The unit is designed for large venues that sell coffee and other beverages to employees or visitors. The new machine allows vending operators to meet the demand for high-quality coffee with an economical, low-maintenance, easy-to-use, sanitary solution. Tully's Coffee [image-nocss] and Caribou Coffee branded machines will be available later this summer.
"This innovative system will make people think about coffee from a vending machine in a whole new way," says T.J. Whalen, vice president of marketing for GMCR's Specialty Coffee Business Unit. "With its value proposition of quality, variety and convenience, this unit brings a coffeehouse experience to vending locations."
The Green Mountain Coffee vending unit holds more than 1,000 K-Cup portion packs. Operators can choose to offer up to 12 product selections from more than 60 coffees, teas and hot cocoa in K-Cups from GMCR's family of brands, including Green Mountain Coffee, Tully's Coffee, Newman's Own Organics Coffee, Caribou Coffee, Celestial Seasonings Teas, and Cafe Escapes. The machines are paired with Keurig's proprietary brewing system, which delivers the proper amount, temperature and pressure of water to ensure a "perfect" cup of coffee, tea or hot cocoa, in under one minute, the company said.
Scott Meskin, owner and partner of Black Tie Services, tested the new vending unit in Baltimore, MD. "It's the new buzz," he said. "I finally have a coffee vending machine that competes with any gourmet coffee shop. And it's so easy! There's no mess to clean, no cups jamming--just happy customers."
Waterbury, Vt.-based GMCR's operations are managed through two business units. The Specialty Coffee business unit produces coffee, tea and hot cocoa from its family of brands, including Tully's Coffee, Green Mountain Coffee and Newman's Own Organics coffee. The Keurig business unit is a pioneer and leading manufacturer of gourmet single-cup brewing systems. K-Cup portion packs for Keurig Single-Cup Brewers are produced by a variety of licensed roasters, including Green Mountain Coffee and Tully's Coffee.
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