By Triana O'Keefe, editor Australian Hotelier
According to Euromonitor International research analyst Julia Illera, coffee can provide operators with the chance to bring punters back to pubs by offering a little something for everyone, particularly for venues with a kitchen.
“If a pub can make a name for itself by offering quality coffee, there is added appeal for a range of patrons: brunch crowds, designated drivers, non-drinkers or those wanting the choice to alternate between alcohol and alcohol-free beverages beyond soft drinks,” she said.
Illera explained that while “everyone is doing it” has never been a rational argument, there is nevertheless an urge to get on board with cross-category experimentation.
“Despite competition posed by at-home coffee capsule machines and frugal consumer behaviour, fresh coffee volume sales through foodservice are forecast to increase by a 4 per cent CAGR for the five years from 2014 to 2019.”
Understanding the importance for operators to offer a high quality coffee selection is D.E Coffee and Tea Australia’s Darren Kilkeary.
“Our vision is quite simple,” he said.
“Everyone deserves to get the coffee they love. It’s an expression and enjoyment of personal taste and everyone should be free to enjoy their coffee their way.”
As the national business manager for clubs, gaming and Leisure, Kilkeary believes gaming has played an enormous part in propelling the hotel industry forward, and from a food and beverage perspective, coffee has and continues to evolve rapidly while consumers look for new and innovative experiences.
“Pubs are looking for diversity in their offering,” he said.
“They want a quality roasted bean delivered to their patrons from a quality machine by a staff member that has had the right level of barista training.
“This of course, has to complement their vastly improved food offer. But for the publican, it doesn’t stop there. They also want a coffee solution for their all-important gaming patron.”
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