Ms Tan from Homeground said such specialty coffee capsules could be a hit in Singapore, where it is “very hard to slow down” and people may find it difficult to introduce coffee brewing to their daily routine, even if they wanted to.

Such specialty coffee capsules will make it easy for them to still enjoy a good quality cup of coffee. Already, some specialty coffee brands both locally and overseas have begun to offer these.

Citing Singapore-based coffee machine company Morning, Ms Tan said the ability to calibrate the settings on the machine means that consumers could access a product that is very much like brewing — but which is more convenient and ultimately, much easier to use.

From the consumer point of view, offering plant-based alternatives to dairy-based coffee could also help coffee businesses better align themselves with the global sustainability push.

Ms Law, the university student, said: “I think there is room for expansion because local coffees are mainly dairy-based. 

“Now, the industry is moving towards plant-based (alternatives to milk)… there’s a potential for plant-based Nanyang coffee.”

Coffee subscriptions — which are already offered — could further catch on among coffee consumers, as more turn to perfecting their craft or brew from the comforts of their homes, said some industry players. 

Common Man Coffee Roasters, for example, began offering its coffee subscription programme in 2018 when it saw a growing trend in the consumption of artisan coffee, said a company spokesperson.

“Many consumers are discerning and want more than sub-standard coffee at home. They want cafe quality.”

To support customers on their home-brewing journey, the brand also introduced coffee brewing kits and machines.

Common Man Coffee Roasters said it has seen a “steady growth” in consumers’ demand for such coffee subscriptions since the programme started.

“The convenience, coupled with the ability to enjoy top-notch coffee without having to leave your house or office, is a big draw. 

“We don’t see any slowing down of the desire for top-notch coffee, be it at the cafes or at home,” the spokesperson added.

Such views resonated with coffee enthusiasts like Mr Chu and Mr Tan.

For Mr Chu, brewing his own coffee means being able to control what he wants out of a cup — from the coffee beans used to its grind size, brewing temperature, and the taste notes expressed in the coffee.

“You are taking control, you are brewing coffee the way you like best. And no one knows you better than yourself.”

The brewing process is also therapeutic for him.

“In a way, it’s some sort of a meditation — just you and the coffee in front of you, pouring, determining what you want to extract from the coffee. All these are your own experiences.”

For Mr Tan, who owns coffee brewing equipment worth around S$800 in total — including scales, electric and non-electric kettles, grinders, and brewers — the investment is worth it.

These allow him to brew his own coffee, which is akin to “taking time off to enjoy”, and helps him to “unwind”.

“I’ve done (my own brewing even) when I was at my workplace. I brought my brew, I brought all my coffee equipment there, and then it’s like a smoke break. 

“I give myself 10 minutes off to just unwind and brew a cup of coffee, enjoy a few sips of it and get back to work. 

At home, he brews coffee whenever he can find the time.

“It’s just like me taking a step back to re-align, and what I get out of that five to 10 minutes is a good cup of coffee I can enjoy, and a pick-me-up for the rest of the day.”

This article was originally published in TODAY.