Costa Coffee

Costa Coffee and Link join forces to improve supply chain efficiencies through the application of market-leading technology

The challenge

Costa Coffee’s incumbent consumables supply chain was complex and lacked transparency. Facing compliance and brand issues, coupled with inefficient logistics operations and stock management processes, the leading coffee shop retailer recognised the opportunity for improvement though the optimisation of this value chain.

Costa Coffee chose Link to streamline and strengthen its consumables and merchandise range, with a long-term strategic approach focused on driving sustainable success. Working as an extension of Costa’s own procurement team Link focused on driving efficiency and improving effectiveness, coupled with the implementation of robust supply chain governance to drive significant, sustainable cost savings.

The partnership is the next step in Costa Coffee’s ongoing mission to optimise and escalate its supply chain efficiency across 4000+ outlets worldwide.

The results

Link provided the expertise, industry knowledge and supply chain management skills to help Costa evaluate and manage its existing merchandise and consumables vendor base, spanning a vast range of products from branded uniform to food packaging, glassware & reusable cups.

Link’s systemic approach and smart technology tools build a comprehensive picture of Costa’s existing supply base and identify opportunities for improvement. Our unrivalled expertise in compliance, QA and QC is also central to our service, which sees ASL engaging with Costa affiliates, distributors, licensees and bottlers across a complex global value chain.

A cornerstone of the new service is Link’s market-leading technology, which helps improve efficiency and speed to market, further boosting Costa Coffee’s supply chain performance spanning a vast range of products from branded uniform to food packaging, glassware & reusable cups.

Costa also continues to work with Link’s creative team in the development of new merchandise, including reusable cups and home coffee experiences.

“Our fully integrated managed service delivers control, governance, cost efficiencies and brand guardianship across all product categories.”

Juliet Powell - Transformation Director, Link