UCC Drip Pod - Iced Coffee Consumption Survey - Iced Coffee is the #1 Drink Consumed Weekly in Summer (86.2%)! Is Satisfaction Lower and Options Fewer than Hot Coffee? Growing Demand for Arrangements Among People in Their 20s

UCC Ueshima Coffee Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kobe, Hyogo; President: Hiroshi Shibatani; hereinafter 'UCC'), which operates the capsule-based drip coffee system 'Drip Pod,' conducted an 'Iced Coffee Consumption Survey' targeting men and women in their 20s to 50s who drink coffee at least once a week, aiming to clarify the demands and trends in enjoying iced coffee ahead of the summer season.

The survey revealed that 86.2% of respondents drink iced coffee at least once a week, making it a highly supported summer beverage, often enjoyed through convenient methods like bottled drinks. However, regarding variations in how iced coffee is consumed, the current reality is limited mostly to black coffee or cafe au lait. Compared to hot coffee, there is a clear challenge regarding lower satisfaction in terms of aroma, bean variety, and flavor options, making it difficult to enjoy authentic iced coffee easily. In response to this, the survey also identified a demand for trying new iced coffee arrangements. Particularly among the younger generation, there were many responses expressing a desire to try 'new sensation dessert iced coffee using yogurt,' suggesting a new trend where iced coffee is perceived not just as a beverage, but as a 'dessert to enjoy texture and individuality' when combined with yogurt or fruit.

Based on these results, while iced coffee is highly supported as a summer drink, it is clear that the range of options for enjoying coffee's deliciousness—such as aroma, origin, bean type, roast level, and flavor variations—is more limited compared to hot coffee. It is inferred that consumers, while drinking iced coffee daily, harbor a latent desire to 'choose a more personalized, unique cup.'

In response to this growing interest in 'experiencing diverse flavors,' Drip Pod will implement various initiatives in 2026 under the theme 'Delicious Individuality for Summer Coffee, too,' to expand iced coffee options. This includes the fourth annual summer-limited pop-up event, the 'Secret Drip' iced coffee specialty store without baristas, collaborations with famous shops nationwide to offer original menus using Drip Pod, and joint projects with the 'UCC Coffee Academy,' an educational institution for coffee professionals. Through these, UCC aims to deliver new iced coffee options for a wide range of summer coffee scenes, from event experiences to home consumption.