LONDO, UK – World Coffee Portal’s The Independents Report UK 2024 shows the UK’s £4.6bn independent coffee shop market achieved 4% sales growth over the last 12 months. Boosted by a focus on high-quality coffee, service and other key report findings, the segment grew 2.2% to an estimated 12,212 outlets last year.
- UK independent coffee shop market achieved 4.1% sales growth to reach £4.6bn over the last 12 months
- The total UK independent coffee shop market grew 2.2% by outlets to reach 12,212 stores
- Nearly three quarters of independent operators reported increased sales last year, with 30% reporting over 5% growth
- World Coffee Portal forecasts total independent coffee shop sales will surpass £4.8bn in 2025 and £5.6bn by February 2029, at 3.9% CAGR
UK independent coffee shops weather economic headwinds to post steady growth
The UK’s independent coffee shop market grew by 2.2% over the last 12 months to reach an estimated 12,212 outlets.
World Coffee Portal research also indicates the overall value of the UK independent coffee shop market withstood rising costs and tightened consumer spend to grow 4% during the period to £4.6bn.
The independent coffee shop segment is expected to record further outlet and sales growth this year. World Coffee Portal forecasts the market will surpass 12,400 outlets across the next 12 months and achieve 4.1% sales growth to reach $4.8bn in 2025.
High-quality beverages and personalised service key drivers of customer retention
The Independents Report UK 2024 reveals beverage quality, personalised service, authenticity and localness are key drivers of customer retention for UK independent coffee shops. These factors are also crucial differentiators between independent coffee shops and branded coffee chain competitors, the report reveals.
However, while industry leaders view specialty coffee as a key indicator of a higher-quality coffee shop, the importance of specialty among UK coffee consumers surveyed by World Coffee Portal has fallen year-on-year.
Modest growth forecast amid challenging economic backdrop
Industry leaders are evenly split in their assessment of current trading conditions – with the cost-of-living crisis a key concern. However, nearly twice as many leaders surveyed by World Coffee Portal believe trading conditions will improve for independent coffee shops over the next 12 months rather than anticipating a deterioration of sales.
World Coffee Portal forecasts the total UK independent coffee shop market will exceed 12,400 outlets in the next 12 months and reach 13,200 stores in 2029. Total sales are forecast to surpass £4.8bn next year and £5.6bn by February 2029.
Commenting on the report, Allegra Group Founder and CEO, Jeffrey Young said: “Despite the continued growth of chain concepts in the UK, consumers are eager to ‘support their local’ in these challenging economic times.”
Sources
- The analysis covers the UK independent coffee shop sector, defined as operators with up to four locations
- Market sizing for the UK independent coffee shop sector, tracking five year growth and future projections
- Over 2,000 online surveys with UK independent coffee shop consumers
- Over 100 online surveys, consultations and in-depth interviews with leading industry insiders in the UK
- Identifying 40 of the most interesting, distinctive and innovative independent coffee shops in the UK
About Allegra World Coffee Portal
Allegra World Coffee Portal (WCP) is the global information platform delivering unparalleled insight on the global coffee, café and related food-to-go sectors. World Coffee Portal provides
data, reports, research and consultancy to help businesses make informed decisions and is the only specialist information platform for senior decision makers in the coffee industry. World Coffee Portal buil ds upon Allegra Strategies’ 25+ years of experience in global coffee market analysis.
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