Latte Art Combines with Fairtrade

Despite its long traditions in drinking both tea and its world-famous black beer, the Republic of Ireland also supports a large and fast-growing coffee culture, especially in cosmopolitan cities like Dublin and Cork. International players like Starbucks, Gloria Jean’s and BB’s are now active in the market but local brand Insomnia is also a player with 42 units, up from 28 in 2007, plus a brand presence in 84 Spar convenience stores (including barista units and also self-serve kiosks featuring Insomnia bean-to-cup machines). Distinctive Insomnia touches include ‘Latte Art’, where staff are trained to make special designs in the milk foam, and the decision only to use Fairtrade coffees, which Insomnia claims to have pioneered in Ireland. The chain also freshly produces 25 different varieties of sandwiches using 11 different breads and fresh baked bagels and pastries. In February this year, Insomnia was taken over by the Icelandic conglomerate Penninn who paid €12 m and assumed debts of €4 m. The acquisition has raised speculation of exporting the Insomnia brand to Scandinavia and Iceland. Penninn, which also has interests in office furniture, coffee distribution and book stores, has a turnover of about €200 m.
 
www.insomnia.ie
 

 
| 13 November 2008 |