Why you should choose a recognised coffee brand for your business

In the competitive UK hospitality landscape, coffee remains a pivotal element of the a customer’s experience—consistently ranking among the most consumed beverages across all dayparts. Even in the UK last year, coffee took over English Breakfast tea as the most enjoyed hot beverage! But why should operators opt for recognised coffee brands over lesser-known alternatives?

Below, we explore how this strategic choice can enhance venue perception, broaden appeal, and support long-term profitability.

Recognised coffee brand: delivering consistency and quality in every cup

Choosing a well-known coffee brand offers a key operational advantage: reliable quality. Leading coffee brands apply rigorous controls from sourcing to roasting, ensuring a consistent flavour profile.

In a market where 33% of guests in casual dining venues report dissatisfaction with coffee quality (OnePulse, UK casual dining survey, Jan 2025), offering consistency becomes a crucial differentiator. Clients expect the same standard in their cup as they do in their meal—especially at the end of the dining experience, when impressions are most lasting.

Standing out in a crowded marketplace

With more than 20,000 coffee shop outlets in the UK, differentiation is key. By choosing a recognised coffee brand, you demonstrate to your customers a commitment to high-quality products. Popular and well-regarded coffee brands are often synonymous with both prestige and reliability. This positively shapes the perception of your venue, helping it stand out as a destination that prioritises the customer experience.

This point of differentiation not only enhances your establishment’s appeal, but can also support premium pricing. Customers are often willing to pay more for products they associate with consistent quality and a sense of exclusivity.

Attracting a wider and more loyal customer base

Customers often gravitate toward venues that serve brands they know and trust. In tourist hotspots or high-footfall areas, a well-known coffee brand acts as a magnet. In fact, 69% of UK hotel guests say they prefer a branded coffee offering over an unbranded one (OnePulse, UK hotel guest survey, Mar 2025). This type of recognition provides reassurance—especially for occasional visitors or business travellers seeking consistent quality.

Leveraging marketing and operational support

A recognised coffee brand often bring added value through training, promotional materials, and premium equipment. Their investments in marketing and B2B programmes can boost visibility for partner venues. From barista training to brand-aligned merchandising, these partnerships help raise standards across the customer journey—at a time when 46% of UK consumers research menus and images online before choosing where to go out (CGA by NielsenIQ, Mar 2023).

Staying ahead with innovation and trends

Top coffee brands tend to lead in innovation, launching new formats and flavour profiles aligned with evolving consumer demands. With iced coffee, indulgent treats, and plant-based options becoming mainstream, a brand at the forefront allows operators to refresh menus with trend-driven, premium products. These are particularly appealing as “treat-driven” consumption continues to rise—where consumers seek small, everyday indulgences as an affordable form of pleasure or reward, especially in times of financial pressure.

Ensuring compliance and championing sustainability

Trusted coffee brands are more likely to meet high standards of safety, transparency, and sustainability. These brands often implement robust traceability systems, from farm to cup, ensuring responsible sourcing practices that respect both people and the planet. In the UK, where 7 in 10 consumers say sustainability influences their choice of out-of-home venues​ (OnePulse, UK casual dining survey, Jan 2025), serving ethically certified coffee can significantly enhance your venue’s appeal.

Moreover, consumers are increasingly looking for brands that take concrete action on climate change, such as reducing carbon emissions, minimising packaging waste, and investing in regenerative agriculture. These efforts resonate particularly with younger demographics and urban diners, who associate environmental responsibility with brand authenticity and long-term trust.

By aligning with a certified coffee brand, operators not only comply with growing regulatory and consumer expectations but also elevate their own brand perception—positioning their venue as progressive, values-led and quality-focused.

Coffee brands as a driver of loyalty and profitability

High-quality branded coffee helps build customer loyalty. Whether part of a daily routine or a social moment, coffee creates emotional connections. When consumers associate a venue with consistently great coffee, they’re more likely to return—and to recommend it. This loyalty, in turn, drives revenue. Coffee can also encourage incremental sales, such as desserts or afternoon add-ons, increasing average spend per visit.

In an increasingly discerning and value-conscious hospitality market, serving a recognised coffee brand is a strategic investment. From delivering consistent quality to elevating guest perception, attracting new audiences and driving loyalty, coffee brands can play a crucial role in enhancing both the customer experience and your business performance. 

Since 1933, illycaffè has established itself as a synonym of excellence in the coffee sector, 

Our unique blend guarantees not only consistently high quality, but also customer loyalty thanks to its characteristic taste. 

If you would like to experience illy coffee first hand, book a free tasting session! We will be happy to introduce you to the world of illycaffè, guiding you through a sensory journey that enhances the quality and authenticity of our blend.