"Coffee Shop War" in Mexico: Coffee Locations Increase by 17% in Shopping Centers in 2023

The coffee industry in Mexico has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, solidifying itself as a key economic and cultural driver. Presently, an authentic "coffee shop war" is unfolding in major Mexican cities, where a wide array of establishments tirelessly compete to stand out in an increasingly demanding and diversified market. The key to surviving and thriving in this contest lies in the ability to offer an exceptional cup of coffee and a unique experience for customers. This entails creativity in drink presentation, originality in flavors, and creating a welcoming atmosphere to win over coffee enthusiasts.

This "coffee shop war" has become increasingly evident in various parts of Mexico, propelling commercial real estate market development. According to SiiLA, the space occupied by coffee shops in shopping centers has increased by 17% in 2023, with chains like Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Cielito Querido Cafe, and Maison Kayser leading the occupancy, representing 48%, 9%, 9%, and 5% of the coffee shop space, respectively.

Over the past three years, at least a dozen national and international coffee chains have announced aggressive expansion plans in Mexico. Among them is Tim Hortons, which intends to open 150 branches in the next five years, and even Juan Valdez, which has been seeking a reentry into Mexico for the past four years. In their latest financial report, Juan Valdez stated that Mexico will be one of the starting points for strengthening its mass consumption channel and expanding its store portfolio internationally over the next five years.

According to SiiLA, the companies that opened the most stores in shopping centers in the last year were Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Cielito Querido Cafe, The Italian Coffee Company, and Cafe Punta del Cielo. Together, these companies inaugurated approximately 30 locations.

The Coffee Industry in Mexico

The diversification of coffee chains energizes the shopping center market by attracting customers with different preferences and tastes. With multiple coffee shop options, from iconic international brands to specialized local cafes, shopping centers have become attractive destinations for many consumers. This creates a diverse and ever-evolving commercial environment where visitors can enjoy unique coffee experiences, benefiting coffee chains and shopping center owners.

By the end of 2023, there could be around 80,000 coffee shops in Mexico, according to data revealed during Expo Cafe 2023, the premier national event in the sector. This represents an annual growth of between 5% and 7% in opening new branches. However, the national coffee industry is expected to see a 5% boost driven by an almost 40% increase in coffee consumption over the past two years.

Despite the growth, the coffee industry in Mexico also faces challenges such as volatility in global coffee prices, competition from international chains, and the need to maintain consistent quality standards as they expand. Additionally, sustainability and social responsibility are critical areas in which coffee shops must continue to work to support their appeal to environmentally and socially conscious consumers.

Ultimately, the future of the coffee industry in Mexico will depend on companies' ability to strategically address these challenges and adapt to changing customer preferences and expectations, ensuring their place in the heart of the coffee culture in the country.

For more information on this and other topics related to the retail market in Mexico, explore SiiLA REsource or contact us at contacto@siila.com.mx.