Cafe2U sees sales rise during pandemic

Cafe2U has been able to continue growing throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

The coffee van franchise, which takes hot drinks and snacks to its customers, has seen record sales figures during the pandemic. The added revenue has enabled the business to recruit 14 new franchisees to further expand across the UK.

Although sales initially suffered when the first lockdown began, Cafe2U was able to win back business by adapting its model. Under normal circumstances, franchisees service office parks and other sites often overlooked by mobile cafes. But last year, they started visiting key worker sites, such as NHS facilities, building sites, police stations and garages. Some business owners also served welcome food and drink to home-based workers.

During the pandemic, large cafe brands have suffered for the first time in two decades, recording a decline in sales of almost 40 percent since the first lockdown (Allegra). But, with flexible business models, mobile coffee shops like Cafe2U vans have been able to continue offering a convenient service.

Martyn Ward, Cafe2U’s Chief Executive, said,

“The lasting legacy of the impact the coronavirus has had on the coffee-to-go industry will be positive for consumers and small coffee companies alike, with superior quality and growing demand for convenience.”

Several other factors have contributed to the business’s success over the past 12 months. Importantly, many coffee roasting businesses paved the way for the sector’s success by introducing product subscriptions customers could get delivered to their door. As a result of this increased focus on high-quality yet homemade coffee, and growing support for local businesses, many consumers have come to appreciate the services of mobile cafe vans.

Cafe2U has been up and running since 2014 and, with a network of over 90 vans, is now the fourth biggest coffee brand in the UK.