Coffee leads the hot drinks category, consumed by almost three quarters (71%) of consumers in cafés, restaurants, or bars, while tea is a stronger competitor in Poland than in other global markets. But consistent demand for quality coffee, coupled with a clear appetite for experimentation, presents a strong opportunity for suppliers and operators to boost their offers.
It’s clear HoReCa remains essential despite wider economic pressures, especially among consumers of alcoholic drinks. Yet, non-alcoholic categories, particularly soft and hot drinks, are gaining ground, with coffee drinkers (+7pp), soft drink consumers (+12pp) showing notable uplift.
In addition, the shift towards earlier daypart visits also supports the rise of coffee-led occasions. In the last year, more than a quarter (27%) of consumers are choosing to go out earlier to eat, and 17% to drink. This behavioural shift positions coffee as a key product for capitalising on evolving demand.
Social occasions remain central to why people go out, with 42% of Polish consumers citing family occasions, 35% catching up with friends, and 29% romantic dates. Coffee-based occasions fit into all these settings, both as a standalone reason to meet, or part of wider eating and drinking occasions.
Younger Consumers Represent Growth Potential
The current coffee consumer skews slightly older. But Gen Z shows strong engagement with the On Premise overall and over-indexes for soft and hot drinks (+9pp), cocktails (+9pp), and no/low alcohol alternatives (+5pp).
In fact, 42% of Gen Z drink cocktails when out, with coffee-flavoured options proving increasingly popular, and almost a third (31%) of coffee drinkers opting for coffee-flavoured cocktails vs. a quarter (25%) of average consumers.
This crossover between coffee and alcohol presents an exciting avenue for product innovation, brand collaboration, and dynamic menu experiences to resonate with a younger, social media–savvy audience.
Brand Familiarity Matters
Polish consumers are drawn to trusted coffee brands, with almost two thirds (63%) preferring venues offering the reassurance of popular or well-known coffee brands. But coffee drinkers are also curious, with nearly two thirds (63%) enjoying experimentation with different coffees when out more than at home.
This combination of brand loyalty and a willingness to explore makes coffee a category with both depth and room for innovation. The challenge lies in balancing quality and consistency with newness and variety.
Opportunities for the On Premise Market
Coffee remains a high frequency, high engagement product with potential to support broader commercial goals, especially if venues and suppliers can tap into younger consumers’ values and behaviours.
For all these reasons, targeting coffee occasions through daypart strategies, brand storytelling, and premiumisation can help drive repeat visits and brand loyalty.
Abhi Sehgal, CGA by NIQ’s Client Solutions Manager – EMEA said: “Hot drinks, and coffee in particular, play a central role in shaping the Polish On Premise. Visitation levels are satisfactory and younger consumers are keen to explore flavour, quality, and social connection. As a result, there’s a clear opportunity for suppliers and operators to build standout experiences around coffee. It’s a product with proven appeal, after all, and one that continues to unfold in exciting ways.”
Abhi Sehgal
CGA’s REACH research delivers expert insights into consumers’ engagement with the On Premise in Poland and many more countries worldwide.
CGA by NIQ’s research delivers expert insights into consumers’ engagement with the On Premise in Poland. To discover how CGA solutions can support winning On Premise strategies and opportunities across Poland, click here and contact Abhi Sehgal here.
