Market observations
C-Store Customers
Younger generation customers are advocates of “convenience first”, benefiting the c-store operators with frequent visits. Nicer stores, and the emphasis on food quality, are attracting older customers on a regular basis.
Specialty Coffee Consumers
The availability of specialty coffee in the marketplace is growing rapidly, even though specialty coffee consumption has been relatively flat over the past few years. Meanwhile, availability of specialty coffee is expanding rapidly with the growth of compact and micro (express) coffee shops. This capacity is anticipating a dramatic shift in consumer behaviors and loyalty.
Specialty Coffee Offerings
Specialty coffee shop brands have experimented with the American coffee palate for decades, testing craft recipes that have become cult-like, or inversely, failed completely. Yet the basic, authentic milk-based specialty coffees remain staples in the American marketplace. C-Stores have been reliable providers of hot and black coffee and flavored hot beverages 24/7 for many years. The complexities of offering authentic specialty coffees have been difficult in a self-serve environment…until now.