United Coffee UK & Ireland launches ‘industry first’ customer insight club

Named 'all about u', the club offers its customers a whole range of added value benefits and industry firsts. These include access to 'Licence to Work in Coffee Service', barista training that's been endorsed by the Academy of Food and Wine Service (AFWS), the professional body for front-of-house service. Elaine Higginson, managing director, United Coffee UK & Ireland explained more: "Consumers are getting more savvy about the quality of coffee in their cup. This year we'll continue see a fast growing segment of consumers willing to pay more for a decent cup of coffee, and with an increase in 2011 of consumers' daily visits to coffee outlets that's set to continue, there's a lot up for grabs. "What we're seeing is the premiumisation of coffee and a move towards higher margin coffees that'll increasingly become a central part of future growth strategies. Good quality coffee is no longer a differentiator - it's a way of life. "So we're constantly adding even more value for our customers by delivering the whole package, from branding and marketing to barista training and focusing on how to create value, drive growth and create customer loyalty in an ever-competitive market. "That's why we've developed 'all about u'. We want all of our customers to join, giving club members access to the latest buzz topics, trends, exclusive insight, emerging geographies and categories, as well as key issues and factors influencing the market from new product developments, packaging, economic and lifestyle influences to distribution or pricing issues." Licence to Work in Coffee Service In a first for the coffee industry, the Academy of Food and Wine Service (AFWS) has endorsed United Coffee UK & Ireland's Barista training and has included it as part of their 'Licence to Work' programme for the hospitality industry. The training is not only available to United Coffee customers but is accessible to anyone who works in coffee shops, bars, restaurants, hotel, pubs, or other outlets serving a range of espresso-based drinks through the AFWS. Sophie Roberts-Brown, executive director, Academy of Food Wine and Wine Service said: "We've worked with Elaine and her team of experts to get all of their knowledge and experience down on paper to develop the 'Licence to Work in Coffee Service'. "This training is a must for anyone currently working as a barista that's had no, or very limited training, or anyone considering starting a career in coffee. The one day course will educate employees about the origins of coffee, how to produce a great shot of espresso, how to texture milk to a rich creamy consistency as well as the skills to sell more coffee. Once the training has been completed, coffee employees will be more commercially aware, know how to make a great cup of coffee and will have a 'Licence to Work in Coffee Service' to prove it." Customer service Also launching as part of 'all about u', United Coffee UK & Ireland has invested in an industry leading online system that will allow customers to access and book servicing, report faults and check on the health of their coffee machines, all at the click of a button. This technology, combined with more coffee technicians on the ground and working extended hours to provide service in to the evenings, United Coffee customers can expect an enhanced level of service. Higginson added: "We know our customers and their coffee machines don't work 9-5. That's why we've recruited more technicians and introduced the late shift pattern so we have more people on the ground and available at what would traditionally be classed as 'out of hours'." United Coffee customers will receive a joining pack and membership card, alternatively they can log on to www.unitedcoffeeuk.com go to the 'all about u' tab and register their details.