ELGIN, Ill. -- Foodservice-equipment company the Middleby Corp. has acquired JoeTap, a subsidiary of AC Beverage Inc. JoeTap manufactures on-demand nitro- and cold-brew coffee dispensing equipment for the commercial foodservice industry.
JoeTap offers keg-less, gas-less systems that are compatible with both ready-to-drink and concentrate solutions. The company’s patented nitrogen infusion process provides greater flexibility for operators with smaller footprints. Middleby sees strong growth potential as the company integrates JoeTap’s products with the Elgin, Ill.-based corporation’s other beverage equipment, according to CEO Selim Bassoul.
“JoeTap is a recognized leader in the nitro-brew category, a market that is quickly gaining momentum,” Bassoul said. “This acquisition extends our portfolio of beverage solutions and enables Middleby to provide customers with a solution as they capitalize on the nitro-brew trend.”
This acquisition is the latest in a series of beverage companies investing in dispensed drinks. Earlier this year, Welbilt, New Port Richey, Fla., entered into a definitive agreement to acquire coffee-machine manufacturer Crem International. In February, Sunny Sky Products, Houston, acquired DWS Inc., South Burlington, Vt., which boasts a line of hot-dispensed beverages including Hershey- and Cinnabon-branded flavors.
The hot-dispensed category was a big differentiator in terms of profits in 2017; top-quartile performers in the convenience space had coffee sales that were 5.2 times greater that than those of the bottom quartile, according to data unveiled at this year’s NACS State of the Industry Summit.
Some restaurants are slashing their food menus to stand out as a leader in hot-dispensed beverages. Earlier this year, Dunkin Donuts rolled out a beverage-first prototype. The store offers customizable coffee blends and a tap system featuring eight cold-prep drinks.
The Middleby Corp. is a global leader in the foodservice-equipment industry. The company develops, manufactures, markets and services a broad line of equipment used in the commercial foodservice, food processing and residential kitchen equipment industries. The company's leading equipment brands serving the commercial foodservice industry include Blodgett, CookTek, Holman, Nu-Vu and TurboChef.
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