How data is brewing better café experiences for Aussies

Marina Gainulina
02:30pm October 22 2025

Australians’ love of coffee shows no sign of slowing, even as cost-of-living pressures reshape how we spend. 

Order ahead platform Hey You has released its inaugural Daily Brew Report, revealing while Aussies are visiting their local café less, customer spending remains strong as they prioritise quality and experience in their daily coffee rituals.

According to the report, Australians spent $722 million in cafés in June 2025, a slight decrease of 1.6 per cent year-on-year. The number of transactions fell by 3.6 per cent to 41 million, and unique customers dipped by 1.7 per cent to 9 million.

Despite this, the average spend per transaction rose by 2.1 per cent to $17.70, with Aussies now spending $85 a month in cafés, about 4.4 per cent of disposable weekly income. 

Commenting on the findings, Hey You co-CEO Asheesh Chacko says, “Cafe culture has always been a reflection of the broader economy, and this year is no different. Every tap, every transaction, every loyal customer tells us something about how Australians live, spend and connect. Coffee is still a daily ritual, but how we consume it is changing. People may be visiting cafes less often, yet they’re spending more per visit and choosing quality over quantity.” 

The report also shows over the past year coffee prices have risen, with the national average for a regular coffee costing $4.63, up 7.7 per cent. 

The humble cappuccino is Australia’s favourite coffee, except in Western Australia and Victoria where flat whites and lattes were the preferred beverage. 

Dairy milk continues to be the most popular choice, though more customers are opting for alternatives like almond, oat and soy. These shifts reflect broader trends in health, sustainability and personalisation.

The 2025 Daily Brew Report was developed using data analytics and insights from Westpac DataX. By analysing millions of transactions, DataX is helping Hey You and its network of over 1,200 café partners understand what drives customer loyalty and how to optimise value and service.

For example, the report shows that 25-44 year olds, dubbed “Gen Spend,” continue to drive the lion’s share of café transactions. Tech-savvy and time-poor, they value speed, reliability and transparency. Their expectations for digital ordering, loyalty rewards and clear pricing are shaping the future of café service. 

“Australians are still carving out room for small comforts, even in a cost-of-living crunch. But coffee today isn’t just about caffeine, it’s about connection, consistency and value. The cafes that deliver on those fronts will win in 2025 and beyond,” says Chacko.

From transaction trends to customer behaviour, data is the new ingredient for café success. 

Lila Conomos, Head of Westpac DataX, says, “Consumer behaviour is constantly evolving. We’re helping Hey You and their customers understand current trends shaping the café economy in a way that can lead to more informed decision making. These data analytics provide clear insights that drive stronger returns, making a real difference in customer experiences and business outcomes.”

Marina Gainulina

Marina Gainulina is a Content Producer for Westpac Wire, with ten years of experience in marketing communications. She holds a Bachelor of Communications & Media (Journalism) degree and a drive to connect with discerning audiences via authentic storytelling across mediums. She has managed editorial and brand comms for the likes of Tiffany & Co., Hugo Boss, NIVEA and GRAZIA.

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