Pret A Manger to target forecourts as it trials new coffee-to-go solution

Pret A Manger is set to challenge the traditional forecourt convenience coffee offers with a new coffee-to-go solution.

Launching in partnership with coffee and tea specialist JDE Peet’s, the company has announced plans to trial ‘Pret Express’ - a smart, self-service coffee-to-go solution featuring Pret’s 100% organic coffee and tea.

Pret A Manger say Pret Express will offer the same favourite organic coffees and teas customers enjoy in Pret shops, in places where Pret Baristas aren’t able to operate. As a new contender to the growing self-serve coffee-to-go market, it is to be introduced in numerous sectors including forecourts, convenience stores and workplaces.

The company says these are venues that 68% of consumers believe should provide access to high-street branded coffee on-the-go solutions, while 69% agree they would also like to see more of outside of cities, large towns and roadside travel.

The launch is described as the next step in Pret’s transformation plan to bring Pret to more people, following the launch of the UK’s first Coffee Subscription last year, and plans to open 200 more shops across the UK over the next two years. Pret recently announced plans to double the size of its business within the next five years, and is aiming to hire at least 3,000 team members and baristas by the end of 2023.

JDE Peet’s will be providing the self-service technology and capabilities, with bespoke furniture designed exclusively for Pret. Each Pret Express coffee station offers a large range of slow roasted 100% organic speciality coffees and fresh organic milk combinations, as well as teas. Each solution will create up to 21 drink recipes and everything is included - from ingredients to machine and housing installation, each machine comes with its own cashless payment terminal and service package as standard.

Guy Meakin, UK trading director, Pret A Manger said: “We are excited to be working with JDE Peet’s to launch Pret Express, our first ever self-serve coffee machines. This is new territory for Pret, which will allow more people across the country to enjoy Pret’s organic coffee and tea on the go, in places where there isn’t the right space to set up a new Pret shop. Using the latest technology from JDE Peet’s, Pret Express will give people a delicious and convenient coffee boost, at the touch of a button.”

Sarah Lonorgan, marketing director professional UK&I, JDE Peet’s, said: “Expectations for coffee and tea on-the-go have evolved, with people seeking the highest-quality experiences at any location. Through this innovative partnership, Pret Express will deliver a wider range of products across all out-of-home segments, to a broader audience than ever before. We are delighted to partner with Pret to debut this powerful new contender to the ‘coffee to go’ market and look forward to seeing this in action.”