Iced coffee is hot this summer and making cold cash for cafes, chains

Iced coffee, of course, has been available in many more cafes since the dramatic rise of Starbucks. According to the latest statistics from the National Coffee Association, Americans drink 400 million cups of hot coffee a day compared to 640 million cups of iced coffee a year. But consumption has taken off this summer and retailers are hurrying to meet the demand.

Large chains are battling for a share of the market, hoping to eat into Dunkin’ Donuts’ substantial majority. 7-Eleven is adding self-serve iced coffee machines to 4,500 stores. McDonald’s has been airing television ads for its iced coffee drinks, part of the McCafe program that introduced specialty coffee drinks. Wendy’s is airing radio spots for its new “brewed by the cup” iced coffee. And Starbucks has a new advertising campaign for its iced drinks, for which it offered discounts through June.

Independent cafes are mostly staying out of the turf war. Nick Nicholas, owner of Nicholas Coffee Co. in Market Square, Downtown, the oldest coffee roaster in Pittsburgh, is well aware of the competition. Just on the Square you’ll find a Crazy Mocha, a Dunkin’ Donuts and a Starbucks. McDonald’s is around the corner.

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