07/07 SOHO COFFEE RETAINS LOCAL FOCUS
With the UK’s coffee shop market set to double in size over the next decade, big brands are expanding their operations and clamoring for a slice of the profits. SOHO Coffee Company though, is remaining true to its principles by sourcing local produce and ingredients to supply its growing chain of stores.
With more than 3,000 UK outlets, branded coffee chains produce an annual turnover of more than £1.3b, according to the recent Allegra Report. This figure is set to double over the next decade as the UK embraces café culture, but national chain SOHO is managing to stay loyal to its principles of locally-sourced ingredients and locally-produced food, while still maintaining a healthy share of the market.
SOHO produces most of its range freshly each day, in its own central kitchen, and distributes direct to its stores every morning. Reducing food miles and supporting local suppliers is just part of the SOHO ethos, which is communicated to staff across its growing chain. Sandwiches are made with bread baked from organic flour, baguettes are baked in the kitchen daily and the coffee is organic, Fairtrade, roasted locally and 100% arabica.
SOHO Director, Chris Copner, comments, “SOHO is a very ethical business that always puts the desires of our customers and concern for the environment at the forefront of everything we do. Everyone involved in SOHO is proud of what we stand for.”
