Wake up and smell the coffee – our members reveal hot drink trends for 2017

With National Coffee Week taking place in April, our members revealed coffee still reigns supreme as the professional meeting hot beverage of choice.

Serving over 135,000 cups every week – equating to 33,750 litres and enough to fill over 125 bath tubs – our 36 members unveiled coffee outstrips demand for tea as only 73,800 cups were served in the same period.

Although coffee still triumphs, members did note an increase in requests for speciality teas such as peppermint and green tea as well as the fruity blends.

Clare Arouche, WVC chair said: “It is always interesting to hear from our members about what’s happening and the trends they have noted within our industry. Despite the fast-paced movement of technological advancements in our sector, this survey highlights the more traditional elements like hot drinks remain a key staple element.”

She added: “’We believe the rise in offering speciality teas is reflective of the trend for venues to offer a wider variety of choice to event planners and attendees. This is very much a response to the move towards more health-conscious meeting and event catering, which is growing in popularity within the industry as organisers want to ensure delegates remain dynamic and focused.”

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RIBA Venues to host launch of new low sugar Prosecco Thomson & Scott Skinny Prosecco

RIBA Venues, the conference and events arm of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), based at 66 Portland Place in London, today announces it has won the contract to host the launch of new low-calorie Prosecco brand, Thomson & Scott Skinny.

Thomson & Scott Founder, Amanda Thomson has single-handedly created a portfolio of sparkling wine for people who like to enjoy Champagne and Prosecco but with the benefit of no or low added sugar. Thomson & Scott Skinny Prosecco will be showcased at a special event at RIBA Venues on 19th April to mark its UK launch. The Thomson & Scott Skinny range will also be added to RIBA Venues’ preferred supplier list and wine list, the first meeting and events venue to do so.

RIBA Venues’ Head of Venues, Stephanie Ellrott, says: “I was really excited when I met Amanda with her skinny drinks concept, which is a great idea and would suit a number of the events we host here at RIBA Venues.

“We look forward to welcoming Amanda and her team for the launch tasting and building a lasting partnership as the first venue to offer this product to the events industry.”

Amanda Thomson says: “RIBA Venues is exactly the kind of smart, innovative and stylish partner with whom I’m looking to collaborate.  I couldn’t think of a more beautiful venue to host what I believe is an elegant, new approach to drinking Champagne and sparkling wine.”