student/teen recent cafe trends

skippinggirl

hello i am new to this forum! im from Adelaide and i am in year 12, studying hospitality. my major investigation requires me to investingate the statement

"students between 16-18years are becoming the new cafe social set".

you all seem to have a great knowledge on cafes and coffee and if anyone has any opinions or views it would really help my investigation.

any opinions would help me alot!

thanks

fattylateplease

I know they hang out at Hudsons and Gloria Jeans... eeyuck Not sure... I still think demographics are still early 20 to mid 30's.

askthecoffeeguy

I think that for a number of reasons cafe culture appeals to the age group you mention: 1.

skippinggirl

thankyou so much that really helps!

GrindOnDemand

Even though my operation caters to a totally different demographic, I will add a few more observations.  That particular age-group has grown up during booming economic times, and consequently imbued with a consumerist 'buy-buy' mentality - they are hugely brand conscious, & therefore gravitate to the big chains with their distinctive logos.  Also, drinking coffee is a way for the young to show the world, hey I'm grown up, I'm independent, and I'm sophisticated because I now drink coffee - it's a status thing.  On Pat's comment of cunning marketing, multinationals in all areas are becoming increasingly aggressive & clever at seducing an ever younger age bracket to their product.  They know that in rich times, Mum & Dad have disposable income that inevitably filters down to their kids.  Walk into any supermarket at the moment and everywhere you look Shrek is looking back at you, emblazoned on everything from chocolate biscuits to custard!  Not very subtle, but very overwhelming & near impossible to prevent my three year old twins from noticing and harrassing me to buy them something when shopping. Cheers, Tony

coffeemanmarcus

Hi Everyone, I am a 19 year old male student and I take my coffee seriously. I have done a barista course and learnt how to master coffee shots using a Faeme E91 Diplomat - for those who know what that is!! I am a big fan of the coffee from rundle mall cibo - who consistently produce excellent macchiatos. As for general teenage trends - I know that lots of my mates think that coffee is the disgusting warm liquid that comes from gloria jeans or the like. -shudders- I also work in a caffe and find that most younger people who come in go for vienna whites or flavoured coffees - further proving that most teenagers simply choose to drink cafe drinks (because what they drink is certainly not coffee!) because it is in vogue at the moment. People like to be seen holding onto a disposable coffee cup. Funnier still - I have noticed that many people will order the largest size - just so they can be seen with it (because I am sure no one wants to drink 500mL of filth from GJs or Starbucks. Personally - I am the kind who will stand there and watch the barista make my coffee and have a chat to them about their machine and their techniques etc. Coffee for me is a passion, an art - not something to which you add flavouring, skim milk, chocolate topping and whatever else - then still try and pass it off as a coffee!

GrindOnDemand

Pity you're Adelaide based Marcus - I'd offer you a job here in Brisbane!  I find it extremely difficult to source young staff who have any genuine interest in learning more about the difference between a mediocre coffee & a great espresso experience.  Keep up the passion & keep learning!