Tips for packaging cold brew bags for wholesale
Cold brew bags are an affordable, convenient, and hassle-free way for consumers to enjoy premium cold brew at home. Simple in design, they act like tea bags and only require a container and some cold water. Thanks to their portability and convenience, cold brew bags are rapidly growing in popularity in both the US and Asia.
That said, some brands have concerns over freshness. Unlike tea, coffee starts to degrade within hours of being roasted. Research shows that the level of exposure to oxygen is directly proportionate to the rate at which coffee loses freshness. The nature of cold brew bags means the coffee must be ground before it’s packaged, further decreasing its freshness.
So how can brands ensure product freshness when packaging cold brew bags for wholesale?
Freshness is key
Essentially, cold brew bags are steepable, food-grade pouches that are filled with freshly roasted ground coffee. The bags are often made from natural, compostable materials, such as cotton. Depending on the volume of coffee inside, the bags can be packed into individual sachets or into flexible stand-up coffee pouches.
In many cases, the individual sachets will be flushed with nitrogen to retain freshness. According to an article from MTPak Coffee, “nitrogen flushing may double the shelf life of packaged coffee in certain circumstances.” The article also states that “nitrogen flushing is highly effective in keeping packaged coffee free from carbon dioxide and moisture.”
The Specialty Coffee Association cites a 2001 study that shows how flushing roasted coffee with nitrogen can extend its shelf life from three months to six. This is particularly important, as an article published on Coffee Review reveals the results of a taste test using 32 brew bags. Tests were run on the oxygen present in each of the brew bags that were used.
“Despite elaborate efforts by all manufacturers to keep staling oxygen out of the bags–and offer a shelf-life of up to one year–we found mixed results,” the article says. It also states that 10 out of the 12 brew bags that earned the highest scores contained no oxygen, while two contained 12%. Brew bags that scored below 89 contained percentages of oxygen ranging from zero to 19%.
However, it’s important to note that the test does say it “isn’t possible to reach any blanket generalisation from these limited results.”
Convenience is king
Consumers want product packaging that is easy to handle and dispose of. It’s no use having custom packaging printed only for consumers to rip it apart because they can’t get to the product inside. Additionally, businesses don’t want their branded packaging littering the streets.
Functionality and sustainability should be front of mind when designing wholesale packaging for cold brew bags. Blue Tokai Coffee, for instance, has considered both. The brand offers biodegradable cold brew bags that are individually packaged, with five sachets in one box. The box is easy to open, and the brand claims that the cold brew bags can be composted at home.
Bizzy Cold Brew, on the other hand, packages its cold brew bags in a slightly larger, and wider, stand-up coffee pouch. Each pouch contains four brew bags, and is fitted with a resealable zipper to retain freshness. Beyond this, Bizzy’s cold brew packaging features a hang-hole, which can boost impulse buys when displayed at points-of-purchase (POP).
Another prime example is Sleepy Owl Coffee. The brand has colour-coded the sachets that contain its brew bags. Each colour represents a different flavour of coffee, providing customers with both variety and choice.
The final thing to consider is packaging design. Several studies show how the shape of packaging can subtly influence consumers’ perception of the product. Research continues to show that certain shapes can evoke specific associations and expectations. For instance, angular and geometric shapes often imply strength and durability, while curvy or flowing shapes may suggest comfort and relaxation.
What are the benefits of offering cold brew bags?
Statistics show that both hot and cold brew bags are growing in popularity around the world. The global cold brew coffee market size is estimated to reach $4,595.53 million in 2033. Furthermore, research shows a growing preference for cold brew over iced coffee, which presents more opportunities for market growth.
As consumers continue to demand convenient, quality products, the popularity of cold brew bags is likely to increase. They allow customers to create high-quality coffee with minimal effort. For coffee brands, they provide opportunities to introduce customers to new blends and origins.
The sustainable nature of cold brew bags also appeals to a growing number of eco-conscious consumers. Taylor Fields, the founder of Nostalgia Coffee Roasters in San Diego, US, was quoted saying that brew bags “make specialty coffee more accessible” and the format is “sustainable as it eliminates the need for [items such as] coffee pods.”
As mentioned, cold brew bags are often packaged in individual sachets, which are then placed into a cardboard box. Larger options are often sealed into flexible coffee bags, which allow for more customisation when it comes to shape and size.
At Cold Brew Pak, we can help you find the ideal packaging solution for your wholesale cold brew bags. Choose from boxes made of recyclable, responsibly sourced cardboard, or individually wrapped sachets. Our design team is also on hand to ensure that your packaging stands out in the wholesale market and wins the hearts of your customers.
Reach out to our team for more information.
