Why Coffee Bars Will Be Popping Up In Some Sprouts Farmers Markets

After a 2021 refocusing on brand pillars like affordable pricing and a larger selection of organic foods to differentiate itself from its supermarket brethren, per Supermarket News, 2022 has proven to be a very good year for Sprouts Farmers Markets. The natural and organic company has posted strong growth in digital sales, notes Nasdaq, with purchases through its website and mobile app now accounting for more than 11% of overall sales.

Sprouts Farmers Market has continued to team up with Instacart on delivery service — a partnership that dates back to January 2018, CNBC reports — and also has big plans when it comes to expansion. Despite its current nationwide inventory of over 370 supermarkets, according to its website, Sprouts expects to have more than 400 by the end of 2023. Nasdaq confirms that the company projected 15 to 17 new openings this year, and is targeting 30 or more new supermarkets in 2023.

In concert with this push for more stores, Sprouts is also making moves to improve its in-store experience; Notably, with a recently announced coffee bar in one store location.

According to a press release, Sprouts Farmers Market is teaming up with Press Coffee to introduce an in-store coffee bar in one of its Phoenix-based supermarkets. The pilot Press Cofffee location will offer a full array of coffee and tea drinks, including cold brew and drip coffees. Press' coffee beans will also be sold, both in-store and via subscription.

The move makes sense given that Sprouts Farmers Market and Press Coffee are both headquartered in Arizona. Grocery Dive points out that if the trial run is successful, it could spawn additional locations in other Sprouts supermarkets. "Both companies believe this pilot will be well received and are looking forward to forging a partnership which could produce more locations," a Sprouts spokesperson noted to the outlet.

The coffee bar concept is one of several ways Sprouts is attempting to upgrade its in-store experience, from "Sushi Wednesday" promotions to a $5 sandwich from its deli that caused a Tik Tok sensation earlier this year. Per Grocery Dive, the latter is part of a concerted effort by the chain to provide more restaurant-style food options.