New research by MCA has highlighted the potential for craft beer sales in coffee shops.
A poll conducted for the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) showed a fifth of consumers would visit coffee shops more often if they served a range of British craft beers.
SIBA said the research shows the range of non-traditional opportunities for brewers to showcase their products.
Mike Benner, managing director of SIBA, said: “Many of the UK’s large coffee chains, Costa Coffee, Starbucks, Harris + Hoole - who are owned by Tescos - have already begun to look to increase the number of outlets with alcohol licenses and the idea of Coffee Shops as all day venues is something they are taking extremely seriously. It’s important, though, that Coffee Shops which pride themselves on serving high quality, expertly prepared coffee, don’t let their offering slip when it comes to beer.
“The UK’s craft brewing industry has never been stronger or more exciting and there is a clear fit between coffee shops and craft-brewed beer - particularly craft canned and bottled beers, which are small, light and easy to store, but offer amazing flavour and quality.”
To meet the demand SIBA has adapted its existing BeerFlex service, which supplies the UK’s biggest pub companies with independent beer from SIBA breweries, to work for the UK’s coffee shops. SIBA say the focus of the new venture will be bottled and canned beers, which are easier to store, chill and serve - but all formats will be supplied.
