Glasgow University serves First Choice Coffee
As one of the world's top universities, the University of Glasgow takes great pride in its Hospitality Services, catering for 18,000 students and more than 5,000 staff as well as extensive conference business. Coffee plays an increasingly important part of daily business since demand for speciality coffees was met with the installation of First Choice Coffee's Black & White bean to cup equipment in 2006.
But, great coffee is not just about the freshly-prepared cappuccino or latte that you buy in a cafe - it's important to continue that quality across to hospitality and conferencing. Bulk brew filter coffee is in constant demand in the Wolfson Medical School Building, where up to 300 people can be catered for in the stunning Atrium. The glass-roofed heart of the building is one of the University's most popular conference venues.
"Thanks to the coffee-shop boom, consumers have come to expect the highest quality coffee and this can't be compromised when catering for large groups of people. We use Grand Café Fairtrade coffee, which is sourced from the highest plantations, where the beans are sun-dried and traditionally slow-roasted to exact specification. The fact that it is Fairtrade really appeals to our students and staff; they are becoming increasingly aware of ethical sourcing and sustainability," said Aileen McInnes, director of Hospitality Services.
The Bunn Bulk Brew equipment, supplied by First Choice Coffee allows the hospitality team to provide coffee that is of a consistent quality and remains hot.
"The equipment uses revolutionary technology which allows us to brew coffee directly into a Thermal-flask, for instant transportation into the Atrium, to ensure quality and freshness," continued McInnes.
"Coffee is undoubtedly central to any catering operation but particularly so with a university where students use coffee breaks to study, to keep them stimulated during lectures and also to have a well-deserved break. In terms of our outlets, the vast majority of our customers buy coffee for 'on the go' consumption and we've created our own unique cups and take-out bags to meet this requirement," concluded McInnes.
Copy supplied by First Choice Coffee