Waitrose’s popular free coffee offer, which was dropped during the pandemic, is making a comeback after two years.
From 7 November, all MyWaitrose loyalty members will be able to redeem one free hot drink – including different coffees as well as tea – every day after making a purchase at one of its 331 core stores.
No minimum spend is required, and customers will be asked to use their own cups to reduce waste.
The move is part of a larger partnership between Waitrose and Caffè Nero, and all coffees will be made using beans from the Nero Roasting Company, a subsidiary of the coffee chain.
“Our customers loved the MyWaitrose free coffee offer, so we’re really excited to bring it back, with premium beans from the Nero Roasting Company,” said Waitrose commercial director Charlotte Di Cello.
“The partnership is an ideal fit, helping customers enjoy quality coffee both in store or at home – with even more benefits in the pipeline.”
Originally launched in 2013, the hot drink offer was seen as one of the key pillars of the MyWaitrose scheme.
When the retailer refused to bring it back earlier this year as part of the revamping of its loyalty programme, many users took to social media and its customer services lines to complain about the lack of benefits the new MyWaitrose offered.
Waitrose has recently been doubling down on efforts to keep its largely middle- and upper-class customer base from flocking to the cheaper rivals amid the cost of living crisis – including launching a new £12 dine in meal deal, as well as a new range collaboration with Deliciously Ella.
Read more: Waitrose needs to be brave and bold to stave off sales and profits decline
In addition to the hot drink offer, Waitrose will also begin stocking a selection of Caffè Nero’s ‘coffee at home’ retail products – including capsules, ground coffee and whole bean coffee – with exclusive discounts for its loyalty programme members.
Between 7 and 30 November, MyWaitrose members will get 20% off Caffè Nero’s coffee at home products in store and online.
Further benefits for customers, which will be redeemable both at Caffè Nero and Waitrose stores, would be announced, the supermarket said – including benefits for Caffè Nero App users.
“We are really pleased to be partnering with Waitrose,” said Caffè Nero UK CEO Will Stratton-Morris. “Both brands are built on offering high-quality premium products to customers with great service.
“It feels like a natural collaboration, and we’re delighted to be able to bring our roasting and blending technical expertise of the Nero Roasting Company to Waitrose as well as offer Caffè Nero’s “coffee at home” retail products to Waitrose customers.
“There are huge possibilities with this partnership and it’s exciting to see where it can go.”
The offer will not include Shell Garages or Welcome Break branches. Non-MyWaitrose members will also be able to purchase the hot drinks with tea starting from £2.25 and coffees from £2.35.
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