Tesco shoppers can now pick up a café-style coffee as part of their ‘meal deal’ – but only at two stores for the time being.
The supermarket giant has begun testing self-service machines that make hot drinks using its premium Finest coffee beans.
The Tesco Finest Coffee To-Go devices are currently being trialled at Express stores in Brixton and Moorgate, London.
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Small drinks dispensed by the machines can be selected as the drink in a Tesco Meal Deal, alongside an eligible main and snack, as reported by Whats The Jam.
The move gives customers a new alternative to the familiar Costa Express machines found across thousands of the retailer’s stores.
Shoppers using the trial machines can choose from an Americano, flat white, latte, cappuccino, espresso or mocha.
Hot chocolate and breakfast tea are also available for customers who do not fancy coffee.
Tesco is understood to be preparing to add flavoured syrups to selected drinks, too.
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The machines use the same Tesco Finest beans served in the supermarket’s cafés and coffee shops.
The medium-roast blend is roasted in the UK and is described as having a balance of chocolate and nutty flavours.
It is also Rainforest Alliance certified.
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Retail expert Bryan Roberts shared the news on LinkedIn, describing the equipment as “really impressive”.
He said: “Makes a change from the usual suspects in c-store coffee solutions, offers Tesco a bit of differentiation, possibly opens a new growth opportunity for Finest – already a £3bn brand – and, importantly, the double espresso was jolly nice.”
The trial does not mean Tesco has abandoned its longstanding partnership with Costa Coffee.
Costa Express machines continue to provide hot drinks at more than 2,800 Tesco locations, including larger supermarkets, Express stores and petrol stations.
Self-served Costa drinks can also be included in the supermarket’s ‘meal deal’ at participating stores.
Tesco expanded that choice in July by adding 16 iced Costa beverages during the summer heatwave.
The retailer has not yet revealed how long the Finest trial will run or whether the machines could be introduced at more stores.
For now, customers will need to visit the Brixton or Moorgate Express branches to try one.
Whats The Jam has reached out to Tesco for comment.
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