Most recently, Lavazza USA announced that it is now the official coffee sponsor for Platform by the James Beard Foundation, a state-of-the-art show kitchen, event space, and educational hub for outstanding culinary arts programming that launched this spring. Within the newly launched educational space, Lavazza recently co-hosted a ‘Breakfast Around The World’ brunch where Lavazza coffees were paired with global dishes prepared by James Beard chefs. 

The Turin, Italy-based coffee company also announced that it will co-host additional ticketed events this autumn including ‘Espresso Cocktail and Cakes’ and ‘Breakfast The Italian Way’. Together, Lavazza and the James Beard Foundation strive to elevate the culinary world and create unique experiences that celebrate the art of coffee and food. 

Lavazza is also the exclusive coffee sponsor for all four tennis Grand Slams, including the US Open, which begins later this month. 

• By Aubrye McDonagh Leigh

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Bühler and IKAWA came to the coffee marketplace following different paths. Bühler has an industrial background with more than 50 years of coffee engineering competence and has worked with many medium and large roasters to set up coffee processing plants globally. Bühler’s RoastMaster series comprises four sizes with throughput per hour ranging from 70 kilograms up to 1 ton.

IKAWA is leading the adoption of digital roasting, making sample evaluation easy and accessible. IKAWA entered the coffee stage in 2010 as a start-up and is today known throughout the global coffee supply chain for its precise, app-controlled, and user-friendly micro-roasting technology, aimed at helping coffee business make better and quicker purchasing decisions. The IKAWA Pro Series comprises the Pro50, Pro100, and the brand-new Pro100x which includes the industry first IKAWA humidity sensor.

Bühler’s integration across the coffee supply chain, its service support footprint, and IKAWA’s global presence in the specialty coffee market make them well positioned to team up for innovation in a market that has much room for development.

“Partnering with IKAWA and strengthening our presence in the coffee roasting market is a key step for Bühler in many ways. Working together with IKAWA will help us to take new perspectives and therefore create innovative ideas to address the needs between micro and medium- to large-scale coffee roasting,” says Michael Blatter, head of market segment coffee at Bühler.

Andrew Stordy, founder of IKAWA, said, “Bühler brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in engineering and manufacturing. This experience will complement the user-centered approach to design we have become known for in sample roasting.”

Aligned with this approach, IKAWA will lead the first phase of user research by inviting professionals from the roasting market to participate in feedback and testing sessions. “Our aim is to deeply understand the goals and challenges users face in production-scale roasting and to use this to inform design solutions that improve what is already available in the market. To do this we need as many people as possible to get involved by sharing ideas and taking part in user testing,” Stordy said.

Bühler and IKAWA are inviting roasting experts interested in getting involved in the innovation process to sign up here.

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NuZee will produce a full line of specialty coffee products, including its proprietary single-serve DRIPKIT pour-overs, single-serve brew bags, whole bean 12 oz coffee bags and Industrial Compostable capsules all to be branded under the Stone name. Previously, NuZee provided Stone with highly coveted seasonal coffees corresponding with special-release beers.

The new line of coffee will adopt the branding and flavour characteristics of three of Stone’s most popular brands: Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale, Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager and Stone Xocoveza. Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale is heralded for its bitterness and bold attributes. NuZee-produced coffees will reflect the same arrogance of this legendary ale. Stone’s Buenaveza coffee offering will reflect the cross-border influence of the beer with beans sourced from Mexico. Stone Xocoveza coffee will adopt the indulgence of Stone’s favourite winter beer, brewed with the key ingredients found in Mexican Hot Chocolate.

Masa Higashida, NuZee’s CEO, commented, “We are delighted to build upon the success of our past collaborations and expand our partnership with our San Diego neighbours at Stone. Our team will capitalise on the remarkable brand recognition and expanding influence of the Stone brand, synergizing it with our exceptional coffees and coffee-related offerings. We believe that this agreement will drive significant revenue growth, which will significantly increase shareholder value. We look forward to serving Stone’s expansive consumer audience and effectively driving long-term shareholder value.”

Erin Smith, Stone Brewing senior vice president of marketing said, “There is a definite overlap in what attracts people to craft beer and to craft coffee. Quality, intention, and passion are what our fans seek and we’re confident that this new line of first-class specialty coffees will be an exciting new way for them to enjoy the Stone brand.”

To learn more about NuZee, visit mynuzee.com.

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Established in 2018 in Des Moines, Iowa, BLK & Bold was founded by lifelong friends and specialty coffee connoisseurs, Pernell Cezar and Rod Johnson. The company is not only committed to making social impact through its support of underserved youth. As a certified B Corp, BLK & Bold pledges 5% of all profits to the company’s “For Our Youth” programme, which partners with 13 charities across the United States, including notable organisations like Kid Power, No Kid Hungry, Urban Growers, and Youth Guidance.

Josh Wilbur, founder and CEO of Steeped Coffee stated, “Steeped is thrilled to partner with BLK & Bold to offer its remarkable roasts to our community of sustainable single-serve coffee drinkers. As a fellow certified B Corp, we’re extremely proud to work with a roaster who is similarly committed to giving back to communities in need. We are excited about the amount of good we can do together.”

“BLK & Bold is proud to partner with Steeped Coffee, an innovative company that is making single-serve more sustainable for coffee lovers,” said BLK & Bold co-founder and CEO, Pernell Cezar. “Together, we can bring the bold taste of BLK & Bold blends to more people nationwide, and deliver even more support to our nonprofit partners, all while reducing our impact on the planet.”

Two of BLK & Bold’s best-selling blends are available in single-serve Steeped Bags on Steeped’s website. Both Steeped x BLK & Bold blends are also available in select Walmart stores nationwide.

• Limu, Ethiopia: A single-origin light roast with flavours of chocolate, blueberry, and honey.

• Rise & GRND: A sweet and creamy medium roast with savoury toffee and nutty flavours, topped with a hint of citrus.

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“Princess guests love their coffee as the morning ritual at the International Café in the legendary Princess Piazza. With a relentless focus on what’s important to our guests, we are upgrading the experience and magnifying our Italian heritage with Lavazza,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “Our Lavazza partnership gives our guests yet another thing to love about a Princess vacation.”

Lavazza offerings will begin rolling out on Princess ships throughout the spring and guests can expect to enjoy the brand’s array of hot coffee options and convenient Ready-to-Drink cans. The relationship will extend beyond offering Lavazza products and services on board to include unique coffee-inspired dinners and recipes collectively designed by Lavazza experts and Princess executive chefs, educational sessions, tastings, food pairings and samplings. The two brands will also collaborate on upcoming marketing campaigns, promotions and exclusive events.

“We have been inspired by the way Princess Cruises creates memorable experiences for their guests and feel a strong synergy between both brands in our commitment to quality, innovation and entertainment,” shared Camille Vareille, vice president – head of marketing Americas at Lavazza Group. “We are excited to come onboard to offer an elevated coffee programme and showcase our premium products to a broader, international audience.”

For more information on Lavazza, please visit lavazzausa.com.

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A joint investment of US$8.1 million will fund extension services, infrastructure, certification, and training, designed to improve yields, quality, and access to premium markets for 1,000 smallholder farmers over a five-year period.

Peru is known as the largest exporter of organic coffee, but growth is largely uneven across the country. Despite being the principal crop for smallholder farmers in Junín, there is inadequate access to inputs and a lack of technical and managerial capacity, which pose significant production constraints.

With combined resources, the partnership aims to develop more inclusive value chains that generate opportunities for 1,000 farmers and their families in the Junín region. These include:

• Increased productivity from training on sustainable and organic farming, GAP (Good Agricultural Practices), and quality testing
• Improved profitability from training on bookkeeping and better farm management
• Access to quality and differentiated markets with post-harvest processing workshops and equipment, including solar dryers, composters, and wet mills
• Improved health and well-being with medical screenings and nutrition education to reduce malnutrition rates and anemia in young children and pregnant women.

Some of this work is already underway, with the installation of wastewater treatment systems on 250 farms, distribution of 150 solar dryers, and farm financial assessments conducted with 100 coffee producers.

“In the context of the ongoing climate uncertainty and the pandemic, a traditional crop like coffee now has an even more important role to play in uplifting Peru’s producers,” said Prashant Jalan, sr. vice president coffee at ofi.

“ofi already works with more than 10,000 coffee smallholders in Peru through sustainability programs. This partnership with USAID allows us to upskill more farmers to produce higher quality beans that will qualify for specialty markets, where prices are higher and more stable. We rely on structured collaboration to scale up our impact and for roasters and other customers, it offers an opportunity to engage with partners on the ground to help drive their own sustainability agendas.”

Jene Thomas, USAID Peru mission director added “This partnership with ofi will improve extension services and access to digital technologies for 1,000 Peruvian coffee farmers. It will help smallholder farmers transition from conventional production to organic production, increase productivity, and improve product quality. By helping these farmers qualify for organic and sustainable certifications to facilitate their entry into premium markets, the partnership will enable them to remain competitive despite international price volatility, thus increasing their incomes and motivating them to continue to pursue licit livelihoods.”

Discover much more about what ofi has to offer at ofi.com.

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The Paris Baguette and Lavazza partnership highlights the organisations’ shared passions for supporting and making a positive impact on local communities. Through Lavazza’s sustainability initiatives and Paris Baguette’s commitment to giving back, both companies hope to make a real and lasting difference in the communities they serve. Paris Baguette will be serving a selection of Rainforest Alliance-certified coffees, including Lavazza’s specialty “La Reserva de ¡Tierra! Selection,” a premium blend of high-grade natural and washed Arabica from Central and South America. A balance between notes of jasmine flowers, almonds and milk chocolate, a medium body and a delicate taste. La Reserva de ¡Tierra! Selection features coffee sourced from communities supported by the Lavazza Foundation, with social responsibility projects aimed at developing living conditions and economic growth while respecting the environment.

All Paris Baguette specialty coffee beverages will be made with Lavazza’s coffee blends and cafés will serve the brand’s popular ready-to-drink cans of refreshing cold brew that are organic and Rainforest Alliance certified. The ready-to-drink cans are available in four flavour profiles that offer both dairy and non-dairy options. The flavours include: Classic Cold Brew, Nitro Cold Brew, Cappuccino Cold Brew with Milk, and Double Shot Cold Brew with Oat Milk.

“Paris Baguette is proud to partner with Lavazza, which shares a commitment to using quality ingredients, sustainable practices and a passion for spreading joy,” said Pete Bell, chief marketing officer at Pete Bell. “We’re looking forward to working with Lavazza to deliver exceptional service to our customers while taking care of our neighbors, our planet and our future.”

The partnership also provides Lavazza customers with easier access to their favorite coffee drinks, which they can now get at any Paris Baguette location. Lavazza has crafted a custom coffee program for Paris Baguette to ensure beverages will continue to be the high quality that coffee enthusiasts are accustomed to. The programme includes co-branded coffee cups, brewing equipment, and other in-café materials, plus extensive staff training on authentic Italian brewing practices. Consumers can expect exciting activations in stores throughout the year tied to upcoming coffee holidays and moments.

“We are excited to expand our footprint in the United States through this new partnership with Paris Baguette and introduce our line of products to their loyal customer base,” shared Camille Vareille, VP – head of marketing Americas at Lavazza Group. “As a value-driven brand, we believe Paris Baguette perfectly complements our mission to create quality products while also providing real, lasting impacts within our communities.”

Learn more at ParisBaguette.com or www.lavazzausa.com.

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Seattle’s Best Coffee’s approachable line of whole bean, roast and ground packaged coffee, and K-Cup pods are available in a variety of roasts and flavour profiles across both foodservice and grocery channels. In addition to Starbucks packaged coffees distributed by Nestlé under the Global Coffee Alliance, Seattle’s Best Coffee joins Nestlé’s roster of well-known coffee brands in the United States including Nescafé, Nespresso and Blue Bottle. The addition adds depth to Nestlé’s North America coffee portfolio by further expanding the company’s position in the category.

“We continue to deepen our partnership with Nestlé to deliver the best of the Starbucks Experience to our customers in channels outside of our retail stores,” said Michael Conway, group president, Starbucks international and channel development. “We’re confident that Nestlé will continue to grow the Seattle’s Best Coffee brand as we focus on our strategy to elevate the premium coffee experience for consumers through the Starbucks brand.”

“Our partnership with Starbucks has confirmed Nestlé’s leading position in the dynamic and growing global coffee market,” said David Rennie, head of Nestlé Coffee Brands. “With the well-known Seattle’s Best Coffee brand, we will continue to build our leadership in coffee by offering consumers more choice for their everyday coffee.”

Since forming the Global Coffee Alliance in 2018, Vevey, Switzerland-based Nestlé and Seattle, Washington-based Starbucks have brought a wide range of premium coffee products to new markets at a fast pace – including whole bean coffee, roast and ground coffee as well as Starbucks capsules for Nespresso and Nescafé Dolce Gusto proprietary systems. Today, Nestlé distributes Starbucks consumer products and foodservice beverages across more than 80 markets outside Starbucks retail stores under the Global Coffee Alliance. The total global sales of Starbucks products distributed by Nestlé in 2021 reached CHF 3.1 billion (approximately USD 3.085 billion).

Through the Global Coffee Alliance, Nestlé and Starbucks will continue to work together closely to develop new, innovative products and go-to market strategies that will amplify the reach and expand the unique experience of the Starbucks brand locally and globally.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2022, subject to respective board and customary regulatory approvals. Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

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It follows Liverpool’s majority acquisition in September last year of long-standing, Australian owned and run, Seven Miles Coffee Roasters – a national, specialty roaster with operations in Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Orange and Wollongong.

Both Padre Coffee and Seven Miles Coffee Roasters will continue to operate as separate brands within Liverpool’s portfolio, but under a newly formed umbrella organisation called Seven Miles Coffee Company (7MCC). Led by current Seven Miles Coffee Roasters CEO Jenny Willits, 7MCC will provide leadership oversight and develop a broader growth strategy for both Padre Coffee and Seven Miles Coffee Roasters, plus their line up of local and national coffee blends.

Jenny Willits explained: “Seven Miles Coffee Roasters and Padre Coffee have both long shared a passion for the pursuit of exceptional coffee, backed by a focus on sustainability. Our customer-centric and people-focused approach, teamed with our combined capabilities will undoubtedly create an exceptional, curated line up of specialty and premium coffees, that goes well beyond the Seven Miles heartland of NSW, ACT and QLD.

“Importantly, coming together under the umbrella of 7MCC will also showcase how much our brands complement each other within the marketplace to foster growth. Ultimately, it provides an Australian owned, Australian run coffee group that is focused on enabling customers to grow and thrive through exceptional coffee, service and training.”

To ensure a smooth transition into 7MCC, founder and director of Padre Coffee, Marinus Jansen, will remain at the helm of the business while director of coffee, Fay Kamanis, will also remain on an ongoing basis. Ken Cowan will leave his role as Director at Padre Coffee following completion of the acquisition, but will remain a consultant to the brand as it moves into its next phase of growth.

Marinus Jansen said: “At the heart of our company is our people, and we’ve always been committed to building a workplace culture that supports personal development, collaboration and teamwork. The investment by Liverpool, teamed with the opportunity to work side by side with a leading business like Seven Miles Coffee Roasters under the stewardship of 7MCC, will enable us to continue this focus while further expanding our business – in the right way.

“Both the Padre and Seven Miles brands believe in quality produce, sustainability, and fostering long-term committed relationships throughout the supply chain, making us the perfect bedfellows. We anticipate great things will come from this new relationship for both our people, and the broader industry.”

Liverpool Partners managing partner, Jonathan Lim said the Padre Coffee acquisition was an exciting addition to its burgeoning coffee portfolio, having also invested in the Australian Beverage Corporation, one of Australia’s leading coffee equipment and service providers last year.

“Padre Coffee is a thriving business, and its focus on ethical, sustainable growth while raising the bar across all that it does, fits perfectly with the approach taken by the other coffee businesses within our portfolio,” he said. “We are excited about the prospect of further growth for both Padre Coffee and Seven Miles Coffee Roasters under the new 7MCC led by Jenny Willits. It will no doubt result in the most outstanding suite of coffee products in Australia.”

Further details about the structure of 7MCC will be announced in coming months.

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The company was set up in 2006 by Nick and Louise, self-professed tea nuts on a mission to get people drinking real tea again. Louise has been a professional tea taster for over 20 years and has travelled the world sourcing all sorts of teas, as well as seeing first-hand what kind of tea is offered when passengers take to the skies.

“Having tried my fair share of disappointing cuppas while on flights, we’re really excited to be launching with Virgin to introduce some better brews to their passengers,” says Louise. “Virgin have been on our list to work with since day one and we can’t wait for our teas to really take off! Virgin Atlantic is taking steps to become greener – they’re investing in research, new technologies, and innovation to reduce their impact both up in the air and on the ground. As part of this, they were looking for more sustainable partners…and that’s where we come in! We’re a proud B Corp and our packs & tea temples are certified plastic free which is perfect for their pledge to reduce single-use plastic.”

teapigs offers a range of quality teas as well as promoting strong sustainability efforts which are what landed the company the deal with Virgin. From Spring 2022, those flying with Virgin will be able to enjoy teapigs’ mao feng green tea; lemon and ginger and peppermint and snooze.

teapigs only uses whole leaf teas, whole berries, whole herbs and flowers. The company’s teas come in tea “temples” – a plastic free mesh bag that gives the leaves lots of room to infuse. Loose tea – without the fuss, says the company.

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“This coffee is to be tasted sip by sip and to be enjoyed with a smile on your face,” says Stellino. “You will find your own moments in the day when all you need is a short break, a quick reset, sipping on the perfect cup of coffee. Just add hot water, and in minutes, you will have the best freshly brewed single-serve cup of coffee you have ever had in your home.”

Celebrity Chef and author Nick Stellino, known for his heartwarming character and storytelling, has crafted a unique taste experience that weaves together a timeless multigenerational tradition with the reimagined simplicity of Steeped Coffee, according to the company. The latest season of “Storyteller in the Kitchen” marks Nick Stellino’s 28th anniversary on public television.

“The sustainable Steeped Coffee Brewing Method delivers delicioustaste, bringing the most authentic specialty coffee experience directly to single-serve coffee lovers,” said Josh Wilbur, founder and CEO, Steeped Coffee. “We are proud to partner with Chef Nick Stellino to make quality coffee more accessible, so you can brew up more great memories over a simple cup of coffee.”

Each Nick Stellino signature Steeped Coffee Pack is fashioned from 100% specialty grade coffee that is slowly craft-roasted over a sustainable oakwood fire, creating a smooth silky-bodied organic coffee. This medium/dark blend balances a subtle smokiness with a caramel finish.

Brewed similar to tea, fully compostable Steeped Coffee Packs require no machines or specialty brewing equipment. Steeped Packs, filled with Nick Stellino’s signature blend contain artisan-roasted, freshly ground pre-portioned coffee that is triple nitro-sealed to guarantee the perfect cup every time, says the company.

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Under this new agreement, Firmenich will focus on commercialising two core parts of Finlays’ extracts business in Europe: its cold brew coffee portfolio and its tea extract portfolio.

Finlays’ cold brew coffee portfolio serves a rapidly-growing segment within the European region, and is crafted using a proprietary process which delivers a distinctly smooth, rich flavour experience, according to the company. Finlays’ tea extract portfolio includes The Wellbeing Collection, a range of premium, all natural tea extracts which are rich in bioactive compounds associated with various health benefits and are sustainably-sourced from Finlays’ own tea farms in Kenya.

“Firmenich and Finlays are joining forces at a time when consumer demand for healthier, natural ingredients has never been higher,” said Rachel Jones, Finlays Group head of business development. “Firmenich’s strong market coverage, deep understanding of taste and application know-how will enable Finlays products to reach a broader audience in Europe, helping the food and beverage industry develop innovative recipes featuring tea and coffee ingredients to meet evolving customer expectations.”

“We are very excited about this partnership,” said Karel Stoschek, VP, Europe of Firmenich’s Taste & Beyond division. “Our customers will benefit from Firmenich and Finlays’ combined expertise in product development, streamlining their own innovation and new product development process and helping to create even better products that tap into the natural, wellbeing and sustainability consumer megatrends.”

Under the new agreement, Firmenich is responsible for the full sales process, from commercial relationship to brief management, supported by the Finlays team. The partnership focuses exclusively on Finlays’ ranges of tea and coffee extracts, and covers European markets only.

“The world of natural beverages is a dynamic hotbed of innovation and offers countless opportunities for sustainable growth,” said Guy Chambers, Finlays Group managing director. “Our new partnership with Firmenich supports Finlays’ mission of bringing the best from bush to cup and will help us to deliver distinctive and exciting solutions for customers in Europe.”

“Firmenich and Finlays are both privately owned and share a similar, Purpose-driven mission of creating healthier food and beverages made from natural and sustainable ingredients”, said Amaury Roquette, Firmenich VP, Naturals Platform, Creation and Portfolio. “This partnership is strongly supporting Firmenich’s commitment to accelerate the global diet transformation by helping to create healthier, great-tasting food & beverages with more natural and sustainable ingredients to enhance wellbeing for people & planet.”

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Founded in 2017, HotTea Mama is based in Oxford, England and Sydney, Australia and provides bespoke, naturally sourced teas that build off the long history of women using herbs, flowers and teas to ease symptoms of perimenopause and post menopause with its ‘Take a Pause’ line. In addition to menopausal symptoms, HotTea Mama has created teas to ease menstrual cramps, support fertility, for breastfeeding and for new mothers.

The teas, which are exclusively whole leaf, are blended with aromatic herbs to provide flavour and wellness benefits and are also vegan and gluten free. The tea bags are plastic-free and compostable. The teas are produced in the UK and are available via the HotTea Mama website and other major online retailers, as well as some select independent wellness, maternity retailers and prenatal, fertility and menopause educators. The company plans to open its first high-street retailer in May 2022, in the UK.

Co-founders, Bethan and Kate, noted the lack of products and support for ‘the challenges of womanhood’ and sought to address that by combining historical and modern research on the benefits of botanicals with Camellia sinensis to create its product lines. Their ethos reflects that of GenM and has led to HotTea Mama securing one of the last remaining places as one of the 48 GenM founding partners, representative of the 48 credible, clinical and medical symptoms of the menopause that can affect menopausal women, as well as trans and non-binary people in menopause.

GenM was co-founded by Heather Jackson and Sam Simister, two businesswomen who found the menopause hard to navigate and suddenly felt invisible to brands with whom they had built loyalty over the years. Together, they created GenM with a clear mission: to unite responsible brands and organisations to improve the menopause experience, normalise the conversation, and support under-served menopausal consumers and employees.

HotTea Mama joins over 40 other companies as a founding partner, alongside Boots, Holland & Barrett, Next and Marks & Spencer’s, with an objective of opening conversations up about the menopause, a topic that, much like many other aspects of women’s reproductive health, is still remarkably taboo, in order to better represent the menopause in product development, workplace policies, signposting and marketing campaigns.

Bethan said, “Our purpose is to support women’s wellness at various stages in their reproductive lives, one cup of tea at a time. So, when GenM approached us to join their mission and commit to improving the menopause experience, we jumped at the opportunity to become a voice for change in this space.

“The natural herbs in our menopause tea have been used for millennia to support some of the most common menopausal symptoms, and we’re always on the lookout for new, innovative solutions to add to our range. We also recognise the need to spread awareness and educate all sections of society on just how this life stage affects people. By doing this, we can change perceptions about the menopause and help millions of women and others to lead healthier, happier lives.”

Heather Jackson, co-founder of GenM, said, “We’re thrilled to have HotTea Mama on board with our mission. The menopause affects us all, so we must ensure that those experiencing this pivotal stage in life no longer feel overlooked at home, at work and in society. Brands and organisations have a clear role to play in driving real change for ‘the change’ and, through our work at GenM, we are able to walk them through this process.

“We’re working for a world where all women enter the menopause armed with the knowledge, understanding and support needed to make informed choices on how to manage ‘the change’ in way that best suits them. This transition can affect everything from the products you use to what you’d consider drinking and eating. It’s great to see brands like HotTea Mama stepping up to this challenge and committing to help make a real difference.”

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“Numi is thrilled to be the new exclusive tea partner of WeWork,” said Brian Durkee, CEO of Numi. “This partnership is a promising symbol of a healthy return to office life, and we can’t wait to share our teas and mission with WeWork members.”

Numi will offer WeWork members six of its top selling teas, including Aged Earl Grey, Moroccan Mint, Jasmine Green, Breakfast Blend, Matcha Toasted Rice and Rooibos Chai. All Numi’s blends feature leaves, herbs, spices, and flowers to boost wellbeing and keep the body’s systems in balance.

“At WeWork, we strive to harness the power of community to care for people and the planet by focusing on our climate strategy, local community impact and core values,” said Christina Ferzli, global head of public affairs. “We are excited to provide our members with access to Numi Organic Tea products, a brand that aligns with our purpose to make a positive impact on the world around us.”

In addition to being the exclusive tea purchased by WeWork, Numi will be the official sponsor of Earth Day at WeWork each year, partnering on sustainability initiatives and events. As a Climate Neutral Certified business, Numi has an ongoing commitment to fighting climate change and reducing plastic waste, using biodegradable, plastic-free tea bags in compostable wrappers, which keeps tea fresh while displacing the consumption of 14.3 metric tons of virgin plastic annually. Additionally, Numi supports Fair Trade and Fair Labour programmes as well as Together for H2OPE, providing tea farming communities around the world with access to clean, safe drinking water.

Both Numi Organic Tea, a founding B Corporation member, and WeWork are dedicated to caring for people and the planet and are weaving this shared purpose into their partnership during a time when socially and environmentally conscious companies are of the utmost importance.

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“ACE, CoE, and Comandante are all essentially working towards the same goal: boosting the global access to and appreciation of coffee quality. Our connection actually goes way back and CoE was one of the reasons why we founded Comandante. In our early days as specialty coffee roasters – judging, roasting, and selling COE coffees – the best grinders were too big, heavy, and expensive for the typical home user. We wanted to make these coffees and their full potential more accessible, so we decided to design and build our own burrs and grinders. Along with ACE and CoE, we are set on pushing the reach of great coffee further and providing the means and tools to empower more people to produce, roast, and brew it!” said co-founder and senior vice president of Comandante Grinder Technologies, Raphael Braune.

“A driving force for our organisations is to advance excellence in coffee and in doing so, team up with organisations like Comandante who are similarly aligned in purpose. With their established background in both coffee and engineering, bringing world-class products to the market, they have been a game-changer in our coffee industry. We’re excited to work with the brilliant Comandante team for many years to come,” said managing director, Marketing and Membership for ACE & CoE, Anna Abatzoglou.

Comandante creates solid tools to help coffee lovers bring out the best in their coffee. Known for its hand grinders and burr-technology, Comandante will soon release additional products, including an innovative new bean tray design. An official ACE bean tray and Cup of Excellence edition grinder are also in the works.

ACE members and CoE partner country organisations will enjoy discounts on the bean trays as part of this partnership. Comandante will provide the top three winners of each CoE competition with a CoE edition trophy grinder. The organisations will work on a special Nitro Blade burr for ACE labs and CoE country grinders as well. For more information, visit: allianceforcoffeeexcellence.org

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In partnership with Origin, Sodexo will elevate the customer experience to meet the needs of today’s evolving workplace where coffee remains a core requirement with an upgraded coffee offer which will help entice people back to their offices when it is safe to do so.

Sodexo is committed to sourcing responsibly and promoting local development, fair, inclusive and sustainable business practices. The new partnership with Origin Coffee enables Sodexo to offer its clients a premium speciality coffee offer from a Certified B Corporation business with a central ethos to source exceptional coffee through a sustainable, triple bottom line approach.

Origin follows the speciality coffee industry’s guiding principles of Direct Trade, which as it suggests sees Origin’s sourcing team visiting producers directly within the coffee of origin, or a local exporting partner.

Julie Ennis, CEO corporate services, Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “Workplaces are becoming places where people primarily meet, collaborate, bring customers and guests, and there is a very clear opportunity to deliver a suite of workplace dining and guests services at the heart of that experience.

“Both caterers and high street chains are enticing people back with top quality coffee and we are delighted to join forces with Origin to provide our clients with a speciality coffee offer which will undoubtedly provide coffee lovers with the perfect cup.

“The new offer will also include an accompanying food menu which has been developed in line with the high quality, world-leading coffee on offer.”

In January 2022 Sodexo will open its first Origin Coffee outlet at one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies based in London. Sodexo can now offer its clients four of Origin’s coffees:

• Stronghold: Origin’s darkest roast, a composition of Brazilian coffees, deep rooted with a heavy body creates a bold, sweet and intense cup.
• Los Altos: A core Origin coffee showcasing Origin’s work with The Mierisch family in Nicaragua, resulting in a coffee full of warm, caramel and chocolate flavours.
• San Fermin: A ‘session coffee’ created from a community of dozens of small producers in South Tolima, Colombia. It boasts flavours of orange sherbet, caramel and berries with a medium body and refreshing finish.
• Das Almas: Highlights the work of Virgulino Muniz, one of Origin’s trusted long-term partners in Brazil. It has a consistent, distinct dark sugar sweetness and complex chocolate notes, a perfect celebration of Brazilian coffee, according to the company.

Tom Sobey, owner & founder of Origin Coffee said: “We’re delighted to be working alongside Sodexo to deliver a world-class coffee programme within their catering environments. We both share the same values regarding environmental and social practices and look forward to promoting our high quality, sustainably sourced coffee to Sodexo’s inquisitive and socially conscious consumer.”

Origin Coffee has a 70-strong team of coffee professionals, a world class coffee programme and an ever-evolving product range. Through the partnership Sodexo will have access to Origin’s SCA barista training and a network of trained technicians to ensure the La Marzocco espresso machines are well-maintained.

The brewing equipment is just as important as the coffee itself and alongside La Marzocco Origin also works with some of the industry’s leading equipment manufacturers including Victoria Arduino, Mahlkonig and Mazzer.

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“As we work to continuously enhance our food and beverage programming to deliver delicious culinary offerings focused on premium ingredients, we are thrilled to announce the partnership between Tempo by Hilton and Bluestone Lane,” said Adam Crocini, senior vice president, global head of food and beverage brands at Hilton. “This unique collaboration unites two lifestyle brands to enable an elevated on-property food and beverage experience that will meet the evolving needs of today’s guests who are seeking more progressive fare with healthier options.”

Tempo by Hilton, Hilton’s newest lifestyle brand, offers approachable and thoughtfully designed accommodations to help guests relax and recharge. By combining intelligent design and diverse lifestyle partnerships, the brand was curated to serve a growing segment of modern achievers who seek a hotel experience that reflects their ambition. The brand’s guests strive to find a balance in their travel routines between healthy and indulgent while navigating everything in between along the way.

As Tempo by Hilton’s exclusive provider of premium coffee, espresso and tea products, guests and locals alike will be able to enjoy Bluestone Lane’s beverages at the hotel’s cafés, reinforced by the brand’s renowned approachable service. With a made-to-order menu focused on sophisticated, clean and natural foods, the café will offer a variety of options for every taste bud and dietary need, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Sample dishes include Bluestone Lane’s signature avocado smash, chili egg scramble, grain bowls, wraps and sandwiches. In addition, Bluestone Lane will offer beverage forward programming complemented by small plates and snacks as part of Tempo by Hilton’s evening bar experience, as well as a selection of ready-to-drink coffee beverages, juices and teas for those looking for grab-and-go options.

“As one of the fastest-growing specialty coffee and café brands in the US, we look forward to collaborating with Tempo by Hilton and working alongside their food and beverage team on creating a holistic program for hotel guests,” said Nicholas Stone, founder and CEO at Bluestone Lane. “From our high-quality coffee blends to our delicious eats, our food and beverage items are perfect for today’s modern, on-the-go travelers. We are excited to serve our locals while at home or on the road for business or leisure.”

Bluestone Lane owns and operates more than 55 coffee shops and cafés in the US, all of which are inspired by Australian independent food and beverage culture which places a strong emphasis on smooth, well-balanced premium coffee, nutritious and fresh food offerings and the power of a welcoming cafe environment to connect and recharge.

With more than a dozen confirmed projects under development, travelers will soon be able to experience Tempo by Hilton in the coming years with recent signings including Tempo Memphis Downtown Union Row, Tempo New York City Manhattan Downtown World Trade Center Area, Tempo Irving Las Colinas, Tempo Seattle Downtown and Tempo Milwaukee Downtown.

To learn more, visit Tempo by Hilton and Bluestone Lane.

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Based in Japan, ITO EN has been producing authentic, flavourful and highly nutritious tea for more than 50 years. The company has a longstanding tradition of honouring tea’s cultural heritage, producing great tasting, sustainable tea and matcha powder with unmatched health properties. US consumers may be most familiar with ITO EN’s brands including Tea’s Tea, Matcha Love and Oi Ocha.

Taiyo is the leader in the fast-growing field of green tea, having more than 50 years of experience focused on green tea research, nutritional product development and manufacturing technology. ITO EN’s ceremonial matcha adds to Taiyo’s existing portfolio of culinary organic matcha powder and ceremonial organic matcha powder.

“Taiyo is proud to partner with ITO EN, which rounds out our overall green tea portfolio. It is exciting to blend our B2B strengths with ITO EN’s consumer-facing expertise,” says Scott Smith, vice president of Taiyo International. Taiyo’s portfolio also includes Suntheanine, a pure form of L-theanine, and Sunphenon and Teavigo standardised green tea extracts.

“We value the history and the authenticity of Japanese green tea including matcha. We have been able to sustain those values with high quality tea products utilising our expertise in production and product development. We are very pleased to partner with Taiyo International, having expertise in the North American food and supplement markets. It will enable us to explore new product offerings to American consumers in addition to our product lineup of beverage, tea bags, and tea powder,” says Naritoshi Tomisawa, head of International Business of ITO EN, LTD. Japan.

Matcha powder is made of high-grade green tea leaves cultivated with special care. The market for this distinctively rich-flavoured ingredient with the beautiful green colour has evolved quickly. Consumers have become more familiar with matcha thanks in part to its use by high-end coffee retailers as well as elite specialty brands.

“Consumers are becoming much more sophisticated in their appreciation of the true taste, colour and aroma of matcha,” confirms Smith. “The timing of this partnership between Taiyo and ITO EN is ideal due to the growing demand for the flavour of authentic organic matcha as well as its health benefits.” Matcha powder is also a wholesome nutritious ingredient. When treated with care, Matcha is a rich source of polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, fibers, chlorophyll and L-theanine.

“As the market becomes better educated about high quality matcha, it is important that formulators have trusted suppliers who can deliver a premium ingredient and can provide valuable advice on how to position it. This is where Taiyo excels,” says Smith. “There is such a rich history associated with matcha, in addition to its tremendous health benefits. Understanding and educating people about this history is essential to bringing high-end products to store shelves.”

Authentic, organic ceremonial Japanese matcha is also suitable for beverages, dairy products, protein powder, baked goods and supplements.

All Taiyo green tea and matcha powder ingredients, including those sourced from ITO EN, are produced using time-honored water infusion and milling processes, and are in compliance with strict solvent and pesticide regulations. Stringent quality control standards are in place from farm to market. Both grades of matcha ingredients are certified organic, Kosher, NGPV, FSSC 22000 certified and Informed Ingredient certified.

“Our strict adherence to using only high-quality starting materials and safe processing standards is our guarantee that end-consumers will consistently have the benefit of nutritious, authentic products,” explains Smith.

For additional information, visit www.TaiyoInternational.com.

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“I am very excited about this partnership between IWCA and ACE/COE which will provide opportunities for our women producers through both training and market access, leading to higher income generation while also providing unique coffees for the consumers,” said IWCA executive director Dr Sarada Krishnan.

The first action in the partnership with ACE will involve identifying Cup of Excellence winners that are members of the country IWCA chapter to leverage both organisations in promoting these quality producers to increase their auction premiums. Additionally, the two organisations will work to plan marketing, educational and other promotional activities to increase the awareness about ACE, IWCA and its chapter members. The groups will also partner on mutually beneficial projects and sharing of essential information for growth and development.

The partnership with CoE will focus on promoting competitions, infrastructure transparency and other strategies for rewarding high quality producers from IWCA chapters. The organisations will collaborate on cupping training, educational programmes and other relevant projects designed to advance technical skills and sensory education among women in the coffee industry.

Both MOUs will be signed together live by ACE executive director, Darrin Daniel, and IWCA executive director, Sarada Krishnan, following Darrin’s presentation, “Coffee Auctions as A Marketing Tool,” at IWCA’s online convention.

“This partnership between ACE/COE and IWCA is highly important for the future of our organisations and our ability to recognise our mutual interests in supporting coffee producers, especially fostering and strengthening women in the coffee supply chain. We are thrilled to forge this partnership and look into avenues where we can intersect and explore opportunities in research, technical education and many other ways for our organisations to build stronger relationships,” said executive director Darrin Daniel.

Utilising the skill set and experience of Cup of Excellence co-founder, Susie Spindler, as a new IWCA Board of Director, the organisations will be able to work fluidly in planning. In addition to identifying projects for empowerment, the groups will look for funding from individuals, corporations, foundations, NGOs, International Development Organizations and Governments.

For more information and to get involved, visit: womenincoffee.org.

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