Analysis: More UK coffee operators are doing drive-thru, but is there consumer appetite for it?

World Coffee Portal research shows that nearly half of UK coffee shop consumers surveyed last year ordered from a drive-thru. Could the format be the next frontier of growth in the £6.8bn UK branded coffee shop market?

World Coffee Portal research shows that the £6.8bn UK branded coffee shop market grew 3.5% last year to reach 12,313 outlets. Beneath that headline figure, the data highlights one market segment steadily gaining traction – drive-thru.

The UK drive-thru coffee shop segment grew 6.7% last year to reach 912 sites, and now makes up 7.4% of the total market.