What's Brewin' in the Coffee Industry

• Kona Joe offers tours of farm, espresso bar

KAINALIU, Hawaii (December 11, 2007) — Kona Joe Coffee is pleased to announce expanded hours for the popular tours that showcase Kona's favorite brew.

"We are excited to be able to offer so much access to our visitors," owner Deepa Alban said. "People love their coffee and really want to know where it comes from. We are just pleased to be able to show them."

Tours are designed to be educational, informational and interactive - as well as fun and tasty for the whole family.

The tours, fully narrated by one of Kona Joe's knowledgeable staff members, lead visitors through the entire process - from the 20 acres of coffee trees to the on-site milling and roasting room and on to the farm's expresso bar to sample the award-winning product.
Visitors have an opportunity to see, smell, feel and taste the 180-year tradition of Kona coffee, taking with them a new appreciation for their morning mug of coffee and the work that went into it.

Highlights include an explanation of Joe's patented method of trellis-grown coffee, an 8-minute video, free samples or coffee and chocolates, and a free mug.

The estate also features a gift shop/art gallery. Deepa's original works of art are available for purchase, as well as coffee-themed items that make wonderful gifts for friends and family. The occasional local artist is also on-site to share stories about life and art in Kona.
The tour has been called "one of the must-see sights and sips" of a Kona visit.

Views from the full service espresso bar, perched at the 1,500-foot elevation above the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean, are among the most magnificent in town.
Alban also announces the "Be Seen Going Green" campaign, which highlights the farm's environmentally friendly growing and processing methods. Many of the products used on the farm are bio-degradable and recyclable.

Kona Joe Coffee can be purchased at the farm, on the Internet at www.konajoe.com or in selected department stores.

Tours are offered 7 am.-4 p.m. daily. Individual visitors, groups, private tours and children are welcome. Wheelchair accessible. Cars, vans, buses can be accommodated along the completely resurfaced and improved entry way off Mamalahoa Highway just north of Aloha Theatre. Ample parking is available.

Special events and tours may be scheduled through the sales office.

For further information or to schedule a special tour or event, please call 808-322-2100.

• Coffee Masters Introduces Festive Spring Gift Line

SPRING GROVE, IL – December 12, 2007 – Coffee Masters, Inc., Leading Midwest wholesale coffee roaster, today announced the launch of their first line of spring themed gifts. The Spring Collection includes gourmet coffee, cocoa and tea assortments. Coffee Masters is now taking pre-orders for this line and will be shipping by January 1, 2008. These items are only available until May 30, 2008 or while supplies last.

Spring 12oz Coffee Valve Bags
Offered in whole bean and ground, regular and decaf of two of our favorite coffees:

Vanilla Raspberry – The finest coffee is enchanted with a playful medley of flavors; zesty ripe red raspberries and the buttery smooth essence of pure vanilla. Net Wt. 12 oz. (340g). Packed 4 per case.

Breakfast Blend – a medium bodied blend of South and Central American coffees joined with our famous French Roast creates a delicious eye opener. Smooth, rich and wonderful! Net Wt. 12 oz. (340g). Packed 4 per case.

Cocoa Delights
This lovely gift contains five packets of decadent Cocoa Amore, one each of these delicious flavors: Chocolate Raspberry, Chocolate Supreme, Chocolate Truffle, Peanut Butter Brownie, and White Chocolate. Contains 5 - 1.25 oz. (35g) Packets. Net Wt. 6.25 oz. (175g). Box dimensions: 3-1/2”W x 2-7/5”D x 6-1/2”H. Packed 12 per case.

Tea Medley
Contains one tea bag each of these flavors (20 tea bags total): Afternoon, Apricot, Apricot Decaf., Assam, Camomile, Ceylon, Cinnamon, Cinnamon Plum, Darjeeling, Earl Grey, English Breakfast (2 tea bags), English Breakfast Decaf., Ginger Peach, Honey Lemon Ginseng, Japanese Green, Lemon, Peppermint, Raspberry, and Vanilla Spice. Packed 12 per case.

About Coffee Masters
Founded in 1985, Coffee Masters, Inc., based in Spring Grove, IL, is a specialty coffee roaster in the Midwest. All of our award-winning coffees are hand-selected and individually craft-roasted to bring out the best qualities in each coffee. In addition to manufacturing roasted coffee, Coffee Masters is the exclusive United States distributor of Ashbys® Tea of London, St. James’s Teas and manufacturer of Cocoa Amore®, an award-winning gourmet line of instant cocoa products. Other products available from Coffee Masters include display material, commercial brewing equipment, Torani syrups, David Rio Chai, and other café supplies. For more information, call 800-334-6485, visit the website at www.coffeemasters.com or email at cmaster@coffeemasters.com.

• Universal Passion for Coffee Comes to the United States

Panama City, Panama – (December 11, 2007) Whether it’s dark roast in the morning or an intimate chat with a friend over a latté, everyone loves their coffee in their own way. Now connoisseurs can satisfy their love of coffee and their sweet tooth too. Passion for Coffee, a new cookbook from Patricia McCausland-Gallo, incorporates the timeless drink and bean into a collection of delicious recipes.

McCausland-Gallo is a nutritionist, pastry chef, teacher and food writer, and a native of Colombia, the country that is home to what many claim is the richest coffee in the world. It’s also a place where great food and deliciously decadent desserts like tres leches are as standard as the beautiful Andes Mountains. McCausland-Gallo’s mother was a baker and her bakery took up a third of the house young McCausland-Gallo grew up in. Her mother used pure ingredients like whole cream, long vanilla beans and dark coffee beans to create mousses and ice creams.

Thus, McCausland-Gallo created Passion for Coffee, both to honor her past and give homage to the crop that has always incited passion all over the world. The 216-page book was originally written in Spanish and released in South America in 2006. Now the best seller has been translated into English and is available in the United States. It features over 200 recipes, from cakes, cookies, cool desserts and drinks, to entrees and even salads that all call for coffee in some form.

This cookbook has a warm elegance about it and the varied recipes are presented in a straightforward fashion, often calling for simple freeze-dried coffee, although any kind of coffee can usually be substituted. Perhaps the most enjoyable aspects of the book though, are the stories about coffee, its history, the people who harvest it, and how it has impacted the entire world. Enjoyable, that is, over a deep cup of coffee.

McCausland-Gallo has a B.S. in Foods and Nutrition from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. She also attended the American Institute of Baking in Kansas and the École Lenôtre in Paris.

Passion for Coffee (ISBN 0-9797594-0-6) is available retail for $29.95 and can be purchased through The Cookbook Marketplace at www.cookbookmarketplace.com or by calling 800-269-6839. The Cookbook Marketplace also handles the book’s distribution to the book and gift trade.

Passion for Coffee was manufactured by Favorite Recipes Press (FRP). Since 1961, FRP has produced more than 1,000 titles for individuals, companies, and nonprofit organizations from coast to coast. Full support and consultation are available in the creation, production, marketing, and distribution of a cookbook. FRP is a division of Southwestern/Great American, Inc.

For more information, contact FRP Publicity Services at 800-358-0560 or marketing@frpbooks.com.

• World’s Coffee Community to Converge in Minneapolis, Minn., May 2- 5, 2008

LONG BEACH, Calif. U.S.A. (Dec. 10, 2007) The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), the world's largest coffee trade association, today outlines its 20th Annual Conference & Exhibition (http://conference.scaa.org/) for 2008. As the industry’s premier coffee conference and exhibition, the occasion gathers thousands of international coffee professionals from more than 40 countries, including Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee and portrait country for this year’s conference. The event takes place May 2 - 5, 2008 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, Minn. The conference theme is “Roots,” and the official conference host is Caribou Coffee (www.cariboucoffee.com).

Conference delegates, including coffee producers, exporters and importers, roasters, retailers, manufacturers and baristas, will enrich their knowledge during more than 100 hands-on labs and lectures. Through educational tracks, such as Agroecology, Business, Retail, Roaster and Sustainability, attendees will receive valuable information and training to apply to their businesses. In addition, the world coffee community may network and have access to more than 700 exhibitor booths featuring everything coffee---green and roasted specialty coffees, commercial and home brewing equipment, espresso machines and grinders, coffee roasting equipment, coffee drinks and mixes and flavorings and syrups, to name a few of the offerings. The exhibition is open Saturday, May 3, 12 - 6 p.m.; Sunday, May 4, 12 – 6 p.m.; and Monday, May 5, 12 - 4 p.m.

Mark Inman, SCAA Conference Committee Chair, said, “This year, we’ve designed a very straight forward ‘labs and lectures’ format that will be valuable to each member who desires to meet the current challenges of our industry. Baristas, retailers, roasters, importers and producers will find value in each and every educational offering at this year’s conference. Venture into a new track, mingle with a different business segment, practice a different language and make a new connection. Each educational offering was designed to help you address the demands of our current industry, master a certain task or discover a new trend in your market.”

SCAA Executive Director Ric Rhinehart said, “This 20th iteration of the greatest coffee show on earth brings together---in new and exciting ways---the entire chain of coffee production, from farmers to consumers and all of the links in between. The educational sessions are designed to increase the opportunities for dialogue, provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and lay a foundation for continued partnership between the diverse business interests that make up our coffee world.”

Portrait Country Ethiopia
As SCAA untwines the coffee industry’s “roots” through its conference theme and curriculum, it fittingly features the birthplace of coffee. This year, in “Portrait Country Ethiopia,” SCAA conference attendees join Ethiopian coffee growers, cooperatives and exporters in two unique forums. The first forum presents the achievements and progress of the Ethiopian Fine Coffee Trade marking and Licensing Initiative. The second forum discusses how Ethiopian producers and international distributors can jointly meet the challenge of increasing the supply of Ethiopian fine coffees while improving and maintaining quality. The conference also features the “experience” of Ethiopia, including music, coffee ceremonies and presentations of traditional costumes and customs. Ethiopia will be represented on the exhibit floor in booth No. 1952.

Highlights, New to the Conference
Conference delegates will also experience the new “Agroecology” track, which focuses on the largest segment of the specialty coffee industry’s supply channel---the small to mid-sized grower---to assist them with practical methods to develop better soil, increase biodiversity, manage natural resources, increase coffee quality and improve yields. Agroecology is the science of applying ecological concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable food systems.

The International Relations Council (IRC), a long-standing SCAA committee comprised of representatives from the world’s major coffee producing and consuming organizations, hosts the International Coffee Symposium. This symposium brings forth the critical issues of international coffee and begins with the highly anticipated “State of the Coffee Industry.”

The La Vida Verde Symposium focuses on the specialty coffee industry’s producer partners, who, season after season, reach high levels of quality. For many producers, the path to greater prosperity lies through participation in one or more of the numerous certifications or financing options available to specialty coffee growers. This symposium features two intensive seminars that will seek to clarify many of the issues surrounding these subjects.

SCAA’s 4th Sustainability Symposium will explore various social and environmental advances and achievements while also addressing new challenges for the future. The symposium features both conceptual approaches to and practical applications of sustainability as it relates to the specialty coffee industry.

United States Barista Championship
SCAA’s 2008 United States Barista Championship, hosted by Krups, also takes place at the conference. Baristas from around the country will compete for the coveted title and demonstrate the profession of espresso-drink making while creating some of the country’s finest coffee concoctions.

Coffee of the Year Competition
The Roasters Guild 2008 Coffee of the Year Competition, hosted by Roast Magazine, Probat Burns and Volcafe Specialty Coffee, will identify the world’s best specialty coffee. More than 30 experienced judges select the winning coffee by cupping or thoroughly evaluating six distinct attributes of the competitors’ coffee samples, including fragrance, aroma, taste, flavor, aftertaste and body.

Complete conference details are available at http://conference.scaa.org/. For a copy of the conference brochure, call 562-624-4100 or e-mail info@scaa.org.

About the SCAA
Celebrating its silver anniversary in 2007, SCAA is the world's largest coffee trade association. SCAA members are located in more than 40 countries and represent every segment of the specialty coffee industry, from coffee growers to coffee roasters and retailers. The SCAA's mission is to be the recognized authority on specialty coffee, providing a common forum for the development and promotion of coffee excellence and sustainability. The SCAA's dedication to excellence in coffee is realized through the setting of quality standards for the industry; conducting research on coffee, equipment and perfection of craft; and providing education, training, resources and business services for members. The SCAA's annual conference is held in a different U.S. city each year and is the coffee industry's largest gathering and exhibition.

• Coffee Fest to Celebrate 50th Show in Washington, D.C.
Specialty Coffee Trade Show Brings Wealth of Experience to Nation’s Capital in February

Seattle, Wash. – December 6, 2007 – Coffee Fest heads to the nation’s capital in February to host its 50th show. Held at the Washington Convention Center in downtown D.C., this year’s show is a culmination of 16 years of producing retail trade shows that have made significant strides toward bolstering the profile and profits of the specialty coffee and tea industry.

The show kicks off on Friday, February 15, 2008, with an opening ceremony with ambassadors representing coffee-growing countries from around the world. Coffee Fest organizers will offer the gold standard of retailer education with a carefully crafted series of classes, workshops and seminars for retailers looking to make their business bloom. The Millrock Free Pour Latte Championship will draw an international group of talented baristas for an artful and technically challenging competition. And, a bustling trade floor with more than 200 booths will set the stage for forging new business relationships.

“The 50th show is a huge milestone for us,” says David Heilbrunn, Coffee Fest show manager. “We feel fortunate for the opportunity to have had a hand in the steady proliferation of coffee shops and the explosion of the specialty coffee retail business over the course of the past 16 years. It’s an exciting time to be in the coffee industry.”

Show Highlights
Balance your books, brew the best espresso, cup coffee and tease out the finer points of fair trade and organic coffee with D.C.’s educational line-up that offers 90 educational sessions – 45 of which are brand new for the Northeast market. Grab a seat for one of two free screenings of Black Gold: Wake up and Smell the Coffee, a hard-hitting documentary tracing the path of coffee from its humble farming origins to its ultimate arrival in an American to-go cup. Watch the Millrock Free Pour Latte Art finalists battle it out for a $5,000 winning purse for the best foam-based art. Attendees can watch as scores are immediately posted along with video stills of the art-on-the-spot. Blind-judging adds an element of purity and excitement to the competition.

Register for the show
The three-day show opens Friday, February 15, and runs through Sunday, February, 17. Educational sessions are held from 8am-noon daily. The show floor is open for business from noon-5pm on Friday and Saturday and will close at 4pm on Sunday. To register for the show, please go to www.coffeefest.com or call 425.238.5058, ext 123 or 128. Applications for the Millrock Free Pour Latte Art contest are due December 14, 2007. Please contact Coffee Fest for more information.

About Coffee Fest
Coffee Fest has been bringing the specialty coffee, gourmet tea and alternative beverage industry professionals together since 1992 when the show first got its start as a consumer coffee festival in Seattle. Since 1998, Coffee Fest has gathered coffee retailers, roasters, distributors and manufacturers together for thrice annual trade shows to help attendees build and refine their businesses, learn about the newest products and remain current with coffee and tea industry trends. Coffee Fest will host its first show off the mainland in Hawaii in June. In November 2008, Coffee Fest goes international with its debut show in Hong Kong. For more information about all the shows, go to www.coffeefest.com.

• The SCAA Roasters Guild and Café de El Salvador to Host Five-Day Coffee Origin Trip

What: This winter – the SCAA Roasters Guild is teaming up with Café de El Salvador to offer Guild and all other SCAA members the educational opportunity to tour the coffee-producing country of El Salvador, Jan. 28-Feb. 1. While visiting an array of coffee farms and mills, attendees receive a thorough overview of all aspects of the coffee-growing process, including production, processing and agronomics.

In addition to gaining first-hand insight on both experimental and innovation coffee operations, attendees may participate in an array of workshops and classes offered during the five-day trip. Participants may also take part in a number of other networking events and activities offered.

The discounted cost for Roasters Guild members to attend the El Salvador trip is $800. All other SCAA members pay $1,000 to attend. This fee includes most meals, four-night hotel lodging and transportation to and from the airport and access to all workshops and classes. This represents an amazing value!

Click for more information on the SCAA Roasters Guild Origin Trip to El Salvador

Who: About the SCAA Roasters Guild
The SCAA Roasters Guild is a group comprised of professional coffee roasters who are dedicated to preparing the highest quality of coffee possible. The Roasters Guild strives to promote the SCAA’s premier roasting standards while enhancing its members’ knowledge of their profession while recognizing outstanding practitioners.

The Roasters Guild offers professionals a community of coffee roasters with which to network as well as a forum to exchange thoughts and ideas with other professionals working in the industry.

About SCAA
Celebrating its silver anniversary in 2007, the SCAA is the world's largest coffee trade association. SCAA members are located in over 40 countries and represent every segment of the specialty coffee industry, from coffee growers to coffee roasters and retailers. The SCAA's mission is to be the recognized authority on specialty coffee, providing a common forum for the development and promotion of coffee excellence and sustainability. The SCAA's dedication to excellence in coffee is realized through the setting of quality standards for the industry; conducting research on coffee, equipment and perfection of craft; and providing education, training, resources and business services for members.

When: The Roasters Guild El Salvador Trip takes place Jan. 28 – Feb. 1, 2008.

• Billy Wilson Wins SCAA Northwest Regional Barista Competition

Portland, Oregon Barista Wins Unprecedented Second Northwest Regional Barista Competition While Qualifying for 2008 United States Barista Championship

SEATTLE, Washington, USA (Nov. 16, 2007) – Portland, Oregon barista, Billy Wilson – from the Albina Press – demonstrated his superlative coffee preparation skills while outpacing the competition to become the first two-time winner of the Northwest Regional Barista Competition, presented by the Specialty Coffee Association of America. He also won last year’s Northwest Regional Barista Competition – which occurred in Portland.

Maki Campbell from Seattle’s Zoka Coffee Roaster & Tea Co. and Kevin Fuller – also from the Albina Press – finished second and third. In addition to earning the title of Northwest’s Best Barista, Wilson clinches a spot in the semi-final round of the 2008 United States Barista Championship at 20th Annual SCAA Conference & Exhibition on May 2-5 in Minneapolis. His USBC travel and hotel accommodations will be paid by Northwest Regional Barista Competition host, Zoka Coffee Roaster & Tea Co.

Northwest Regional Barista Competition entrants prepared and served 12 coffee beverages including four espressos, four cappuccinos and four original signature drinks of their choosing, all within 15 minutes. Event competitors were judged on station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical skills and total impression. The Northwest Regional Barista Competition featured the most accomplished baristas from Alaska, Oregon and Washington. The event is one of 10 SCAA regional competitions that recognizes professional achievement in the art and skill of preparing and serving specialty coffee beverages.

“I am very surprised, yet elated after winning the competition for a second year in a row,” said Wilson. “My mindset was simply to enjoy the experience with my peers without worrying about how I placed.”

Wilson’s judge-pleasing signature drink was inspired by a chocolate-espresso torte desert and side of blue cheese ice cream he had at a Portland restaurant. The event-clinching concoction featured a quarter teaspoon of tempered Scharffen Berger chocolate, an espresso shot and a small amount of ground berry allspice. To complement the drink, Wilson included a side of crème anglaise or “pourable custard,” which consisted of blue cheese and wildflower honey.

SCAA President Mary Petitt said, “On behalf of SCAA, I congratulate Billy Wilson for winning this year’s Northwest Regional Barista Competition and for earning a spot at the 2008 USBC. Billy’s performance underscores his extraordinary artisan skills and deep commitment level he has for the barista profession.”

About the SCAA
Celebrating its silver anniversary in 2007, SCAA is the world's largest coffee trade association. SCAA members are located in more than 40 countries and represent every segment of the specialty coffee industry, from coffee growers to coffee roasters and retailers. The SCAA's mission is to be the recognized authority on specialty coffee, providing a common forum for the development and promotion of coffee excellence and sustainability. The SCAA's dedication to excellence in coffee is realized through the setting of quality standards for the industry; conducting research on coffee, equipment and perfection of craft; and providing education, training, resources and business services for members. The SCAA's annual conference is the coffee industry's largest gathering.

• Coffee Masters Introduces Panama "Hacienda La Esmeralda" and Thanksgiving Coffees

SPRING GROVE, IL – October 25, 2007 – Coffee Masters, Inc., Leading Midwest wholesale coffee roaster, today announced the addition of their newest Private Reserve Limited Edition Coffee Jewel and this years Thanksgiving themed coffees.

Private Reserve Limited Edition Coffee Jewels
Coffee Masters is extremely excited to introduce one of the world’s best and rarest coffees – Panama “Hacienda La Esmeralda” (#18 in the Private Reserve Limited Edition Coffee line). At auction, this Rainforest Alliance Certified premium coffee is setting record prices of over $100 per pound! After placing First in three major competitions: the Best of Panama Cupping Competition, the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s Cupping Pavilion, and the Rainforest Alliance Competition; this coffee is sure to be a favorite.

In the cup, La Esmeralda's aroma has notes of strawberry and citrus blossom along with a crisp, sweet acidity, and complex fruit flavors. Available in a 5lb bag at $29.95/lb and 12oz Valve Bag Box/4 per case at $91.85.

Private Reserve Limited Edition Coffees are now packaged in an elegant black 12 oz valve bag box that features a subtle world in the background. Each Private Reserve in the collection boasts a bright band with origin and farm specific information and numbered in its order of introduction into the market. Available with purchase is a Private Reserve poster and special coffee ID card.

Thanksgiving Coffees
Coffee Masters Thanksgiving Coffee Program includes fall themed coffees packaged in white valve-bags with autumn themed labels. Coordinating promotional material is available with purchase (poster and ID cards). Coffees include: Autumn Apple Crisp, Golden Harvest Blend, Pilgrims Pecan Torte, and Pumpkin Spice. All coffees are made with the finest Arabica Coffee and are available in 12oz. valve bags and 5 lb. nitrogen flushed foil bags (in standard food service bags). Promotion ends November 30, 2007.

About Coffee Masters
Founded in 1985, Coffee Masters, Inc., based in Spring Grove, IL, is a specialty coffee roaster in the Midwest. All of our award-winning coffees are hand-selected and individually craft-roasted to bring out the best qualities in each coffee. In addition to manufacturing roasted coffee, Coffee Masters is the exclusive United States distributor of Ashbys® Tea of London, St. James’s Teas and manufacturer of Cocoa Amore®, an award-winning gourmet line of instant cocoa products. Other products available from Coffee Masters include display material, commercial brewing equipment, Torani syrups, David Rio Chai, and other café supplies. For more information, call 800-334-6485, visit the website at www.coffeemasters.com or email at cmaster@coffeemasters.com.

About Private Reserve Limited Edition Coffee Jewels
Purchased from small, family-owned coffee farms, each Private Reserve coffee exemplifies the dedication necessary in order to produce the world’s finest beans. To insure the highest standards of quality, these exceptional beans are grown in small lots and are obtainable only in limited quantities. Buying beans in this manner not only allows Coffee Masters to offer a superior product to you, it also is beneficial to the farms, families, and communities of those who depend on coffee production as a way of life.

• PORTLAND ROASTING AWARDED RUNNER-UP ROASTER OF YEAR
Roast Magazine Salutes Local Coffee Company’s Efforts

PORTLAND, Ore. --- October 31, 2007 – For the second year in a row, Portland Roasting Coffee earned the title of Runner-Up Roaster of the Year at the industry’s fourth annual competition hosted by Roast Magazine in September. A close second, next to Zoka Coffee of Seattle, Portland Roasting collected high grades for its sustainable business efforts and top-quality single-origin coffees.

Nearly 40 coffee companies from around the country threw their hat into the ring for a competition that involved a written application pertaining and a cupping of three coffee samples. Portland Roasting shot to the top of the heap of applicants with its work in the environmental and fair trade practices arena. Their Farm Friendly Direct™ coffee sourcing program and recent introduction of the region’s first compostable to-go cup, the ecotainer™, were just two of the company’s notable efforts that placed them apart from their competitors.

“Portland Roasting is a leader in the coffee industry as they are changing the way people look at direct trade and sustainability,” explains Connie Blumhardt, publisher of Roast Magazine. “They act as a model for new roasters who want to make inroads into sustainability while roasting excellent coffee.”

In the blind cupping portion of the competition, coffees were judged per SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America) standards on a 1-100 point scale. Judges examined coffee samples for their defects, flavor profile, density, body, aroma and mouth feel, among others characteristics. In the blind cupping, Portland Roasting scored of 80.5 for its Morning Blend, an 86.50 for its Portland House Blend and 88.50 for its Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Kochere blend.

About Portland Roasting
Since 1996, Portland Roasting Coffee Company has been roasting coffee and espresso for the Northwest community. The company’s products are available via wholesale, internet and retail channels as well as through corporate, university and specialty venue businesses. Portland Roasting prides itself on its sustainability initiatives such as its Farm Friendly Direct™ program that pays premium prices to its growers to ensure quality coffee while helping to sustain the families and communities that support the coffee farmers. For more information on its coffees and environmental programs, please go to www.portlandroasting.com

• Bellissimo Media Productions Announces the Release of the 2007 World Barista Championship 2-DVD Set

(Portland, OR, October, 25 2007) In a joint venture with the World Barista Championship (WBC), Bellissimo Media Productions has created a two-DVD set documenting the 8th Annual World Barista Championship (WBC) held in Tokyo, Japan July 31 to August 2, 2007. This DVD set is the first of its kind produced in the eight-year history of the WBC, and uniquely captures both the heart and mind of the exciting 2007 championship event.

The first DVD is a 55-minute overview of the WBC event that displays the soul of the competition. This documentary-style DVD includes interviews, local color shots and footage of all of the competitors in action.

"The DVD documents the full WBC experience, and allows viewers to see and feel the excitement generated by this competition as well as to hear from the participants, attendees and coffee professionals from all over the world," said Bruce Milletto, the film's director. "The film is truly riveting and has the potential to win major national awards and recognition."

The second 100-minute DVD is a training tool that features the performances of the six finalists in their entirety, followed by the awards ceremony.

"This disc is perfect for baristas who dream about competing or bettering their skills and want to analyze every move these champions make in their 15-minute performances," said Milletto.

James Hoffman of the United Kingdom was declared the 2007 WBC champion out of a field of 45 competitors. Second place went to Heather Perry of the United States and third place to Carl Sara of New Zealand. Baristas who won sanctioned WBC competitions held around the world were eligible to compete for the title. Baristas were judged on artistry, presentation, technical skills and the quality of the beverages they prepared.

The two-DVD set retails for $69.95, and is currently on sale for a limited time at the wholesale price of $49.95.

To order, visit espresso101.com or call 800.655.3955.

About Bellissimo Coffee InfoGroup
Bellissimo is the specialty coffee industry's leading consulting company and founder of the American Baristas & Coffee School. The company is well known as the producer of the award-winning coffee education DVDs “Espresso 101,” “Espresso 501,” “The Passionate Harvest,” “Everything BUT Coffee” and “Advanced Barista Training: Extreme Pours.” Bellissimo is also the publisher of the business manuals Bean Business Basics, Opening a Specialty Coffee Drive-thru, Effective & Essential Marketing for the Specialty Coffee Retailer and Achieving Success in Specialty Coffee. Bellissimo’s worldwide client list includes Fortune 500 companies as well as American and International entrepreneurs. As a result of the success of his company, Bruce Milletto is recognized by the press and the coffee industry internationally as “the voice of North America’s specialty coffee industry.”

• Stacie Greer Joins Bellissimo Coffee InfoGroup as Marketing Director

(Portland, OR, October, 24 2007) — Bellissimo Coffee InfoGroup, the specialty coffee industry's leading consulting company and producer of award-winning training DVDs and business manuals, has hired Stacie Greer as its marketing director.

Greer will coordinate the marketing programs for Bellissimo and the American Barista & Coffee School (ABC's) in addition to exploring new avenues in which to promote current and future marketing strategies for the company.

Greer's coffee experience includes five years at Starbucks, where she managed retail operations and organized coffee tastings and brewing workshops for customers. Greer was instrumental in the national roll out of new labor management technology and tools to over 1,000 Starbucks stores, providing technical and conceptual support to retail managers from a corporate level. Greer was certified in the Starbucks “train the trainer" program.

"Stacie’s extensive background in specialty coffee business management and operational systems will prove to be a gigantic asset to both Bellissimo and ABC's," said Bruce Milletto, Bellissimo's president.

In addition to her work in the coffee industry, Greer was employed for eight years at IBM in the company's sales and distribution division, where she provided support to the company's international sales team.

"I am very excited to join the Bellissimo team," said Greer. "After many years in a corporate environment, I am happy to be back in the coffee industry. This position is a wonderful opportunity for me to work for a company with such an excellent reputation. My hope is to add to this reputation by sharing my experience and providing excellent service to our customers."

About Bellissimo Coffee InfoGroup
Bellissimo is the specialty coffee industry's leading consulting company and well known as the producer of the award-winning coffee education DVDs “Espresso 101,” “Espresso 501,” “The Passionate Harvest,” “Everything BUT Coffee” and “Advanced Barista Training: Extreme Pours.” Bellissimo is also the publisher of the business manuals Bean Business Basics, Opening a Specialty Coffee Drive-thru, Effective & Essential Marketing for the Specialty Coffee Retailer and Achieving Success in Specialty Coffee. Bellissimo’s worldwide client list includes Fortune 500 companies as well as American and International entrepreneurs. As a result of the success of his company, Bruce Milletto is recognized by the press and the coffee industry internationally as “the voice of North America’s specialty coffee industry.”

• Lemuel Butler Wins SCAA Southeast Regional Barista Competition

Counter Culture Coffee’s Butler Becomes First Two-Time Winner of Southeast Regional Barista Competition and Qualifies for United States Barista Championship

CLEARWATER, Fla., USA (Oct. 25, 2007) – Lemuel Butler – from Counter Culture Coffee in Durham, North Carolina – surpassed the competition and dazzled the judges on his way to winning the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s (SCAA) 2007 Southeast Regional Barista Competition (SERBC.) By winning this year’s SERBC, Butler becomes the first two-time winner of the annual Southeast coffee event. He also won the SERBC in 2005.

Octane Coffee baristas Ben Helfen and Danielle Glasky from Atlanta finished second and third. The win qualifies Butler to participate at the semi-finals of the 2008 United States Barista Championship during the SCAA Conference & Exhibition in Minneapolis on May 2-5. His USBC travel and hotel accommodations will also be provided for by SERBC hosts Monin Gourmet Flavorings, Astoria General Espresso Equipment and Ambex.

The competition is one of 10 regional events the SCAA will host this year leading up to the USBC. The events encourage and recognize excellence and achievement in the art and skill of serving and preparing espresso. Southeast Regional Barista Competition entrants prepared and served 12 coffee beverages, including four espressos, four cappuccinos and four original signature drinks of their own choosing within a 15 timeframe. The competitors were judged on station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical skills and total impression. The event included highly trained and accomplished baristas from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Butler said, “Winning this year’s Southeast Regional Barista Competition has been extremely gratifying from both a personal and professional perspective.
I was more than honored to be on the same stage with some of the great baristas from throughout the Southeast and am very much looking forward to representing the region once again at next year’s USBC.”

According to Butler, his signature drink was created to honor regular customers he served while working as a barista in Chapel Hill, N.C. In addition to a dollop of honey and three espresso shots, Butler’s coffee concoction – called the Beacon – featured a cucumber slice, lemon juice and freshly shaved ginger.

“SCAA congratulates Lemuel Butler on his impressive win at this year’s annual Southeast Regional Barista Competition,” said SCAA President Mary Petitt. “In addition to recognizing the significant barista skills Lemuel demonstrated during the event, we commend him and his fellow competitors for demonstrating such a deep commitment to their profession.”

About the SCAA
Celebrating its silver anniversary in 2007, SCAA is the world's largest coffee trade association. SCAA members are located in more than 40 countries and represent every segment of the specialty coffee industry, from coffee growers to coffee roasters and retailers. The SCAA's mission is to be the recognized authority on specialty coffee, providing a common forum for the development and promotion of coffee excellence and sustainability. The SCAA's dedication to excellence in coffee is realized through the setting of quality standards for the industry; conducting research on coffee, equipment and perfection of craft; and providing education, training, resources and business services for members. The SCAA's annual conference is the coffee industry's largest gathering.

• Coffee Fest to Host First International Show in Hong Kong
Coffee Retailer Trade Show Expands its Reach, Bringing Coffee Education to Asia

Seattle, Wash. – October 25, 2007 – After 16 years of bolstering the specialty coffee business throughout the United States, Coffee Fest will venture off into uncharted territory when it hosts its first international coffee trade show in Hong Kong on November 7-9, 2008. AsiaWorld Expo Center will house 150 booths and organizers expect between 5,000 and 50,000 attendees hailing from surrounding Asian countries and New Zealand and Australia.

The shipping capital of the world, Hong Kong was a draw for Coffee Fest organizers who are looking to reach out to a market that is warmly embracing coffee. Household coffee consumption in China has increased 40 percent annually and yearly retail sales have grown by more than 25 percent. Coffee Fest hopes to ride the caffeinated momentum as it heads toward its first global show.

“Hong Kong is a true crossroads of cultures,” says David Heilbrunn, Coffee Fest show manager. “The coffee culture is vibrant, with Seattle-style cafes all over the place. We want to share our breadth of coffee knowledge with a region that is poised to become one of the largest coffee consumers worldwide.”

Coffee Fest Hong Kong will offer their hallmark brand of high-quality educational seminars, workshops and demonstrations. Budding entrepreneurs, veteran coffeehouse owners, specialty retailers, restaurant owners, roasters and those just mulling over a career in coffee retail will glean useful information they can integrate into nascent and established business plans. To help close the language gap, show organizers will offer simultaneous translations in free educational rooms. Another Coffee Fest standard, The Millrock Free Pour Latte Art competition will continue to challenge baristas and entertain the tradeshow audience. Incorporating recent refinements — blind-judging and a leader board that automatically registers competitor’s scores — to the contest, organizers have sought to make the competition a true barometer of barista skill.

A cross-cultural exchange over coffee and all its accoutrements, Coffee Fest Hong Kong will create an abundance of networking opportunities for distributors, roasters and retailers interested in making inroads into the Asian and Southern Pacific marketplace. Coffee Fest Hong Kong has been endorsed and recommended by China Coffee Association Beijing, Specialty Coffee Association Japan, Hawaii Coffee Association and Coffee Association Guangzhou. Registration for the show begins December 1, 2007. Please contact www.coffeefest.com or call 425-283-5058, ext. 113 or 1-800-232-0083 or 86-135-11008735 in China.

About Coffee Fest
Coffee Fest has been bringing the specialty coffee industry people together since 1992 when the show first got its start as a consumer festival in Seattle. Since 1998, Coffee Fest has gathered coffee retailers, roasters, distributors and manufacturers together for thrice annual trade shows to help attendees build and refine their businesses, learn about the latest products and remain current with the latest happenings within the coffee industry. Coffee Fest will celebrate its 50th show in Washington, D.C., in February 2008, and will host its first show off the mainland in Hawaii in June. In November 2008, Coffee Fest goes international with its debut show in Hong Kong. For more information about all the shows, go to www.coffeefest.com

• VIAmigo Connects Global Travelers with Localized Personal Guides in Every Corner of the World: Travel Redefined with Insider Knowledge

SAN FRANCISCO —SEPTEMBER 12, 2007 — Launched today, VIAmigo.com assists global travelers in finding authentic, localized experiences and insider adventures by connecting them with “personal tour guides” everywhere around the world. The personal tour guides have a platform to introduce their services and provide insider information about how to get away from the popular tourist attractions and experience the secrets of a city and remote areas normally only enjoyed by locals. Traveler’s profit from their knowledge by having the kinds of experiences one often only reads about.

“VIAmigo.com helps people make one-to-one connections at the best travel destinations.
We created a site that offers something that other sites on the web don’t. Not just information, but actual one-on-one guided experiences. You can find out first hand about the best things to see and do, information that you can only get from people who live in the place you’re dreaming of going,” says VIAmigo founder, Jeffrey Goldsmith.

“Usually, unless you know someone who lives in the city or find a helpful native in a tiny village, you would be unlikely to find some of the fantastic local haunts and beautiful natural spots which are off the tourist trail. The thinking behind VIAmigo is that we allow you to easily connect with professional guides and local cognoscenti. Everyone wants to go beyond the guidebook and package tour on their next trip, and now you can, whether you’re a business traveler with an extra day or an adventurer with a month to explore,” added Goldsmith.

Key features of VIAmigo are:
• An engaging tone which focuses on ‘real’ places and people who share the same interests from art and culture, to nature and sport, to shopping and nightlife.

• A simple way to contact guides with a message and details about the kind of experience you want to have.

• Ratings by other travelers who have gone on adventures with guides, and a contact form that allows travelers to ask fellow travelers for tips.

• A friendly, easy design which allows you to research in the way that you want to, whether it’s by country, activity, the scene that you’re interested in, or the specific experiences you want to have.

• Categories include wine, walking tours, diving, gay and lesbian interests, safaris,
language emersion, fishing, food, shopping, history, local culture, bird watching, housing rentals and any kind of travel adventure you might imagine.

Prior to officially launching, VIAmigo signed up 1500 tour guides from every corner of the planet – with many more joining each day. From professional tourist guides, diving instructors, and archeologists to connoisseurs of every sort, all are posting what they know, first-hand knowledge that make travel experiences more enriching.

“When I lived and traveled in my twenties in Mexico, Japan and France, the thing that struck me was that the people made the place,” adds Jeff Goldsmith. “The people I met on the streets of Tokyo, in the villages of the Pyrenees and on the beaches of Tulum, are who made my experiences special. VIAmigo.com delivers that great social dynamic to travelers everywhere – and to locals who want to be their guides.”

About VIAmigo
Founded by a senior creative from the online advertising world, noted journalist, and entrepreneur, VIAmigo is a privately held company based in San Francisco. VIAmigo is a simple way for global travelers to find adventure and culture, by connecting with likeminded people. And where local city guides from around the world can offer up their informed familiarity with a city. From official tourist guides to fishing boat captains, culinary experts, licensed mountaineers to gallery owners, VIAmigo directly connects global travelers with personal guides in both the most popular, and the most remote corners of our planet.

• Coffee Masters Introduces Valentines Day Gift Line

SPRING GROVE, IL – October 11, 2007 – Coffee Masters, Inc., Leading Midwest wholesale coffee roaster, today announced the launch of their first full Valentine’s Gift Line. The gift line includes gourmet coffee, cocoa and tea assortments. Coffee Masters is now taking pre-orders for this line and will be shipping by January 1, 2008.

Coffee Lovers Collection
Each freshly ground coffee packet is just the right amount for the perfect potful! Contains six packets, one each of these delicious flavors: Breakfast Blend, Caramel Kiss, Chocolate Truffle, Colombian, Jamaican Me Crazy and White Chocolate. Contains 6 - 1.5 oz. (43.45g) Packets. Net Wt. 9 oz. (255g). Box dimensions: 7-1/2”W x 1-1/2”D x 5”H. Packed 12 per case.

12oz Coffee Valve Bags
Both of our coffees in a red 12oz valve bag are new flavors and only available this season! Offered in whole bean and ground, regular and decaf:

Chocolate Seduction – rich chocolate infused with truffle oil makes this a decadent sensation. Net Wt. 12 oz. (340g). Packed 4 bags per case.

Romance Blend – a medium bodied blend of South and Central American coffees joined with our famous French Roast creates a delicious eye opener. Smooth, rich and wonderful! Net Wt. 12 oz. (340g). Packed 4 bags per case.

Cocoa Lovers Collection
Our newest Cocoa Amore gift will stir up passion in the most delicious way! Contains nine single-serving packets of delicious Cocoa Amore! One packet each of these delicious flavors: Chocolate Supreme, Chocolate Truffle, Chocolate Raspberry, Chocolate French Vanilla, Chocolate Caramel, Dark Chocolate Mint, European Dark Chocolate, Peanut Butter Brownie, and White Chocolate. Contains 9 - 1.25 oz. (35g) Packets. Net Wt. 11.25 oz. (319g). Box dimensions: 8-1/8”W x 1-1/2”D x 6-1/2”H. Packed 12 per case.

Tea Lovers Collection
Contains one tea bag each of these flavors: Afternoon, Apricot, Apricot Decaf., Assam, Camomile, Ceylon, Cinnamon, Cinnamon Plum, Darjeeling, Earl Grey, English Breakfast (2 tea bags), English Breakfast Decaf., Ginger Peach, Honey Lemon Ginseng, Japanese Green, Lemon, Peppermint, Raspberry and Vanilla Spice. Packed 12 per case.

About Coffee Masters
Founded in 1985, Coffee Masters, Inc., based in Spring Grove, IL, is a specialty coffee roaster in the Midwest. All of our award-winning coffees are hand-selected and individually craft-roasted to bring out the best qualities in each coffee. In addition to manufacturing roasted coffee, Coffee Masters is the exclusive United States distributor of Ashbys® Tea of London, St. James’s Teas and manufacturer of Cocoa Amore®, an award-winning gourmet line of instant cocoa products. Other products available from Coffee Masters include display material, commercial brewing equipment, Torani syrups, David Rio Chai, and other café supplies. For more information, call 800-334-6485, visit the website at www.coffeemasters.com or email at cmaster@coffeemasters.com.

• Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Company, Inc. ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF Barry Close AS Plant Manager

Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Company (SWDCC) of Vancouver, British Colombia, announces an important addition to its management personnel. Mr. Barry Close has been appointed to the position of Plant Manager at SWDCC effective July 9, 2007.

Barry Close, a graduate of British Columbia Institute of Technology (Electrical Maintenance), is a Delta resident and most recently worked at Domtar's fine paper facility in Vancouver. During his career with Domtar, Close held a number of progressively more responsible plant management positions and acquired experience with Delta V technology, similar to the Program Logic Control systems that SWDCC relies on in their business. He also trained in a variety of lean manufacturing processes and techniques including Total Quality Management, Six Sigma and Kaizen methods of manufacturing, and learned to apply them successfully on the shop floor.

Frank Dennis, SWDCC’s President and CEO, states, “In the increasingly competitive Global environment that we operate in, and as the leader in premium non-chemical coffee decaffeination, I believe Barry Close is ideally suited to lead our efforts to fully integrate and optimize our two production lines. He will focus on the effectiveness, efficiency and productivity of our internal operating systems, and strengthen and champion our second- to-none quality standards. Close will be a standard bearer in our commitment to the level of customer service that our loyal customer base has come to expect.”

In the first 90 days of Close's work with SWDCC he will focus on learning the business, reviewing all operating practices and processes, and continuing the development of the best standard operating practices. Dennis continues, “This will help us to further establish the SWISS WATER® Process as the world standard for decaffeination operating excellence and thereby differentiate us from our competitors in a compelling way that emphasizes our high quality, value-added approach to customer service at an acceptable price.”

When asked what pastimes are favorites of his, Close quickly answers, “Time with my 11 year old daughter and golf!” Then he thoughtfully adds, “I subscribe to the Jack Welch (the legendary CEO of GE) theory… ‘When you find the right group of people to work with and the right product, directed at the right market, you will never have to work again.’ I think I have found all of that plus an incredible opportunity to achieve operational excellence and help all the stakeholders of SWDCC feel the personal success that comes with this excellence.”

About Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Company, Inc.
Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Company, Inc. (SWDCC) decaffeinates premium coffees to a 99.9% caffeine free level. The SWISS WATER® Process is a certified organic, 100% chemical free, wholesome decaffeination process used by premium roasters and retailers and demanded by discerning decaf drinkers around the world. The SWISS WATER® Process is the world's only branded decaffeination process and SWDCC supports its brand through ongoing consumer research and focused consumer advertising. For more information about SWDCC or brokers and roasters that carry SWISS WATER® Process decaf, visit www.swisswater.com.

• Merger: DITTING MASCHINEN AG and MAHLKÖNIG GmbH & Co. KG

(Bachenbülach / Hamburg, September 28th, 2007) DITTING MASCHINEN AG, based in Bachenbülach/Switzerland and MAHLKÖNIG GmbH & Co.KG, based in Hamburg/Germany, both known as the leading manufacturing companies for commercial coffee grinding equipment, will merge under the roof of the Swiss company HEMRO AG.

The worldwide wellknown and successful brand names DITTING and MAHLKÖNIG will remain independent and continue as individual brands. Both manufacturing plants in Bachenbülach and Hamburg will be continuing and expanding its operations. In total, the new group employs approx. 150 people and a turnover of approx. 40 Mio. CHF / approx. 24 Mio. EUR is expected for the year 2007.

The holding HEMRO AG is based in Bachenbülach, Switzerland. Mr. Nils Erichsen, Managing Partner of MAHLKÖNIG GmbH & Co KG, will take over the position as Managing Director, as of January 1st, 2008.

Company profile DITTING MASCHINEN AG:
DITTING MASCHINEN AG was founded in 1928 and specialized over the years in the development, the manufacturing and the distribution of coffee grinders, in-built grinders for superautomatics and dosing systems for professional use. Providing individual solutions became the particular expertise of DITTING MASCHINEN AG.

Swiss quality and innovation are the fundamentals for a successful future of the company and its brand Ditting, which is represented on all five continents.

For more information, please contact: Mr. Peter Moor: pmoor@dittingswiss.ch

Company profile MAHLKÖNIG GmbH & Co. KG:
Since more than 80 years MAHLKÖNIG has been the leading brand for high quality grinders for professional use. The MAHLKÖNIG-Logo stands for quality leadership and innovation.
All products are developed by MAHLKÖNIG – engineers and manufactured in Hamburg/Germany by hand in order to fulfill individual customers needs and requirements. Permanent investments in production and quality processes ensure the high quality expected from all MAHLKÖNIG-products.

MAHLKÖNIG offers a broad product portfolio from shop-, HORECA- and industrial grinders to accessories as coffee bins and the grinder cleaner GRINDZ (TM).

For more information, please contact: Mr. Nils Erichsen: n.erichsen@mahlkoenig.de

• Innovative Beverage Concepts Inc. Hires New Vice President of Global Sales

September, 2007 (Irvine CA) – Matt Brandenburger, has joined INNOVATIVE BEVERAGE CONCEPTS INC. (IBC), creators of Mocafe™, Mocafe Organics™, Teaology® tea as vice president of domestic and international sales.

Mr. Brandenburger, a pioneer in the fast growing specialty channel, is a well respected sales leader who created strategies, designed distribution networks, and built Torani® syrup into a multi million dollar international brand, and will now lead IBC into the next stage of the company’s growth.

“There are many exciting changes taking place at IBC as we are now staged for tremendous growth including improved customer service and speed of delivery due in part to our new facilities located in Irvine, California,” says Richard Principale, Chief-Brands Officer, “we thought now was the perfect time to build out our management team as well.”

Mr. Brandenburger will oversee all of the company’s sales and marketing efforts as well as act as liaison with the company’s international and domestic distributor network and help improve the company’s customer service.

“Matt brings a perfect combination of big business experience and specialty industry insight to our company that we feel will improve our overall customer experience and build strong distributor relations,” says Principale.

Prior to joining IBC, Mr. Brandenburger held management positions within restaurant operations and food service distribution as well as senior management positions; including vice president of sales at Torani® brand Flavored Syrups.

Headquartered in a new facility centrally located in Irvine, California, Innovative Beverage Concepts produces and markets Mocafe™, Mocafe Organics™, Teaology® tea and has been at the forefront of creating innovative beverages for the coffee and tea professional since 1996 with an emphasis on quality and innovation.

About Innovative Beverage Concepts, Inc:
Headquartered in Irvine, CA, Innovative Beverage Concepts, Inc is a leader in producing innovative products for the coffee and tea industry since 1996. Innovative Beverage Concepts, Inc brands include Mocafe™ Professional Coffee & Tea Bar Products and TEAOLOGY® tea, a modern methodology in tea™. Innovative Beverage Concepts, Inc products can be found in leading retailers nationwide. www.mocafe.net. For more information, contact Richard Principale
at 888-662-2334 ext. 12.

• Innovative Beverage Concepts, Inc. Acquires New Facility to Improve On-time Deliveries of its Highly Consumable Coffee and Tea Drink

August, 2007 (Irvine CA) - Innovative Beverage Concepts, Inc, manufacturers of Mocafe™, Mocafe Organics™, Teaology® and a leading supplier of coffee, tea and smoothie based drink mixes sold worldwide since 1996, recently purchased 9600 Research in the Irvine Spectrum, a move that Chief Brands Officer, Richard Principale says, “will aid in the speed of delivery,” of the company’s very successful line of coffee and tea drinks.

“The Irvine Spectrum is perfectly situated between the 405 and 5 freeway, which makes it a great transportation and logistics hub,” says Binh Tran, Logistics Manager for Innovative.
Principale adds that “utilizing the services of a logistics company in L.A. that was less than dependable contributed to poor on time deliveries in the past. Our customers depend on our products at their coffee bars and we wanted our quality products to be under our roof.”

The Irvine Spectrum is one of the most desirable and prestigious sought after address in all of Orange County.

The Irvine Company that owns the land nearby is also in the process of building “the Great Park”, which will be larger than New York’s Central Park when completed in 2009.

About Innovative Beverage Concepts, Inc:
Headquartered in Irvine, CA, Innovative Beverage Concepts, Inc is a leader in producing innovative products for the coffee and tea industry since 1996. Innovative Beverage Concepts, Inc brands include Mocafe™ Professional Coffee & Tea Bar Products and TEAOLOGY® tea, a modern methodology in tea™. Innovative Beverage Concepts, Inc products can be found in leading retailers nationwide. www.mocafe.net. For more information, contact Richard Principale at 888-662-2334 ext. 12.

About The Irvine Company:
The Irvine Company is a 140-year-old privately held real estate investment company best known for the balanced, sustainable communities it continues to plan and create on The Irvine Ranch® in Orange County, California.

It also is known for its portfolio of high-quality investment properties - office, retail and apartment - it owns in San Diego, Orange County, West Los Angeles, and the Silicon Valley. The company traces its roots to the 1860s with the assembly of the ranch from Mexican and Spanish land grants. The Irvine Company was incorporated in 1894.

• Starbucks Veteran and Former CFO of Barnie’s Coffee and Tea Company To Teach Coffee CFO Class at the American Barista & Coffee School

PORTLAND, OR. (August 14, 2007) – Financial management for existing coffee retailers will be the focus of a two-day intensive Coffee CFO seminar offered this October 13 through 14 at the American Barista & Coffee School (ABC's) in Portland, Oregon. The seminar will be taught by Chris Legler, Starbucks veteran and former CFO of Barnie's Coffee and Tea Company.

Coffee CFO was developed for individual entrepreneurs and small chains that don’t have the financial resources to hire a Chief Financial Officer, even though financial management is one of the most important components of running a successful coffee business.

Coffee CFO will take a comprehensive look at how coffee retailers can optimize the overall profitability of their businesses. The class is designed to teach retailers to understand how to increase long-term profitability through sales growth while managing costs at an optimal level.

Coffee CFO will cover the following subjects in-depth: Revenue, Labor, Inventory and Expense Management, Beverage Costing, Loss Prevention, Marketing Analysis, Investment, Proforma Development, Understanding Financing Options, Budget Development and Prioritization of Financial Needs.

Coffee CFO will be led by Chris Legler, whose vast experience and knowledge of finance, specifically tailored to the coffee industry, brings an unrivaled expertise to the course. Legler’s expertise includes financial management, roasting coffee, business ownership and a great understanding of business operations.

Legler has held executive positions in finance and administration, marketing, retail operations and strategic planning. He was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Barnie’s Coffee and Tea Company and has held positions of increasing responsibility with Starbucks Coffee Company, Sony, British Petroleum, Blockbuster Entertainment and Eddie Bauer.

Coffee CFO will be held at ABC's state-of-the art facility in Portland. ABC’s offers comprehensive coffee business start-up and management programs, barista and latte art training, and a wide spectrum of classes for consumers. ABC's was founded by Bellissimo Coffee InfoGroup.

Workshop fees are $1,595 for the first student, $1,395 for each additional student. For on-line registration and further information, visit coffeeschool.org or call 800.655.3955.

Bellissimo is the specialty coffee industry’s leading consulting company and well known in as the producer of the award-winning coffee education DVDs “Espresso 101,” “Espresso 501,” “The Passionate Harvest,” “Everything BUT Coffee” and “Advanced Barista Training: Extreme Pours.” Bellissimo is also the publisher of the business manuals Bean Business Basics, Opening a Specialty Coffee Drive-thru, Effective & Essential Marketing for the Specialty Coffee Retailer and Achieving Success in Specialty Coffee. Bellissimo’s worldwide client list includes Fortune 500 companies as well as American and International entrepreneurs. As a result of the success of his company, Bruce Milletto is recognized by the press and the coffee industry internationally as “the voice of North America’s specialty coffee industry.”

• James Hoffman takes WBC Crown for the UK

(Tokyo, Japan) It is with much pleasure that we announced the UK now has its very own World Barista Champion, the newly crowned James Hoffman. James wowed the judges with his signature drink of a biscotti and tobacco infusion. Mixed with his excellent espresso, James’ signature drink was voted the signature drink of the competition. James experienced a few technical difficulties during his qualifying round, but all glitches were ironed out in time for yesterday’s final. James saw off tough competition in the final with the following results:

• 2nd Heather Perry - USA,
• 3rd Carl Sara - New Zealand
• 4th Miyuki Miyamae - Japan
• 5th Anna Kaeppeli - Switzerland
• 6th Silvia Magalhaes – Brazil

A huge congratulations to James from everyone at UKBC, and also to Anette who recently became World Cupping Champion – quite a coffee couple! We are surprised to see no Nordic countries represented in the top five, it looks like the third wave has crashed against Europe’s shores with a vengeance.

The Specialty Coffee Association of Europe is the leading trade body for the Specialty Coffee Association in Europe comprising of about 1000 members in over 70 countries.
Its goal is to develop a forum for exchanging information and promotion through education for the participants of the Coffee Industry who have a commitment to quality and sustainable prices for the growers.

The UK Barista Championships are organized by the UK chapter of the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe who are the official licensed body of the World Barista Championship. The World Barista Championships is the only internationally recognized competition for Baristi. Barista (plural – Baristi) – refers to one who has acquired some level of expertise in the preparation of espresso-based coffee drinks.

For further information on the events please contact, John Sherwood, Executive Coordinator UKBC, or call 01258 471 843.

• Gloria Jean’s Coffees Steps Up Commitment to Rainforest Alliance Certified Coffee

Australian-owned Gloria Jean’s Coffees, one of the world’s fastest growing specialty coffee retailers, announced this week that it will significantly increase the amount of coffee it purchases from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms to nearly 3.9 million pounds (1,750 metric tons) this year. The increase in beans purchased by the company translates into tremendous benefits for farming communities in Latin America, where the coffee is produced.

“Gloria Jean’s announcement demonstrates the depth of the company’s commitment to sustainable coffee,” said Sabrina Vigilante, Rainforest Alliance senior marketing manager. “I have seen growing interest on the part of both companies and consumers in Australia. They understand how their purchases of certified coffee can have huge environmental and social benefits for coffee growing communities.”

Gloria Jean’s Coffees’ announcement was made during Vigilante’s week-long tour in Australia during which she was accompanied by Álvaro Reyes, the owner of a certified farm in Nicaragua that sells coffee to the company. Within a year of earning certification, Reyes bought a new water-saving ecological coffee mill and created a composting process for the pulp from the unused coffee berries, which is often discarded on other farms, to use as fertilizer. Reyes has also reduced his agrochemical use and protects nearly one-third of his property, 143 acres (57 hectares), as a forest reserve.

“For 15 years, I did the same thing on my farm, and I did it well,” Reyes said. “But it had become routine. Since certification, I feel challenged every day, and I like it.”

The purchase by Gloria Jean’s is an increase of more than 700 percent from 2006, when the company bought more than 450,000 pounds (more than 207 metric tons) of certified coffee. Moreover, the company said it would continue to increase its commitment to the Rainforest Alliance by planning to source up to 80 percent of its total coffee supply, or more than 5.5 million pounds (more than 2,500 metric tons) annually, from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms within the next three years.

“We’re delighted to increase our commitment to the Rainforest Alliance and lead its presence in the Australian market and the additional 50 international markets in which Gloria Jean’s Coffees has master franchisees,” said Nabi Saleh, executive chairman of Gloria Jean’s Coffees. “We truly believe in their mission and holistic approach to protecting our ecosystems and the people and wildlife that depend on them. This partnership supports our strategy to build a business that is responsible and contributes to the benefit of others, from the people and environments that produce our coffee, to the people who enjoy our coffee.”

Gloria Jean’s Coffees began its association with the Rainforest Alliance in 2004, buying and roasting its first bags of beans from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms in April 2005. In 2006, 15 to 20 percent of the company’s total coffee came from certified farms. Gloria Jean’s Coffees currently buys beans from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms in Nicaragua, Brazil, Colombia and Costa Rica. The coffee is used in 18 different Gloria Jean’s Coffee blends, including all its flavored coffees. Starting in mid-2008, its signature espresso blend served in stores worldwide will also use beans from certified farms.

Farms earn certification by meeting a holistic set of environmental, social and economic standards that are focused on sustainable farm management and include ecosystem conservation, wildlife protection, dignified working and living conditions, healthcare, and education for farm children, among other things.

Large companies like Gloria Jean’s Coffees are increasingly interested in making responsible supply chain decisions and choosing certified sustainable coffee. Earlier this year, McDonald’s UK began serving 100 percent Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee at all its restaurants in the UK and Ireland and plans to extend the commitment to restaurants throughout Europe during the year. Also earlier this year, all Holiday Inn hotels in the US began serving a Rainforest Alliance Certified blend.

Other companies that offer certified sustainable coffee include: Kraft Foods, Caribou Coffee, First Choice, Procter and Gamble, Tchibo, Lavazza, Royal Cup and Bolling Coffee. The United Nations Development Programme – Global Environment Facility and the US Agency for International Development support the Rainforest Alliance’s sustainable coffee initiatives.

Gloria Jean’s Coffees is a global coffee brand with over 765 coffee houses in 25 countries. Since 2004, the international branding and roasting rights for all countries outside the USA have been proudly Australian owned. Gloria Jean’s Coffees only sources the finest Arabica beans which are roasted at the company’s own state-of-the-art roasting facility in Sydney, Australia and shipped to stores worldwide. The company’s vision is to be the most loved and respected coffee company in the world. For more information, visit www.gloriajeanscoffees.com.

The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. For more information, visit www.rainforest-alliance.org or contact: Gretchen Ruethling, 646-452-1939, gruethling@ra.org.

• Kadium wins Torani Account with Interactive Programs and a New Website

San Francisco, CA – Kadium, a leading interactive/innovative advertising agency will launch an imaginative new web-based experience from Torani — maker of the classic brand of flavoring syrups dating back to 1925. Kadium will be partnering with Torani to deliver an across-the-board web strategy including website launch and future interactive marketing initiatives.

Torani has been an integral part of cafe culture for decades. The popularity of specialty drinks and the support of loyal customers have helped make Torani the number one specialty brand of flavoring syrups. Millions of Americans — and those in cities around the world — enjoy Torani in their favorite beverages. Torani continues to move forward with an innovative assortment of new products, recipes and flavors for consumers, restaurants and cafes.

This campaign brings together Torani, with its heritage embedded in the lively environment of San Francisco's North Beach community, with Kadium, an interactive leader, exploring new possibility for marketing with the web.

“Torani and Kadium share similar passion, vision, energy and entrepreneurial spirit. It will be our task to bring their brand, which is inspired and infused with creativity, to life online,” said Kadium CEO & Managing Partner Kevin Newby. “We're both independent San Francisco companies with imaginative aspirations and high levels of conceptual capabilities.”

“We partnered with Kadium to enlist their strategic thinking, and believed their energy, expertise and capabilities would be a good fit for our brand,” said Stacy Cooper Dent, director of marketing communications for Torani. “We look for partners who can strengthen our efforts as we look to the future of developing Torani into a global brand Kadium shares a similar thinking about doing business in a creative and exciting climate, and we feel confident about bringing their agency aboard.”

Torani offers a full portfolio of flavor, including syrup flavors, indulgent sauces, blended beverage bases, and innovative, unsweetened flavors for the kitchen. The family-owned company stands for premium ingredients, inventive marketing and continual innovation in the flavor category.

Founded in 2001, Kadium is a full-service interactive agency based in San Francisco. Providing web site development and online advertising services to clients such as Disney Mobile, Method, Sony Computer Entertainment America, 2K Sports, and Adobe.

• Bellissimo Media Productions To Release "Training with the Champions" in June

(Portland, OR, May 25, 2007) Bellissimo Coffee InfoGroup, the specialty coffee industry's leader in consulting and the production of award-winning coffee education and training DVDs, including “Espresso 101,” “The Passionate Harvest” and “Advanced Barista Training: Extreme Pours, announces the release this June of its new training DVD, "Training with the Champions."

"Training with the Champions" was filmed over the course of a year at the American Barista & Coffee School in Portland, Oregon and is the first training DVD in which regional, national and world barista champions share their passion and skills one-on-one with the coffee world.
The DVD will be approximately 45-minutes, with each champion barista sharing his or her techniques and philosophy of coffee and espresso, as well as what it takes to be a champion. The DVD is edited in a documentary style and is an extremely effective training tool.

Featured are 2006 World Barista Champion (WBC) Klaus Thomsen of Denmark and three former United States Barista Champions (USBC): Matt Riddle, Bronwen Serna and Phuong Tran. Northwest USBC champions Kyle Larson and Billy Wilson are also included, along with Cup of Excellence judge Stephen Vick, who is featured in a special cupping section. Making appearances are long-time barista competition judges Sarah Allen, editor of Barista Magazine, and Brent Fortune, owner of Crema Bakery and Café of Portland, Oregon.

" I have seen most of the excellent baristas featured in the DVD compete at the last few United States Barista Championships (USBC) and at the World Barista Championship (WBC) in 2006 in Berne, Switzerland," said Bruce Milletto, president of Bellissimo and the film's director. "We couldn't have gotten a better group together to share their enthusiasm for coffee and teach eager baristas how to excel at their craft. It's gratifying to see those working as baristas today striving for the best. This DVD is for them."

"Training with the Champions will retail for $69.95, with volume pricing available. Pre-order before June 15 and save $20. For more information and to watch a trailer of the DVD, visit espresso101.com.

Bellissimo is the specialty coffee industry's leading consulting company and well known as the producer of the award-winning coffee education DVDs “Espresso 101,” “Espresso 501,” “The Passionate Harvest,” “Everything BUT Coffee” and “Advanced Barista Training: Extreme Pours.” Bellissimo is also the publisher of the business manuals Bean Business Basics, Opening a Specialty Coffee Drive-thru, Effective & Essential Marketing for the Specialty Coffee Retailer and Achieving Success in Specialty Coffee. Bellissimo’s worldwide client list includes Fortune 500 companies as well as American and International entrepreneurs. As a result of the success of his company, Bruce Milletto is recognized by the press and the coffee industry internationally as “the voice of North America’s specialty coffee industry.”

• Everything You Wanted to Know about Coffee...and More: CoffeeUniverse.com

(Portland, OR, May 5, 2007) Bellissimo Coffee InfoGroup, the specialty coffee industry's leader in consulting, training products and web-based information, has expanded Coffee Universe, its ultimate coffee information web site and the first site of its kind devoted to consumer education and retailer resources. The site went on-line in 1998 and has consistently ranked in the 10 top in search engine results for the keyword "coffee."

"Of the thousands of web sites devoted to coffee, very few are truly educational," said Bellissimo president, Bruce Milletto. "Most coffee sites promote coffee businesses and their products. We developed Coffee Universe 10 years ago as a destination point for consumers interested in learning more about coffee and for entrepreneurs and existing retailers to use as a resource. Because the industry has changed so dramatically over the last decade, we felt it was time to update the site to include more formation for retailers and add some fun features to make it more interactive."

Some of the new and expanded features of Coffee Universe include:

Resource Directory: The world's largest on-line coffee industry database where suppliers of coffee-related products and services can list their businesses and retailers and start-ups can find what they need.

Retailer Expo: An on-line virtual tradeshow where companies can highlight their products and services and consumers can browse their wares.

Barista World: A schedule of upcoming competitions and events, profiles of outstanding baristas and information to help baristas further develop their skills.

The World of Coffee: All about the bean, from an overview of the countries where it is grown to the specifics of roasting and blending. Also includes tips on preparing, grinding and storing coffee.

What’s Brewing: The latest coffee news via the Coffee Universe RSS feed.

My Café: In addition to bringing suppliers and retailers together, Coffee Universe is dedicated to creating a community of coffee lovers. By joining My Café, Coffee Universe's social networking component, coffee lovers can make friends with others who share their enthusiasm for coffee.

Friends of the Universe: An insider’s look at the coffee industry via a photo gallery of specialty coffee professionals on the tradeshow floor at recent industry exhibitions.

Coffee Quizzes and Polls: Topical polls and fun quizzes for consumers and baristas.

Advertising opportunities are available on Coffee Universe, including skyscraper ads and featured ads in the Resource Directory and Retailer Expo. Call 800.655.3955 or visit Coffee Universe for more information.

Bellissimo is the specialty coffee industry's leading consulting company and is well known as the producer of the award-winning coffee education DVDs “Espresso 101,” “Espresso 501,” “The Passionate Harvest,” “Everything BUT Coffee” and “Advanced Barista Training: Extreme Pours.” Bellissimo is also the publisher of the business manuals Bean Business Basics, Opening a Specialty Coffee Drive-thru, Effective & Essential Marketing for the Specialty Coffee Retailer and Achieving Success in Specialty Coffee. Bellissimo’s worldwide client list includes Fortune 500 companies as well as American and International entrepreneurs. As a result of the success of his company, Bruce Milletto is recognized by the press and the coffee industry internationally as “the voice of North America’s specialty coffee industry.”

• American Barista & Coffee School Steps up Corporate Training Program

(Portland, OR, May 15, 2007) The American Barista & Coffee School (ABC's), founded by Bellissimo Coffee InfoGroup, the specialty coffee industry's leader in consulting and the production of award-winning coffee education and training DVDs, has stepped up its corporate training program by developing and facilitating customized specialty coffee training programs for large corporations.

In March, ABC’s facilitated a custom barista training and mini coffee school for Ghirardelli Chocolate. Sixteen regional representatives and the entire sales team of the San Francisco-based company attended the training in Las Vegas, which was organized to help them understand how their product is served and consumed in the specialty coffee market. The training also included instruction on how to prepare blended drinks, mochas and hot chocolate, and latte art.

ABC’s facilitated a corporate consulting and training session for Mr. Coffee in April. Mr. Coffee is owned by Jarden Consumer Solutions, a company that also owns Sunbeam, Oster, Rival and nine other brands. Five members of Mr. Coffee's top management team attended the Portland school for a two-day intensive training that included coffee cupping, brewing methods, espresso training and consumer trends.

Mike Fretwell, Mr. Coffee's Manager of Group Marketing, was impressed with the quality of instruction his team received at ABC’s:

"ABC's created a fantastic customized educational program that allowed us to develop a deeper understanding of consumer consumption patterns and the science behind the art of espresso. The ABC's team has an extensive background in espresso and delivered targeted and specific training that blended the practical art of espresso with the consumer consumption trends. The ABC’s staff, combined with the professional training center and their contacts within the coffee industry, enables the school to provide a detailed, quality training program at an efficient cost."

ABC's operates in a 2,100 square foot state-of-the art facility in Portland, and in addition to corporate training, offers comprehensive coffee business start-up and management programs, barista and latte art training, and a wide spectrum of classes for consumers.

For more information about ABC's and its corporate training programs, visit coffeeschool.org or call 800.655.3955.

• The "Bellissimo Single Origin and Freshly Roasted Podcast" Goes on the Air

Portland, OR, March 15, 2007 — For over 15 years, Bellissimo Coffee InfoGroup has led the specialty coffee industry in consulting, training products and web-based information. The latest addition to its coffee education arsenal is Web Podcasting.

The "Bellissimo Single Origin and Freshly Roasted Podcast" began airing in March of 2007 and is available to listeners via three of the company's web sites, espresso101.com, coffeeschool.org and coffeeuniverse.com, in addition to the iTunes Music Store. The intent of the podcast is to educate listeners about current issues in the specialty coffee industry and to give retailers the information they need to compete in today's highly competitive market.

The premier podcast features a discussion between Bellissimo President Bruce Milletto and Bellissimo Senior Consultant Ed Arvidson on the evolution of the specialty coffee industry and the current role of the independent retailer. In the future, the podcast will call on many of the industry's leading experts, including David Griswold of Sustainable Harvest and Connie Blumhardt of Roast Magazine, to take part in lively discussions on issues as varied as fair trade, roasting and blending, and on-going operations. The podcast is produced by Jeremy Wilson of Conveyor Films in Portland.

"Since we began operations 15 years ago, it has been Bellissimo's goal to give entrepreneurs the information they need to be successful in this business. In fact, we coined the term 'coffee education.' said Milletto. "To further this mission, I am constantly trying to figure out new ways to get information out to those who need it. Podcasting is an obvious answer. Not only will our podcast be educational, but we hope people find it entertaining as well."

Bellissimo is the specialty coffee industry's leading consulting company and is well known as the producer of the award-winning coffee education DVDs “Espresso 101,” “Espresso 501,” “The Passionate Harvest,” “Everything BUT Coffee” and “Advanced Barista Training: Extreme Pours.” Bellissimo is also the publisher of the business manuals Bean Business Basics, Opening a Specialty Coffee Drive-thru, Effective & Essential Marketing for the Specialty Coffee Retailer and Achieving Success in Specialty Coffee. Bellissimo’s worldwide client list includes

• New Gourmet Distributor for Specialty Coffee Purveyors Opens in Seattle

Seattle, WA—Sound Provisions, Inc. is an all-new gourmet distribution company, supplying coffee shops, restaurants, gourmet retailers and boutique establishments with the highest quality specialty beverages and related products.

Sound Provisions, Inc. is proud to currently offer the following product lines: The Chai Company micro-brewed organic/fair trade liquid chai concentrates, Monin all-natural gourmet flavorings, Astoria espresso machines and grinders, Dr. Smoothie real fruit smoothie concentrates, Mighty Leaf whole leaf tea pouches, Guittard Chocolate sauces, Oral Fixation mints, Blendtec blenders and Voss Artesian water from Norway.

With years of experience in the specialty coffee industry, where quality and sustainability are top-of-mind issues, the owners of Sound Provisions realize that premium coffee is only one step in creating a memorable experience for consumers. And purveyors of high quality specialty coffee know that inferior products can ruin even the best beverage, no matter how well it’s crafted from seed to cup. That’s why Sound Provisions is becoming known for reliable service and exceptional products, from delicious real fruit smoothie mixes, complexly flavorful micro-brewed chai, rich and creamy chocolate sauces and natural, highly concentrated flavoring syrups to elegantly packaged, aromatic whole leaf tea pouches, hip, sexy gourmet mints, and durable, stylish beverage preparation equipment.

By doing business with Sound Provisions, one can rest assured that every product purchased has met or exceeded our exclusive standards for the ultimate quality and style.

Customers may shop online on the company’s cutting-edge, user-friendly website at www.soundprovisions.net or they may call 425.368.2959 (or toll-free 800.632.3134) for a complete catalog.

•Specialty Coffee Association of America Honors Bellissimo DVD

The Bellissimo training DVD Advanced Barista Training — Extreme Pours was honored as Winner Best New Product — Education/Training Product — SCAA 2006 at the Specialty Coffee Association of America's 18th Annual Conference & Exhibition held April 7 - 10 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The DVD was previously honored with a Gold Remi Award at "WorldFest — The 38th Annual Houston International Film Festival" on April 30, 2005. The award-winning DVD is a cutting-edge training tool for those who want to take their barista skills to the next level.

The video/DVD was shot at the American Barista & Coffee School in Portland, Oregon and directed by Bruce Milletto, president of Bellissimo Coffee InfoGroup. "Latte art is great marketing that costs a retailer nothing except the time it takes to train employees," says Milletto. "I can think of few things a retailer can do inside a coffee bar that will make a bigger impact on the quality and presentation of coffee drinks and bring in more customers than perfectly executed latte art."

The 40+ minute video/DVD features four of the country's most talented baristas demonstrating sophisticated latte art techniques, expanding the viewer's idea of what is possible when espresso and milk are combined in a cup. In addition to The Simple Heart, viewers will learn more complicated pours including The Triple Rosetta, The Apple, The Autumn Leaf, The Little Flower and The Fire-breathing Dragon. The featured baristas also discuss the fundamentals of coffee grinding, espresso extraction and milk texturing.

The featured baristas — Billy Wilson of Portland, Oregon, Chris Defario of “Gimme Coffee” in Ithaca, New York, Austin Gregory of Seattle and Bellissimo consulting director Matt Milletto — exhibit a passion for coffee and flair for showmanship that make the video/DVD entertaining as well as educational.

The video/DVD retails for $69.95. Wholesale discounts are available. Click here to order.

• Insulair Announces the Launch of EcoSmart™ Cup World’s First Insulated Paper Coffee Cup made from Recycled Material

Vernalis, Calif. - Insulair Inc., maker of innovative insulated paper cups, announced today an environmental breakthrough to its patented design. The Insulair EcoSmartTM cup is the world’s first commercially available insulated paper coffee cup to contain post-consumer recycled content.

The EcoSmartTM cup, to be launched today, is a triple-wall paper cup that utilizes a built-in layer of insulating recycled paper to keep coffee hot and protect hands. The corrugated material used to make the cup’s insulating layer is made from 99 percent post-consumer recycled paper. Overall the new cup contains a minimum of 12 percent post-consumer recycled content. This new insulated paper cup eliminates the need for polystyrene foam cups, double cupping and cup sleeves, while reducing the amount of virgin fiber being used in the production of the cups.

“We have made it a priority to make a quality insulated paper cup that is both consumer and environmentally friendly,” said Insulair President and triple-wall cup inventor Claus Sadlier. “Not only does our new cup keep coffee hot and protect hands, it also helps protect the environment by using less virgin fiber.”

Nationwide specialty coffee consumption is on the rise. The Food Service & Packaging Institute estimates that nearly 44 billion disposable cups are used each year for serving hot beverages, primarily coffee. Insulair is committed to upgrading the coffee drinking experience by not only making the finest paper cup available, but doing so in a manner that reduces waste.

About Insulair, Inc.
Insulair cups keep coffee hot 26 percent or 17 minutes longer than standard paper cups, while protecting hands by remaining 23 degrees cooler to the touch. The cups are sold domestically in all 50 states and exported to customers in more than 15 countries around the world. Insulair is listed among Inc. 500’s “Fastest Growing Private Companies” in 2004 and 2005 with sales growth of over 1,400 percent since 2000.

Insulair cups are available nationally at retailers including Target, Safeway, Ralphs, Albertsons, Walgreens, Office Depot and Party City. The cups are also used to serve coffee at a variety of restaurants and convenience stores including Krispy Kreme, la Madeleine, Chevron, and Flying J. Insulair is located in Vernalis, California. For more information, please visit www.Insulair.com or contact patricia.condon@ogilvypr.com.