Pret A Manger, the sandwich chain hit hard by the pandemic, has continued its diversification strategy with a move into the self-service coffee machine market.
In a partnership with coffee giant JDE Peet’s, the company is to trial self-service stations in a range of locations including convenience stores, forecourts, universities, healthcare facilities, and workplaces. The ‘Pret Express’ units will provide the same organic coffee and tea that is sold in Pret outlets.
The move comes just weeks after Pret revealed plans to double in size over the next five years after securing a £100m investment from its owner. Rather than “following the skyscraper”, the business plans to focus on growing its presence in regional and suburban areas, and transport hubs.
Pret first embarked on its ‘transformation programme’ during the summer of 2020 after its sales fell heavily during the early stages of the pandemic when the work from home trend impacted footfall to its sites on high streets and near offices. Its turnaround plans have included various new initiatives such as the introduction of a Coffee Subscription service and the rollout of Pret branded food and coffee lines in supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
Commenting on the move into coffee machines, Guy Meakin, UK trading director at Pret A Manger, said: “We are excited to be working with JDE Peet’s to launch Pret Express, our first ever self-serve coffee machines. This is new territory for Pret, which will allow more people across the country to enjoy Pret’s organic coffee and tea on the go, in places where there isn’t the right space to set up a new Pret shop.
“Using the latest technology from JDE Peet’s, Pret Express will give people a delicious and convenient coffee boost, at the touch of a button.”
Sarah Lonorgan, Marketing Director Professional UK&I at JDE Peet’s, added: “Through this innovative partnership, Pret Express will deliver a wider range of products across all out-of-home segments, to a broader audience than ever before. We are delighted to partner with Pret to debut this powerful new contender to the ‘coffee to go’ market and look forward to seeing this in action.”
