SECOND CUP COFFEE CO. AND OATMILK MAKE IT OFFICIAL
The Canadian specialty coffee retailer was the first national chain to introduce the popular, planet-friendly, non-dairy beverage to its menu in May - and have now made it a permanent offering
Monday, August 24, 2020 [Toronto, ON] – Oatmilk is one of the fastest growing non-dairy beverages in Canada, and Second Cup has taken note. The Canadian specialty coffee retailer introduced oatmilk to its menu this spring, and based on overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests, has now permanently added the Barista Series Oat Plant-Based Beverage to its line-up – making Second Cup the first national coffee chain to do so in this country.
Demand for oatmilk has surged in recent years, thanks in large part to its sustainable footprint and superior taste - in fact, according to Bloomberg Business, retail sales of oat-based beverages in the U.S. soared from $4.4 million in 2017 to $29 million in 2019, surpassing almond as the fastest-growing non-dairy alternative. Oatmilk is made using 80% less land and 20 times less water than traditional dairy milk and - most importantly for coffee lovers - its creamy taste and smooth texture make it a perfect pairing with coffee.
“We heard our guests and our baristas, and they’re loving the addition of oatmilk in our cafés. As an oat beverage enthusiast myself, there is simply no better plant-based option for a premium coffee experience,” said Mangala D’Sa, Vice President of Marketing and Category, Second Cup. “Oatmilk’s subtle flavour complements espresso and pairs well with all coffee, giving our guests the opportunity to enjoy the same world-class beverage they’ve come to expect from Second Cup, but dairy-free.”
Second Cup offers oatmilk broadly across the menu, with highlights including the Oatmilk Flat White and Oatmilk Mocca Flash Cold Brew. The dairy alternative, which played a key role in the spring menu, will continue to be a highlight for fall, with the introduction of an Oatmilk Pumpkin Spice Latte. A longstanding ask from guests, Second Cup is proud to offer the vegan alternative to the highly popular fall drink, launching in cafés on September 8.
Second Cup uses oatmilk from Pacific Foods in their cafés which, in addition to being vegan and free from soy, nut, dairy and carrageenan, uses no genetically engineered ingredients.
The introduction of oatmilk at Second Cup followed the 2018 launch of Clean Label beverages, which saw the coffee chain make a commitment to eliminate artificial colours or flavours and high fructose corn syrup from all beverages on the menu. Currently, 85% of the beverage menu has achieved the “Clean Label” standard, including non-flavoured brewed coffee, Lattes, Cappuccinos and Smoothies, as well as signature products, like Hot Chocolate, the Vanilla Bean Latte and Moccaccino.
