Coffee Solutions

Q I would like to expand my coffee offering, but I'm nervous about the cost implications of buying a machine. What would you suggest?

A coffee machine might be more affordable than you think. First of all, look at your current coffee sales - are you serving 10 or more cups a day? If so, with the right entry-level machine, you could actually be looking at attractive profits.

One of the big bonuses of introducing a beverage machine is the opportunity to expand your coffee menu to include popular café-style drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes. Adding these customer favourites to your repertoire should prompt extra sales and also carry with them higher price points - which can only be good news for your bottom line.

It's essential to get the right machine from the vast number on offer. Look at the options. Don't get lured into buying the latest, shiniest machine on the market. A smaller table-top machine could be a much better fit for your pub - allowing you to test the water and the coffee! To really make the most of investing in a new machine, add good-quality ingredients and service presentation and you should be on to a winner.

Make sure you promote your coffee too, by shouting about it on menus, chalkboards or with point-of-sale material, which you should be able to get from your suppliers. If your customers aren't aware of what you have on offer, they won't buy it! Get it right and a profitable slice of café culture could be yours.

For advice on making the most of your hot drinks range, just call Nescafé Coffee Company on 0800 745 845.