Coffee suppliers for coffee shops: what to look for

Choosing the right coffee suppliers for coffee shops is a crucial strategic decision. In a market shaped by high customer expectations and rapid innovation, your supplier is a partner in your business success. From coffee quality and consistency to sustainability, training, and innovation, there are multiple dimensions to consider when selecting your supplier.

This guide outlines the key criteria to help coffee shop operators make informed, future-focused decisions.

Table of contents

• Why your coffee supplier choice matters
• Key criteria for choosing coffee suppliers for coffee shops
• Aligning with consumer trends
• Coffee as a value driver in hospitality
• Building the right supplier partnership

Why your coffee supplier choice matters

In the UK, over 98 million cups of coffee are consumed daily, with coffee overtaking tea in household penetration for the first time ever. For independent cafés and coffee chains alike, this underscores how important it is to deliver a high-quality, consistent experience—every time.

According to consumer research, 90% of customers choose their preferred venue based on coffee quality, while 78% select based on flavour. Simply put: coffee drives loyalty, spend, and reputation.

In this context, selecting the right coffee supplier for your coffee shop becomes a foundational choice—one that affects both front-of-house experience and back-of-house efficiency.

Key criteria for choosing coffee suppliers for coffee shops

Beyond just providing beans, the right partner supports your brand with consistent quality, ethical sourcing, operational training, and innovation. Here are the essential factors every coffee shop operator should consider when evaluating potential coffee brands.

Product quality and consistency

At the heart of every great coffee offer is bean quality. The best coffee suppliers for coffee shops offer:

• 100% Arabica or high-quality blends with full traceability
• consistent roasting profiles and freshness guarantees
• options for espresso, filter, cold brew and more

Look for suppliers who invest in quality control from origin to cup. Blends with 9-origin Arabica and defect-free beans are an example of elevated quality standards.

Ethical and sustainable sourcing

Sustainability is a top consideration for modern coffee drinkers. 70% of UK consumers say it influences their choice of venue. Leading suppliers now prioritise:

• certified B Corp status and regenerative agriculture
• recyclable and refillable packaging
• transparent sourcing and fair compensation for growers

A coffee supplier aligned with these values adds credibility to your brand.

Training and operational support

Good suppliers help you grow. The best coffee suppliers for coffee shops offer:

• barista training and coffee education via accredited programmes
• technical assistance with equipment setup and maintenance
• access to tools, POS materials, and merchandising support

Staff turnover is high in hospitality; ongoing training ensures quality doesn’t drop.

Innovation and format flexibility

The coffee category is evolving fast. Modern suppliers need to keep up with:

• RTD and iced coffee options for younger demographics
• plant-based milk-compatible blends
• single-dose capsules or bean-to-cup formats for various setups

Brand recognition and consumer perception

Brand trust matters. In hospitality, 69% of hotel guests prefer coffee from a recognised premium brand. In casual dining, 50% of consumers say brand recognition increases their willingness to order coffee.

Partnering with a well-known supplier:

• elevates your perceived value
• justifies premium pricing
• attracts customers through brand loyalty

Aligning with consumer trends

UK consumers today want a meaningful coffee experience:

• treat-driven consumption is rising as customers turn to coffee as an affordable indulgence
• iced and flavoured options are popular among younger demographics
• personalisation (milk, strength, temperature, origin) is increasingly expected
• coffee is a key component of socialising, especially during brunch and off-peak dayparts

Understanding these trends helps cafés stay relevant and competitive.

Coffee as a value driver in hospitality

High-quality coffee plays a much bigger role in a venue’s success than many might think.

For over half of casual dining customers, the quality of the coffee served significantly enhances their overall experience.

But the impact goes even further—great coffee can encourage guests to stay longer, order a dessert, or return for a mid-day break, helping to boost revenue.

It also shapes the brand image: since coffee is often the last item served, it leaves a lasting impression that can define how a meal is remembered. Details like latte art, elegant presentation, and a comfortable setting contribute to customer retention, turning occasional guests into regulars.

Building the right supplier partnership

In a market with over 20,000 coffee shops and growing competition from convenience retail and food-to-go channels, success hinges on your ability to differentiate.

The right coffee suppliers for coffee shops will help you:

• deliver a consistent, premium-quality experience
• innovate with formats and flavours that meet new demands
• build loyalty through sustainability and brand alignment
• train and empower your team to perform at the highest level

That’s why many hospitality professionals choose to partner with illy. With nearly 90 years of expertise, illy offers a unique blend of nine Arabica origins, certified sustainable practices, and tailored solutions for cafés, restaurants, hotels and workspaces.

If you’re considering a change or looking to elevate your current coffee offer, start with a free trial. Taste the difference, experience the support, and see why leading venues trust illy as their long-term partner.

Request your complimentary trial today—and discover how the right coffee supplier can transform your business.