As a bakery owner, you already know the importance of your morning and lunchtime trade. These are the times when customers flood in for their favourite pastries, breads, and light lunches. But here’s the thing: if you’re not offering coffee alongside your bakes, you could be missing out on one of the easiest ways to increase your revenue.
In this article, we’ll explore why customers are actively looking for coffee in bakeries, how it can boost your average spend
How Coffee is Helping UK Bakeries Boost Their Revenue
Coffee isn’t just a “nice extra” for your customers, it’s a proven addition to a bakery's menu that helps grow sales and loyalty.
Pairing a £3, or £4 pastry, with a latte of a similar price can almost double your average transaction value (ATV). Industry reports confirm this: the average price for a 12oz cappuccino in the non-specialist market is £2.91 . When added to a pastry, you’re taking a typical basket from around £3.50 up to between £6 and £8: an uplift of 70–120%.
Many retailers outside the coffee sector have added premium coffee to their offer specifically to boost sales and customer retention. Bakeries that adopt the same approach can capture spend that would otherwise go to nearby cafés.
The wider market context shows the scale of opportunity. The UK “coffee and sandwich shop” channel grew by +32% between 2019 and 2024 , proving that consumers increasingly expect food and drink together. Meanwhile, the overall UK coffee market is valued at £6.1 billion and continues to grow year on year.
Finally, bakery-café concepts such as Gail’s demonstrate the commercial potential. Gail’s now has around 170 sites across the UK, built on the simple model of high-quality baked goods paired with equally high-quality coffee. Their expansion illustrates how coffee can be a driving force behind a bakeries growth when done properly.
In short: customers already want coffee. If you’re not offering it, you’re leaving money on the table.
When Coffee Becomes the Main Revenue Driver
While many bakeries see coffee as a complementary upsell to their breads and pastries, for others it can become the primary source of revenue. In busy, high-footfall environments like hospitals, transport hubs, or city centres, hot drinks often account for a huge share of sales. In fact, at some sites, drinks alone can make up as much as half of total revenue.
Look at this example from one of our customers, Warrens Bakery in Derriford Hospital, Plymouth. At this site, which serves over 1000 customers each day and operates 24/7, coffee and hot drinks make up 50% of the total sales revenue. By investing in a quality coffee and machine setup, the team doubled their revenue.
Adding Great Coffee to your Product Range
Customers today expect more than a token filter pot behind the counter. They’re looking for barista-style drinks, consistent quality, and a flavour that complements your baked goods. Getting it right means following a few key steps.
Partner with the Right Wholesaler
The first and most important step is choosing a supplier who understands the demands of your business. From selecting blends that pair well with pastries to ensuring consistent delivery and stock management, the right partner saves you time and keeps your standards high.
Invest in Quality Equipment
A great coffee experience starts with the right machine. The choice between a traditional espresso machine and a super-automatic system will depend on your space, staff, and service speed. The right supplier should guide you through this decision, and help you to find the best coffee machines for your bakery.
Implement a Training Program
Even the best beans and equipment won’t shine without proper training. A trusted wholesaler will offer barista training and ongoing support so your staff feel confident preparing drinks, maintaining machines, and delivering the consistency your customers expect.
Build a Simple but Effective Menu
Keep things approachable. Focus on the essentials: americano, latte, cappuccino, and flat white. Once these are nailed, you can expand with seasonal specials or signature drinks that reflect your bakery’s brand and personality.
Turning Your Coffee into a Revenue Driver
Adding coffee to your menu is the first step in unlocking a huge new revenue stream for your bakery. However, the real value comes from making sure your coffee offer doesn’t sit quietly on the menu, but actively drives revenue and repeat business.
Here are a few ideas to turn coffee into a real growth engine and revenue generator for your bakery:
Position coffee front and centre in your displays, train staff to suggest pairings, and make it clear that your bakery is just as much a destination for a great latte as it is for a fresh pastry.
Encourage customers to add a coffee with set “coffee + pastry” deal prices. These simple offers put coffee and food together as a package deal, driving revenue whilst offering a great deal for customers.
Leverage seasonal and guest coffees: Just as you rotate your baked goods to keep the menu interesting, do the same with coffee. A limited-edition winter blend or iced summer option adds excitement and encourages customers to try something new.
Invest in consistency. The fastest way to lose repeat business is by serving coffee that varies in quality. Partnering with the right wholesaler ensures your machines are maintained, your beans are fresh, and your staff are confident in preparation, giving customers the same great experience every time.
Partner with A Coffee Company who Understands Bakeries
Choosing the right coffee partner is key. You don’t just need beans, you need a supplier who understands the pace of a bakery, the importance of speed, and the need for coffee that matches the quality of your bakes.
At Bridge Coffee Roasters, we specialise in helping bakeries build profitable coffee offers. From machines and beans to training and support, we make sure coffee becomes a reliable revenue driver for your business.
