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Skin in the coffee game

Sarah Stowe

Under the Retail Food Group (RFG) umbrella, Gloria Jean’s Coffees marks its 20th anniversary this year. Inside Franchise Business: beating the bloggers - how RFG is keeping up with coffee.

Innovation is at the heart of the business, says chief franchise officer Mike Gilbert.

“Our new drive-through concept has let us reach a whole new demographic of customers by responding to their busy lifestyles and need for convenience.”

But, he says, with coffee bloggers and Instagrammers starting to shape trends and consumer expectations, coffee franchises need to stay relevant.

“Social media plays a significant role in influencing and raising the profile of trends, especially in the competitive coffee retail industry.

“Gloria Jean’s Coffees employs a dedicated and experienced drinks innovation team responsible for researching trends and flavour profiles, both domestically and internationally. Before rolling out any new product or flavour profile, research is conducted to ensure it will meet the needs and wants of guests while also introducing innovation and excitement into the market.

“After a product launch, full training is provided to ensure consistency and quality across the entire network.”

The franchise system also allows franchisees to access buying power. “Being a part of RFG gives franchise partners within the Gloria Jean’s Coffees network access to strong supply scale and leverage,” says Gilbert.

Franchisees have access to Roasting Australia, another RFG subsidiary, which roasts and distributes Gloria Jean’s exclusive blends. This gives franchise partners confidence and control over their core product offering, coffee.