We’ve partnered with the renowned luxury chocolate brand Thorntons, to launch an exclusive hot-chocolate-to-go range of machines. The elite product range is an answer to the premium quality ‘to-go’ demand.
The drinks-to-go market is ever booming. 80% of the UK purchase hot drinks-to-go and nearly a quarter buy an on-the-go beverage two to three times per week. Drinks on the go are now an integral part of daily life for much of the population. With this demand, customers want choice, and with that a recognisable brand. IGD Shopper Visa research revealed that 39% of shoppers see brand name as their top attribute when defining a product as high quality or not.
Now is an exciting time for us at eXpresso PLUS and our exclusive product range, especially with hot chocolate taking up to a 20% share of our drinks sold. And with 84% of consumers happy to pay an extra 50p for quality, we’re creating a vibrant new revenue stream for retailers.
The solutions use modern technology to serve up velvety Thorntons hot chocolate that is made using Thorntons recipe chocolate.
Manish Shah, Managing Director at eXpresso PLUS states:
“As an innovative drinks-to-go company, it seemed intuitive to fill the gap of a premium hot-chocolate-to-go solution in the market. We specialise in bringing premium brands to the drinks-to-go market, to deliver high quality products to consumers on the go. The Thorntons partnership allowed us to cater to both of these needs, providing retailers with a niche opportunity and differ to high street competition.”
Simultaneously, Thorntons launched their new hot chocolate to the catering industry this month, after months of development to create the perfect luxury drink to go. Hot chocolate is becoming ever more popular amongst consumers with over 50% of people drinking hot chocolate and retailers such as Harrods are seeing hot chocolate purchases overtaking tea and coffee.
Fiona Morgan, Head of Food Service at Ferrero UK&I says:
“We recognised that there was a need for a premium quality Hot Chocolate for on the go and we very excited to partner with eXpresso PLUS to bring Thorntons Hot Chocolate to this market.”
The new range will enable various sectors to attract more customers and generate more income via a unique offering. For example, in forecourts, 28% of those that buy food-to-go also buy a hot drink.. Offering a hot chocolate option from a renowned brand is a great way to increase basket spend and encourage visits.