Why Cafes Should Focus on More Than Just Coffee
10th February 2025
Coffee shops are so much more than just a pit stop to caffeinate. Post-pandemic, many individuals are opting for food-focused hubs to work, socialise or treat themselves. Add in our delicious baked goods and you’ve got yourself a perfect pairing.
This is a core focus in Mintel’s latest report: ‘Cafés and Coffee Shops – UK – 2024’, which looks at how to expand menus with complementary food choices, the importance of brand collaborations, and the overall experience in increasing average spend and customer retention.
To help you stay ahead, we’ve stirred up some of the key takeaways ready for you to brew over on your next coffee break:
Collaboration
Enhancing your menu has never been more important – coffee and cake simply isn’t going to cut it anymore. In fact, 56% of respondents revealed that they enjoy visiting coffee shops that collaborate with other brands to offer unique menu choices, a figure which rises to almost three quarters among 16-34-year-olds.
Plus, with 32% of these people favouring such venues, offering complementary food and drink options is no longer just a nice-to-have but a recipe for success.
To achieve this, many businesses are choosing to work with brands that align with their values – and that of their customers too. Take Costa, for example, who partnered with BOSH! to debut a range of plant-based savoury and sweet products last January, matching their commitment to sustainable solutions.
Catering to Customers
Standing out from your growing competition should be priority. But this is easier said than done.
Understanding the industry landscape helps to determine how best to attract potential customers. According to data from Snoop, from November 2023 to October 2024 almost half of the SpendMapper cohort spent an average of £5-7 in the OOH coffee and bakery category.
Then, catering to your specific customers is key – understanding their needs, reviewing their spending habits, and responding to their feedback. Ask yourself: do I have something that appeals to these customers? If not, then why not?
This could mean introducing innovative ingredients, adding indulgent treats to the menu, or striving to make more sustainable choices. And with 72% of coffee shop customers using loyalty programmes to earn rewards and discounts, there’s a clear demand for offering cost-effective deals that satisfy caffeine cravings without breaking the bank.
Convenience
In this increasingly fast-paced world, consumers favour convenience. Providing takeaway and grab-to-go options allows customers to enjoy your goods, no matter how busy their day ahead may be. It can also improve service speed and assist with meeting demand at peak times, resulting in increased revenue.
One brand taking advantage of this is M&S. By investing in additional staff training and technological advancements, it’s planning to introduce more takeaway food and drink options at their cafes across the UK to better cater to lunchtime trade and younger consumers.
At Kara, we’re passionate about helping you tap into the latest trends to stay ahead. Whether you’re looking to expand your collaborative opportunities, enhance convenience, or understand how to best cater to your customers, we’ve got you covered! Contact us today or explore our selection of wholesale products to totally transform your menu.
