Spotting a market for bubbly hot chocolate

Yolande Rankin and Phil Jackson, owners of the Leopard Inn in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, have been improving their food and beverage offering since purchasing the pub nearly two years ago.

The Leopard Inn's central location and fully-refurbished interior attracts customers looking for somewhere to grab a quick drink and a bite to eat, as well as shoppers who need to rest their weary feet. Yolande looks after front-of-house operations while Phil rules the kitchen, which serves food every day from noon until 6pm. Observing the growing popularity of hot beverages among their customers, Yolande questioned how this level of interest could be further exploited to maximise profit opportunities and impress their clientèle.

The Leopard had been offering a long-established hot chocolate brand, but in order to compensate for its watery appearance Yolande started adding a spoonful of frothy milk and marshmallows. All that changed when Nestlé FoodServices challenged her to trial Aero Instant Bubbly Hot Chocolate and the Leopard's Friday lunchtime customers were invited to share their opinions at the taste test. Aero achieve a 100% taste preference with punters citing its bubbly appearance and rich, chocolate flavour as far superior to the pub's usual brand.

"From that moment, our decision was simple," says Yolande. "I had to swap. To see such a positive reaction from customers is encouraging and the product itself offers great appeal for me. It couldn't be easier to make - just add hot water and stir - but the most important thing is to be able to ensure that a product looks great when it reaches the customer. The Aero bubbles do exactly that."

Nestlé FoodServices' new Aero Bubbly Hot Chocolate - Add Hot Milk is available from 4 September. Meanwhile, taste tests have shown outstanding results. Nestle FoodServices beverages commercial director Quentin Knowlson says: "In addition to producing an attractive and fantastic-tasting drink, Aero Bubbly Hot Chocolate - Add Hot Milk delivers the theatre associated with preparing and serving a premium hot chocolate using a traditional espresso or bean-to-cup machine."

For more information on Aero Hot Chocolate Brands and a free Aero - Add Hot Milk sample, contact 0800 745 845