About Nescafe
Nescafé stands as the world's favourite instant coffee brand, serving approximately 5,500 cups every second across more than 180 countries. Owned by Swiss multinational Nestlé, the world's largest food and beverage company, Nescafé has been delivering convenient, quality coffee since its launch in 1938. With UK production at the Tutbury factory supplying British retailers, Nescafé has become synonymous with instant coffee for generations of British consumers, from the iconic Original blend to premium Gold Blend and barista-style Azera. The Nescafé story began in 1929 when Louis Dapples, Chairman of Nestlé's Board of Directors, received an unusual request from Brazil. The country faced an enormous coffee surplus and proposed that Nestlé create a coffee product that was quick to prepare while reducing waste from harvests. Nestlé chemist Max Morgenthaler took on the challenge, experimenting for nearly a decade to create a soluble coffee that retained authentic flavour. Morgenthaler's breakthrough came when he discovered that adding carbohydrates to the coffee powder preserved flavour far better than previous attempts, producing results remarkably similar to freshly brewed coffee from beans. On 1st April 1938, Nestlé launched this revolutionary product under the brand name Nescafé - a portmanteau of "Nestlé" and "café." Just two months later, Nescafé arrived in the UK, beginning a relationship with British consumers that continues today. By 1940, Nescafé was sold in more than 30 countries across all continents. The Second World War accelerated adoption dramatically, as Nescafé became a staple in US military food rations. Soldiers appreciated the convenience of instant coffee during wartime conditions. More than three-quarters of Nescafé's worldwide production was consumed in Switzerland, the UK, and the US during the war years, embedding the brand in the daily routines of millions. Post-war innovation continued to drive Nescafé's success. During the 1960s, the product was relaunched in glass containers in Europe and Japan to better preserve freshness. In 1965, Nescafé unveiled freeze-dried soluble coffee under the Gold Blend name, delivering a smoother, more refined taste that commanded premium positioning. This freeze-drying technology captured more of the coffee's natural aroma and flavour. The Nescafé range expanded significantly over subsequent decades. Nescafé Decaffeinated addressed growing demand for caffeine-free options. Nescafé Gold Espresso brought espresso-style intensity to instant format. Nescafé Frappé delivered iced coffee convenience. Nescafé Cappuccino and latte variants provided coffee-shop style drinks at home. Ready-to-drink formats extended the brand into on-the-go consumption occasions. Nescafé Original remains the core product, delivering the classic instant coffee taste that has satisfied British consumers for over 85 years. The spray-dried granules dissolve quickly in hot water, providing consistent results cup after cup. The UK factory in Tutbury produces Nescafé Original, supplying the majority of retailers across the UK and Ireland with locally manufactured product. Nescafé Gold Blend occupies the premium instant segment, using freeze-dried technology for a smoother, more aromatic cup. The elegant glass jar and golden branding signal quality positioning. Gold Blend variants include different roast intensities, organic options, and decaffeinated versions for those seeking refined taste without caffeine. Nescafé Azera, launched in 2012, represents the super-premium tier. Originally created as barista-inspired instant coffee blending instant and finely ground coffee beans, Azera delivers coffee-shop quality at home. The range now includes instant coffees with velvety crema, latte formats, and the UK and Ireland's first instant craft coffee. Azera targets consumers who want premium coffee experiences without espresso machine complexity. Nescafé Dolce Gusto, launched in 2006, moved Nescafé into the coffee pod machine segment. The system offers stylish, no-fuss machines with over 50 varieties of coffees, teas, and hot chocolates in pod format. This extension competes directly with Nespresso and other pod systems while maintaining the Nescafé commitment to convenience. Nescafé products are ubiquitously available across UK retailers. Major supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, and Waitrose stock comprehensive ranges from value jars to premium Azera. Convenience stores carry core products for impulse purchases. Online retailers offer subscription and bulk options. The brand's market leadership ensures availability wherever consumers shop. When comparing Nescafé to competitors like Kenco, Douwe Egberts, and supermarket own-brands, Nescafé offers the widest range from budget Original to premium Azera. Kenco positions as smoother and more sustainable. Douwe Egberts emphasises European heritage. Own-brands provide value alternatives. For range breadth and trusted quality, Nescafé remains the market-leading choice. For UK consumers seeking reliable instant coffee backed by over 85 years of expertise, Nescafé delivers options for every taste and budget. Whether enjoying a quick morning Original, savouring a smooth Gold Blend, or impressing guests with Azera, Nescafé provides convenient coffee solutions that have defined the category. Using Grocefully to compare Nescafé prices across UK retailers ensures you find the best deals on Britain's favourite instant coffee.