Costa Coffee launches virtual reality training programme
The coffee chain, which Whitbread is selling to Coca-Cola for £3.9 billion, saw profit grow 3.5% to £47 million in the six months to August 30.
Costa Coffee has announced that they will be using their new virtual reality (VR) training programme for their staff.
They also installed Google Cardboard headsets and tools that provide 360 degree video footages in all of their stores. The programme aims to train barista on how to make coffee.
They also plan to add more videos to educate staff about how their coffee-making process. Additional content will feature a tour of the Costa Coffee Roastery in Basildon, aiming to have their new recruits understand more about quality testing.
“With the launch of Virtual Reality, we’ll be rapidly educating our new baristas and immersing them in the Costa store environment. We believe this advanced approach to learning will particularly appeal to those in the millennial generation who are highly open to this type of engaging training,” Laura Chapman, head of learning at Costa said.
“We’re looking forward to continuing to innovate the resources in our VR portfolio for new staff and those looking to diversify their skills and careers at Costa Coffee.”
Meanwhile, the coffee chain’s operator, Whitbread has announced their financial results for the first half of FY19 with revenue growth of £1.08 billion from last year’s £1.05 billion.
They reported statutory profit after tax from their Costa business to have rose to £47 million from £45 million.
“The highlight of the first half was the announcement of our agreement for the sale of Costa to The Coca-Cola Company for £3.9 billion, which received the overwhelming approval of our shareholders in October,” Alison Brittain, Whitbread CEO, said.
“We intend to return a significant majority of the net cash proceeds to shareholders, although the exact amount, timing and method will be determined following discussions with stakeholders, including our shareholders, pension fund and debt providers,” she added.
