Beverages are the leading driver of foot traffic in convenience stores (c-stores) according to the latest The Blend report by North American coffee and tea manufacturer Westrock Coffee.
Of the people surveyed, 80 per cent cited beverage purchases as the key driver in their decision to visit c-stores, while 73 per cent said snack purchases were their primary motivator and 68 per cent visited for fuel.
Of the beverage purchases, 75 per cent were found to be hot coffee, only behind soft drinks (87 per cent) in frequency of purchase.
Melissa Mackay, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Insight at Westrock Coffee, says the data indicates convenience stores stand to benefit from continuing to offer better coffee options.
“Coffee, tea, and other beverages play a crucial role in driving traffic to convenience stores and prompting the purchase of food and other goods, so it’s important to stay ahead of trends in this category.” Mackay says.
“Since our research indicates that most consumers are already visiting convenience stores for coffee and other beverages, there is a clear opportunity for retailers to gain market share by offering premium options with greater customisation.
“It’s not just about bringing the shoppers in – it’s about giving them a reason to come back.”
The report states significant opportunities in c-stores improving their iced coffee beverage offerings.
“Iced espresso drinks and cold brew are gaining popularity, offering c-stores a chance to diversify and modernise their dispensed beverage offerings,” the report reads.
“Paired with the rising demand for made-to-order food, integrating customisable, high-quality beverage options could help c-stores stand out from the competition, attract more discerning customers, and drive incremental revenue through premium coffee experiences.”
To view the full Q2 2025 Blend Report from Westrock Coffee, click here.
