Coffee driving footfall to bakeries and sandwich shops
81% of consumers reveal the quality of the coffee is a major factor in which bakery outlet they choose, according to Lincoln & York’s new report, The Rise of Bakery Coffee.
Almost half of consumers (47%) buy coffee from a bakery or sandwich shop once a month and one fifth of 25 – 34-year-olds do so once a week. What’s more, 68% of consumers would recommend a bakery or sandwich shop to family or friends, based on the quality of the coffee alone.
40% of consumers say they always buy coffee when visiting a bakery or sandwich shop, but only half of the time they buy food alongside it. And over 50% of 25 – 34-year-olds rarely or never buy food with their coffee in these outlets.
Ian Bryson, Managing Director at Lincoln & York, a leading UK coffee supplier roasting, packing and supplying private label coffee, commented: “It would be easy to assume that coffee is an afterthought in bakery and sandwich shops, when consumers visit to buy breakfast or lunch, but our research shows that’s far from the case. Coffee is driving consumers into this channel and is being purchased, even when food isn’t.
“Consumers are increasingly seeking high-quality, convenient coffee experiences that fit seamlessly into their day, and bakeries are rising to meet this demand with innovation, consistency, and accessibility. Prioritising quality coffee in this channel is crucial to winning new consumers and maintaining loyalty amongst existing visitors.”
Despite coffee volume growth slowing down in the total out of home coffee market, coffee consumption is booming in bakeries and sandwich shops, with sales increasing 15.4% year-on-year*.
To download Lincoln and York’s Rise of Bakery Coffee Report, visit the Lincoln & York website.
*Worldpanel by Numerator - 52 w.e 15th June 2025
Image credit: Source: Unsplash: Nathan Dumalo
