Pret A Manger to expand into self service coffee market
Pret A Manger is to trial self service coffee stations in a range of locations including convenience stores, forecourts, universities, healthcare facilities and workplaces.
In a partnership with JDE Peet’s, ‘Pret Express’ will provide the same organic coffee and tea offered in Pret shops in places where the company’s baristas are unable to operate.
Pret said the move is the next step in its transformation plan following the launch of its coffee subscription service last year. The company is planning to open 200 more shops across the UK over the next two years and has recently unveiled plans to double the size of its business within the next five years. This will include hiring at least 3,000 new workers and baristas by the end of 2023.
Guy Meakin, UK trading director at Pret A Manger, said: “We are excited to be working with JDE Peet’s to launch Pret Express, our first ever self-serve coffee machines. This is new territory for Pret, which will allow more people across the country to enjoy Pret’s organic coffee and tea on the go, in places where there isn’t the right space to set up a new Pret shop. Using the latest technology from JDE Peet’s, Pret Express will give people a delicious and convenient coffee boost, at the touch of a button.”
JDE Peet’s will be providing self-service technology and bespoke furniture designed exclusively for Pret. Each Pret Express station will offer slow roasted, 100% organic speciality coffees and fresh organic milk combinations, as well as a range of teas. Customers will be able to choose from up to 21 drink recipes.
Sarah Lonorgan, marketing director professional UK&I at JDE Peet’s, said: “Through this innovative partnership, Pret Express will deliver a wider range of products across all out-of-home segments, to a broader audience than ever before. We are delighted to partner with Pret to debut this powerful new contender to the ‘coffee to go’ market and look forward to seeing this in action.”
