Major coffee chain with over 2,000 branches blasted over ‘unacceptable’ price hikes at hospital branches

COSTA Coffee has been blasted for slapping price rises of up to 13% on popular drinks at NHS outlets.

Patient groups and retail experts have accused the chain of slapping a “hospital tax” on those visiting sick loved ones.

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The chain has 94 concessions in UK hospitals.

But a probe has found it has hiked its prices for popular drinks by up to 13% or as much as 45p a pop.

At Costa’s Medirest-run outlet at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, a small latte or cappuccino was £3.30 last year compared to £3.70 today – a hike of 40p or 12%.

While a medium serving of each drink has also increased from £3.45 to £3.90 – a rise of 13% or 45p.

We found the same story repeated at other NHS locations around the country.

It now costs a hefty £3 for a small Americano at Costa’s branch at St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester, West Sussex.

That’s a hike of 20p or 7% compared with the £2.80 they charged this time last year.

Similarly, small lattes and cappuccinos have also soared by a whopping 40p or 12% from £3.30 last year to £3.70 today.

Flat whites are also up 45p or 13% from £3.40 last year to £3.85 this April.

In March, Costa was slammed for reducing the number of sausages in their breakfast baps from four to three but keeping the price the same.

Also last month we told how the cafe giant had quietly slapped a 5p hike on its popular pour-it-yourself machine brews meaning some DIY drinks are now almost £4 a pop.

Critics blasted the rises

Critics have blasted the rises for taking advantage of vulnerable patients and visitors.

Martyn James, Sun Squeeze Team member and independent consumer champion, said: “There is no excuse whatsoever for charging vulnerable and potentially distressed people more money for food and drink outlets at hospitals.

“Even if these branches are more expensive to run, or the franchise is pricier, that cost can and should be spread across the whole organisation.

“Having a coffee at a hospital might be the only break patients and relatives get from the reality of their situation.

“To overcharge them is absolutely unacceptable.”

Dennis Reed, director Silver Voices, a group representing seniors, said: “The profiteering of these muti-national coffee chains is beyond belief. Over £3 for a cup of water and a couple of coffee beans.

“They know that patients and relatives are a captive audience and are probably in dire need of refreshments.

“They should be offering cut prices for the NHS, and the hospital managers should be doing more to conclude contracts which are favourable to the patient.” 

Costa Coffee told The Sun it works with several partners to deliver Costa Coffee in different environments, including hospitals.

They added: “Our partners set their pricing and it is not uncommon to find that some Costa Coffee products are priced higher, reflecting the unique locations and operating costs associated with those locations.

“On average a Costa Coffee store in a hospital will charge approximately 3% more for a crafted drink.

“We regularly review prices with our partners to ensure they remain competitive in the relevant retail environment, offering quality and value.”

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This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk