein or adaptogens, appealing to wellness-minded customers and staff.
Top RTD Brands and Options Available Through Bernick’s
At Bernick’s, we understand that your beverage program needs more than just a product — it needs the right mix to match your audience. We partner with top-performing RTD coffee brands to deliver quality, variety, and reliability.
Some of our most popular offerings include the iconic green brand, Starbucks:
- Starbucks Cold Brew: Smooth, rich, and available in multiple flavors like Vanilla Sweet Cream, Sweetened Black, and Cocoa and Honey
- Starbucks Doubleshot & Tripleshot: Energy-packed espresso drinks in convenient cans and flavors including Espresso Latte and Mocha
- Starbucks Frappuccino: Sweet, creamy, and familiar (originally released in bottle form in 1996!) — perfect for indulgent pick-me-ups; seasonal flavors and limited edition releases mean consumers are often looking for the newest, most trendy or “viral” options
- Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew: Nitrogen-infused coffee with a bold taste and frothy finish, newest flavors highlighted include Vanilla Sweet Cream, Chocolate Cream, and Salted Caramel Cream
By offering trusted, recognizable brands, you not only satisfy your customers’ preferences but also benefit from built-in brand loyalty. Bernick’s works with you to assess your space, traffic, and audience so you can offer a tailored RTD coffee lineup that hits the mark.
RTD Coffee in Workplace and Retail Environments
RTD coffee is a game-changer in both workplace and retail settings due to its adaptability and wide usage potential. Here are a few popular placement strategies:
In Workplaces
Stocking RTD coffee in breakroom coolers or micro-kitchens empowers employees to choose what they want, when they want it, without relying on shared equipment or wasting time. It’s especially helpful in hybrid work environments or multi-shift operations.
In Retail Spaces
C-stores and grocery stores see high turnover in RTD coffee categories. Strategically placing chilled RTD options near checkouts or endcaps increases impulse purchases and builds repeat customer behavior.
In Vending Machines & Micro-Markets
RTD coffee fits perfectly into unmanned vending and self-service micro-markets. As 24/7 operations grow, especially in healthcare and manufacturing settings, having reliable caffeine solutions is key.
Many of our partners have reported boosts in both employee morale and customer satisfaction after adding RTD coffee options — and often, sales increase as well.
How Bernick’s Supports RTD Beverage Programs
Getting started with RTD coffee is easier when you have the right partner. At Bernick’s, we offer full-service beverage support that ensures your coffee program thrives:
- Reliable Distribution: Timely delivery of popular RTD brands tailored to your volume and location
- Restocking & Rotation: Fresh inventory management to keep your coolers full and appealing
- Equipment & Merchandising: From coolers to signage, we set up your RTD space for maximum visibility
- Consultative Support: We help assess what products work best for your audience, location, and goals
Our team works closely with you to ensure a seamless, profitable experience — whether you're introducing RTD coffee for the first time or upgrading your existing offerings.
The Future of Coffee is Ready
RTD coffee isn’t just a trend; it’s a reflection of what today’s consumers value most: quality, convenience, and control. Whether you're looking to energize your employees, offer more to your customers, or streamline your operations, RTD coffee provides a simple yet powerful solution.
