Bob & Berts currently operates 25 stores across Northern Ireland, Scotland and England | Photo credit: Bob & Berts

UK coffee chain Bob & Berts has cited strong post-pandemic trading and strategic outlet growth as underpinning ‘record’ 2022 sales. 
 

The Northern Ireland-based operator achieved 58% sales growth in the 12 months ended 30 June 2022 to reach £17.8m ($22m). 

However, rising inflation and costs associated with opening the coffee chain’s first stores in England saw pre-tax profit fall 33% to £1.1m ($1.3m). 

Bob & Berts, which opened its first store in Portstewart, Northern Ireland, in 2013, currently operates 25 stores across Northern Ireland, Scotland and England.  

The value-focused coffee chain, backed by UK investment company BGF, has previously outlined plans to reach 50 stores across the UK and is expected to open seven new stores in 2023. 

In a report accompanying the account filing, Bob & Berts said it had emerged from the pandemic strongly following the introduction of delivery services and increasing consumer appreciation of its value proposition.  

In light of food and beverage inflation and the global energy crisis, Bob & Berts said it will continue to ‘trade through any downtime strongly, with the group focusing hard on great customer service and value to its guests'. 

World Coffee Portal research shows 42% of industry leaders surveyed view price consciousness as the most important consumer trend affecting the UK coffee shop market. 

Due to the cost-of-living crisis, only 37% of industry leaders surveyed in Project Café UK 2023 are positive about the current trading environment, down from 56% 12 months ago.