Pret a Manger is taking its Express self-serve coffee machines off the market.
The decision to remove its branded machines from the coffee-to-go sector will come into effect from February next year.
Pret Express was launched as a trial in 2021, targeting convenience stores, forecourts, universities, healthcare facilities and workplaces as a way of offering the same organic coffees and teas customers can access in Pret shops.
It is understood 110 machines were eventually rolled out across the UK, developed in partnership with JDE Peet’s, which provided the self-service technology.
They serve a wide range of slow roasted, organic speciality coffees as well as teas, which Pret claimed was ”a first in the self-serve coffee-to-go sector”.
The decision to exit the market was confirmed by Expresso Plus, the distributor of Pret Express, in a message to retailers seen by The Grocer.
The communications revealed that Expresso Plus had come to an agreement with premium coffee brand L’OR to replace the Pret Express network and ease the transition process for retailers.
Expresso Plus said there wouldn’t be an upfront investment required and would be offered with a “competitive commercial arrangement”.
A Pret spokeswoman said: “We have taken the decision to end our Pret Express trial so that we can focus investment on continuing to grow our UK shop estate. We’re working closely with JDE Peet’s to ensure a smooth transition and are grateful for their partnership over the past four years.”
Pret is growing its UK shop estate, having reached the milestone of 500 shops over the summer. It has recently opened shops in Edinburgh, Redditch, Seaham, St Albans and Leamington Spa.
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