Hot drinks performance supported by economic stability and improving consumer sentiment
Retail value sales of hot drinks in Uruguay strengthened in 2025, supported by an increasingly favourable macroeconomic environment and a renewed sense of stability following the presidential transition. The shift from the pro-market administration of Luis Lacalle Pou to the new Frente Amplio government under Yamandú Orsi did not disrupt economic dynamics; rather, it unfolded against a backdrop of steady wage growth, rising employment and a marked reduction in cross-border shopping thanks to the appreciation of the Argentine peso. This helped stabilise domestic purchasing power and supported stronger demand for everyday consumer goods, including hot drinks. After several years marked by water quality concerns linked to severe droughts, consumer confidence gradually improved, allowing consumption patterns to normalise. Within this broader context, hot drinks benefited from a more dynamic internal market, with consumers returning to habitual purchasing routines and displaying a greater willingness to explore new formats and speciality products.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Hot Drinks industry in Uruguay with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Other Hot Drinks
If you're in the Hot Drinks industry in Uruguay, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Hot Drinks in Uruguay report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Hot Drinks in Uruguay?
- To what extent are health considerations impacting consumption of Hot Drinks in Uruguay?
- What are the traditional preferences in Hot Drinks in Uruguay? To what extent are these tastes changing amidst increasing international influence and the growth of chained cafés?
- How are changing demographics (for example, an ageing or predominantly young population) determining consumption of Hot Drinks in Uruguay?
- Which are the leading brands in Hot Drinks in Uruguay?
- How are products distributed in Hot Drinks in Uruguay?
- How is the rise of e-commerce changing the retail and competitive landscape?
- Have home seclusion and social distancing measures following COVID-19 benefited sales of Hot Drinks?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Hot Drinks in Uruguay
Hot drinks performance supported by economic stability and improving consumer sentiment
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Category recovery strengthened as water-quality concerns eased and innovation increased
Climate pressures reshaped global coffee sourcing, but café culture compensated locally
Tea benefited from wellness and natural positioning despite seasonal limitations
Hot drinks expected to stabilise with gradual shifts in category composition
Wellness, natural ingredients and reformulation will drive tea and flavoured powder drinks trends
Premium coffee formats to gain relevance as consumers seek higher-quality experiences
Nestlé del Uruguay SA maintained strong leadership supported by broad coverage and global capabilities
Supermercados Disco SA was the most dynamic performer due to private label expansion
Supermarkets remained dominant as consolidation reshaped the retail landscape
E-commerce expanded rapidly due to delivery apps and marketplace penetration
Foodservice vs retail split
COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER
Coffee in Uruguay
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Coffee demand strengthened despite global supply pressures and rising consumer expectations
Coffee retail sales increased as premiumisation and café culture expanded
Fresh ground coffee pods remained the fastest-growing segment thanks to premiumisation and accessibility
Coffee expected to sustain long-term growth as consumers gradually shift from yerba mate
Pod systems set to accelerate as compatible brands expand and premium formats gain reach
Digital channels and direct-to-consumer platforms to reshape access and assortment
Nestlé del Uruguay SA strengthened its leading position through portfolio breadth and global backing
Vanacity SA (Illy) emerged as the most dynamic player thanks to premium positioning
Supermarkets remained the dominant channel as retail consolidation expanded access
E-commerce was the most dynamic channel fuelled by delivery apps and direct-to-consumer expansion
Tea in Uruguay
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Health-driven consumption and functional innovation strengthened momentum across the tea category
Tea sales increased as wellness priorities reshaped consumption habits
Herbal/traditional medicinal tea remained the most dynamic segment as functionality guided consumer choices
Tea expected to maintain a favourable long-term outlook supported by rising wellness engagement
Health-focused innovation, premium botanical blends and evolving consumer rituals to support category expansion
On-trade expansion and the rise of speciality tea shops to reinforce consumer interest
José Aldao SA remained the leading company amid rising competitive pressure from functional specialists
Supermercados Disco SA emerged as the most dynamic company as private label gained traction
Small local grocers remained the leading channel, while modern retail expanded aggressively across the country
E-commerce was the most dynamic channel as digitalisation reshaped shopping behaviours
Other Hot Drinks in Uruguay
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Category performance shaped by yerba mate maturity and emerging innovation in functional plant-based blends
Category performance reflected stable demand for yerba mate alongside demographic and dietary challenges
Flavoured and functional yerba mate emerged as the most dynamic area, driven by wellness positioning
Long-term outlook shaped by yerba mate maturity and the steady rise of functional alternatives
Innovation in flavoured powder drinks expected to support stable expansion through healthier formulations
Rising importance of protein and functional fortification to influence purchasing decisions
Canarias SA remained the leading company as brand loyalty and wide distribution sustained its dominance
Carrau & Cia SA was the most dynamic competitor, supported by innovation in functional yerba mate
Supermarkets strengthened their role while small local grocers remained key neighbourhood providers
E-commerce remained the most dynamic channel as digital retail reshaped shopper behaviour
COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Hot Drinks
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- Fresh Coffee Beans
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- Fresh Ground Coffee Pods
- Standard Fresh Ground Coffee
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- Instant Standard Coffee
- Instant Coffee Mixes
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- Loose Black Tea
- Tea Bags Black
- Fruit/Herbal Tea
- Green Tea
- Instant Tea
- Other Tea
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- Chocolate-based Flavoured Powder Drinks
- Malt-based Hot Drinks
- Non-Chocolate-based Flavoured Powder Drinks
- Other Plant-based Hot Drinks
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This report originates from Passport, our Hot Drinks research and analysis database.
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