Market Adapts to Expanding Brunch and “Tardeo” Trends
Coffee Shops Outperform Broader Hospitality Sector
Delectatech and Cafès Cornellà Analyze Structural Shifts at Alimentaria 2026
Specialty coffee is solidifying its rise within Spanish hospitality, marking an 83.1% increase in online relevance over the last two years. According to analysis by Delectatech and Cafès Cornellà presented at Alimentaria + Hostelco 2026, coffee shops report a higher average check (+4.6% in 2025) and more stable occupancy rates than the industry average, emerging as the sector’s most resilient segment.
Coffee Shops: Resilient Amid Economic Deceleration
Barcelona, 06/04/26
Coffee shops are demonstrating a distinct performance trend within a slowing hospitality industry.
Their average ticket grew by 4.6% in 2025 compared to 2024, significantly outpacing the 2.5% industry average and standing as the only segment to beat inflation. Occupancy rates dipped by only -0.1%, compared to a -0.3% general decline, while establishment closure rates have notably dropped for bars and cafes. These figures position coffee shops as the format best equipped to withstand consumer spending constraints.
Coffee Gains Ground as the Primary Beverage
Coffee is the fastest-growing beverage in terms of online relevance within the restaurant sector (+10.1% over the last year), while alcoholic drinks like beer and wine continue to decline.
This growth is even more pronounced in the specialty coffee niche, which saw an 83.1% jump in two years. Xavi Mallol, CEO and founder of Delectatech, notes that “Spain used to be a country of lunch and dinner; this is changing. Brunchand tardeo (mid-afternoon socializing) are expanding.” These new consumption windows are driving “coffee & bakery” concepts where spending is more controlled but frequent.
Digitalization and Data Drive Sector Transformation
Specialty coffee shops boast a digitalization index of 6.44 out of 10, clearly surpassing the Horeca average of 5.57, and are growing at a faster rate (+2.2% year-on-year).
This index tracks digital menus, online presence, and connectivity. Cafès Cornellà exemplifies this evolution with its “Connected Coffee Shop 4.0” model, which integrates data and Artificial Intelligence to monitor operations, generate real-time KPIs, and boost efficiency and profitability. Pere Cornellà, CEO of the company, states: “Data does not replace the barista; data helps improve the cup.”
The sector is moving toward “affordable luxuries,” healthy and alcohol-free trends, and an increased demand for quality and consistency—all managed through objective data. This structural shift establishes specialty coffee as one of the primary engines of the Spanish hospitality industry.
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