Are flexible coffee bags for cold brew the best packaging option?
The cold brew market is constantly evolving and becoming increasingly competitive, meaning packaging innovation has never been more important. From flexible, single-serve pouches to bag-in-box (BiB) styles inspired by the wine industry, there is an ever-growing range of options for roasters and other coffee businesses to choose from.
Flexible coffee bags for cold brew, in particular, have become a stand-out choice in recent years. Offering versatility and convenience, they are easily customisable, helping attract new customers and solidify brand identity.
I spoke to Spenser Jarvis, the director of business development at Seattle’s Cool Crafted Beverage, to learn more about flexible packaging for cold brew.
Why invest in flexible coffee bags for cold brew?
It’s clear that cold brew coffee has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1600s Kyoto, Japan. Research shows that the market could reach nearly US $32 billion by 2031.
Similarly, the market for flexible coffee packaging, particularly for cold brew, is poised for growth in the coming years. More brands are shifting towards innovative and convenient packaging that appeals to a growing number of eco-conscious customers.
Sustainability has become a priority for consumers. A recent PwC survey reveals that people are willing to pay an average of 9.7% more for sustainably verified items – and packaging plays a key role in this. Flexible coffee bags have a reduced environmental impact by using fewer materials than rigid packaging.
Additionally, flexible coffee bags are space-efficient and can help streamline a business’ internal logistics and operations. As they are comprised of lightweight materials, they can also reduce shipping and storage costs.
Cool Crafted Beverage (CCB) partners with coffee roasters to help expand their product portfolio to include high-quality cold brew. Spenser, who started alongside the company’s inception four years ago, explains how flexible cold brew packaging has benefitted customers.
“Bag-in-box or pouched cold brew fits a much smaller footprint and requires less equipment than, say, kegged cold brew,” he tells me. “We can also package cold brew at different dilution levels like 1:1 concentrate, for example, if someone wants to mix it to their own taste preference.”
Spenser also explains how BiB packaging can prolong shelf life.
“The struggle with making cold brew in jugs and pitchers is shelf life. As the product is exposed to oxygen, the freshness and quality clock starts ticking.”
“Products exposed to oxygen are only good for a few days,” he says. “Additionally, food safety is enhanced by bags and pouches, as they are clean, closed environments, as opposed to jugs, pitchers, or buckets.”
Exploring the versatility of flexible bags for cold brew
There’s a wide range of flexible bags for cold brew on the market, each catering to different uses.
Spouted pouches are ideal for cold brew concentrates and single servings. They especially appeal to consumers who value convenience and portability, enabling them to prepare cold brew easily with minimal effort.
For larger quantities, BiB options can be the perfect solution. BiB packaging for cold brew allows for easy storage and pouring, making it a great choice for cafés, restaurants, and offices.
“We primarily use flexible cold brew bags with V-pull spouts, which is the typical push-button spout on boxed wine,” Spenser says. “Another common option we use is a quick-connect, similar to ones found on bags of soda concentrate. We use these spouts for high-concentrate bag-in-box cold brew that goes into serving machines.”
Spenser adds that both spout types allow for easy pouring and mixing and help to protect the product inside from oxidation.
Beyond easy pouring and food safety, flexible bags for cold brew coffee also serve as a vital branding canvas. Their unique shapes can showcase eye-catching designs that ensure brands stand out on coffee shop and grocery retailer shelves.
What are the best materials for flexible cold brew bags?
Flexible cold brew bags are commonly made from sustainable materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and multi-layer laminates. In addition to a lower environmental impact, these materials act as effective barriers to external factors, such as oxygen, moisture, and sunlight. In turn, they extend freshness and shelf life.
Multi-layer laminates, in particular, offer more resilience while still being lightweight, making them an ideal packaging option for reducing shipping costs.
“We’re able to stack and pallet bag-in-box cold brew without the need for additional case packaging,” Spenser points out. “Also, if sold as a retail item, a bag-in-box provides a more uniform position on shelves and is much less likely to fall or move around. Like flexible pouch packaging, bag-in-boxes can also be easily custom-branded.”
At Cold Brew Pak, we offer innovative bag-in-box cold brew packaging solutions. Our ergonomic on-tap dispensing system ensures maximum efficiency, while the exterior’s corrugated kraft paper provides superior protection. We also offer flexible coffee bags for cold brew made of sustainable materials.
Our team is on hand to help you customise your cold brew coffee packaging to reflect your brand’s personality.
