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.

The post 200 Degrees announces the opening date of new Yorkshire store appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

“Nestlé is a strong company with global reach, exceptional demand generation and in-market capabilities. We have a diverse and strategically well-positioned product portfolio. Our iconic brands and innovative products connect with people every day, at every stage of their lives. These strengths give us a unique advantage and position us to win in the marketplace. We will now invest further in our brands and growth platforms to unlock the full potential of our products for our consumers and our customers,” said Laurent Freixe, Nestlé CEO. “Our action plan will also improve the way we operate, making us more efficient, responsive and agile. This will allow us to deliver value for all our stakeholders. I am confident that we can deliver superior, sustainable and profitable growth and gain market share, while transforming Nestlé for long-term success.”

Nestlé’s action plan is designed to allow the company to drive category growth and improve market share performance. Actions will include targeted investments in winning brands and growth platforms, more focused innovation activities to drive greater impact, and systematically addressing underperformers. Nestlé will step up investment in advertising and marketing to support growth. The necessary resources will be generated through cost savings and growth leverage.

In addition to the ongoing programs, Nestlé aims to deliver incremental cost savings of at least CHF 2.5 billion by the end of 2027 through key initiatives across procurement, commercial investments and structural costs. The company will also accelerate its digital transformation to be a real time, end-to-end connected enterprise, powered by data and artificial intelligence. It is additionally ensuring that sustainability is embedded into its activities.

As part of the action plan to drive operational performance and unlock potential, Nestlé’s water and premium beverages activities will become a global standalone business under the leadership of Muriel Lienau, head of Nestlé Waters Europe, as of 1 January 2025. The new management will evaluate the strategy for this business. This will include exploring partnership opportunities to enable Nestlé’s iconic brands and growth platforms to achieve their full potential.

Nestlé’s strategy includes accelerating its categories through expanding existing strengths, such as expanding its most successful brands and increasing exposure to growing channels. Within coffee, targeted growth areas include out-of-home coffee, ready-to-drink coffee, and cold coffee concentrates.

Nestlé said its action plan will allow the company “to deliver superior, sustainable and profitable growth.” In the medium term, organic sales growth is expected to be at 4% plus in a normal operating environment, with an underlying operating profit margin of 17.0% plus.

Nestlé confirmed 2024 guidance, with organic sales growth of around 2%, underlying trading operating profit margin of around 17.0% and underlying EPS broadly flat in constant currency. Looking ahead to 2025, Nestlé expects an improvement in organic sales growth compared to 2024, with the underlying trading operating profit margin anticipated to be moderately lower than the 2024 guidance.

The post Nestlé presents plan to fuel and accelerate growth appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

This announcement marks the exciting continued expansion of Bad Ass Coffee in South Carolina, paving the way for a vibrant presence in the region. The brand plans to open three locations across the Greater Charlotte area, which encompasses the northernmost part of South Carolina, establishing a foothold in a community known for its love of coffee. As Bad Ass Coffee continues to grow its national footprint, company leadership is eager to explore additional opportunities for expansion throughout South Carolina, tapping into the state’s rich coffee culture and demand for premium offerings.

Leading the South Carolina expansion are Doug Epperly, a lifelong coffee enthusiast who has 30 years of experience in global supply chains working with major food brands, and his daughter Abby, a University of Louisville graduate and current MBA student. Abby discovered Bad Ass Coffee while studying franchising at the University and shared her excitement with Doug, who was equally impressed by the brand’s family values and welcoming Aloha Spirit. Together, they aim to create a community hub where customers can relax and connect.

“We fell in love with Bad Ass Coffee not just because we’re huge coffee enthusiasts, but because of the brand’s commitment to building meaningful connections with guests,” said Doug. “We believe in creating spaces where people can relax, enjoy a great cup of coffee, and feel like part of the family. The energy and values of Bad Ass Coffee are a perfect match for us, and we’re excited to introduce this one-of-a-kind experience to our community.”

The brand has been on an upward trajectory since earning a spot on QSR’s 2023 40/40 List as one of America’s hottest emerging fast casual brands. Bad Ass Coffee’s franchise opportunity continues to attract multi-unit operators looking to expand their portfolios.

“We’re very excited to welcome the Epperlys to our Bad Ass Coffee ‘ohana,” said Scott Snyder, CEO of Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii.  “From our first introduction, the balance of Epperly’s experience, energy and passion were an obvious fit to partner with us to spread the spirit of Hawaii into South Carolina.  The addition of this new development in Rock Hill, combined with existing development in Myrtle Beach, further demonstrates our commitment to establishing a strong presence throughout the Carolinas,” Snyder said.

Bad Ass Coffee provides a development support system, including teams, technology, and tools to help identify the right territories for expansion, plus expertise in financing, real estate, and construction management, to assist franchisees and multi-unit operators.

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii was born on the Big Island of Hawaii in 1989 with the dream of sharing American-grown, premium Hawaiian coffee with customers everywhere. In addition to premium coffee from the famous Kona region of the Big Island, Bad Ass Coffee also sources from Kauai and Maui. Beyond premium Hawaiian coffees, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii serves up a full menu of popular blended drinks, signature lattes, cold brews, teas, innovative foods with a Hawaiian twist, and branded merchandise.

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is looking to partner with qualified and engaged individuals seeking multi-unit opportunities. The brand offers an affordable, highly scalable opportunity with strong profit potential. Franchisees can expect a total investment range between $454,200 – 920,500*. As International Franchise Association VetFran members, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii offers veteran franchisees who join a $10,000 discount* off the initial franchise fee.

The post Bad Ass Coffee expands into South Carolina with 3-store signed agreement appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

“We could not be more thrilled to launch a permanent flagship store in one of the most vibrant cities in the world,” says Darren Marshall, CEO of Smith Teamaker. “The reception to our brand in Japan over the years has been incredible, and we are proud to partner with Toyo Beverage as our exclusive distributor in Japan as we bring the full Smith experience to residents and visitors in Tokyo.”

The Portland, Oregon-based company, founded in 2009 by legendary tea entrepreneur Steven Smith, has spent the past several years building momentum in Japan in partnership with Toyo Beverage, through partnerships with Blue Bottle Coffee, Godiva Chocolate, W Hotels and various Michelin-starred restaurants. After being available in Japan for over 10 years, Smith Teamaker began operating pop-up stores with Toyo Beverage in the prestigious Shibuya Scramble Square in 2022, attracting thousands of visitors with its unique blends of black, green, herbal and wellness teas. It quickly became clear that Tokyo was ready for a permanent Smith Teamaker Tasting Room that would serve customers premium quality teas within an experiential space to savour a quiet moment in the bustle of city life.

“I’m proud to bring the legacy of Steven Smith to the Japanese consumer,” says Douglas Schafer, CEO of Toyo Beverage. “Our team is excited to bring the history and unparalleled quality of Smith Teamaker via this first Tokyo Tasting Room to the exacting Japanese consumer, and uphold the vision of Steven Smith to provide exceptional tea experiences.”

The Tasting Room Experience

From day one, Smith Teamaker has emulated a customer experience more like what one might be accustomed to in a winery: an invitation to slow down, savour, and consider the flavours and aromas in their cup, as well as their provenance. The new Tokyo tasting room does just this, presenting the company’s “garden to cup” ethos as a complete sensory experience: the retail shop has the loose leaf tea displayed under hand blown cloches so customers can experience the complex aromas of the tea as they learn about its origins. The knowledgeable staff is on hand to guide customers and plans to host tea workshops in the future. All of Smith Teamaker’s 30+ tea blends are available to taste in the tasting room, and, taken a step further, are used to craft innovative tea lattes, signature tea flights and food pairings. Of note, the golden light and black lavender lattes are crafted using a “tea-spresso” approach, an innovation developed by Smith Teamaker which uses an espresso machine to extract highly concentrated steepings of herbal infusions and black tea as it would coffee. Finally, tea brewing equipment, glassware, and the teas themselves are available for purchase to recreate the full Smith Teamaker experience at home.

Hand Crafted Details

Smith Teamaker is celebrated for its industry-leading commitment to craft, quality and creativity. The brand often finds inspiration for their collections not from the tea industry, but rather from fellow creators in culinary, beverage, and the arts. This care for craft and uncommon sources of inspiration is evident in the new Tokyo store through not only the beverage offerings but the intricate design details as well. Anchoring the nearly 2,000 square foot retail and tasting room spaces are two custom chochin lanterns, handcrafted by Kojima Shoten in Kyoto, which has been making chochin lanterns by hand for over 200 years. The paper used for the lanterns was made by Nao Tesuki Washi Company using Smith Tea as a natural dye, and pressed tea leaves into the washi paper itself. Additionally, the brand partnered with Big Sand Woodworking to handcraft the boards for its tea flights and displays, and a local designer to craft the sensory cloches.

Exclusive Products

In celebration of the Tokyo flagship opening, Smith Teamaker debuted the first tea in its new “City Series,” teas inspired by iconic cities across the world. Titled “Tokyo Twilight,” the blend is a love letter to the liveliness of its namesake city, featuring an uncommon combination of sencha green tea, green rooibos, cracked juniper, tulsi, lavender and lemon peel. Tokyo Twilight is now available at Smith Teamaker’s Tokyo and Portland tasting rooms, as well as online at SmithTea.com.

Smith Teamaker’s new Tokyo store is located on the 4th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square (Shibuya 2-24-12, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) and is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm.

The post Smith Teamaker opens flagship store in Japan appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

Joseph Brodsky, founder of Ninety Plus began producing coffee in Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, in 2006. Brodsky’s revolutionary “natural process” develops unique flavors within the coffee and when debuted, immediately amazed judges at world competitions, setting off a wave of change in the industry. Ninety Plus coffees have earned the world’s highest accolades and were used to win five of six consecutive World Brewers Cup Championships.

Coffee Support specializes in providing a full range of services including sourcing, toll roasting and cold brew production. It has transformed coffee for business operators – ensuring clients have exceptional products. Both Ninety Plus and Coffee Support share a mission to never compromise on quality.

“Coffee Support is among the best coffee roasting, packing, and logistics operations I’ve seen. It is the perfect partnership to deliver to and support fans of Ninety Plus in the United States,” said Brodsky.

In 2007, Ninety Plus shared the coffee processes it developed in Ethiopia with growers in Panama, initiating an overhaul of specialty coffee processing practices throughout the Americas. Today, Ninety Plus oversees nearly 1,000 hectares in Panama. Eighty percent of that land is under eco-preservation/restoration and 20% is used for cultivation of coffee and reforestation. Ninety Plus is committed to biodiversity in its farms, coffee workers’ quality of life, and innovation of the coffee taste experience. Ninety Plus is among the pioneers of Gesha coffee in Panama.

“We are thrilled to be able to represent and distribute Ninety Plus, one of the world’s leading specialty coffee companies that has been transforming the industry since its inception,” said Jason Kyle, CEO of Coffee Support. “Ninety Plus cultivates coffees that move you – creating flavorful and memorable experiences.”

Beginning in November, Coffee Support will release several offerings from Ninety Plus. Coffee Support launched in 2021 and has been producing coffee products for specialty coffee brands across the U.S. Coffee Support is an SQF and organic certified facility. You can learn more about the partnership at www.coffeesupport.com/ninetyplus

The post Ninety Plus Coffee announces US distribution partner with Coffee Support appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

Being a born and bred Brummie, 200 Degrees’ head of sales Ben Riley is especially proud of this win: “With thousands of students and academic staff requiring regular caffeine breaks, we’re expecting to help University of Birmingham satisfy this demand with tonnes of great tasting coffee and a boat load of hot chocolate! This is a huge achievement for a roaster of our size, and we are over the moon to be working with the University for the years ahead. We’re really excited for what’s to come and how we develop this partnership.”

Commercial director Will Kenney added, “Public sector tenders are incredibly competitive and complex, and 200 Degrees has shown the strength of our wholesale offering by winning this client. We’ve already proven the crowd-pleasing nature of our coffee with the success of our 21 shops, but this process allowed us to really showcase our client management skills and our commitment to delivering a bespoke, personal touch. We’re looking forward to helping University of Birmingham provide better coffee over the coming years.”

Chris Mellins, director of food, beverage and retail for University of Birmingham, said: “We are excited to have 200 Degrees as our official coffee partner. At the University, sustainability is one of our key strategic pillars, and it’s crucial for our Food, Beverage and Retail department to embed sustainable practices into all aspects of our operations, including our partnerships. 200 Degrees shares our commitment to these values and aligns with our ambitions in this area – and their coffee is excellent too!”

200 Degrees continues to go from strength to strength in the multiple pillars of its business, with wholesale boosted by the launch of its Coffee 2Go offering earlier this year. A high-end automated machine, the first unit has already been making waves at a student accommodation site in Nottingham, with further units on order for university locations in the city. The brand is also about to sign on the dotted line the deal for its 22nd coffee shop, which is due to open before the end of the year.

The post 200 Degrees secures University of Birmingham contract to supply coffee to campus appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

Four flavours of Clipper Tea’s everyday line are hitting shelves at over 1,600 Albertsons banner stores, including Acme, Safeway and Vons: Organic Decaf Black Tea, Organic Lemon & Ginger Herbal Tea, Organic Snore & Peace Chamomile & Lavender Herbal Tea and Organic Orange & Turmeric Herbal Tea.

Sprouts Farmers Market stores are now carrying four flavours from Clipper Tea’s existing portfolio: Organic Lemon & Ginger Herbal Tea, Organic English Breakfast Black Tea, Organic Mint Herbal Tea and Organic Snore & Peace Chamomile & Lavender Herbal Tea.

These new retail partnerships cap off a year of significant growth and innovation for Clipper Tea as the brand has grown 273% in value since 2023 according to recent Nielsen data. In February, the brand announced the addition of two new flavours to its US lineup – Organic Spicy Chai Herbal Tea and Organic Mint Herbal Tea – along with expanded distribution in retailers such as MOM’s Organic Market and Dave’s Fresh Marketplace, joining existing retail partners including Giant Food Stores and Town & Country Markets.

As the demand for organically grown tea continues to increase, specifically by a forecasted CAGR of 11.2% until 2027, due to the growing perception that clean-label products are safe and healthy, Clipper Tea’s commitment to making tea that is good for people and good for the planet uniquely positions the company to appeal to US consumers looking for organic premium teas that are sourced ethically and feature bold, 100% natural flavours. Additionally, younger generations have taken an interest in tea, with at least 87% of millennials that drink tea.

The Clipper Tea ‘tea guys’, Dan and James, travel the world in search of the finest tea gardens in Africa, India and Sri Lanka, carefully selecting and blending teas from different origins, each with unique characteristics influenced by the soil and climate. All flavors are blended and packed in Dorset, England, the same place as when the brand started 40 years ago, to create distinct, bright and bold flavor profiles.

2024 also marks the 40th anniversary for the brand, which has been a pioneer in ethical, sustainable tea production, purchasing Fairtrade certified green and black teas and Clipper Tea is Fairtrade’s first and longest-standing tea partner, leading the global market in Fairtrade tea sales and contributing over USD $7 million in Fairtrade Premiums. By supporting Fairtrade, Clipper Tea ensures farmers receive fair prices, fostering community development and strengthening resilience to climate change. Clipper Tea also uses plastic-free, plant-based, biodegradable, unbleached and non-GMO tea bags, along with recyclable and biodegradable individual tea bag envelopes packaged in recyclable boxes.

US shoppers can find Clipper Tea for purchase in retailers across the country and on Amazon.

The post Clipper Tea expands supermarket distribution in US appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

The new 265,000-square-foot building will serve as a key facility for Bigelow Tea’s production, packaging, storage, and distribution operations. The site also includes 25,000 square feet of planned office space, and it sits on a sprawling 20-acre plot, allowing for a future expansion of 75,000 square feet as the company continues to grow.

Cindi Bigelow, the company’s CEO and president, is excited to see the building come to fruition. “There are so many people that have worked tirelessly to bring this project to life. I especially want to call out John Bruins, senior director of engineering, for his commitment to talking to almost every employee over the last two years to ensure that this facility was built to include everyone’s needs.”

Hollenbach Oakley has been awarded the project management agreement for the construction of this new facility, and Horizon Commercial Realty played a pivotal role in facilitating the purchase of the property, ensuring that Bigelow Tea’s vision for its new facility could be realized.

Greg Oakley, managing partner of Hollenbach Oakley and Horizon Commercial Realty, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration. “Working with Bigelow Tea on this project is a tremendous honor. This facility will not only enhance their operational capabilities but also demonstrate their commitment to the Louisville community and sustainable practices,” Oakley said.

Sitework is scheduled to begin this year, with the main construction phase slated to start in early 2025. Civil drawings have already been completed, and the facility will include environmentally friendly features such as solar canopies over employee parking lots, underscoring Bigelow Tea’s commitment to sustainability.

With the start of this project, Bigelow Tea’s plan includes expanding their workforce, further contributing to the local economy. The total investment for this project is estimated at over $70 million.

Bigelow Tea’s current Louisville facility is located at 2401 Constant Comment Place, for over 30 years and is very happy to be able to expand in the same wonderful community. The new facility marks a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and commitment to excellence.

The post Bigelow Tea announces new 265,000-square-foot facility in Louisville appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

Known for its house blend coffee, with tasting notes of chocolate, butterscotch and berries, Kiss the Hippo Soho celebrated the launch day with complimentary coffee and pastries on Monday 2 September between 11am-2pm as well as live music entertainment.

Located at 30 Golden Square, W1F 9LD, the new Kiss the Hippo café boasts a minimalistic modern feel. Designed by London based architects, EBBA, the coffee counter is designed to be the focal point whilst the timber lining to the walls provides a comfortable and inviting environment.

By serving premium, ethically sourced, and sustainably roasted coffee – Kiss the Hippo is committed to becoming a haven for coffee lovers in the Soho area. Serving its signature blend of house espresso, an array of single origin and decaf options, the café will also offer a range of pastries, cookies, focaccias and more.

The independent company has won the UK Barista championships three times and has a range of compostable pods and coffee bags for use at home. Kiss the Hippo has also launched a new line of merchandise to celebrate the Soho launch.

Kiss the Hippo’s brand director, Irem Aksuyek, says of the opening: “As London’s first carbon negative coffee company, we are driven by a deep commitment to excellence in every cup. At the heart of our mission is our passion for creating exceptional, handcrafted coffee experiences that reflect the vibrant energy of London. Now, we are thrilled to bring our expertly curated café experience and exquisite bean-to-cup coffee to the heart of Soho. We can’t wait to share our passion for great coffee with this iconic neighbourhood.”

The post Kiss the Hippo opens third London café this year appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

Having successfully launched two locations in Katy & Bellaire, Coffee Fellows North America continues to deliver on its aggressive expansion plans for the North American market, first announced during the opening of its flagship US location in Bellaire. Coffee Fellows North America plans to maintain this momentum, with additional locations currently in the works.

The café is known for its unique blend of European charm and American convenience, providing customers with an inviting and cozy environment to work, gather, and relax. “Our ‘Feel at Home’ promise is at the heart of everything we do,” said Daniel Ogbonna, CEO of Coffee Fellows North America. “We proudly offer free alternative milks, free Wi-Fi, and high-quality food and beverages served on china. We aim to provide a second living room where our guests become our family.”

Coffee Fellows’ new locations will maintain the signature style and ethos that have made the café a favorite among Houstonians, inherited from their sister company across the pond. Each location features:

• An atmosphere that embodies the essence of a European café; complete with upholstered furniture, communal tables, intimate nooks, bar-top seating with neighborhood views, wireless phone chargers, plentiful outlets, abundant natural light, and dog-friendly patios.
• A dedication to sustainability with free alternative milks, eco-friendly takeaway packaging, and high-quality food & beverage options served on china; continuing the work of Coffee Fellows GmbH, known for award-winning environmentally-friendly practices – having gone as far as to plant a forest in Africa to help offset their carbon
• Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi (with no password) to accommodate working professionals and students; encouraging guests to make themselves at home and stay awhile.
• A commitment to community engagement – having participated in events like the Bellaire Independence Day parade, a community book swap, and a Pilates & Lattes class, with more in the works for this Fall; Coffee Fellows values getting to know and supporting its neighborhood.

The new cafés will enhance their local communities, the company says, by offering a place for residents to connect, unwind, and enjoy a European-style coffee experience.

Upcoming Locations (in order of opening schedule):

1127 Eldridge Parkway
Houston, TX 77077
Drive Thru | Mobile Pick Up

5000 Katy Mills Circle Katy, TX 77494
Mall Kiosk | Mobile Pick Up

11637 Telge Road #101
Cypress, TX 77429
Drive Thru | Mobile Pick Up

8809 Broadway Street
Pearland, TX 77584
Drive Thru | Mobile Pick Up

The post Coffee Fellows unveils four new Greater Houston locations appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

Located at Scala Mall, a three-storied dining and shopping hub in Quito’s Cumbaya neighbourhood, the new café is the first of five Starbucks stores planned for Ecuador within the coming year. A second store will open at Condado Mall on 22 August, followed by a store at Centro Comercial Iñaquito in October and two additional stores in 2025.

Starbucks stores in Ecuador will be operated by Delonorte SA, a subsidiary of Delosi, which manages 120 Starbucks locations in Peru and 7 locations in Bolivia. Delosi has been Starbucks trusted licensed business partner since 2003 when the operator unveiled Starbucks first store in the Andean region in Lima, Peru.

“We are tremendously proud to celebrate our 1,700th store in Latin America and the Caribbean with the opening of Ecuador’s first Starbucks café in the historic and vibrant city of Quito,” said Ricardo Arias-Nath, SVP and president of Starbucks in Latin America and the Caribbean. “Starbucks has been sourcing high-quality Arabica coffee from Ecuador for over a decade, and with our first store opening in the market, we look forward to creating moments of connection over coffee for Ecuadorian customers and continuing the rich coffee traditions inherent to the region.”

Cristel Delgado, brand manager of Starbucks Ecuador added, “Our commitment to Ecuador is long-term. We are very happy to be able to connect with the market’s coffee culture and traditions, and we are honoured to open our first store in Ecuador. We aim to make a positive impact in our communities by creating jobs, establishing a Third Place for our customers, elevating everyday moments, and providing flavourful experiences for our partners and customers. This is just the beginning of our efforts to foster connections and celebrate the vibrant spirit of our community.”

Sustainable café with design inspired by local coffee culture

Known for its rich history in coffee production, Ecuador is a market with a thriving coffee culture. The new store adds to this by offering a warm and familiar coffeehouse experience alongside Starbucks signature handcrafted beverages.

With a café and indoor terrace overlooking the Scala Shopping mall with combined seating for up to 50 people, the 140 m² store has been meticulously designed to ensure that every visitor feels the passion for coffee that defines Starbucks. The store maximises its impact by accentuating the bar, where the magic of coffee comes to life, and features modular wood panels, marble counters, and digital menu boards.

The art in Starbucks Scala Mall store is a celebration of local culture, thanks to the talent of renowned Ecuadorian artist Apitatán (also known as Juan Sebastián Aguirre Ríos), whose central mural intertwines themes of ancestry, nature, and coffee. It features a woman, symbolising nature and coffee’s origins, who is flanked by local animals, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The side columns display a blooming Guayacán Andino tree, native to Ecuador, and a toucan over a coffee farm, with a jaguar-masked man inviting exploration on the opposite side. This detailed artwork reflects the local landscape’s beauty and diversity, balancing realism with artistic interpretation. The installation connects customers with Ecuador’s coffee culture, celebrating the bond between nature, heritage, and the coffee community.

The café is also certified as a Greener Store, as Starbucks accelerates the international expansion of its open-source Greener Store Framework in support of its global goal to reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints by 50% by 2030. Following extensive evaluation, industry benchmarking, and external expert consultation, the Greener Store programme was designed around eight key dimensions: Site Criteria, Energy Efficiency, Water Stewardship, Waste Diversion, Renewable Energy, Responsible Materials, Engagement, Health & Well-being. These dimensions are strategically chosen to maximise the mitigation of Starbucks environmental impact.

When fully implemented, Greener Store design standards deliver more than a 25% improvement in energy performance and an absolute reduction in energy use of 10-15%. They also deliver more than a 30% improvement in store water usage. Lastly, Greener Store design and operational standards can deliver between 10-75% landfill diversion based on local infrastructure. Supporting packaging and reuse strategies will also reduce store waste, improve the recycling and composability of packaging, and promote reusability.

Dedication to Ecuadorian community

Guided by Starbucks Mission – with every cup, with every conversation, with every community, we nurture the limitless possibilities of human connection – the company is committed to attracting and retaining an industry-leading team of partners and creating opportunities to develop fulfilling careers in the coffee industry. With the five stores expected for Ecuador by the end of 2025, Starbucks will positively impact the Quito community by supporting more than 50 local jobs.

Furthermore, Starbucks green apron partners for the Scala Mall store underwent several months of barista training in Peru where they learned how to prepare Starbucks signature handcrafted coffee beverages. In addition to Starbucks core beverages, customers visiting the Scala Mall store will be able to enjoy a selection of premium whole bean coffee, Frappuccino Blended Beverages, and local delights such as yuca bread.

Starbucks has a longstanding commitment of investing in the communities it serves worldwide, and The Starbucks Foundation will provide a grant of USD$10,000 to local nonprofit organisation Fundación Forge Ecuador. Awarded as part of the Global Community Impact Grants initiative, this grant will support Fundación Forge Ecuador in improving the economic and social conditions of 29 youth in Ecuador with soft skills training and job placement that enables them to build transferable skills and secure high quality formal jobs.

In an effort to positively impact communities around the stores set to open soon, Starbucks Ecuador partners celebrated the market entry by participating in a volunteer initiative with the nonprofit organisation Junior Achievement Ecuador, focusing on cleaning the San Pedro River in Quito.

The post Starbucks opens first store in Ecuador appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

The 2000ft² venue, situated at 7630 W 80th Ave at the intersection of 80th and Wadsworth Blvd features the brand’s industrial modern design. To mark the occasion, Black Rock Coffee Bar is treating customers to complimentary 16-ounce drinks throughout the day at the new location.

To enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction, Black Rock Coffee Bar has relaunched its Black Rock Rewards programme. The updated scheme simplifies the process for members to earn rewards and place orders in-store, online or via the brand’s new app.

Since its inception in 2008 in Portland, Oregon, Black Rock Coffee Bar has grown to operate 139 venues across the US. Its strategic expansion is focused on the West and the Sunbelt regions, including Arizona, California, Colorado and Idaho.

Black Rock Coffee Bar CEO, Mark Davis, said: “We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our first Black Rock Coffee Bar in Arvada, Colorado, and the sixth in the state.

“Arvada’s vibrant community and warm spirit make it an ideal fit for our brand. We’re committed to providing the best, friendly, and fast service to our Arvada customers.”

In July 2024, Black Rock Coffee Bar expanded its store footprint by opening its sixth store in Austin, Texas.

The post Black Rock Coffee Bar opens latest store in Arvada appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

The inspiration behind Kei Coffee House is to create a welcoming environment that fosters connection, learning, and a shared passion for coffee. “We wanted a space where people can come together for all occasions—whether it’s social gatherings, work meetings, or simply a place to unwind,” said Viet Nguyen, founder and CEO of Kei Concepts. “Our goal is for visitors to fall in love with new flavours, brewing methods, and the overall coffee experience.”

At Kei Coffee House, the coffee culture will feature brewed coffees from a diverse menu featuring both Arabica and Robusta beans. The coffee offerings are complemented by high-brew teas, blended beverages, refreshers, and artisan pastries baked on site daily. Signature monthly specials will highlight unique Southeast Asian flavours like coconut, pandan, Thai banana, and sweet potato, catering to a wide range of tastes.

While Kei Coffee House partners with local experts to source the best beans from reputable farms in South America, the team plans to incorporate beans from Asia as they grow and learn more about sourcing. This approach ensures top quality and lays the groundwork for an even more personalised coffee experience in the future.

Spanning approximately 4,000 square feet, Kei Coffee House provides a large yet inviting space for seating and socializing. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in ample natural light, while its modern minimalist design creates a comfortable and relaxing ambiance. The full kitchen allows the coffee house to serve not only coffee but also a wide range of food items, eventually expanding to a full food menu.

What sets Kei Coffee House apart is its unique blend of evolving trends in modern coffee shops with the rich and diverse coffee cultures of Asia and Southeast Asia. “While the US has seen a rise in trendy, well-designed coffee shops, we add our own twist by incorporating aspects of coffee culture found in Asia. This includes a focus on ambiance, service, music, and an overall experience that is more than just about coffee,” says Nguyen.

Kei Coffee House is not just a new venture for Kei Concepts; it is a collaborative hub where the community, other roasters, and vendors can come together to learn, grow, and evolve. “This venture is as much about discovery for us as it is for our guests. We are committed to continuously improving and evolving based on feedback and experiences,” Nguyen adds. “Ultimately, Kei Coffee House is where the East meets the West, bringing a new dimension to the coffee culture in Orange County.”

Kei Coffee House is located at 15691 Brookhurst in Westminster, CA. For more information and updates, follow Kei Coffee House on Instagram at @keicoffeehouse or visit the website.

The post Kei Concepts opens coffee house in Westminster, California appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

The coffee rollout – which has already begun at Bar Louie’s corporate locations – includes state-of-the-art espresso machines alongside illy’s high-quality and sustainability sourced Arabic beans that, when combined, will offer guests top-tier caffeinated beverage choices for brunch, lunch, dinner or even late-night pick-me-ups.

Available now at select locations, Bar Louie guests can enjoy fresh espresso, tropical teas, lattes and a handful of other non-alcoholic caffeinated offerings from the illy Caffè umbrella of products. Additionally, Bar Louie is enhancing its popular signature coffee beverages, such as the ‘Mean Bean Espresso Martini,’ to incorporate the fresher, better-tasting illy ingredients.

“As only one of a handful of national bar chains to embark on a systemwide investment in their coffee and tea program, we believe this initiative represents untapped potential in both guest satisfaction and revenue streams,” said Ian Welby, vice president of beverage and execution for Bar Louie, based in Dallas, Texas. “Apart from the R&D possibilities this opens up across the menu, we also feel this investment is an opportunity to provide our best-in-class bartenders with the flexibility to get even more creative with all aspects of our beverage programme. Spiked coffee shots, anyone?!”

For more information about Bar Louie and to view the full menu, visit barlouie.com.

The post Bar Louie partners with illycaffè for new coffee & tea programme appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

Blank Street has continued to build a strong base of customers since opening in the UK in 2022 with its innovative and delicious offerings such as the viral Blueberry Matcha and staples such as cold brew, the classic flat white.

Mancunians will be able to head to the new store to get their coffee (or matcha) fix, and they’ll also be able to try out the new summer menu which includes Blank Street’s most refreshing offerings yet. The new summer menu sees Blank Street move away from the classic milky base of their matcha lattes and experiment with new flavours and lighter textures. Providing a burst of juicy fruits combined with refreshing sparkling bases, the drinks are an instant hit of sunshine, regardless of Great Britain’s weather.

The new menu includes Mango Passionfruit Matcha, Watermelon Matcha Spritz and Yuzu Matcha Spritz. Remaining on Blank Street’s summer menu is the best selling white chocolate matcha, which saw the brand’s classic ceremonial matcha blend combined with white chocolate oat milk, and instantly became one of the brands most popular drinks.

“We’ve been met with such a warm reception in Manchester already and have been so excited to hear that Mancunians want more locations from us,” said Ignacio Llado, UK managing director at Blank Street. “We’re so proud to announce that our third store in the city will be at the iconic Trafford Centre, where we’re excited to hopefully be fueling shopping trips and hangouts with friends with our famous matchas and classic cold brew.”

Blank Street Trafford Centre is located at Cafe Outside 40 Regent Crescent, The Trafford Centre, Barton Dock Road, Trafford Park, Manchester, M17 8AR.

The post Blank Street continues UK expansion appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

This strategic move is set to significantly increase Dunkin’s European presence, with the first Paris store opening in 2025. QSRP will hold exclusive rights to develop Dunkin’ outlets across France.

The expansion will introduce Dunkin’ to its eleventh European market, joining Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Georgia, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the UK.

QSRP, supported by Luxembourg-based private equity firm, Kharis Capital, has a portfolio of 1,200 licensed restaurants in seven European countries.

It includes notable quick-service chains Burger King, Quick, NORDSEE, Go! Fish, O’Tacos and CHICK&CHEEZ.

QSRP CEO, Alessandro Preda, said, “This strategic collaboration marks a major milestone for QSRP and Dunkin’ as we join forces to offer the French consumers a great-tasting, everyday-value coffee and donut experience.

“We are committed to opening numerous Dunkin’ franchises throughout France and becoming the brand of choice to recharge your day.”

In December 2024, Triton Pacific Capital Partners’ portfolio company Tasty D’Lites signed an agreement to acquire 17 Dunkin’ restaurants in the US.

The deal included a central manufacturing location in Vermont.

The post Dunkin’ to launch franchise in France appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

The 93 m² coffee sanctuary at Juanda International Airport is designed to cater to travelers, offering premium coffee starting from 5 AM daily. This latest addition follows the successful openings of Expat. Roasters’ third and fourth stores in Graha Family, West Surabaya, and Jakarta Mori Building, Sudirman, Central Jakarta, respectively. These complement the brand’s two existing outlets in Bali (Petitenget & Beachwalk Shopping Mall).

Shae Macnamara, founder & CEO of Expat. Roasters, expressed his excitement about the new store: “We are thrilled to bring Expat. Roasters to Juanda International Airport. Our mission is to provide high-quality coffee experiences to travellers, ensuring they start their journey on a positive note. The expansion to Juanda is a significant step in our goal to make our specialty coffee accessible to more people across Indonesia.”

Expat. Roasters is renowned for its high-quality coffee blends, using only Arabica coffee beans, with over 95% sourced from Indonesia. The brand’s expansion plans include opening six new outlets this year, with two stores set to open in East Surabaya and Hokky Surabaya Supermarket soon. In August, Expat. Roasters will launch a store at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport’s departure terminal, followed by openings in Medan and Makassar towards the end of the year.

The Juanda International Airport store will also offer Expat. Roasters’ newly launched cold brew cans and an array of snacks for travellers to enjoy before embarking on their journey.

Expat. Roasters Juanda International Airport is located at the Lobby Drop Zone, Terminal 1A Departure Hall and operates from 5 AM to 9 PM, Monday to Sunday.

The post Expat. Roasters opens fifth store in Juanda International Airport appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

This latest addition to HEYTEA’s growing portfolio is the brand’s largest UK store to date, with indoor seating offering a design-led space for customers to meet and socialise over a HEYTEA. With a unique Chinese ink-inspired design within a classic British building, HEYTEA New Oxford Street creates a tea-drinking experience with a moving digital display ceiling, and quirky table settings.

Founded by a 19-year-old Neo Nie Yunchen in 2012, HEYTEA has grown from a 300-square foot tea shop in Guangdong, China to a pioneer in “New Asian Tea” with over 4,000 stores across 300 cities worldwide.

HEYTEA is known for its unique flavours and its commitment to using only fine ingredients, with no artificial flavours meaning the drinks are a healthier alternative to many traditional bubble teas. HEYTEA has also made the switch to organic milk in their milk drinks, while offering customers a free switch to a 0-calorie sweetener in their tea.

HEYTEA continues to set trends, such as its Cheese Tea, and breathe new life into traditional tea experiences. HEYTEA is accelerating its global expansion, with HEYTEA New Oxford Street being the latest step in this journey.

For more information about HEYTEA, visit heytea.com

The post HEYTEA opens Oxford Street location appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

The company, which was established in 2019, is targeting the second half of 2024 for the IPO, intending to become more accessible globally.

Kalve Coffee has four café locations and a bakery in Riga, Latvia and a roastery in Jaunmārupe.

The funds from the IPO are earmarked for the opening of six new café-stores in Estonia and Lithuania by 2025, with plans to extend into other Baltic regions by 2026.

The IPO proceeds will also be used to optimise manufacturing processes and increase production capacity at the Jaunmārupe facility.

The Jaunmārupe facility, which opened in 2021, can produce 60,000kg of coffee monthly and supplies hotels, restaurants, and catering clients across Latvia, Poland, Estonia and Germany.

In addition to roasting coffee, Kalve Coffee is a distributor for Victoria Arduino and Nuova Simonelli coffee machines and Eureka grinders.

The company is also looking to expand its coffee machine rental and maintenance services.

Kalve Coffee reported a 38% increase in year-on-year sales growth in 2023, achieving a record €2.5m ($2.7m) in revenue.

The Baltic Times quoted Kalve Coffee co-founder and board member Gatis Zēmanis: “At the heart of any business is the ability to ensure a healthy cash flow, which we have been able to do. Since Kalve was founded, we have shown steady growth, increasing the company’s turnover from €0.35m to €2.49m in four years.

“This is a very positive trend and also good for the company, given that Kalve wants to address the lack of availability in the premium coffee market by providing customers with a unique specialty coffee experience.

“The fact that demand continues to grow is also evidenced by the volume of Kalve coffee sold, with almost 83 tonnes last year, an increase of 25% compared with 2022.”

The post Kalve Coffee set to see international expansion and production capabilities appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

Specialist Yorkshire-based coffee roaster, Danelaw Coffee, has achieved significant growth following funding from the Start Up Loans programme, delivered by the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) on behalf of the British Business Bank.

The post Danelaw Coffee achieves growth after Start Up Loan investment appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.