3 Big Numbers is a weekly column that looks at a few key details from around the c-store industry.
Beverages are an important category for c-stores, and retailers have been enhancing their drink offerings with updated coffee programs, refreshers in a riot of flavors and custom dirty soda recipes in an effort to stand out.
A recent convenience retail trends report from consumer experience solutions company Intouch Insight outlined shoppers’ thoughts on c-store beverages, among other industry topics.
“Beverages are expected to become a destination in 2026, with innovation in a variety of categories,” the report said.
In this week’s “3 Big Numbers” we examine what the report had to say about the evolution of c-store beverage expectations.
72%
The percentage of respondents who said they had visited a c-store with a bean-to-cup coffee machine.
Bean-to-cup machines are an easy way for c-stores to up their coffee game, with the beans grinding right before brewing so the coffee is fresher. However, they are no longer much of a differentiator.
The report found that 72% of respondents had been to a c-store that had bean-to-cup machines. That was far above the number of guests who encountered flavor shot stations and cold foam or sweet cream toppings, both of which were closer to 50%.
While bean-to-cup machines aren’t yet table stakes for the c-store industry, the report showed that retailers will need to go further than just installing these stations to create a standout beverage program.
56%
The percentage of respondents who said they visited a convenience store primarily to buy a beverage more than once in the past 30 days.
Some retailers are building a unique drink offering, and consumers are taking note.
The report found that 56% of the respondents visited a convenience store more than once in the previous 30 days primarily to grab a drink, without buying snacks or fuel.
Over a quarter of the people surveyed said they made such a trip two or three times over the course of a month. Eight percent said they made six to 10 treks for a c-store drink, and 7% surpassed 10 visits, or an average of at least one every three days.
These figures highlight just how many customers view c-stores as beverage destinations.
12%
The number of respondents who said the ability to customize drinks is "extremely important."
It’s no secret, but it bears repeating — from dirty soda to the perfect cup of coffee, people want the ability to make a drink their own.
This means customization is king.
Intouch Insight found that 59% of respondents said customization of c-store beverages was at least somewhat important, with 12% calling it extremely important.
“For today’s consumer, the ability to tailor a drink isn’t just a perk; it’s the primary draw,” the report noted.
