LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Beverages are the top traffic driver at convenience stores, surpassing even snacks and fuel, according to a new industry report released by Westrock Coffee Company, North America’s largest private label coffee and tea provider.
Featured in the Q2 edition of The Blend, Westrock Coffee’s quarterly trend report, the study draws on proprietary research to shed light on consumer motivations and purchase patterns at convenience stores. More than 80% of c-store visitors go in specifically to buy a drink, and over half of them already know precisely what they want before entering.
“Coffee, tea and other beverages play a crucial role in driving traffic to convenience stores and prompting purchase of food and other goods, so it's important to stay ahead of trends in this category,” said Melissa Mackay, senior vice president of marketing and insight at Westrock Coffee. “Analyzing trends and understanding purchase motivations helps us continue to deliver our customer exactly what consumers want – even before they step inside the store.”
Key insights from The Blend report include:
- Beverage-first motivation: Drinks are the primary reason consumers visit c-stores, with coffee and tea at the center of this trend.
- Habit-driven purchases: Many shoppers follow a routine, picking the same beverage daily, although cravings and flavor availability can influence last-minute changes.
- Customization demand: Made-to-order, premium drink options are growing in importance as consumers seek quality and personalization, offering an edge for c-stores to compete with QSR chains.
- Flavor and freshness: A diverse menu and attention to freshness are linked to higher sales and customer loyalty.
Mackay emphasized the opportunity for retailers to differentiate through premiumization. “It’s not just about bringing shoppers in—it’s about giving them a reason to come back,” she said.
The full Blend Q2 2025 report is available for free download at insights.westrockcoffee.com/the-blend-q2-2025.
