Urban Coffee Roasters unveils new airport branch to elevate travellers' experience

Hong Kong-based specialty coffee brand Urban Coffee Roaster (UCR) has launched a new branch in Terminal One of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), offering international travellers exclusive coffee options and light meals ahead of their departures.

Targeting both local residents and international travellers passing through HKIA, UCR aims to cater to coffee enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals, and busy travellers who value high-quality, innovative beverages.

The new branch will also focus on delivering its signature coffee creations while introducing high-protein, health-conscious drink options to meet the needs of modern consumers who prioritise quality and wellness.

In conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, a UCR spokesperson said that HKA was selected as the ideal location due to its status as a global travel hub that welcomes "millions of passengers annually." 

”This strategic location allows us to showcase our premium coffee offerings to a diverse, international audience while establishing a strong presence in Hong Kong, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and dynamic market. HKIA provides the perfect platform to elevate the coffee experience for travelers seeking quality and convenience,” the spokesperson added. 

To promote the new outlet, UCR’s marketing plans include experiential activations such as tastings and interactive events at its HKIA branch, storytelling to showcase its sourcing and beverage innovation, social media campaigns on Instagram and Xiaohongshu, eye-catching on-site displays and digital screens, as well as influencer partnerships and PR outreach to amplify brand awareness.

In addition to serving UCR's existing offerings, the new outlet will also launch a selection of exclusive food and beverage items to elevate Hong Kong's coffee culture to an international level and expose it to a global audience. Among them is a special creation called the 'Coffee Eggnog' inspired by the egg tart as well as 'Bon blessing Irish coffee', a balanced classic that combines whiskey, coffee and cream. Both creations were crafted by co-founder Gary Au. 

In addition, UCR has reinterpreted the classic Hong Kong 'cha chaan teng' drink, Yuen Yeung, with its 'Specialty Yuen Teung'. The unique beverage combines specialty coffee with Hong Kong-style milk tea to create a flavour that is both familiar and new. 

Other offerings include protein shakes, the 'Pineapple bun with coffee butter', and a variety of light meals and house-made desserts to satisfy the needs of different travellers.

In total, UCR has invested around HK$2 million in the HKIA branch, covering state-of-the-art equipment, premium interior design, and strategic marketing initiatives to ensure a world-class customer experience, according to the spokesperson.

"Return on investment is measured through a combination of metrics, including daily and monthly sales performance, customer footfall at the HKIA branch, and engagement rates from marketing campaigns," added the spokesperson.

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Established in 2014, UCR is an authentic Hong Kong brand co-founded by two coffee enthusiasts with the aim of supplying freshly roasted specialty coffee beans from carefully selected origins. Since its inception, UCR has expanded across Hong Kong, with multiple branches in Tsim Sha Tsui, Tseung Kwan O, Causeway Bay, and Central.

In addition to supplying coffee beans, UCR offers expertise in mobile coffee services, including event-driven coffee catering for corporate events, farmers' markets, and private gatherings.

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