Coffee pods are more readily associated with convenience than they are luxury, but Difference Coffee Co. is aiming to change that conception one cup at a time. Though the coffee comes exclusively in pods, Difference Coffee's various blends have a world-class flavor profiles that make them suitable for some impressively lux locales.
Among the places that serve Difference Coffee are the Palace Hotel in Gstaad, Switzerland, and the Hinds Head restaurant in Berkshire, England, which is run by renowned chef Heston Blumenthal. Though the coffee pods are available for purchase to the general public, Difference Coffee Co. places a relatively stringent limit on the maximum purchase amount, preserving the cache of the brand.
There are several different blends of the pods available, including Wild Kopi Luwak (often called the world's most expensive coffee) and Jamaica Blue Mountain (sourced from the same beans famously preferred by James Bond in Ian Fleming's novels.)
Luxurious Coffee Pods
Difference Coffee Co. is Sold Exclusively at Luxury Hotels and Resorts
Trend Themes
1. Luxury Coffee Pods - As consumers continue to seek out premium food and beverage products, there is an opportunity for coffee companies to creatively package and promote their products as more upscale and luxurious.
2. Exclusivity as a Branding Strategy - Difference Coffee Co.'s strategy of limiting purchase amounts and exclusively selling their product to high-end hotels and restaurants demonstrates the potential for other companies to adopt a similar approach to increase the perceived value of their offerings.
3. Elevating Convenience Products - By offering coffee in convenient, pre-packaged pods with a premium taste profile, Difference Coffee Co. is tapping into the growing trend of consumers seeking high-quality products that are still convenient and easy to use.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - Luxury hotels and restaurants can differentiate themselves from their competitors by offering high-end, exclusive coffee products like Difference Coffee Co's pods.
2. Food and Beverage - Innovative coffee companies like Difference Coffee Co. can disrupt the coffee industry by offering premium, convenient products that appeal to consumers' desire for quality and convenience.
3. Consumer Goods - As consumers' taste for luxury and premium products continues to grow, there is an opportunity for other companies to follow in Difference Coffee Co.'s footsteps and offer high-end, exclusive versions of everyday convenience products.