The brand-new coffee shop will be located at Junction 32 Retail Park and marks the brand’s 22nd site across the UK – and its sixth in Yorkshire since opening its first location in Nottingham in 2012.

200 Degrees is set to celebrate the launch with a huge giveaway on opening day, which will see free drinks gifted to the first 200 guests through its doors. The first 50 guests will also receive a tote bag containing goodies including a bag of 200 Degrees coffee beans and Happi chocolate.

Two lucky winners will also be treated to amazing coffee machine bundles with a Golden Ticket winner taking home a Sage Bambino coffee machine, Baratza Grinder and a Christmas coffee gift box, and the Sliver Ticket runner-up bagging a bundle featuring an Opal One Pod machine and a coffee pod starter kit. Additional prizes hidden in random goody bags include; two Beginner Barista Class gift vouchers, two 6-month coffee subscription vouchers, a TOPL Cup and an Airscape Canister.

Ahead of the launch, the brand is offering the people of Castleford an exclusive taste of its iconic coffee before the new store opens its doors. On Sunday, December 1st, the brand will dish out free cups of their crowd-pleasing brews and free coffee vouchers at Junction 32 shopping park. In collaboration with Boxed Drinks, the team will be set up between 11AM and 3PM, providing the perfect pick-me-up for a day of Christmas shopping.

General manager of the Junction 32 store, Aaron Misty, commented: “We’re really excited about the opening of our new store at Junction 32 and we can’t wait to meet and serve the lovely customers on opening day and beyond. I started my journey with 200 Degrees as a humble barista at the site in Leeds, I’ve worked my way up through the wonderful world of coffee over the past 11 years and I’m excited to take on this new challenge. The support from the company has been unmatched as they have believed in me and helped me to achieve my goals. I am looking forward to beginning this next chapter of my career with 200 Degrees and the amazing team I have working with me.”

Darren Winter, centre director at Junction 32, said: “We are thrilled to welcome 200 Degrees to Junction 32. With its delicious sweet treats and stunning beverage selection, we have no doubt it will become a firm favourite with our visitors and will make for the perfect place to stop off at whilst they enjoy a shopping trip.”

Customers visiting the new site can expect to find themselves in 200 Degrees’ signature cosy environment, thoughtfully designed to provide a welcoming, warm space.

The expansive menu is built around the expert roaster’s signature house blend, Brazilian Love Affair, and includes classics like Americanos, flat whites and lattes. However, the brand has become renowned for its decadent seasonal specials like its gingerbread latte and mint mocha – as well as indulgent hot chocolates, herbal teas and fruit smoothies.

200 Degrees has also rolled out a festive food menu across all its sites, with a handmade sandwich menu that features a brie and cranberry toastie, Santa’s vegan sarnie and ‘The Christmas Beast’; featuring a festive combo of turkey and ham hock, paired with stuffing and topped with cranberry sauce.

The Castleford store has brought 15 new jobs to the local area. Plans include a spacious 1250 sq ft layout, with approximately 80 covers including indoor & outdoor seating options. It will be equipped with Eversys E4 Extra Wide coffee machines, designed to produce up to 350 espressos per hour, ensuring guests won’t have to wait long for their favourite brew.

The new West Yorkshire coffee shop will be located at Junction 32 Shopping Outlet, Unit B15, Tomahawk Trail, Castleford, WF10 4FR. For more updates on the new venue, follow @200Degs on Instagram or visit the website here.

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Crafted to bring people together, the Holiday Blend celebrates the festive season with rich, warming flavours. This year, 5% of all Blend sales will directly support the company’s partners Suke Quto, a coffee farm in Ethiopia’s Guji region featured in this blend. Funds raised will go toward the Suke Quto School Project, which aims to enhance local schools by providing desks for students in the community.

The limited-edition collection is filled with unique, giftable items that celebrate the holiday season and Equator Coffee’s roots in Mill Valley, California.

• Holiday blend coffee: Packaged in a custom bag designed by Laurène Boglio, a French illustrator and award-winning Art Director who lives and works in Easthampton, MA and Brooklyn, NY.
• Holiday mug: 12 oz mug for cosy mornings with a festive touch featuring elements from the custom Holiday Blend bag.
• Red bag ornament: A nod to Equator Coffee signature red coffee bags, designed to bring a little Equator cheer to any holiday.
• Mill valley mornings candle: Mill Valley Mornings feels just like a visit to the company’s Miller Ave cafe, delivering an aroma of redwood, spice, sea salt, and citrus blossom.
• Equator tiger socks: Two cosy sock designs featuring Equator Coffee beloved Equator tiger.
• Returning favourite – TCHO dirty chai chocolate bar: Created in collaboration with TCHO, this bar brings together Equator’s Jaguar espresso and creamy oat milk chocolate, blended with a rich Masala chai featuring ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, black pepper, and Assam black tea.

Equator Coffee’s Holiday Blend can be purchased on the company’s website, Amazon, all Equator Coffees cafe locations, as well as beanz.com and Trade Coffee.

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• Biscotti Testarossa — an oatmilk latte with almond, hazelnut, and mascarpone cream foam, topped with a freeze-dried orange.
• Peppermint Mocha — espresso, milk, and chocolatey peppermint, topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint. It can also be enjoyed caffeine-free.
• Iced Gingerbread Latte — orange and plum-noted espresso with gingerbread and simple syrup, served with a choice of milk.
• Iced Mint Brew — Gregorys Nu Brew – cold brew blended with Nutella and milk – swirled with peppermint and mocha, topped with whipped cream and peppermint pieces.

The limited-edition holiday beverages are available through the season or while supplies last. Gregorys Coffee also announced that as of November, the chain has removed the upcharge on dairy-free milks.

Founded by lawyer turned coffee guru Gregory Zamfotis, Gregorys Coffee was born 17 years ago. What started as a family business with one shop in Manhattan now has a cult following of “Gregulars” and a chain of 48 stores across 10 markets, with seven new shops set to open through 2025.

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For fans of the animated film, Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Collector’s Box is filled with 4oz. of each of five coffee flavours inspired by the beloved residents of the movie’s Halloween Town:

·       Frog’s Breath (Chocolate Mole): A cunning mix of coffee, chocolate, and spice with a balanced, spicy finish.

·       Mudslide Boogie (Mudslide Cocktail Flavour): Rich chocolate mingles with the decadent flavours of coffee liqueur, vodka, and Irish cream.

·       The Pumpkin King (Pumpkin, Pecan & Praline): Creamy pumpkin, nutty pecan, and sweet praline in a smooth medium roast.

·       Ruff Weather (Oatmeal Cream Pie): Sweet oatmeal cookies with rich buttercream filling, swirled into a smooth, bold arabica coffee.

·       Santa Jack (Cranberry Crème Brulee): Festive cranberry sweetness meets decadent crème brûlée in a smooth arabica coffee.

The box is available with either whole bean or ground coffee. Handthrown Mugs to go with each flavour are sold separately.

Bones Coffee offers an array of other limited-edition collections with innovative flavours inspired by Star Wars, Prime Video’s Fallout, Marvel’s Spider-Man, SpongeBob SquarePants, and more.

There’s also giftable coffee packs filled with popular flavours for every palate:

Bones Coffee Starter Kit: The top five favourite Bones flavours in one sample pack, from sweet and creamy Holy Cannoli to Highland Grog, with swirls of butterscotch and caramel flavour, and a Skull Logo Handthrown Mug to go with them.

Wild Side Sample Pack: Take a ride on the wild side with this sample pack filled with Strawberry Cheesecake, Bananas Foster, Maple Bacon, White Russian, and Mint Invaders From Chocolate Space.

World Tour Sample Pack: For the world traveller on your list, gift them the finest single-origin coffees from the greatest coffee-growing regions across the globe – Sumatra, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Guatemala – each with its own distinct flavour.

Classic Comforts Sample Pack: Because sometimes you just can’t beat the classics. With French Vanilla, Salted Caramel, French Toast, Salty Siren, and the ever popular, Sinn-O-Bun.

All Bones coffee is made with freshly roasted beans that are Rainforest Alliance Certified. These holiday gifts and more from Bones are available online at bonescoffee.com and on Amazon.

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Brave Bean Coffee, a service-disabled veteran owned business, is excited to announce the launch of its e-commerce site, making its ethically sourced, premium coffee blends available to coffee lovers worldwide. This expansion allows Brave Bean to further its mission of giving back to those who have given so much.

• The First Responder
• Sergeant’s Sip Espresso
• Twilight Tonic

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In 1974, the Trieste-based company introduced the first pre-dosed and compressed single-serving coffee pod- a pioneering invention that, in the 1990s, became the industry standard (E.S.E. – Easy Serving Espresso). This marked a true revolution: with the perfect amount of coffee packed between two layers of filter paper and precisely pressurized, anyone could make an espresso as good as one served in a bar, right at home.

Half a century later, illycaffè continues its legacy of innovation with the ILLY X2.2 E.S.E., a new professional coffee machine designed by renowned architect and industrial designer Luca Trazzi. With its sleek, vintage inspired design, the new illy machine is crafted for bars, restaurants, and hotels that cater to clients seeking top-quality coffee and a responsible, sustainable experience. The launch responds to recent market trends, with 70% of consumers now preferring sustainable products, and coffee pods becoming an increasingly popular purchased by more than 3.2 million Italian households in 2023, a 10% increase from the previous year.

“We are proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the E.S.E. pod system, a technology that, for half a
century, has embodied our dedication to innovation, quality, and sustainability – values that have always
been integral to illy,” said Cristina Scocchia, CEO of illycaffè. “This commitment is also reflected in our new professional coffee machine, which combines sophisticated design with sustainable technology to ensure excellent coffee while respecting our planet.”

The new ILLY X2.2 E.S.E. professional machine ensures exceptional in-cup quality with just a few simple steps. The illy E.S.E. pods, certified compostable, can be disposed of with organic waste, and are available in Classico (double espresso and lungo), Intenso, and Decaffeinato variants.

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With a delicious mixture of natural flavours from pure peppermint and decadent baker’s chocolate, Peppermint Mocha provides a refreshing burst of cool mint to melt away the stress of the season. The fair trade certified roast is made with organic robusta and arabica beans for a bold, balanced, and smooth cup of premium coffee.

“Following the success of our fall pumpkin chai blend, we knew our consumers wanted a flavour that would capture the essence of the holidays,” said Tom Ennis, president and CEO of Death Wish Coffee Co. “With a deeply delicious and refreshing taste free from artificial ingredients, we’re confident that Peppermint Mocha will quickly become a fan favourite and seasonal staple.”

Peppermint Mocha is available in 9 oz. ground bags and 10-count pods on www.deathwishcoffee.com, Amazon, and at major retailers nationwide, such as Sprouts, Publix, Wegmans, and Kroger, and in select Target and Albertsons stores.

In addition to its flavoured offerings, Death Wish Coffee Co. has an option for all coffee preferences with its core portfolio of medium, dark, espresso, and a recently released light roast. Death Wish Coffee Co.’s products adhere to rigorous standards that protect the environment and livelihoods of coffee farmers. For more information about Death Wish Coffee Co. and its full range of products, please visit www.deathwishcoffee.com, and follow the brand on Instagram @deathwishcoffee.

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With a market hungry for innovation and convenience, Dice’s Frozen Coffee Ice Cubes offer a revolutionary solution to the age-old problem of diluted iced coffee. Simply add Dice Frozen Coffee Ice Cubes to any cold coffee drink and savour every sip without compromise. The cubes, crafted from premium organic coffee, gradually infuse the coffee beverage with rich flavour as they melt, ensuring a consistently satisfying coffee experience from start to finish.

Crafted from chocolatey, nutty dark roast beans, Dice Coffee Ice Cubes undergo a unique nitro-freezing process, preserving their well-rounded, full-bodied, low-acidity cold brew. Designed to enhance your coffee experience while respecting your taste preferences, Dice Coffee Ice Cubes ensure a slow melt that keeps your drink cold without compromising its integrity.

“Our focus during the R&D phase was to create a cold brew that could complement and elevate a wide range of coffee experiences. We knew that coffee preferences differ greatly from person to person, so we worked hard to develop a cold brew with a well-rounded flavour, low acidity, and versatility,” said Gaelan Simpson, co-founder and CEO of Los Angeles-based Dice Provisions. “After testing blends from all over the world, we landed on a South American coffee that offers the perfect balance — rich, chocolatey notes without the tanginess that can overpower other flavours. We paired this with a dark roast to deepen the richness and reduce acidity, ensuring the brew enhances rather than competes with the coffee in your cup.”

Simpson added that after only a few minutes into sipping, the taste completely dilutes. “Our slow-melt, nitrogen-frozen coffee cubes are made with premium dark roast coffee beans that keep your drink cold while enhancing whatever coffee you drink — whether that’s a French roast, Nespresso pod, or even an afternoon smoothie or cocktail that needs a little coffee kick.”

Dice Coffee Ice Cubes are offered in resealable standup pouches found in grocery store freezers. Each bag contains 24 oz of product, which should last for one week’s worth of iced coffee made at home. The coffee ice cubes are certified organic, with zero additives, zero sugar, and < 5 calories. Dice Coffee Ice Cubes retail for USD $12.99 at Co-op Santa Monica, The Farms Deli in Santa Monica, Vincente Foods in Brentwood, Hank’s Organic in the Art District, and Natural Grocery Stores across southern California. For more information about Dice Coffee Ice Cubes, visit diceprovisions.com.

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Lemon Honey Drop is a caffeine-free herbal tea that combines lemon and honey with 10% daily value of vitamin C in every cup. This citrusy brew blends the subtle flavours of honey with sweet and tangy notes reminiscent of candied lemon, providing a bright, uplifting experience any time of day.

Sleepytime Biotin Beauty Rest is the latest innovation in Celestial Seasoning’s long-standing fan favourite Sleepytime lineup. This caffeine-free herbal tea features the beloved Sleepytime blend with added biotin (vitamin B7) to complement consumers’ self-care routines.

“We are thrilled to announce the expansion of the Celestial Seasonings tea line with two new products that provide not only uncompromising exceptional flavour but also include ingredients and functional benefits that help support a healthy lifestyle,” said Emily Rosen, marketing director at Hain Celestial Group. “Our latest blends round out our already extensive portfolio of bagged tea offerings, so whether you’re looking for a cozy caffeine-free herbal tea or a fruit-forward blend that tastes great even over ice, we’ve got something for everyone.”

Celestial Seasonings teas are available at retailers nationwide including Amazon, Kroger, and Walmart, among others. Lemon Honey Drop retails for USD $3.59, and Sleepytime Biotin Beauty Rest retails for $4.99. For the full product portfolio and for more information on Celestial Seasonings, visit celestialseasonings.com.

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Thanks to their innovation expertise, Nestle’s coffee experts were able to develop a new soluble coffee that dissolves perfectly when used either with hot or cold water. The products are currently available in Central and Eastern Europe.

Damien Tissot, head of Nestlé R&D for coffee, says: “We’re excited to introduce our new range of versatile flavoured Nescafé soluble coffee, which are perfect for both hot and iced coffee beverages. By pairing natural flavours with a smooth coffee base, we can also enable coffee drinkers to enjoy new coffee tastes and flavours while maintaining the same iconic quality”.

This versatility enables coffee lovers to use the same product to make their preferred beverage, whether it’s a classic hot cup or a refreshing iced drink. Consumers can enjoy the coffee as is or add milk or their favourite dairy alternative for an even smoother cup. Additionally, the products contain subtle notes of natural flavourings without any added sugar.

Axel Touzet, head of Nestlé’s coffee strategic business unit, says: “Both cold and flavoured coffee are currently trending with younger consumers. This launch is another step forward in our efforts to deliver coffee innovations that resonate with the next generation of coffee drinkers.”

Nestlé continues to deliver exciting innovations for its Nescafé brand. Earlier this year, the company launched Nescafé Espresso Concentrate, enabling consumers to create their favourite barista-style iced coffees at home in a convenient and simple way. In 2023, Nescafé started its cold coffee journey by introducing Nescafé Ice Roast, its first ever soluble coffee designed to be enjoyed with cold water, cold milk or over ice.

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Key Highlights and Award Winners

Taiwan was the standout region of 2024, winning the highest number of awards overall with eight Gold and 10 Highly Commended winning teas. Taiwanese teas proved their excellence in various categories, with LuYu Tea Garden taking home the highly coveted Best in Black award for their exceptional black tea, which wowed judges with its depth and balanced flavour.

Japan once again took centre stage with Yame Tea Kumaen earning the prestigious Best in Show title for the second year. Their matcha saemidori astonished the judges with its sweet and creamy flavour and long-lasting smoothness. Japanese teas earned 16 Awards in total, including six Gold and 10 Highly Commended. Notably, Teaste it, an Italian-Japanese tea company, impressed the judges with their innovative Moka-cha, a matcha prepared in a traditional coffee moka pot.

Islington-based Japanese tea retailer Katsute claimed the most awards for any single retailer, receiving accolades for their premium matcha, gyokuro, and genmaicha teas. In India, Jay Shree Tea won the most awards of any single company. They were recognised with two Gold awards, including one for their experimental Steamed and Panned Darjeeling, along with three Highly Commended teas. Sri Lanka also earned seven awards overall, with high quality Ceylon teas demonstrating the region’s continued excellence in the global tea market.

China contributed some standout teas including Sichuan Emei-shan Zhuyeqing Tea’s scented jasmine, which was recognized not only for its superb quality but also for its artistry in tea making. Sichuan Emei-shan Zhuyeqing Tea was also honoured with The Leafies Pioneer Special Award for their impressive contributions to the industry. The Nepali tea community was also recognized this year, with Sandakphu and Nepal Tea Collective both winning Gold awards for their exceptional teas, highlighting Nepal’s growing prominence in the global tea industry.

New Categories and Innovative Teas

For the first time, The Leafies introduced a “Fruit and Herbal Infusions” category, which saw two extraordinary entries from Quinta de Soalheiro of Portugal. Their Lemon Verbena and Chocolate Mint infusions received glowing praise from the judging panel.

This year also marked significant recognition for retailers, with products like Birchall’s Great Rift Breakfast Blend and Copenhagen Sparkling Tea’s Jasmine, Darjeeling, Chamomile tea winning awards.

Commitment to Sustainability and Social Impact

An ongoing commitment from The Leafies to celebrate trail blazing tea companies in areas such as environmental stewardship, community empowerment, innovation and education is represented through a selection of special awards,with winners including the women-owned cooperative Kazi Yetuin Tanzania and Kaley Tea in Sri Lanka for its impressive sustainability initiatives.

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Sip on the bold Sparkling Tiger’s Eye, cozy up with The Bestie, or indulge in The Derby – a perfect bourbon-inspired non-alcoholic treat. Alongside these mocktails, Peet’s fan-favorites like the Holiday Spice Latte, Peppermint Mocha, and Sparkling Peppermint Vanilla Cold Brew make a comeback.

From 7-9 November, Peet’s is offering 50% off a second drink with the purchase of any holiday beverage. All offerings will be available starting 6 November.

Peet’s Holiday bar menu:

Sparkling Tiger’s Eye: Get ready to dazzle your taste buds with the newest holiday sensation! Blood orange purée, as vibrant in hue as it is in flavor, brings its brilliance to smooth cold brew, topped with bubbly Q Club Soda and a flourish of Hella Orange Bitters. It’s a bright, refreshing sip that brings a festive sparkle to your holiday season!

The Bestie: Not all friendships are a match made in heaven, but this tangy blend certainly is. Inspired by the seasonal aromatics of a clove-studded orange, this warming cup layers blood orange purée with chai-spiced black tea and a dash of Hella Orange Bitters to craft a bold, refreshing twist. Here’s to flavor, friendship, and the perfect holiday pick-me-up!

The Derby: Get ready to break through the cream cap and enter a world of buttery comfort with The Derby. Flavors of bourbon meet espresso, nodding to the classic Irish Coffee. It’s the ultimate way to elevate your brews this holiday season!

Peet’s 2024 Holiday Menu: 

Sparkling Peppermint Vanilla Cold Brew: This all-new bubbly holiday treat pairs smooth Baridi Cold Brew with vanilla syrup, a hint of peppermint flavor, and fizzy Q Club Soda. One sip and you’ll feel the holiday spirit!

Holiday Spice Latte: Savor the season with a spiced favorite! Espresso Forte mingles with flavors of cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, nutmeg and freshly steamed milk, topped with a dusting of baking spices.

Peppermint Mocha: Add some pep to your holidays with the Peppermint Mocha! Espresso Forte meets rich chocolate sauce and sweet peppermint syrup, topped with whipped cream for an indulgent seasonal delight.

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The fresh new flavour debuting this holiday season in energy drinks and espresso shakers is cranberry. The Cranberry Energy with Coconut Milk Cold Foam offers a refreshing boost with tart cranberry flavours, complemented by the creamy texture of non-dairy coconut milk cold foam. For a bolder option, the Cranberry Dark Chocolate Espresso Shaker features rich espresso combined with dark chocolate and cranberry, offering a unique and indulgent holiday twist.

Returning fan favourites include the rich Ho Ho Mint Mocha and Spicy Mocha, alongside the crowd-pleasing Vanilla Oat Nog Latte and Vanilla Oat Nog Crafted Press. Following their successful launch last year, Caribou is excited to bring back the Vanilla Oat Nog Latte and Vanilla Oat Nog Crafted Press for a non-dairy twist on traditional egg nog. Made with creamy, vegan-friendly, non-dairy oat nog, these beverages provide a delicious alternative for those seeking plant-based options this season.

“We’re thrilled to introduce something new and exciting this holiday season that reflects Caribou Coffee’s commitment to industry-leading innovation and quality,” said Matt Reiter, senior vice president of product and procurement at Caribou Coffee. “This year, we’ve seen great success with seasonal offerings, from the honey Lavender Espresso Shaker in spring, to our refreshing Honeycrisp Apple Energy Drink in autumun. Building on that momentum, we’re excited to add cranberry to our popular energy drink and espresso shaker platforms, bringing a quintessential holiday flavour to our menu. We’re confident the new additions, alongside our beloved classics, will make this season even more special for our guests.”

Guests can customize a drink of their liking from a wide range of preparation options available only at Caribou, including its signature Crafted Press. Caribou Coffee’s 2024 holiday menu includes:

• New Cranberry Dark Chocolate Espresso Shaker: cranberry, dark chocolate and fresh espresso shaken with ice and topped with a splash of oat milk.
• New Cranberry Energy Drink with Coconut Milk Cold Foam: sparkling cranberry energy drink, available in original or lemonade flavour; topped with coconut milk cold foam.
• Ho Ho Mint Mocha: real white chocolate melted into steamed milk and combined with espresso and mint flavour. Topped with whipped cream and peppermints. Also available iced, blended, nitro and crafted press.
• Ho Ho Mint Mocha Espresso Shaker: fresh espresso shaken with mint flavour, white chocolate sauce, and ice topped with a splash of oat milk.
• Vanilla Oat Nog Latte: Espresso with Vanilla Flavour and steamed oat nog and topped with ground nutmeg. Also available iced.
• Vanilla Oat Nog Crafted Press: cold-brewed coffee with a splash of oat nog and real sugar with a hint of vanilla. Also available iced or blended.
• Spicy Mocha: chocolate melted into steamed milk and combined with espresso and flavours of ancho and chipotle peppers and topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips. Also available iced, blended or nitro.

Holiday food and beverages are available for a limited time, while supplies last at participating U.S. locations.

Coffee fans can look forward to the return of reindeer blend and bold north blend—both 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified, like all Caribou’s coffee. Reindeer Blend, a dark roast beloved by many, offers a balanced blend with berry fruit and sweet notes in a rich Sumatra base flavour. Reindeer Blend is available in ground and whole bean packages and K-Cup pods at Caribou Coffee locations, CaribouCoffee.com and in select retail partners nationwide. Water-processed whole bean Decaf Reindeer Blend is also available at Caribou Coffee locations and CaribouCoffee.com. Bold North Blend, another seasonal dark roast, features notes of warm caramel and barrel oak. It will be available ground in pre packaged bags exclusively at Caribou Coffee locations and CaribouCoffee.com.

With the addition of seasonal packaged coffees, comes the return of new festive merchandise, available in select stores and online. These holiday giftable items include stainless steel tumblers, ceramic holiday mugs, ornaments and more. Grab-n-go items are also available for stocking stuffers including holiday dark chocolate covered espresso beans, holiday pretzel rods, and Santa and snowman cookies.

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Powered by BKON’s patented RAIN technology, Coldstretto stands out as the only packaged extraction that delivers the true flavour of chilled espresso. In 2023, BKON launched the world’s first Genuine Coldstretto Extraction in partnership with Joe Coffee, aiming to revolutionise the cold espresso category. Custom collaborations with prominent roasters using their signature blends have showcased the continued evolution of this multi-channel cold coffee innovation.

Genesis Coldstretto is BKON’s first ready-to-use coffee concentrate available for direct case or pallet purchase, offering small coffee retailers and roasters an accessible way to experience the efficiency and flavour advantage of this innovative extraction method. The program is built for scale with volume-based pricing and private labelling opportunities.

The shelf-stable, ready-to-use format makes it easier than ever to meet the growing demand for cold espresso drinks—from lattes to cold brew. With each 25 oz bottle yielding approximately 30 cold espresso drinks, Genesis Coldstretto delivers barista-quality flavour with minimal equipment or preparation.

By simply pouring or pumping and adding ingredients—like crafting a cocktail—operators can serve premium coffeehouse experiences in any setting, including cafes, restaurants, bars, and event spaces, no espresso machine required. When diluted to ready-to-drink strength, Genesis Coldstretto produces a superior cold brew, allowing customers to elevate their entire cold coffee platform.

Genesis Coldstretto is made using a Central and South American light-roasted blend, extracted to highlight flavour notes of chocolate and red berry. BKON’s patented RAIN technology is known for producing superior coffee concentrates with complex flavours, exceptional clarity, and characteristics not found in other concentrate brewing methods.

“Genesis Coldstretto is not just a product—it’s a solution that allows businesses to deliver high-quality cold espresso drinks with the same flavour integrity and richness as freshly brewed espresso,” said Dean Vastardis, CEO of BKON. “We’ve created a product that makes it easier for operators to meet the growing demand for cold coffee beverages while delivering the flavour consistency that customers expect.”

Genesis Coldstretto is now available for purchase via BKON’s online store with bulk purchase options also available. For more information on Genesis Coldstretto, visit www.bkonbrew.com. Pallets can be ordered by contacting the sales team: https://www.bkonbrew.com/off-the-shelf.

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In a recent webinar entitled, “The Private Label Revolution: Is CPG having a Netflix Moment?”, Nik Modi, global co-head of consumer/retail equity research and HBC, beverage and packaged food analyst, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, and Hunter Thurman, founder/president, of consumer psychology and behaviour consultancy, Alpha Diver, discussed the growth of private label products within consumer packaged goods (CPG) and the impact they are having on branded CPG products.

Historically PL products have been used by lower income consumers and by higher income consumers when times were tough so they would ‘trade down’, but the latter would ‘trade up’ again when the situation improved. But, Nik Modi, said this time it’s different. “The percentage household penetration for private label products has increased over the past few quarters and has surpassed pre-Covid levels,” he said, noting that PL has experienced broad market share gains.

Modi said that a 2023 study showed that about USD $1.5 billion worth of sales shifted away from national brands and sales have also shifted from the grocery channel to the rest of food channels (discount, mass, club) where PL brands sales growth notably outpaced national brand sales growth. “The percentage price gap between PL and branded players has been volatile but is recently on a downward trend approaching the lowest levels seen since 2019,” he said, adding that while this should be good for brands, the problem is that the branded price is still really high. For consumers today, Modi explained, it’s not about trending down, about trending out.

Furthermore, the percentage of household penetration of PL CPG is correlated with age cohort, with higher penetration in households of older individuals, but currently, noted Modi, Gen X consumers have the highest buy rate. He also shared that baby boomers are also heavily involved in PL product. “Companies do not market to them anymore but baby boomers have the most disposable income because they have no one they need to spend money on but themselves. Brands tend to forget about them but baby boomers will big chunk of spending over next few years,” said Modi. (Sidenote, Modi said it is because of Japan’s large baby boomer population that the country is the biggest luxury market in the world.)

Over the long term, PL is projected to gain 5 pts of dollar share by 2030. And although beverages have historically had low PL participation, it is gaining market share as branded beverages continue to see comps loss.

Retailer initiatives are ramping up and becoming more sophisticated and AI is being overlaid to help them make better decisions. “There is a major shift happening in PL — perception changing, the market, category and industry is changing. Backward looking isn’t going to help,” said Hunter Thurman, president and founder of Alpha Diver.

Thurman said what happened with Netflix 20 years ago is happening with PL brands today. “Netflix used to offer knock DVD rentals, cheap, & convenient. Pl in the past offered knock-off products, cheaper. Then Netflix began to offer a new kind of entertainment: on-demand which elevated the frame of reference to cable TV. PL products introduced a new kind of brand: cross category and attractive prices that engaged a new kind of shopper. And while Netflix started offering original, exclusive content, PL brands are offering innovative exclusive products,” he said, adding that “no one saw the ‘Netflix disruptor’ coming when it first emerged.”

“Private label/store brands are the new disruptors—they can innovate faster than the national [multinational] brands, said Thurman. “We need to banish the ‘trade down to store brand’ mentality. Modern store brands are far from knockoffs, and it’s changing shopper psychology and decision-making. A new type of shopper is being engaged and it’s changing the marketplace. Realty is that a new type of shopper is being engaged via these store brands.”

Gone are the days of ‘national vs store brand’, today, Thurman says there are three types of brands: national, owned brands and value brands. To consumers, there is little difference between ‘national’ and ‘owned brands’.

Target Stores (favorite day) and Amazon (Aplenty) launched PL brands in spring that are on-point with current trends. Walmart launched bettergoods in April — a new PL brand focused on quality, unique, chef-inspired food items at an affordable price. “This brand does more than just compete on price. This is very different than what we’ve seen at Walmart because it is not entirely a price-based proposition,” said Modi. “bettergoods is offering trendier, unique products, not just about higher prices, different foods and flavours that even national brands are not offering.”

bettergoods is competing in categories such as coffee, dairy, non-dairy (almond milk), beverages, snacks, chocolate, etc. Interestingly, Modi noted that from an income point of view, those in the USD $125K+ income bracket are showing the highest household penetration by a wide margin thus far in the launch of bettergoods. “Walmart has recruited a lot of higher income households into their stores over the last couple of years. This is a way for them to keep these types of consumers.”

Both Modi and Thurman noted that with their unique, on-trend offerings, PL/store brands are engaging the growing, ever-important, ethnically diverse Gen Z consumer.

“Consumers today are not buying PL/’owned brands’ because they are cheaper, they are interested in them,” said Thurman. “Owned brands are creating more excitement so attracting the coveted shoppers, not about trading down on price. We must stop thinking about national vs PL/owned brand in such a binary way.”

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For nearly three decades, Kicking Horse Coffee has stood for uncompromising ethics, bold flavours and an unapologetic attitude. The beloved Canadian brand from the Rockies has built a loyal following by crafting its coffee in partnership with Fairtrade farmers who pour pride into every bean. Now, Kicking Horse is kicking things up a notch.

To meet growing demand, Kicking Horse has teamed up with Keurig to bring its premium, Fairtrade, and organic blends to more homes across North America. Now available in Kick Ass (Dark Roast), Three Sisters (Medium Roast), and Happy Camper (Medium Roast), these K-Cups offer the same rich, bold flavour Kicking Horse fans love — crafted to match the full-bodied experience of a traditional pour-over, in a convenient format.

Its new “Kickstart Your Heart” campaign is a first for the brand and taps into the bold and fearless essence of Kicking Horse Coffee. Featuring a playful visual of a donkey riding a motorcycle (and set to Mötley Crüe’s “Kickstart My Heart”), it reflects how coffee powers action and productivity in a fresh, irreverent way. The campaign reflects CMO Lori Hatcher-Hillier’s ethos: “Coffee is the conduit to getting s*** done every day.”

The story behind Kicking Horse is as rich as their beans. Founded in Invermere, BC, the brand is committed to empowering farmers, ensuring every cup tells a story of integrity and grit. Through Fairtrade partnerships, they aim to support coffee producers by facilitating fair compensation, which helps invest in their communities and improve livelihoods through access to education, healthcare, and sustainable practices.

The full product range is now available on the Kicking Horse Coffee website and at major retailers across Canada. The MSRP is CAD $25.99 for 24ct and CAD $12.99 for 10ct.

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With a commitment to delivering the perfect cup of tea, these expertly crafted blends feature quality-sourced and trending ingredient, butterfly pea flower. Each caffeine-free herbal tea offers a vibrant colour and delicious flavour, making every cup a beautiful tea drinking experience.

Bigelow Tea Butterfly Pea Flower Vanilla Midnight

Vanilla Midnight Herbal Tea is a soothing blend of butterfly pea flower, cinnamon, natural vanilla flavours, and other comforting ingredients. This caffeine-free herbal tea is reminiscent of the tranquillity of the quiet hours of the day and offers a dark blue brew and a sweet herbal floral aroma. Perfect for winding down after a long day, each cup provides a smooth, sweet, earthy flavour that elevates one’s mood and creates a serene experience. Take one sip and begin your mindful journey!

Bigelow Tea Butterfly Pea Flower Sapphire Bay

Sapphire Bay Herbal Tea transports the tea drinker to a tropical paradise with its blend of butterfly pea flower, passionflower, pineapple, mango, and other ingredients. This caffeine-free herbal tea brews to a deep purple-blue, exuding fruit aromas and robust, sweet flavours that make every sip a delightful island escape.

“I’m so excited to share our newest blends, Bigelow Butterfly Pea Flower Sapphire Bay and Vanilla Midnight,” said Cindi Bigelow, president and CEO of the family- and woman-owned Bigelow Tea. “These premium herbal teas feature the amazing and magical butterfly pea flower, delicate blossoms carefully sourced from a small woman owned farm in Thailand. I was so fortunate to visit one of these gardens not so long ago. It was so impactful to experience these breath taking gardens first hand and up close. The flower itself is exquisite and naturally vibrant in colour, offering an enchanting experience that’s as beautiful and delicious as it is healthy. This is what I call the ‘power of blue!’ In an exclusive partnership with our friends at Walmart, we have crafted these premium teas to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. It is my hope that tea lovers everywhere will get to experience each captivating and relaxing blend.”

Available exclusively at select Walmart stores and Walmart.com.

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The three-bean blend was intentionally crafted to highlight the sweet fruit notes of Colombian coffee, the bright acidity of Peruvian coffee, and the depth and body that premium Robusta has to offer. Slow-roasted, this complex brew will suit coffee enthusiasts who are seeking a lighter roast to invigorate their senses and keep them going all day long without compromising on quality or flavour. The Fair Trade Certified, USDA Organic, and Kosher roast can be enjoyed hot or iced and sipped during any time of day for a sustainably sourced pick-me-up that consumers can feel good about.

This addition is an expansion of Death Wish Coffee Co.’s core lineup of premium Medium, Dark, and Espresso roasts, which comes in response to the shifting flavor preferences of younger consumers.

“This exciting addition completes our core portfolio of Medium, Dark, Espresso, and now Light roasts — providing a range of high-quality, Fair Trade Certified, and USDA Organic roast shades for the discerning coffee consumer,” said Tom Ennis, president and CEO of Death Wish Coffee Co. “We are excited to offer a light, bright, and bold coffee for the new generation of coffee consumers that don’t want their parents’ coffee brand.”

A spokesperson for the company added that the Light Roast launch was prompted in response to the shifting flavour preferences of younger consumers to meet the demand for a light, bright, and bold roast that the new generation of coffee drinkers want. The caffeine content for the Light Roast, like its other roasted coffees, is in line with industry standards. (Death Wish Coffee’s Instant Coffee is its most caffeinated product, with 300 mg of caffeine per stick.)

Light Roast is available in 16-oz ground bags, with whole bean and single-serve pods to follow. Light Roast, which has an MSRP of USD $19.99 can be purchased on deathwishcoffee.com and Amazon, with plans to hit Target shelves in early 2025.

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The Camellia sinensis plant, from which matcha originates, was first cultivated for use in tea in China in the 3rd century BCE, but it wasn’t until the 7th to 10th centuries that the practice of consuming the leaves in the form of matcha was first documented. Matcha, unlike the infusion process of its black and green tea sisters, is made by finely grinding the tea leaves into a powder that is mixed with hot water and consumed in its entirety. It is thought that a Japanese Buddhist monk brought matcha to Japan
sometime around the 12th century, where it was considered highly valuable and coveted and therefore necessitated a careful preparation method, and so its consumption and preparation developed into a spiritual practice by the 16th century, the whisking of powdered green tea into hot water a meditative ritual. Since matcha began as a rare and premium product, the ceremony of its preparation became
entrenched in its consumption. In modern day Japan, matcha tea ceremonies are still widely practiced, and while it is no longer reserved for the elite or ‘ruling class’, it is still deeply ritualistic with specific implements such as the bowl and bamboo whisk, and even particular whisking motions or patterns.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in Japan, the matcha latte has become extremely popular, commercialised
and readily available, and co-existing alongside its traditional consumption in the country.

Matcha Migrates West

Western countries have long since been discovering and adopting Japanese culture and cuisine, and matcha is no different, with it seeing a marked rise, particularly in the US. Future Market Insights (FMI) reports that the matcha market in 2023 was worth USD $2.7 billion and is expected to reach $7.1 billion by 2033 — a CAGR of 10.2 percent. FMI attributes this growth to the interest in its health benefits, use in skincare and culinary applications such as confectionery. The latter of which is driving
its popularity in the Indian market, according to Fact MR , while the health benefits are driving the market in the US.

Japanese tea company, Ippodo, was founded in 1717, “when the [matcha] tea ceremony had begun to be enjoyed by other elites like warrior families and high-class townsfolk,” said Tomoko Honda, head of global operations, Ippodo. In 2001,Ippodo began selling its matcha overseas as the number of international visitors to its Kyoto shop had begun to increase.

The growing interest in matcha was also noted by Germany-based tea supplier, Wollenhaupt, which had previously only been including matcha in its catalogue as a ‘marginal phenomenon’, said Marco Sinram, head of tea trading and sustainability, Wollenhaupt, but recognised that demand was developing ‘dynamically’, and therefore now offer three different types of matcha to its customers.

“Ten years ago, very few people had heard of matcha and now the market is absolutely exploding. So many new matcha brands have popped up in the last couple of years and you can find matcha on menus in more cafés and restaurants. The UK is now following in the steps of places like New York and Los Angeles with matcha bars popping up across the country,” said Katherine Swift, founder and CEO
of OMGTea, a UK-based specialist matcha green tea company.

One such place is Blank Street coffee chain, which began in Brooklyn, New York, in August 2020, and now has locations across New York; Boston, Massachusetts; Washington, DC; and in 2022 debuted in London. While Blank Street serves an array of café and coffee shop offerings, some of its most distinguishable and popular products are its matcha beverages.

When Blank Street launched in London in Summer 2022 ,matcha wasn’t a widely accessible drink. There were limited places to get matcha on the high street, but most of those places offered either expensive or low-quality matcha. We wanted to disrupt the market by launching exciting flavour combinations that made a niche category into one that is more fun and accessible for everyone,” explained Ignacio Llado, UK managing director at Blank Street. “In Spring of 2023 we launched our Blueberry Matcha, joining the classic Matcha Latte on our menu. This drink was the first of its kind in London, and […] immediately caused a huge buzz, with TikTok and word of mouth helping it to quickly climb to become a Blank Street best seller.”

Matcha’s vibrant green colour affords it a social-media-ready aesthetic for consumers, fuelling its popularity among influencers and the younger generation. Blank Street has recognised this in its marketing strategy, making use of clear cups and contrasting colours to bring its matcha drinks to life.

While many of the high-street iterations of matcha lattes and frappés may be heavy on sugar or cream, matcha itself is considered a remarkable health food, with this being another, perhaps the largest, draw to the product for consumers. “Matcha aligns well with overall wellness trends and appeals to those looking for more specific benefits such as a healthier alternative to coffee or energy drinks, detox,
increased antioxidant intake, weight management, etc,” said Swift.

A Healthy Shade of Green

The way in which the Camellia sinensis plant is grown in order to produce matcha, allows for the accumulation of catechins, (−)-epigallocatechin-3 -gallate (EGCG) in particular is most abundant in matcha. It is these catechins that provide high antioxidant properties and give matcha its reputation as a health drink. It has been found that “regular consumption of matcha may have a positive effect on both physical and mental health,” according to the report Health Benefits and Chemical Composition of Matcha and Green Tea: A Review by Joanna Kochman, Karolina Jakubczyk, Justyna Antoniewicz, Honorata Mruk, and Katarzyna Janda, published on PubMed Central.

It is the health benefits of these antioxidants found in matcha that encouraged Swift to establish OMGTea. She began researching its benefits after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, then both she and her mother began routinely drinking matcha green tea. Five years later, Swift launched OMGTea, and a year after that she founded The Healthy Life Foundation, a charity that funds research into age-related diseases, including cancer.

Swift emphasised, however, that the quality of the matcha consumed is essential to reaping its health
benefits. While matcha is generally considered a premium product, there are more affordable blends
available; these are the kind often used as ingredients in confectionery or desserts where the matcha taste need not be so refined. Matcha can be tested for its quality by examining the colour and texture, as well as the taste. She explained that they quality check their matcha regularly using the ‘finger/stroke test’, whereby matcha powder is placed on a white piece of paper and, using a finger, is pulled across the page to observe its colour and texture alongside others. The brighter the green colour, the higher quality the matcha, also the particle size of high-grade matcha ought to be between five and ten microns, as fine as baby powder, said Swift.

This essential colour and texture gauge all comes from the farming process, which has specific methods to ensure these attributes. “For around three weeks before harvest, shades are put over the tea fields to block out the sunlight, which increases the amount of flavourful, umami-rich components in the tea leaves. After the leaves are harvested in the beginning of May, the leaves are steamed, cooled and dried, baked, and sorted. […] The leaves are then ground with stone mills to produce the fine powder called matcha,” explained Honda. Shading the tea leaves is a traditional characteristic of matcha production, and is a method invented centuries ago in Kyoto, Uji, Japan, and is now widespread, she noted.

It is the shading that boosts the leaves nutrient levels, causing an overproduction of chlorophyll, contributing to its bright green colour, added Swift. The stone mills are also what produce the silky, fine texture of quality matcha, whereas lower grades are cut and blended using steel, which, she noted, reduces the flavour and bio availability of the matcha’s nutrients.

The location where the matcha is grown is also crucial to its quality and flavour. There are specific areas that are known for their matcha production, such Uji, Japan, “one of the most renowned regions for matcha growing in the world,” said Llado, and it is around this area that Wollenhaupt, Blank Street and Ippodo source their matcha. The region of Kagoshima, Japan, is also particularly suited to matcha production, benefitting from its volcanic soil and climate, commented Swift, and is where OMGTea sources its products.

Sustaining Production

With such specific regions and fastidious productions techniques, are matcha’s producers prepared to meet the surging global demand from the product, not just domestically in Japan, but as far away as the US and UK? Sinram explained that, while Wollenhaupt believes that the highest and most authentic quality of matcha can be found only in Japan, it is possible to source it from other producing countries,
depending on the requirements of the customer.

Meanwhile, Swift noted that in the Kagoshima region, practices are being undertaken to increase production in order to meet demand, “Farmers in Kagoshima have been adopting advanced agricultural techniques to enhance matcha. These innovations help increase yield and improve the quality of the tea leaves. Some tea farms are converting or expanding their fields specifically for the cultivation of tencha, the raw material used to make matcha. Local government initiatives and support for the tea industry have also played a role in encouraging the growth of matcha production in the region.”

Honda added that as global climates change, areas that are suitable for production are shifting and will continue to shift. “Areas where tea can be grown will likely change or expand as well, whether inside or outside of Japan. We are not sure what the future will bring, but it is key to plan for and adapt to changes.”

This growth in demand has created a broad market for matcha with varying requirements and uses. Where it has historically and traditionally been an exceptionally premium and ceremony-bound product, it is now a commercialised and accessible product for many consumers, posing the question of how far it can be removed from its origins and cultural significance? “While it’s great that matcha is going more mainstream, we want to make sure that it still feels special and comes with the holistic experience that has been central to Blank Street since we first launched,” noted Llado.

So where perhaps the ceremonial aspect of matcha may no longer be a necessity, it still can add something to the experience of consumers, if they engage with it, encouraging more mindful consumption, said Swift.

Honda added that, while consumers may not know of its ceremonial or spiritual origins, “during the tea ceremony and in Japanese society in general, when drinking matcha it is considered important to feel gratitude for the person who made the matcha for you and for those who produced it. We think it would be wonderful if that sentiment grew alongside the increasing popularity of matcha worldwide.” Therefore, its marketing is crucial, to not only offer consumers a brightly coloured health drink, but also a moment of reflection on both the beverage and the process that went into every sip.

• Kathryn Brand is an associate editor with T&CTJ, while still writing for several of Bell’s
  other magazines. She joined Bell Publishing at the beginning of 2022 after graduating from
  the University of East Anglia with a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing.

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Dunkin’ guests can enjoy a limited-edition lineup headlined by the Potion Macchiato, which is available hot or iced. This new beverage blends layers of espresso and milk with a vibrant, purple marshmallow ube flavour.

Coinciding with the new purple-hued brew, Dunkin’s Spider Specialty Donut has received a makeover. The formerly orange-frosted donut is adorned with purple frosting this year and, as always, topped with a glazed chocolate MUNCHKINS donut hole treat, complete with chocolate drizzle for spider legs and white drizzle forming the eyes. Dunkin’ is also dressing up its classic Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry Frosted Donuts with a festive blend of chocolate and orange sprinkles to sweeten the celebrations.

“At Dunkin’, we love keeping guests fuelled through every season, and Halloween is no exception. With beloved treats like our Spider Donut and new menu items like the Potion Macchiato, we’re excited to give customers a delicious way to celebrate the spooky season,” said Beth Turenne, vice president of category management at Dunkin’.

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