The Key to Coffee Consulting
Everywhere we look, we see the word consulting. Whether you are in finance, the motor industry or simply the coffee industry, consulting will be part of it. Consulting forms part of the backbone of many industries and sets out to assist and guide new and old business owners on the importance of specific areas, needs or topics within the business.
Consulting in the coffee industry aims to do exactly the same as consulting in various industries. The coffee consulting industry is starting to boom as many professionals in the industry set out to assist fellow coffee lovers and brand-new cafe owners.
Coffee consultants want the daily coffee consumer to enjoy a high-quality beverage, ensuring that cafe owners set themselves apart from the competitors within the global market.
Standing out within the global coffee market will be key, as the market is projected to reach a growth from 102.02 billion dollars up to 166.39 billion dollars by the year 2029.
What is Coffee Consulting?
Coffee consulting is a professional service offered to cafes, business owners or individuals within the coffee industry to assist and improve their operations, product quality, business and performance.
A coffee consultation includes a wide range of services. It can be as simple as menu development and equipment selection, or as complex as workflow optimization, improving quality and on-demand staff training. A coffee consultant will use their expertise to provide specialized advice and solutions to every challenge and problem within the coffee business.
There can be a partnership between the coffee consultant and the cafe owner. This will mean that the two work closely together to ensure that all the goals and objectives are met. This can be true for either a new coffee shop business looking for a strong foundation or an established coffee business looking to improve or refine their offering, coffee or systems.
Why is coffee consulting needed?
The coffee industry is a very competitive industry and staying ahead of the competition requires constant education, improvement and innovation. Coffee consultation can be essential for the following reasons.
Expert Knowledge
Not everyone who runs a coffee shop is an expert on the ins and outs of coffee. Coffee consultants on the other hand have a wealth of knowledge, experience and insight into all aspects of running a coffee shop business. These professionals stay up to date with the latest trends, technology and techniques of coffee. These coffee industry experts will provide coffee shop owners with the exact answers they need for their current and future coffee needs.
Coffee quality improvement
With every coffee shop business lies the gold that will ensure a successful business. This is the coffee beans themselves. High coffee quality will ensure that customers stay satisfied and loyal to the brand. Coffee consultants will ensure constant coffee quality improvement. These coffee professional experts will identify areas where quality can be improved which can start with coffee beans sourcing, equipment and barista training and staff management.
Operational Efficiency
Many coffee businesses struggle with operations, workflow and cafe layout. These are key areas in every coffee shop which will ensure efficiency. Consultants will be able to provide cafe owners with a great coffee bar workflow, cafe layout and operations manual that will ensure that the entire coffee business is run effectively and efficiently which will reduce wastage cost and enhance the revenue of the coffee shop business.
Staff training
Staff will be the backbone of your business. These are the individuals who deal with all your customers, produce great quality coffee and must work with the equipment on a daily basis. Well-trained staff will deliver an excellent customer experience, leaving customers with the desire to come back again. Coffee consultants will spend time with your staff, educating, training and teaching them the best-suited methods for dealing with customers, the coffee they use and how to obtain the best out of the coffee equipment they have on the bar.
Business growth
Businesses must look at constant growth and expansion. Coffee consultants will provide great strategies to ensure that the business does not get stuck. These strategies can include operations, marketing and building a strong brand.
Barista Training and coffee consulting
There are a variety of consulting services within the coffee industry. Business owners should not solely assume that a consultant would provide training. Some consultants do, while others only focus on their specialty such as operations and equipment.
A well-trained barista, however, is the cornerstone of any successful coffee shop, as they are responsible for crafting the beverages that define the customer experience. Some coffee consultants often offer specialized barista training programs that cover a wide range of skills, from basic brewing techniques to advanced latte art.
A coffee consultant’s training is designed to improve the consistency and quality of coffee served to customers. In addition to technical skills, barista training often includes customer service training, helping staff interact effectively with customers and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
By integrating barista training into their consulting services, coffee consultants can provide a comprehensive approach to improving a coffee shop’s overall performance. This holistic approach ensures that both the product and the service are of the highest quality, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Does barista training and coffee consultation deliver the same results?
While even the best coffee consulting services in South Africa provide some form of training, this cannot replace proper coffee training courses. These two services do not produce the same results.
Barista training focuses on developing the staff within the cafe or coffee business. The coffee trainer will focus on workflow, how to use the equipment and how to ensure that the coffee is consistent. The barista training will be hands-on training in the form of workshops, certified coffee courses and multiple other forms of training.
On the other hand, coffee consulting takes a broader approach, addressing various aspects of the coffee business beyond just barista skills. This can include business strategy, marketing, operations, and customer experience. While barista training is often a component of coffee consulting, the latter encompasses a wider range of services aimed at improving the overall business.
For businesses that only want to invest in their staff and upgrade the knowledge of the barista behind the bar, business owners can search for a barista course near them to find a great trainer for them.
For businesses targeting complete improvement in their entire business, not solely on barista training, but a holistic approach to improving the business in multiple aspects such as operations, finances and even more, a coffee consultation is definitely the way to go.
By understanding the unique needs and goals of a business, coffee consultants can tailor their services to deliver the best possible outcomes. Whether it’s through focused barista training or a broader customer engagement, the goal is always to enhance the quality and success of the coffee business.
What to look for in your barista trainer and coffee consultant
Not all barista trainers and coffee consultants are equipped with the necessary skills to provide the service that the business owner needs. Coffee industry experts sometimes over-stipulate the courses and knowledge they share.
We have come across many coffee consultants that have been in the coffee industry for over 10 years, yet struggle to provide a service that takes cafes or other coffee businesses ahead. Experience does not solely mean knowledge.
If your business is looking at a barista training program, the ideal would be to find a barista trainer who can provide accredited training. These individuals will provide a deep understanding of coffee due to the demand. This does not mean that a trainer with no accreditation can not be great.
Focus on the results that you as an owner or manager want. Find a business, or consultant that produced that before.
To wrap up
Coffee consulting and barista training can be of great benefit to any coffee business. These coffee professional experts will provide you with deep insight information about the coffee industry, equipment and daily operations that will ensure a growing opportunity for any business. Make use of other expert knowledge, as they will prevent you from making simple or easily avoidable mistakes.