Sainsbury’s branches into coffee-to-go market
Sainsbury’s is expanding into the coffee-to-go market by trialling a new coffee bar at the front of six of its supermarkets.
Making reference to the year that Sainsbury’s opened its first shop, the bars are called ‘1869 Coffee’ and offer the supermarket’s own brand coffees and teas, as well as pastries and cakes to take away. Hot paninis will also be available in selected locations.
The bars are run by Sainsbury’s staff who have specialist barista training.
Sainsbury’s said each store will be “spicing up” its menus and adding their own seasonal specials throughout the year. In the run-up to Christmas, customers will be able to try new blends including honeycomb latte, black forest hot chocolate and gingerbread latte. Mince pies will also be on offer.
According to reports from Mintel, the UK coffee shop market has risen by 37% over the last five years.
Adrian Cook, director of fresh foods at Sainsbury’s, said: “By giving our customers the chance to grab and go a range of hot drinks and snacks at the front of the store, we are differentiating our in-store offer and delivering a great value takeaway experience. It’s an exciting opportunity for us to listen and understand how our customers respond to a new trial like this.”
Customers in Sainsbury’s stores in West Green, Cambridge Eddington, Slough, Watford and Alton can already pay a visit to the bars while the Sainsbury’s Armada Way store in Plymouth is due to kick off the service this week.
The bars will be open seven days a week with opening times varying from store to store.
