Originally announced in February — what seems like a lifetime ago now — Tim Hortons has made good on its commitment to introduce a non-dairy option for its hot beverage line up.
Following poor profitability performance to round out 2019 (comparable sales were down over 4%), the company laid out its plans to change a few things, including better bacon, improved coffee, and offering more than one type of milk.
Now, many months later, customers in Canada will notice signage and new options of almond milk and skim milk at Tim’s, but many customers (who just so happen to be farmers) have just one question: why almonds? Why not a Canadian-produced pea or oat beverage?
Looks like @TimHortons is adding almond milk to the line-up?? pic.twitter.com/cqdBmDuy7q
— Christina Crowley-Arklie (@CrowleyArklie) June 17, 2020
Almond is terrible and for a Canadian chain it should be oat or pea milk. ????
— Danny Ottenbreit (@o2farms_sk) June 18, 2020
Dairy is great, wheat is great but with a dairy allergy and a gluten intolerant household, it is nice to see the most accessible on-the-road restaurant FINALLY offer some alternatives.
— Lauren Martin (@OntarioAgLawyer) June 18, 2020
Tim’s profitability was under pressure even before COVID-19, with 2019 sales down US$150 million. The company’s loyalty program, which offers free coffee and donuts to customers, is responsible for at least a portion of lost sales, the company says.
Related: Restaurant earnings show a world of hurt amid COVID-19