Coffee Consumers Switch to Whole Beans, Boosting Demand for Automatic Machines

A price promotion in Portugal has reduced the cost of De'Longhi’s Magnifica S Smart ECAM230.13.B fully‑automatic espresso machine from about €426.83 to €325.19, a saving of more than €100. The discount, described as volatile, highlights the machine’s ability to grind fresh beans, customise strength and cut waste, with a pay‑back period of roughly a year based on the lower cost per cup compared with capsules.

At the same time, coffee drinkers worldwide are moving away from pre‑ground coffee and single‑serve capsules toward whole beans. Lavazza reports strong growth in the UK (over 20% volume increase) and a shift in Germany where bean sales now outpace traditional ground coffee. Similar, though slower, trends appear in the United States. Rising Arabica and Robusta prices—driven by harvest shortfalls in Brazil and Vietnam—are prompting consumers in Brazil, the UK, Germany, France, Italy and beyond to seek higher‑quality beans and invest in home espresso machines.

The combined effect is a broader market transition toward premium coffee experiences and equipment, with retailers offering promotions to capture the growing demand.