Hot drinks focus: A little sweetener

The growth of café culture in the UK has had an influence on the drinks offered in pubs and bars. Consumer demand for speciality drinks has grown, creating a challenge as well as an opportunity for pub operators.

"Consumers are looking beyond traditional coffee drinks for new taste experiences - such as speciality coffees and cold drinks," says Gerard Murphy, food development manager for Kerry Foodservice. "There's a genuine opportunity for pubs to capitalise on this trend, as more customers expect a quality hot drink at the end of their meal, rather than just a standard filter coffee."

Kerry has developed a range of products to add value to drinks menus, supplied under the DaVinci Gourmet brand, already synonymous with syrups and sauces in the US.

Flavours include hazelnut, caramel and vanilla, with the syrups available in classic and sugar-free varieties.

"Just a single shot of one of our flavoured syrups can turn a traditional Café Latte into a 'signature' drink - delivering added value to any drinks menu," says Murphy.

"Rather than just list a typical espresso or cappuccino on their hot drink menus, canny pub operators are introducing speciality drinks, such as a hazelnut latte or chocaccino. They add a point of interest, and - most importantly - provide a genuine alternative for diners looking for something sweet, but not a full dessert."

Flavoured syrups are also cost-effective - a flavoured shot can be charged to the customer at 25p-35p, and each bottle delivers approximately 75 shots.

The DaVinci Gourmet range also includes sauces - such as chocolate, caramel or white chocolate - which can be drizzled over a cappuccino, latte or iced frappe.