FAMIMA CAFÉ Celebrates New Coffee Machines and Special Day on November 26
In a momentous stride towards enhancing the coffee experience, Famima Mart has begun the transition to new coffee machines across its stores. The initiative is part of the company's commitment to what they call "your pleasant experience," as this year marks the 12th anniversary of FAMIMA CAFÉ. The upgrades, which are set to be completed by June 2025, have already seen successful installations in approximately 7,500 stores as of November 25.
To commemorate this exciting evolution, November 26 has been declared "FAMIMA CAFÉ Day," a designation recognized by the Japan Memorial Day Association. This day celebrates the inception of the FAMIMA CAFÉ brand, which has continually refined its offerings to ensure a delicious coffee experience that customers can enjoy daily.
New Machine Features and Consumer Insights
The newly introduced coffee machine boasts innovative features, including Japan's first "grind adjustment grinder" in the convenience store sector. This allows for optimal grind settings based on the specific coffee menu, ensuring each cup is tailored. For instance, when making a milky latte, customers can now select their preferred milk quantity, further personalizing their drink.
A survey analyzing purchasing data revealed intriguing preferences among coffee drinkers. Approximately 52% prefer their blend coffee regular, while 36% lean towards stronger options. Notably, as the sizes increase, so does the preference for a bolder taste—31% of those choosing a small blend prefer it strong, compared to 53% for those opting for large blends, indicating a clear trend among coffee enthusiasts.
Regional preferences for coffee strength were also uncovered; for instance,
Niigata,
Akita, and
Tottori are well-known for strong coffee, while areas in Western Japan show a preference for lighter blends.
When it comes to lattes, opinions varied. About 42% favored the regular option, while 32% chose a milk-rich version and 25% preferred coffee-rich lattes. This indicates a more balanced distribution of tastes among customers. Regionally,
Hokkaido,
Tokyo, and
Kanagawa show a preference for coffee-rich lattes, while
Okinawa customers tend to lean towards the milk-rich variant.
Enhancing the Coffee Experience through Technology
The new coffee machines are designed to replicate the hand-drip method perfected by world-renowned barista
Tetsu Kasuya, ensuring a consistent and rich flavor in every cup. This new extraction technology optimizes water flow and mixing methods to extract coffee evenly.
Furthermore, the switch from button-based to touchscreen systems has significantly expanded the menu from 16 to 34 varieties. This not only enriches the customer experience but also reduces environmental impact through less promotional paper use, thus addressing the growing labor shortages in the industry.
Continued Commitment to Social Responsibility
In addition to enhancing customer offerings, Famima Mart, in collaboration with Itochu Corporation, is actively involved in educational initiatives for children in Ethiopia. With the sale of FAMIMA CAFÉ's Mocha Blend and Ice Mocha Blend, the company is donating 1 yen for each cup sold toward improving educational environments.
This initiative runs from October 14, 2025, to December 15, 2025, across approximately 16,000 Famima Mart locations nationwide, except for Okinawa.
Special Offers through the Famipay App
For those looking to enjoy their coffee more affordably, Famima's app, Famipay, offers a special ticket that allows customers to enjoy 11 cups for the price of 10 within a 91-day validity period. The offer applies to various coffee types, including blends and lattes, though some conditions apply, particularly in Okinawa.
As Famima Mart represents the essence of community convenience with its motto, "With you, the convenience store, Famima Mart," it aims to connect with customers like family, striving to be an indispensable part of their daily lives.