Thirty-eight percent of UK respondents identified cafés as the place where they feel the strongest sense of belonging | Photo credit: BRITA Professional

In the face of economic uncertainty, new research from BRITA Professional has unveiled a remarkable trend: Brits are steadfast in their commitment to coffee culture, with half of the UK public prioritising café-brewed coffee, closely followed by other nice-to-haves such as dining out (44%) and takeaways (34%).  
 

Coffee shops have always played a vital role in supporting creativity and innovation, but the new research reveals the important role they also play in supporting communities. Cafés were crowned as the epicentre of community cohesion, with 38% of respondents identifying them as the place where they feel the strongest sense of belonging.

This surpasses other contenders such as pubs (22%) and independent shops (7%), reaffirming the pivotal role that coffee shops play in nurturing social connections. 

The research found that coffee shops add immense value to the high street, acting as places where people can stop for a treat (72%) and have break from their working day (32%).  

To celebrate the creativity and commitment to providing consumers with unparalleled experiences, BRITA Professional, the leading expert in water filtration and provider of the best water for the best cup of coffee for over 50 years, is launching its Grounds of Innovation 2024 competition for a second year. The competition seeks to find the most innovative coffee shops across the UK and is inviting entries until 20 July. 

This year’s competition promises to be bigger and better than ever and will be judged by a distinguished panel of industry experts, including luminaries such as Fi O'Brien, Co-Founder of Girls that Grind Coffee, Howey Gill, Head of Coffee at Grind, James and Laura, Directors of Wogan Coffee and award-winning barista Ben Lewis.  
 

Samantha Scoles, qualified water sommelier and Sales Director at BRITA Professional said: “As thriving hubs in our communities, coffee shops play a vital role in shaping our collective experiences and bringing joy to the public and at BRITA, we’re proud to play a role in supporting them by providing their customers with great tasting coffee and protecting their coffee machines day in and day out through our market leading filtration technology.” 
 

The top ranked coffee shop, as chosen by the panel of expert judges, will receive the winner’s bundle which includes:  
 

• An engaging latte art class from award-winning Barista Benji – a master barista who has worked with the likes of Netflix and Millie Bobby Brown’s incredible franchise, Florence by Mills Coffee 

• A delicious coffee bundle from sustainable coffee brand Grind 

• A BRITA Glass Jug with a year’s supply of filters  
   

The top three ranked coffee shops will win a free PURITY C iQ, BRITA’s latest intelligent filter designed for cafés to help deliver consistently great tasting coffee. 

Every coffee shop on the top 10 list, will receive a Grounds of Innovation Winner’s Plaque to display in-store and guaranteed exposure in BRITA’s marketing and press activity. 

Click here to enter the Grounds of Innovation 2024 Awards today.