Strong demand for coffee shop cocktails

Strong demand for coffee shop cocktails

 

Source: The Spirits Business

by Melita Kiely

27th July, 2015

 

Research by CGA Strategy has identified “huge potential” for serving alcoholic drinks in coffee shops, with cocktails proving to be the most popular tipple of choice.

 

The global on-trade consultancy firm questioned nearly 1,800 consumers last month and discovered cocktails would be the preferred alcoholic beverage for 31% of those surveyed – which could generate an additional £77 million each year.

 

Sparkling wine came out as the second most popular drink (26%).

 

However, the study claimed the availability of alcohol would not necessarily alienate regular coffee shop consumers, as those who frequent coffee shops at least once a week are more likely to choose alcohol than those who do not.

 

Among those aged below 35-years-old, 27% would be likely or very likely to drink alcohol in coffee shops if it was available to them, compared to the national average of 25%.

 

Dan McGlynn, CGA Strategy account director, said that as many pubs and bars are now serving high quality coffee, it was “perhaps only natural” that coffee shops serve alcohol.

 

“This research confirms there is a strong appetite for them among consumers, and if licensing restrictions allow, introducing them would give people more reasons to visit during the evening as well as the day,” said McGlynn.

 

“If branded coffee shops can get their offer right, there is huge potential for them to keep guests loyal and increase their sales.”

 

Earlier this year, Starbucks launched an alcohol menu in a select number of stores throughout the UK.