It’s easy to provide the bare minimum. It’s going above and beyond the call that makes you stand out.
Coffee is one of the most beloved drinks around the world. It perks people up in the morning and gives them a little something extra to look forward to when they clock off for their lunch break. This success is a double-edged sword, however. So many cafes means customers are more critical than ever about what constitutes a good cup of joe. Figuring out where your store is falling behind is easy once you get the basics out of the way. This means looking at your coffee accessories and asking yourself what you’re doing to make sure every customer leaves your store happy.
Is it hot soups you’re in need of or white disposable coffee cups? Let’s find out.
Our Worldwide Coffee Market
Throw a stone and you’ll hit a cafe. Talk to anyone about their favorite drink and coffee will likely show up in one form or another. The world is constantly running on java and things are only getting more fast-paced from here. The United States alone imported over 27 million bags of coffee back in 2014, accounting for nearly one-quarter of global coffee imports. The retail value of the American coffee market has proceeded to hit $50 billion and counting. Every country has its own fascinating relationship with coffee, whether as a treat or daily staple.
Today’s Most Popular Customer Preferences
Customers today may come in many different shapes and sizes, but some recipes have proven more popular than others. Let’s take a look at some statistics. One study found 35% of regular coffee drinkers preferring their cup black, with the majority preferring either sugar or cream. Around 30% of the coffee drinks coffee occasionally and the average coffee cup is nine ounces or so. Independent coffee sales have been doing rather well lately, with one industry estimate concluding $12 billion in annual sales.
The Growing Popularity Of Soup
Here’s one addition that will pair nicely with your white disposable coffee cups and stir sticks. Soup stations are becoming the one-stop shop for customers on-the-go, offering them a tasty and healthy meal with little work. Americans eat a collective 10 billion bowls of soup every year, with women twice as likely to order soup for lunch as men. A 2016 study saw 30% of deli operations planning to enhance their soup stations, including adding a hot soup container as an in-store staple or shaking up their day-to-day soup recipes.
Basic Coffee Accessories And Ingredients
You know soup and pastries pair nicely with a latte. What coffee accessories should your shop never go without? White disposable coffee cups are a must-have to keep your busy customers satiated. Stirrers and cup stoppers are useful for those needing to bring their mocha or Americano in the car. Don’t forget to have plenty of sleeves and napkins to reduce the probability of a burnt hand or spill. Last, but not least, you should keep your sugar and creamer packets regularly stocked so visitors can adjust their drink on the fly.
What Customers Expect From Your Cafe
With so many cafes in the United States it can almost seem like an uphill battle finding a way to stand out. Keeping the basics always on hand, as well as an open mind, will go a long way in giving your customers something to smile about. Over 50% of the population (that’s 150 million Americans) will regularly drink espresso, lattes and mochas in their day-to-day lives. The health benefits of coffee are starting to become better understood, to boot, with one study emphasizing a few cups a day can prevent the cognitive decline associated with aging. With white disposable coffee cups, stirrers and sugar packets on standby, everyone is good to go.
Hot soup and a hot drink. That can put a smile on anyone’s face!