Chain Coffee Stores Make the Link

Innovate to Survive

Independent cafes in Australia are renowned to be giant killers. Starbucks, Gloria Jeans and McCafe were losing out to locally operated stores. This data must of just reached the head office and now they are taking note.

Starbucks, McDonalds and other chain stores are reacting to Australia’s and the world’s appetite for higher quality coffee. McCafe’s launch of The Corner Store in Sydney has signaled to the wider coffee community that they know what is happening and want to be a part of it.

How Does this Affect the Smaller Operator’s?

While it is sometimes hard to remember, coffee is not the first industry to go through a quality-focused change. Taking notes from the wine and food industries, we can assess that as larger operators with multiple stores seek to better align their products with customer demands, they will gain back market share they have lost. This is often done though brute force, but also through acquisition of the major players in the industry.

As a smaller operator, Australia’s coffee stores will adapt as they have always done. A focus on quality and personalised service will see the market share protected. At Black Market Roasters, we focus not only on the connection with the farmer and the customer, but also being an innovator in the industry. We are at the ground roots for client needs and if the larger operators have taken this long to realise the market doesn’t dream of dry chai lattes with caramel syrup, then we have a great opportunity to continue to innovate and stay ahead of them.