Jessica Gellett, a key figure in BP’s European foodservice sector, shares insights into innovation and product development.
- BP’s Wild Bean Cafe is a staple for UK travelers, having sold over 23.6 million coffees last year.
- The company focuses on quality and customization to stay ahead in the competitive food service market.
- Engaging in contemporary trends, BP offers fresh, made-to-order food items with unique twists.
- Jessica emphasizes the importance of consumer insights and market trends in shaping BP’s offerings.
BP has established its Wild Bean Cafe across over 320 locations in the UK, becoming an essential stop for busy travelers. Jessica Gellett, a pivotal player in BP’s European foodservice operations, highlights their success in selling over 23.6 million coffees in the past year alone. This achievement underscores BP’s growing influence in the fast-paced food service market.
According to Jessica, BP is driven by the mission to provide fresh, quality food and beverages that resonate with their customers’ needs. The UK is a primary testing ground for many of their innovations, allowing them to refine and perfect their offerings before broadening their reach. This strategic approach helps maintain BP’s position as a leader in convenience markets.
In terms of innovation, Jessica emphasizes staying abreast of current trends and conducting gap analyses to push the boundaries of what’s possible. By following these strategies, BP ensures that their product development remains dynamic and customer-focused. Jessica finds value in her versatile role, which involves inspiring others and leveraging her passion for food to drive business growth.
Jessica draws inspiration from customer behavior and competitive analysis, including insights gained from social media. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok, along with food bloggers, inform her understanding of market trends. A mention of a recent product highlight includes a visit by a social media influencer to a BP outlet in New Zealand, which brought additional visibility to their offerings.
BP crafts unique flavor experiences defined as ‘comfortable adventures’—familiar products with a twist. A signature example is their freshly grilled Burford Brown eggs enhanced by specialized seasoning. This innovative approach allows BP to cater to a wide array of tastes while providing familiarity.
Training is a critical element in upholding the high quality of BP’s food services. Jessica describes a comprehensive training process for staff, focusing on emotional intelligence, technical skills, and practical food preparation. This thorough training regimen ensures that the products meet BP’s high standards and customer expectations.
BP’s best-selling item, the bacon and cheese turnover, remains a customer favorite in the UK with 2.4 million sold last year. This highlights the importance of key products in maintaining customer loyalty. Breakfast offerings, including fresh bacon baps and breakfast baps, also contribute significantly to their daily sales.
Jessica also reflects on past product innovation, such as a chicken parm sandwich that, although not scalable, inspired the popular crispy herby chicken burger. Current menu highlights include the customizable fresh made-to-order propositions like the fish finger sandwich and garden salads with chicken or halloumi options.
For the future, BP plans to introduce new festive products that have garnered customer approval, such as the cookies and cream latte and Pigs in Blankets at pilot sites. Looking ahead, Jessica predicts that health trends and innovative beverages will dominate the market. This foresight is indicative of BP’s commitment to adaptability and innovation in the evolving food industry.
Jessica Gellett’s insights reflect BP’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction in the foodservice sector.
