Practices and Attitudes Assessment of Street Vendors of Hot Beverages Made of Coffee, Tea, Milk or Cocoa with Coffee Carts

Abstract

In Cote d’Ivoire, the sale of hot beverages made of coffee, tea, milk or cocoa powder by street vendor has grown, especially in Abidjan city. Despite the potential of hot beverage to contribute to Ivorian food security, no detailed information on the marketing of hot beverages is available. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, behavior and practices of these street beverage vendors. The preparation methods, sale characteristics with regards to beverage hygiene and safety were evaluated. Beverage samples were purchased from street hot beverage vendors. Temperatures of water stored in thermos for coffee and ready-to-drink hot beverages served to consumers were taken by digital thermometer. Preparation methods of street vendors have been described. The study revealed that, most street vendors were foreigners (88.0%) and illiterate (71.3%). Street vendors preferred drinking coffee (40.7%) than tea (33.3%). For them, coffee offered an energy boost to sell. According to vendors, the consumers liked to drink tea (42.7%), followed by coffee (38.7%), then coffee with milk (14%) and at last by cocoa powder (0.7%) beverage. According to vendors, 87.7% of male preferred drinking coffee and 42% of female liked tea. Most street vendors consumed only one cup of coffee per day (72.7%) and twice a day (48.1%) for tea. Adult (24.7%) preferred tea while young people (62.0%) preferred coffee and children (8.7%) preferred cocoa powder beverage. The temperature measurements of hot beverages served to consumers and water stored in thermos varied from vendor to vendor showing the variability of preparation methods. This variation of temperature could impact the marketability or organoleptic, even hygienic quality of hot beverages sold. Therefore, it is important to prepare hot beverages (teas and coffees) using the correct method for the drink ordered by the consumers.