- All Waitrose cafés to exclusively serve premium roaster's 'Partners Blend'
- Expands on a decade-long relationship, rooted in exceptional quality and ethical sourcing
- Key pillar of Waitrose’s 'Food Lovers' strategy, as the leading destination for shoppers seeking quality, taste, sustainability and inspiration
Waitrose is enhancing the in-store customer experience by significantly expanding its long-standing partnership with Union Coffee, as the premium speciality roaster will now be served across every Waitrose café.
The coffees will be created using an exclusive Partners Blend, an 100% Arabica speciality coffee crafted specifically for Waitrose customers. Sourced through Union Direct Trade from Peru, Brazil, and Nicaragua, the bespoke blend is roasted in small batches to deliver an outstanding cup of coffee across the estate. As an espresso, it offers structure and depth, and in milk-based drinks, it provides a rich sweetness.
To learn the tools of the trade, our employees, called Partners will receive barista training led by Union, so they're equipped to consistently serve excellent coffee to the highest-standard for customers across the country - and the unique blend will soon be available to purchase and enjoy at home in the coming months.
Customers will be able to enjoy a range of food options that pair perfectly with Union's speciality coffee, including plenty of light bites, from Italian-inspired toasted flatbreads to free-range breakfast rolls, and delicious sweet treats, such as pastries and danishes.
A number of the cafés will undergo a co-branded refresh, with updated imagery and design to highlight the quality behind every cup of coffee served.
Charlotte Di Cello, Chief Commercial Officer for Waitrose, said: "As the home of food lovers, we're always looking for ways to serve our customers better. Union are brilliant at what they do, sharing our passion for exceptional quality and responsible sourcing. It's a natural partnership that brings their coffee expertise into our shops and adds something special for our customers."
Ben Styche, Commercial Director at Union Coffee, also commented: "Waitrose and Union have worked together for more than a decade to bring sustainably sourced specialty coffee to customers at home. Together, our ambition is to bring an authentic specialty coffee experience into Waitrose cafés, combining exceptional coffee with the craft, care and expertise customers would expect from a great high-street coffee shop."
As the Home of Food Lovers, Waitrose continues to strengthen its position as the destination for quality, taste, sustainability and inspiration, and the new partnership brings the authentic feel of a specialist coffee house to our café proposition - with the relaxed yet sophisticated environment encouraging customers to take time out, and enjoy great coffee and food while they shop.
Notes to Editors
About Waitrose
Waitrose is the Home of Food Lovers, serving customers with exceptional quality products and expert service.
Part of the John Lewis Partnership - the UK's largest employee-owned business - Waitrose has over 320 shops and a strong online business. It also has agreements with brands like Welcome Break and Shell, further bolstering its local footprint.
It works closely with British farmers and suppliers, and is a market-leader for animal welfare and responsible sourcing - using sustainable farming methods, including on its very own farm, the Leckford Estate.
Waitrose holds a Royal Warrant as Grocer and Wine & Spirits Merchant to His Majesty King Charles III.
