Aberdeen coffee business is putting its prices down, rather than up

An Aberdeen coffee supplier has slashed its prices at a time most other businesses are putting them up.

Caber Coffee managing director Findlay Leask said the move would hardly make a difference to whether customers stay afloat amid the cost-of-living and cost-of-doing business crises.

But every little bit helps as firms of all kinds grapple with increased costs, he added.

We are doing what we believe to be the right, morally correct thing to do.”

Findlay Leask, Caber Coffee

Caber is able to cut prices because of savvy deals, as well as falling prices in its wholesale markets, he said.

As an example, the cost of a case of 1,000 shots of espresso is down by up to £10.

Hot chocolate is more than £8.50 cheaper per tub. Flavourings are also down in price.

Caber has broadened its range to offer cheaper products as part of its move to pass on its own cost savings.

From coffee beans to disposable items, and syrups to sugars, the company is offering cheaper alternatives.

Mr Leask said: “These relatively small savings for our customers are not going to save their business, if they are struggling.

Caber suffered Covid sales slide

“But we are doing what we believe to be the right, morally correct thing to do.

“I want to be able to be able to sleep at night.”

It is hoped the initiative will help bolster some of Caber’s catering and hospitality industry customers amid an ongoing battle to navigate rising costs on many fronts.

The move was sparked by Caber’s own Covid-19-related pandemic challenges.

Overnight, the business saw sales drop to 5% of normal and it fell through the cracks of government support.

Mr Leask explained: “As well as our own experiences during the pandemic, we’ve heard of so many customers either struggling or going out of business that we felt it was incumbent upon us to look at how we could do our bit to help.

“We must do everything we can to prop each other up across the sector.

“It is only right that any savings we can achieve should be passed on.”

‘Two-way relationship’

He added: “It may be a cliché to say that our customers are our business.

“But it is true that we depend on their viability, and this additional facet to that two-way relationship is something we feel is important to add during these testing times.”

Caber is a supplier of ground coffee, beans, teas and vending ingredients, as well as coffee machines, espresso makers and hot beverage equipment.

The family-run business, based on Holburn Street, was launched in 1988.

It now employs 10 people and works with clients in sectors including contract catering and hospitality.