The distribution deal across Selecta Group’s 16 European markets will significantly grow the reach of Change Please’s homelessness support initiative
Selecta Group’s coffee and vending business currently comprises 365,000 machines | Photo credit: Selecta Group
Selecta Group will offer a new Change Please coffee range for its foodservice and vending clients across 16 European markets following a new partnership with the UK social enterprise.
Founded in 2015, Change Please uses 100% of its profits to teach barista skills to people experiencing homelessness. The social enterprise currently operates 12 UK outlets and has partnerships with coffee shops, supermarkets and restaurants across the UK, France and the US.
Change Please joins coffee brands Starbucks We Proudly Serve, Nescafé, ZOÉGAS, Lavazza and Pelican Rouge in Selecta Group’s portfolio.
In a press release, Swiss automated coffee and food vending operator Selecta Group said the collaboration will ‘revolutionise the landscape of coffee roasting and self-service distribution’ in Europe by scaling the social impact and reach of Change Please.
“Together, we're not just serving coffee, we’re creating a positive impact in our communities. Our partnership with Change Please means that Selecta consumers all over Europe can enjoy a cup of coffee that truly changes lives,” said Christian Schmitz, CEO, Selecta Group.
Coffee solutions provider and roaster Pelican Rouge Coffee Roasters, which Selecta Group acquired in March 2017, will create the Change Please blends for distribution. Selecta Group’s coffee and vending business currently comprises 365,000 machines, primarily located at transport hubs and workplaces, as well as educational and public buildings.
Cham-based Selecta Group and Change Please will also work together to develop recruitment channels and support Change Please programme participants in finding long-term employment within Selecta.
“By partnering with Selecta, we leverage their distribution network across Europe to extend the reach and impact of Change Please, offering more individuals the opportunity to rebuild their lives through the power of coffee,” added Cemal Ezel, CEO, Change Please.
The automated coffee and food vending operator was tracking 4% above 2022 sales levels for the first nine months of 2023, with revenues reaching €908.8m ($972m). Selecta Group is expected to announce its fourth quarter and full-year results in March 2024.