Published this month, Prove It: A Bitesize Guide to Coffee Shops offers an in-depth look at Brits' love of the coffee shop, which first bloomed in 1650 when the country's original coffee house opened on Oxford's high street.
There are more than 11,500 branded coffee shops in the UK, a figure expected to grow to more than 13,000 in the next five years. The Délifrance report examines consumers attitudes to coffee shops, including why they chose a venue, how loyal are they, when they visit and what they want from coffee shop food.
The report features a poll of 500 UK consumers who regularly buy food from a café or coffee shop. The research found:
- 9% of those surveyed visit cafés and coffee shops every day.
- 58% visit cafés and coffee shops at least weekly.
- Food is the most important factor when choosing a coffee shop (62%), followed by value for money (57%) and convenience (56%).
- 92% of consumers are open to trying somewhere new.
- Sandwiches (including wraps and paninis) are the most popular food in coffee shops (72%), followed by sweet bakery (64%) and savoury bakery (62%).
Stéphanie Brillouet, Délifrance marketing & innovation director UK&I, said: “Cafés and coffee shops already play a major role in UK society - and ongoing market trends, such as younger consumers drinking less alcohol, mean that role is set to grow even larger in the future.
“This will bring new opportunities for operators but also increased competition, making it more important than ever to ensure they have the right offer. That means selling the fresh and consistent food and drink their customers want, in the most suitable formats and at the time of day that suits their lifestyle."