Keeping coffee fresh and hot is vital to c-store operations: 70 percent of consumers are more likely to purchase coffee that’s marketed as “fresh brewed,” according to Technomic’s 2016 Beverage Consumer Trend Report. Not only does the aroma of fresh brewed coffee entice regular coffee consumers to purchase a cup, but also directs attention to impulse buyers who may not have purchased a cup of coffee otherwise.
With more customers buying their cup of coffee, it is increasingly important for c-store operators to have coffee fresh and ready. According to data from Technomic’s Volumix Coffee Report, sales for single-cup coffee SKUs increased 62 percent in 2015. Consequently, one of the challenges c-store operators face is predicting volume needs and knowing how to keep coffee tasting fresh even during slower times of day.
Your Coffee Brewer Can Make a Difference
Having the right coffee brewer for all-day fresh coffee can have an impact on sales. When purchasing a coffee brewer, c-store operators should look for one that offers a brew volume and time control, allowing the user to program each separately to ensure a perfectly balanced batch, no matter how much coffee you need at once.
In addition, brewers that allow the user to control the length of time water is in contact with the coffee before the brew cycle, or pre-wet time, give dry coffee grounds an initial burst of water to increase extraction. Also look for brewers that feature a bypass, which redirects water directly into the dispenser, bypassing the coffee grounds in the brew basket to provide a custom water-to-coffee ratio.
Some coffee brewers feature a drip delay, which allows the c-store operator to manually set the time between the end of the brew cycle and the unlocking of the brew basket. This option provides increased safety for the staff, particularly during rush periods when getting a fresh-brewed pot of coffee in front of customers in a hurry can cause accident-prone behavior.
The right coffee brewer should unlock the full freshness, aroma and flavor of your operation’s coffee selection, and build your coffee program sales by keeping your coffee product hot, fresh and flavorful all day.
This post is sponsored by FETCO.