In most of the world, coffee shops are the meeting places of our communities. Coffee is the reason many of us start our days off on the right foot, and it’s a source of income for coffee-business owners, coffee roasters, baristas, and farmers. COVID-19 has impacted the coffee industry in many ways and will continue to do so in the coming months.
But we have to believe that the coffee industry and its community will survive this. Coffee shops will need to adjust and adapt to meet the needs of their beloved customers and the new state of our world.
Contact-free selling will become a priority
Many coffee shops changed their way of selling their coffee, prioritizing the safety of their stuff and of the consumers through contact-free selling solutions. Many cafes have shifted to carry-out only or curbside pick-up.
Some have implemented creative delivery services to make sure cups of coffee are still heading out of their doors and into the hands of loyal customers craving some sense of normalcy.
The packaging of the coffee for delivery has changed too, and many started selling coffee in bottles, which makes it more easier way the coffee to be delivered.
The on-site roasting will be an advantage
Retailers who roast their own beans on-site have an advantage for many reasons, especially during a pandemic. Coffee shops who already roast their own signature coffees and those just starting to do so are in big advantage because they don’t rely on other sources to get their roasted coffee products.
Additionally, in post-COVID future it’s more likely for them to have bigger customer loyalty and recognition, to be quick and agile in their responses towards their customers and to shift part or all of their business online, which will bring them even larger audience.
Finally, coffee shops who roast their own coffee will be able to roast on demand, which will minimize their inventory risk, something that is now more important than ever.
E-commerce will be a new strength for coffee shops
The coffee used to be widely enjoyed outside in the coffee places, or take-away to work or parks, but now that habit is going to change. Coffee shops may need to put more emphasis on e-commerce in the future. More and more coffee shops have strengthened their online presence, and many more will follow, with easy-to-shop websites and active social media channels that are constantly engaging new audiences.
This online presence will open new possibilities for the coffee shops who still rely on the location only and will even add the benefit of keeping costs down over time.
Emphasis on cleaning and sanitizing
Coffee lovers and enthusiasts are anxious to get back into their favorite coffee places, but in the future they will be anxious about the safety of doing so.
It’s of biggest importance for the coffee shops to maintain a new standard of cleanliness to ensure that their location is a safe spavce for both customers and stuff. The customers will need this change in the procedures, where it will be visible for them to see the surfaces being sanitized, machines being cleaned, and the stuff wearing basic protective equipment.
There will be need for more space
Along with all the other points, coffee shops and bars owners need to consider the space they have for the customers indoor as well as outdoor. People are getting used to “physical” distancing which might get in the way of smaller coffee places.
In order to meet these expectations of the post COVID customers, the places should be adjusted to avoid the possible crowd and the waiting line should be minimized for the feeling of safety of he customers.
Big thanks for all the coffee workers
Apart from all these precautions and safety measures, one thing is for sure: we can’t wait to visit our favorite coffee place again.
I want to thank all the coffee owners, roasters, baristas, coffee farmers and everyone involved in the coffee industry for making everything you can to keep us caffeinated in these difficult times.
We’re all facing this crisis in one way or another, but we need to stay nimble, adapt to change, make smart decisions, and support each other so we can come out stronger on the other side.
Enjoy your coffee!
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