Cold Brew Expands for 90-Year-Old Roaster Paramount Coffee, a Lansing, Michigan–based roaster, has introduced Joe Knows Coffee Cold Brew, its first ready-to-drink offering. The premium cold brew is sold in 12-ounce cans in four flavors: Caramel Café, Mocha Mo-Joe, Vanilla Chill, and Tall, Dark and Handsome. The line targets two channels: retail grab-and-go consumers and foodservice operators who can use the RTD cans as a customizable base for specialty drinks topped with syrups, cold foam, whipped cream, or caramel. "Joe Knows Coffee Cold Brew will appeal to consumers seeking a smooth, ready-to-drink premium cold brew from a fun brand," says Rich Schaafsma, President, Paramount Coffee. "From an operator standpoint, the biggest benefit is simplicity. They can sell the RTD cans or add them to the menu as customizable drinks to attract consumers seeking Instagrammable specialty beverages."
Market Tailwinds in Cold Brew Cold brew consumption has surged in recent years. According to the National Coffee Association's Fall 2025 National Coffee Data Trends report, 21% of American adults had a cold brew coffee in the past week—a 50% increase since 2020. Gen Z shows the strongest preference for chilled formats, with 40% choosing cold or iced coffee and 17% preferring frozen beverages. Joe Knows Coffee, introduced in 2009, is Paramount's best-selling ground coffee brand. The cold brew is made from 100% Arabica beans and is shelf stable for one year, packed 12 cans per case.
Why It Matters
For operators, a ready-to-drink cold brew base reduces complexity around cold-brew production and equipment while offering a premium product that can drive attachment sales through customization. The RTD format also addresses consumer demand for convenience, which continues to reshape the coffee category across both on-premise and retail channels.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
