Costa in Cookham

If you think that the national chains are just opening in big towns with high footfall, think again.  Cookham near Maidenhead, Berkshire has a total population of 5,500 and the site had been a pub and then a succession of failed Indian restaurants. It has just opened and is already busy. The coffee and cafe revolution continues and smaller operators will have to up their game to compete.

Fast Selling Frappes

When McDonalds introduces Iced Fruit Smoothies and Frappes we should pay attention.  Costa were telling me that an astonishing 40% of their sales can be iced drinks.  How many such drinks do you offer?

Love at First Bite

Costa claims the ultimate Eccles cake; it was good but St John Bread & Wine still comes top.

The Ultimate Biscuit?

Costa's 'ultimate' and large Bourbon and Custard cream biscuits

Everyday isn't Good Enough

Costa may make good coffee but they haven't woken up to the 'real tea' revolution that is sweeping artisan coffeeshops, quality cafes and the food shows.  Consumers are prepared to pay for a premium tea bag or loose leaf tea and tea powder just isn't it.  Powder tea bags is the new instant coffee powder; to be avoided.

Check out previous blog posts on Suki, Jing, Tregothnan and Tea Nation teas.

Ice Cold

Costa are well prepared for the heat

Two Cuppa Costa

Smart and convenient two cup holder

Seeds & Sticks

EAT's pot of pomegranate seeds and Costa's Tropical Fruit Sticks show that cafes are not just purveyors of sugar and fatty foods (a.k.a. cake).

"New" Cafetiere Coffee

Costa with 1,300 stores now has more outlets than McDonalds (and plans to open 300 more this year) so we need to take anything they do into account. They influence our market big time.

'New Cafetiere Coffee' spotted here in Birmingham - one off trial or a national roll-out?

Make Believe Baking

The conspicuous Anolon muffin tins (endorsed by Raymond Blanc, no less) used by Costa to display their muffins are great theatre and suggest on-site baking.

I cannot decide whether it's inspired display or a suggestive con.

Costa's Coolers

Coffee, Tea, Fruit & Creamy Coolers all made with ingredients you probably already have.

Ice is needed and a bother to produce or buy in but what a wonderful resource to display items.

Challenge Convention - The Off Centre Saucer

Costa and their off centre saucer and cup - more room for that snack, no need for a plate and it's something different.  Bellissimo.

Power of a Brand

Cappuccino £2.50 at
Posh 'brand' in a high footfall location at Chelsea Flower Show.
Virtually no queue.

Cappuccino £2.70 (20p more) at Costa's nearby unit in a secondary location.
Big queue.

Chelsea Flower Show 10.15 on 25.5.11