Coffee culture is an integral part of most people’s day. Malaysia’s love for coffee has been influenced by two very different entities in an East meets West story. While many assume the Malaysian coffee craze must center around the locally grown Robusta bean, this variety is only used for instant coffee and while it’s still needed for grocery store shelves, the demand has been steadily declining year-on-year as we've developed a taste for higher quality coffee. However, in Malaysia, coffee has always been about culture.
Hoards of local cafes and chains continue to open as many seek a certain atmosphere to enjoy their caffeine fix, which is often portrayed online as a ritual fuelled by social media photos of latte art, and slow living. And for budding coffee connoisseurs, the luxury of brewing their own at home without having to wait in line has contributed to the purchases of coffee machines in Malaysia continuing to soar. Malaysia’s growing coffee culture and market, in general, have been influenced by many factors from local hospitality to the rise of big brands.
Let’s take a look at what the future of coffee may look like in an era of economic uncertainty and a growing focus on customer experience in Malaysia.
Kopitiam
Some of the most authentic coffee shops in Malaysia are Kopitiam, the name derives from’ topic the word for coffee, and ‘team’ meaning shop, where some of Malaysia’s most grown beans are roasted with palm oil and butter for a darker flavor, as most varieties here are grown at a lower altitude and naturally have a mild taste. These Kopitiam stores and street vendors have always been a huge hit with the locals while offering the perfect public spot for connection with family and friends as many natives get coffee served during meals.
The increase in migration and the diversity of the population has seen many coffee cultures collide in the country from the Chinese trading an early form of the Robusta bean we know today to the Indians that brought their own high-heat brewed coffee in their traditional coffee shops known as Mamak, that function similarly to Kopitiam here. While how you like your coffee is entirely individual, the option to experience diverse coffee cultures is now available to everyone in Malaysia, no matter what your tastes are.
Going International
The Western influences in Malaysia’s caffeine craze developed naturally. The first is that many natives study in Australia and adopt a love of coffee naturally. This comes from the fact that Melbourne is home to the largest Italian population outside of Italy which is well known for being home to a coffee culture that is synonymous with socialising and the simple pleasures of life. The second is that many international coffee chains are influenced by similar cultural values.
Coffee giant Starbucks was one of the first to catch on to the high level of ex-pats in Malaysia in hopes of success, now with over 300 stores in the country, it’s clear to see we like consistency in our coffee but this may not be the only factor coffee chains big and small have to consider going forward.
International coffee chains have a few major selling points, they can succeed more easily through online marketing and branding. Brand loyalty can be increased via company apps and social media, from promotional offers and targeted marketing to the converted pull of logos and products showcasing coffee culture through social media timelines.
Fixed For The Future
Specialty coffee brands offering higher quality products are popping up in many new cafes across the region, this speaks very much to the changing face of culture and buying habits. Coffee has always been a premium product with increasing efforts to ensure ethical and fair trade products as young consumers become more conscious of their consumption and their brand associations.
These factors bring about interesting possibilities and prospects in the coffee service industry that are only truly possible in a highly diverse and integrated country like Malaysia. While the big chains may continue to buy up more retail spots as some smaller local cafes are unable to afford increasing rents, this doesn’t mean that the traditional Kopitiam and Mamak will necessarily suffer, history and heritage bind and blend communities, with many offering meals and other drinks to help keep business booming, along with a customer base more willing to support locally owned establishments and spread the word online, it shows how new marketing techniques can offer a lifeline to traditional service.
The increase in online purchases of specialty coffee has also increased since the global pandemic, now with a wealth of choices at their fingers adventurous coffee drinker can now get high-quality coffee at home, and while the big chains do have their products they don’t have the same allure and brand power in online stores and reviews away from social media.
Enjoy Malaysian Coffee Culture In A Way That Appeals To You
However, you like your coffee and wherever you come from, Malaysian coffee culture has something for everyone. Venture into the coffee culture here with an open mind and you never know what delights you might stumble across. Whether traditional or contemporary, there’s no denying that Malaysian coffee culture is diverse and rich enough to accommodate all types of coffee lovers.
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