"No More Sleepless Nights"…Decaffeinated Coffee Imports Surge 300% in 5 Years

Imported 6,521 Tons Last Year... Increasing Share of Decaffeinated Coffee
"Many Consumers Consider Health While Enjoying Coffee"
Mid- to Low-Priced Franchises Also Launching Decaffeinated Options One After Another

As more consumers seek freedom from caffeine and want to enjoy coffee without it, 'decaffeinated coffee' is gaining attention. Last year, the import volume of decaffeinated coffee nearly tripled in five years. To keep up with the surging demand, not only large coffee chains like Starbucks but also mid-range franchises such as Ediya Coffee and The Venti are entering the decaffeinated coffee market one after another.

Import Volume of Decaffeinated Green Beans and Roasted Beans: 1,724 Tons in 2018 → 6,521 Tons in 2023

According to export-import trade statistics from the Korea Customs Service on the 18th, the import volume of decaffeinated green beans and roasted beans increased by 278% over five years, from 1,724 tons in 2018 to 6,521 tons last year. Although it slightly decreased compared to 6,933 tons in 2022, this was largely due to abnormal weather and rising coffee bean prices, which caused the total coffee import volume to drop from 205,065 tons to 192,623 tons.

The share of decaffeinated green and roasted beans in total coffee imports slightly increased from 3.38% in 2022 to 3.39% last year. Compared to 1.09% in 2018, this is a significant rise.

This shows that Koreans' love for coffee is gradually expanding to decaffeinated coffee. Decaffeinated coffee contains about 90% less caffeine than regular coffee, freeing consumers from sleep disorders, anxiety, and other issues caused by excessive caffeine intake. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people prioritize health, the main consumer base for decaffeinated coffee has expanded from vulnerable groups such as pregnant women to general consumers, according to industry analysis.

An industry insider explained, "More than 60% of decaffeinated coffee orders come after 2 p.m. In the past, many consumers drank coffee for its caffeine's stimulating effects, but now, as more consumers enjoy the taste of coffee itself while considering their health, the decaffeinated coffee market is growing."

Mid-Range Franchises Like Ediya Coffee and The Venti Join In... "Decaffeinated Coffee Sales Steadily Increasing"

As demand for decaffeinated coffee rapidly rises, mid-range coffee franchises, in addition to large coffee chains like Starbucks and Twosome Place, are rushing to launch decaffeinated coffee. Last year alone, Ediya Coffee, The Venti, and Compose Coffee introduced decaffeinated coffee. A coffee franchise official said, "Selling decaffeinated coffee requires using different coffee machines, which burdens franchise owners, but the number of franchises keeping up with demand is gradually increasing."

This trend is also reflected in actual sales changes. Starbucks' decaffeinated coffee sales increased more than fourfold, from 6 million cups in 2018 to 25 million cups in 2022. Last year, sales increased by more than 5% compared to the previous year. Twosome Place also saw a 32.8% increase in decaffeinated coffee sales last year. A Twosome Place official explained, "As of the end of December last year, the number of stores handling decaffeinated coffee reached 1,556, more than 10% higher than a year ago, which significantly boosted sales."

Ediya Coffee recorded an average monthly growth rate of 10% over one year from January to December last year after launching decaffeinated coffee. The Venti also saw monthly sales of decaffeinated coffee increase by more than 5% on average since its launch in March last year.