Dive Brief:
- Casey’s General Stores has overhauled its coffee program with the launch of its new Darn Good Coffee lineup, the company announced on Wednesday.
- Darn Good Coffee includes eight new flavors, including Casey’s house blend, 100% Columbian, French roast, “Rooster’s Call” high-caffeine roast, salted caramel toffee, light roast, decaf and the limited-time toasted pecan blend.
- Casey’s is one of several major c-store chains that has upgraded its coffee program in recent years as consumers increasingly demand more premium offerings.
Dive Insight:
Drip coffee has long been a staple in convenience stores, but consumers are increasingly seeking more high-end options. According to a 2024 study from the National Coffee Association, 45% of American adults surveyed had specialty coffee in the past day, up 80% since 2011. The NCA defines specialty coffee as any espresso-based or traditional coffee that’s brewed from premium coffee beans or grounds.
Casey’s Darn Good Coffee fits that bill, as the company is highlighting the high quality, fresh ground beans and personalized appeal of its new blends.
“Casey’s Darn Good Coffee isn’t your typical gas station coffee. With a variety of roasts and caffeine levels, we have a quality brew for every coffee drinker,” said Tom Brennan, chief merchandising officer at Casey’s, in the announcement.
Each new blend can be customized with various creamers, sweeteners and condiments to create more artisanal drinks — some of which Casey’s has already coined. For example, mixing the new French roast with French vanilla and hazelnut flavorings creates what Casey’s calls the Winter Delight, while combining the Rooster’s Call blend with hazelnut, caramel macchiato and French vanilla creamers results in the Trailer Hitch Coffee.
Casey’s is offering its loyalty members a free coffee cup of any size per transaction through Jan. 28.
