Retail coffee offer taken to a new level
PREMIUM retail coffee offering Barista Bar, available exclusively to Spar Scotland, is shaking up the market and positioning itself as a must-have product for 2025.
The coffee-to-go brand has had a hugely positive impact on sales throughout the independent and company-owned estate during its record-breaking 2024.
After announcing the brand’s arrival to Scotland just a year ago, with the first cup brewed at Pinkie Farm Spar in Musselburgh, Barista Bar will be available in 116 Spar Scotland stores by the end of the year.
And as Barista Bar moves into its 10th year brewing coffee for the UK’s convenience shoppers, there will be even more installations throughout Spar Scotland stores.
The company-owned outlets rollout will complete in the first quarter of 2025, with further independent retailers following suit throughout the year.
Colin McLean, chief executive of Spar Scotland wholesaler CJ Lang & Son Ltd, said: “We’re delighted at the success of our partnership with Barista Bar as we look towards the end of the year.
“The rollout has not only enhanced our brand proposition but has also driven incremental growth, with tremendous feedback from our independent retailers on the uplift in margin performance.”
In fact, the wholesaler reports that the volume of cups sold throughout its company-owned estate has increased by 37.5% compared to their previous coffee-to-go offering, positively impacting gross profit.
McLean added: “This partnership underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence, providing a competitive product and reinforcing Spar Scotland’s position as a market leader in convenience retail.
“We look forward to fully integrating Barista Bar across our company-owned estate in early 2025 and seeing more of our independent retailers join this exciting journey.”
Barista Bar says its reputation as a trusted and in-demand coffee provider continues to thrive, offering a premium product that consistently delivers results for retailers.
By blending convenience and quality, Barista Bar maintains it has redefined expectations in the retail coffee sector, becoming a staple choice for shoppers seeking a superior coffee experience on the go.
As well as fuelling growth through innovative products and seamless installations, Barista Bar claims its comprehensive support model ensures independent retailers have all they need to maximise margins and drive footfall, while their shoppers enjoy a consistent, high-quality premium coffee experience.
Henderson Foodservice, a division of the Henderson Group that owns the Spar brand in Northern Ireland, created Barista Bar in 2015.
As it enters its milestone 10th anniversary, the brand will have more than 800 machines available in stores across GB and Northern Ireland.
Keavy O’Mahony-Truesdale, brand manager at Barista Bar said: “As we continue to grow our presence in Scotland, so, too, will our community engagement as we seek sports sponsorships and environmental partnerships to help us deliver our brand values across the UK.
“Not only do these provide a priceless value for our brand but, in turn, they create more opportunities for our Spar stores, too.
“We are thrilled with the year that Barista Bar has had going into our 10th anniversary. We have evolved our brand and grown our footprint across the Spar retail network.
“The introduction into Scotland has been a huge success for the brand and Spar retailers, thanks to our leading quality product and premium offering.”
McLean agreed, concluding: “This partnership is not only setting a new standard in convenience retail but also strengthening the value we offer our customers.
“We’re excited to see how the next phase will continue to drive growth while supporting our commitment to delivering quality, profitability and innovation for our retailers and communities alike. Here’s to a future filled with great coffee.”
For more information about Barista Bar or to discuss installing our brand in your store, visit mybaristabar.com. Spar Scotland retailers can reach out directly by emailing baristabar@cjlang.co.uk.
