Earlier this year, it was revealed that there were 24,061 coffee shops in the UK by the end of 2017. That’s a 5% rise on the year before, proving that the affection Brits have for their daily caffeine fix is going nowhere. In total, the coffee industry is worth £9.6bn to the UK economy every year and is one of the most robust industries with independent shops accounting for a huge portion of that figure. There are approximately 9.5 million cups sold in the UK every day (part of the  whopping 95 million cups Brits drink), so it’s no surprise that entrepreneurs are flocking to the industry.

There are issues, though, that all entrants into the market need to be aware of. According to figures, we use 2.5 billion disposable coffee cups every year in the UK and, with a growing awareness of the impact on the environment, this figure is too high for many tastes. The problem is that many of the cups that we think are going to recycling centres when we pop them into the right bin are actually really difficult to recycle because of the way the cups are produced. So, less than 1% of the coffee cups we use in the UK are recycled and half a million are littered every day. For any entrant into the market, making sure that your business is eco-friendly is the best way to stand out from your competition.

If you’re starting a new coffee shop, it’s wise to know what’s going to be popular in your outlet and which drinks are more niche. In 2017-18, 930 million lattes were  purchased by UK coffee drinkers, with cappuccinos some way behind at 800 million. Americanos come in third with just under 700 million sold, with flat whites, mochas, espressos and macchiatos trailing hugely. It seems we’ve definitely got a taste for the big three, although the popularity of flat whites continues to grow year-on-year.

So, now you know what your customers are likely to be drinking, here are 5 essential products you need to stock up on.

1. Coffee Cups

Remember the basics and don’t forget your  coffee cups! Ideally, the cups you choose should be practical and easy to clean, but that doesn’t mean they can be unattractive. The cups your customers drink from while sitting at tables within your coffee shop are a reflection of your business, so make sure that they look good – without breaking the budget.

2. Biodegradable Takeaway Coffee Cups

Stay eco-friendly by choosing biodegradable and  compostable cups and lids. This not only helps the planet, but it makes you the eco-friendly coffee shop ahead of any competitors. Don’t forget that cold drinks will need to be housed in biodegradable cups too – strange to say, but not everyone will want coffee when they visit your shop!

3. Teapots

On that note, remember that we Brits still have a love for tea, even if it trails behind coffee in sales these days. Teapots are a vital part of your crockery collection, and there are styles and colours to suit all establishments. Whether you’re supplying tea for two or tea for a table,  there’s a sturdy teapot for your business.

4. Cake Stands & Covers

Tickle your customers’ taste buds with  sumptuous displays of cakes in your shop. As well as everyday cake sales, you can also create afternoon tea treats for your customers with tiered stands. There’s something for every business, whatever your style.

5. Sweetbird Syrups & Mixers

Make your coffee selection that much sweeter by  stocking up on Sweetbird syrups. Customers are accustomed to ordering their favourite coffee with a shot of their favourite syrup – don’t disappoint them. Plus, choose the sugar-free options to make the drinks that much healthier for your happy coffee-drinkers!

Need anything else?

Cooksmill sell a huge range of coffee shop essentials online. With over 20,000 products, we're sure you'll find what you need. Local to Manchester? Why not visit our  wholesale catering superstore - open Monday to Sunday.