KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Building on the success of what it calls the "Best Coffee on the Interstate," Pilot Flying J is entering a new market this fall with the introduction of take-home bags and single-serve packs of its best-selling Pilot House coffee blend.
"For decades, our company has been focused on fueling America in the literal sense of providing gasoline and diesel fuel," Pilot Flying J CEO Jimmy Haslam said. "For several years now, we've also taken great pride in fueling America in a different sense: with great coffee. Our customers are hard workers--professional drivers, commuters and busy families who are on the go. With our coffee selection, we provide them with quality, variety and convenience that can now be enjoyed at home in addition to being enjoyed on the road and at our stores."
As of Nov. 1, Pilot House coffee is available for purchase in take-home bags and single-serve packs at all Pilot Travel Centers and Flying J Travel Plazas nationwide. The price is $5.99 for either a 10-ounce bag or eight-pack of single-serve coffee cups, which are compatible with most Keurig machines.
Rolling out the take-home option with both brew bags and single-serve packs was important to the company, Haslam said.
According to the National Coffee Association's 2014 National Coffee Drinking Trends study, 29% surveyed used a single-cup brewer the previous day, up 9% from last year. Also, 15% of American households own a single-cup brewing system, and one-fourth who do not are likely to buy one in the next six months.
"Coffee brewing in America is trending toward a single-brewing method, so offering single-serve packs is essential," said Whitman Harson, senior category manager of hot beverages for Pilot Flying J. "However, the majority of households still use a drip coffeemaker, so it was just as important that we feature take-home bags. Our priority always is to provide convenience and value to all of our customers."
The announcement of the home-brewing options complements several other coffee initiatives from Pilot Flying J. In addition to currently featuring its seasonal favorite, Pumpkin Spice coffee and cappuccino, the company is added its first single-origin blend--Brazilian Blend coffee--to its year-round offerings in October.
This fall, Pilot Flying J also unveiled new company logos and branding, and the updated look includes its coffee cups.
"The new look is bold," Harson said. "It's exciting, and I think that reflects how our team is feeling across the board about our new coffee offerings. We hope and expect that our customers will be just as happy."
Knoxville, Tenn.-based Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers and travel plazas in North America, has more than 650 retail locations.
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