# Own-Brand Grocer Coffee Systems The Tesco Finest Coffee Machine is Being Tested at Two Locations By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2026-08-18 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tesco-finest-coffee-machine References: [grocerygazette](https://www.grocerygazette.co.uk/2026/08/18/tesco-trials-finest-coffee-to-go-machines-in-express-stores/)  The Tesco Finest Coffee Machine is a new [self-service cafe experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/automated-kiosks) from the retailer that's being test marketed to gauge interest amongst customers. The coffee machine pilot is taking place at two Tesco Express locations and puts the [Tesco Finest coffee beans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lor-coffee-beans) in focus to prioritize the private label product. The beans are Rainforest Alliance certified and roasted in the UK to a medium-roast level for a well-rounded flavor that's chocolate and nut-forward. The beans are used as the base for popular drinks including Americano, Espresso, Flat White, Cappuccino, Latte and Mocha. The system will also offer access to Hot Chocolate and Breakfast Tea. The Tesco Finest Coffee Machine pilot project takes the brand's coffee offerings in-house and could be part of its initiative to explore options beyond its [existing Costa Express partnership](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ms-coffee-shop). Image Credit: Bryan Roberts, IGD (Institute of Grocery Distribution) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 9.2/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 91% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Private-label Cafe Systems:** Retailers are turning owned foodservice formats into premium touchpoints where private-label products gain visibility, margin control, and stronger everyday brand relevance. - **In-store Beverage Automation:** Self-service drink machines are reshaping convenience retail by combining speed, consistency, and low-labor operations with expanded hot beverage choices. - **Certified Everyday Premiumization:** Sustainability-certified ingredients and upgraded flavor profiles are making routine purchases feel more premium while supporting differentiated store-brand positioning. ### Where This Applies - **Grocery Retail:** Supermarkets are blending retail shelves with cafe-style services, creating new ways to monetize foot traffic and compete with specialist beverage chains. - **Coffee and Tea:** Branded and private-label coffee providers face fresh competition as retailers use in-house systems to control sourcing, preparation, and customer experience. - **Foodservice Technology:** Automated beverage platforms are becoming strategic infrastructure for retailers seeking scalable hospitality offerings without traditional cafe staffing models. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cafe-Quality Bean-to-Cup Espresso Makers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/philips-caf-aromis-8000-series.md) - [Next-Gen Automated Espresso Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-terra-kaffe-tk02.md) - [Inaugural Branded Coffee Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/costa-coffee-podio-x1.md) - [Autonomous Robot Baristas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elite-robots.md) - [Convenient Connected Coffee Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coffee-machine-range.md) - [Adaptable Concentrated Espresso Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kenco-espresso-concentrate.md) - [Eco-Conscious Instant Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/craft-instant-coffee.md) - [Ready-to-Mix Espresso Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nescaf-espresso-concentrated.md) - [Professional Foodservice Coffee Beans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nescaf-barista.md)