By James Taylor
Barista Bar, Northern Ireland’s homegrown coffee-to-go sensation, has brewed its way into the hearts of British consumers with a bold expansion strategy that’s winning over retailers and shoppers alike.
Launched in 2015 by Henderson Foodservice Ltd—part of the Henderson Group, which also holds the SPAR franchise for Northern Ireland—Barista Bar was initially introduced as a premium self-serve coffee solution exclusive to SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO, and VIVOXTRA stores. Fast forward nearly a decade, and the brand now commands a dominant presence in over 460 outlets across Northern Ireland, solidifying its position as the No.1 coffee-to-go brand in the region and selling over 14 million cups of coffee across the UK.
Offering a robust menu that includes Americano, Cappuccino, Latte, Flat White, Hot Chocolate, Mocha, and a selection of six teas, Barista Bar delivers its beverages in four cup sizes—including a generous 20oz ‘lux’ option—catering to a growing demand for quality, speed, and convenience.
A Taste for Growth: Crossing into Great Britain
In 2019, Barista Bar expanded its operations into Great Britain. Its eye-catching self-serve stands were designed to provide maximum visibility in-store while enabling additional merchandising opportunities—from syrups and seasonal treats to promotional displays—offering a complete premium coffee experience in a compact footprint.
The results have been remarkable. Retailers across the UK have reported strong sales figures, increased footfall, and consistent positive feedback from customers.
One of Barista Bar’s most successful partnerships has been with the East of England Co-op, where 58 locations now house the brand. According to Simon Dryell, Chief Commercial Officer at the co-op:
“Since introducing Barista Bar to our food stores in 2020, it has become an essential part of our coffee-to-go offering—loved by both our members and customers.
Today, Barista Bar is available in 58 of our stores, with some locations featuring double machines due to high demand. We’ve seen an 80% increase in sales since 2022, thanks in large part to the dedication and support from the Barista Bar team.”
Strategic Moves: Replacing Costa in Scotland
A pivotal milestone came at the end of 2023, when Barista Bar entered into an exclusive supply agreement with SPAR Scotland (CJ Lang & Son Ltd). The brand has since replaced Costa Coffee in over 135 stores, achieving a remarkable 37.5% uplift in cup sales.
This strategic replacement not only speaks to Barista Bar’s operational strength, but also to its appeal in markets traditionally dominated by global coffee giants.
Keith Fernie, owner of David’s Kitchen (SPAR Scotland), shared his experience:
“We first installed our Barista Bar machine in June 2024 and saw immediate growth—35% year-on-year increases in cup sales, and it continues to climb weekly.
We’ve since added machines in our Falkirk and Kirkcaldy stores, and the results have been just as impressive.”
Dan Brown of Pinkie Farm Stores echoed the sentiment:
“Embracing Barista Bar has been a game changer. Since our August 2023 installation, we’ve seen over 100% growth compared to our previous coffee solution. Customers love the self-serve format and keep returning for the quality.”
A Nationwide Blend
Today, Barista Bar’s UK footprint spans more than 660 sites:
- 460+ stores in Northern Ireland
- 135 stores in Scotland via SPAR Scotland
- 58 sites with East of England Co-op
- A growing number of independent retailers in SPAR, Costcutter, and Premier stores
Keavy O’Mahony-Truesdale (National Brand & Business Development Manager) added “At Barista Bar, we’re committed to delivering a premium quality product that customers genuinely look forward to, every single day. It’s more than just a coffee machine; it’s a trusted brand that drives footfall and brings customers back time and time again.
For retailers, it means a high-margin opportunity backed by strong branding, standout design, and consistently great coffee. We’ve built Barista Bar to work hard in-store – creating a seamless self-serve experience that delivers on quality, convenience, consistency and repeat purchase. It’s a low-touch, high-impact solution that boosts footfall, drives margin, and adds real value to the overall shopping experience.”
As the coffee-to-go sector continues to grow within the convenience retail space, Barista Bar stands out as a brand that balances strong retail partnerships with a clear focus on product quality, brand consistency, and shopper satisfaction.
The journey from a regional innovation to a national contender illustrates the power of local expertise, strategic partnerships, and a clear understanding of evolving consumer habits.