How the University of Warwick Took Control of Its Coffee Experience
Introducing the University of Warwick
The University of Warwick is one of the UK’s most forward-thinking institutions, renowned for innovation, sustainability, and student experience.
With a vibrant campus community and a growing demand for high-quality coffee, Warwick’s Food and Beverage team set out to elevate their entire coffee programme, not just at one café, but across their estate.
Bridge Coffee Roasters partnered with Warwick Food Group as a full-service coffee supplier and consultant, helping the university modernise its café operations, improve consistency, and deliver a coffee experience that rivals the high street.
How the Coffee Project Began
For the University of Warwick, coffee is not a peripheral offer. With around 28,000 students, 7,000 staff, and 10 cafés operating across campus, the quality and consistency of the coffee experience plays a meaningful role in day-to-day campus life.
Prior to working with Bridge Coffee Roasters, Warwick Food Group’s coffee provision was driven by a well-known high street brand. However, customer feedback made it clear that the existing offer was falling short.
Students and staff wanted better quality, greater consistency between sites, and a coffee solution that aligned more closely with the university’s sustainability values.
Internally, the Warwick Food Group also recognised that the coffee lacked a compelling story and did not reflect the standards expected of a top UK university.
These challenges prompted Warwick to go to tender, with clear priorities around taste, consistency, sustainability credentials, and long-term partnership rather than brand recognition alone.
Triple Certified Coffee
Warwick selected Roots Botanical for its smooth, fruit-forward profile: a delicious specialty blend that suits the tastes of young coffee drinkers across campus.
Its triple certification (Fairtrade, Organic, and Rainforest Alliance) was equally important, aligning with the university’s sustainability commitments and resonating with students who actively seek out ethical, environmentally responsible choices.
The University also serves our Roots Decaf coffee for a non-caffeinated alternative to Botanical.
“It’s Something to Be Proud Of”
Ben, Head of Food & Beverage Product, University of Warwick
“It’s something to be proud of. Whereas before we weren’t really very proud of our coffee offer, I think even right from myself.... to the baristas serving on the counter, everyone feels a little bit prouder of what we’re doing now and that we’re serving a really good coffee that is better from a sustainability point of view."
Were There Any Hesitations?
One of the biggest concerns Warwick faced was the perceived risk of moving away from a large, recognisable high street coffee brand to a more bespoke wholesale provider.
There was a genuine worry that sales could dip simply due to the loss of brand familiarity.
The team were conscious that brand loyalty can strongly influence purchasing behaviour, particularly in busy campus environments.
To mitigate this risk, Warwick and Bridge invested heavily in engagement. Roadshows, staff tastings, menu launches, and student-facing sampling were all used to build confidence in the new coffee before and during the transition.
Rather than relying on a logo to do the work, the strategy focused on letting the quality of the coffee speak for itself. That approach quickly paid off, with strong early feedback and a sustained increase in sales 12 months on.
A Bespoke Equipment Solution for Each Outlet
In September 2025, The University launched Coffee Lab, a brand new coffee experience inside the Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Building. We partnered with the Food Group once again to aid in the creation of an independent high street coffee shop, right inside the brand new university building.
What Have The Results Been?
Consistency Across the Estate Every Warwick café now delivers a coffee experience that’s consistent in quality, flavour, and presentation, no matter who’s making it or where on campus it’s served.
Faster, Smarter Workflows Improved layouts and semi-automated tools have dramatically reduced wait times, even during peak lecture breaks.
Empowered Teams Baristas are more confident and better supported thanks to ongoing training and responsive technical support.
A Recognisable Coffee Experience From Gibbet Hill to Coffee Lab, Warwick’s coffee experience now feels unified — modern, efficient, and reflective of the university’s forward-thinking ethos.
Sustainable Growth With energy-efficient machines, reduced milk waste, and recyclable packaging, the university continues to progress toward its sustainability goals.
