Coffee Wholesaler Sells Up
Having launched their wholesale coffee business from a Leeds garage some 22 years ago, husband and wife team, David and Jacqui Cooper, have sold their business to United Coffee.
Purchased for an undisclosed sum, Huddersfield’s Cooper’s Coffee supplies to over 500 independent café and restaurant venues in Yorkshire and across the North-East. Commenting on the business to date, David Cooper said, “We’ve had a fabulous 20 years growing the company and have realised our dreams of becoming a renowned coffee company.”
Cooper’s Coffee prides itself on the quality of its ingredients as well as its espresso systems, both of which have helped its clients ensure their businesses perform to the highest potential. The wholesaler’s first class coffees, Five Arabica Fairtrade espresso and Louie Mio, have also supported leading Baristas to achieve winning titles at four UK Barista Championships.
In addition, Cooper’s Dalla Corte espresso machines have reportedly earned themselves a strong reputation among some of the world’s leading Baristas, having also been used by three national winners and finalists participating in the ‘Café of the Year’ Bev-e awards. Not only supplying quality products, Cooper’s also offers outstanding coffee training and has gained invaluable industry expertise that it is able to impart to its clients.
The business’s commitment to training spans a considerable period time, with Cooper’s reported to have set up one of the country’s first training courses for Baristas. Over time, the company’s training element has grown, with expertise given to some of the key players in the industry as well as to independent operators.
Computer to Coffee Table Conversion Kit
In the likelihood that there may be a substantial enough number of ageing G3 iMacs tucked away in cupboards at home, MacTechnology has brought an intriguing solution to an old computer otherwise going to waste.
The unique iMac G3 Table Conversion Kit is able to transform any type of Apple G3 iMac into a quirky looking coffee table. This table functionality is achieved with a patent-protected rear support that attaches to the G3’s handle recess, with various tabletops in either glass or acrylic format available.
The coffee table conversion kit is currently priced at £49, which gives the complete package including a support, bumpers and the tabletop itself. For the more creatively-minded individuals with their own ideas for a tabletop, the support and bumpers can be purchased separately for a price of £29. And for iMac coffee table wannabes who do not have the essential iMac ingredient, the entire finished article featuring a Snow iMac can be bought for £79.
Commenting on his company’s motivation for the unique launch, MacTechnology CEO, Robert Peckham, said, “For many current Apple users, the iMac G3 was probably their first-ever Mac experience.” Peckham added that redundant iMac G3s can be found hidden away in homes and offices, as iMac enthusiasts are reluctant to part with them and see them recycled in the conventional sense, i.e. for parts. What MacTechnology has put forward facilitates both recycling as well as reasons for dedicated iMac fans to keep the beloved computer equipment, with the end result being a unique and retro style coffee table.
Manchester University Takes on High Street Coffee
The University of Manchester has announced plans to challenge the leading coffee chains thanks to the rebranding of a number of its outlets as well as other initiatives designed to raise awareness of its some 30 coffee venues across the city.
Generating annual revenue of a reported £5 million, Manchester University’s cafés are generally hidden to those that are just passing by the complex. However, the country’s largest university is now setting its sights on the mainstream consumer, as it endeavours to maximise the potential afforded by the proximity of some of its café venues to the centre of Manchester.
“We are looking at the various options to rebrand some of our outlets at the moment and are consulting customers about what would most appeal,” commented Alison Aucott, general manager of the university’s Food on Campus.
At present, there are five cafés that are all within reasonable walking distance of Manchester’s Piccadilly Railway Station and another five positioned on the city’s bustling Oxford Road. There are also various other venues spread across the area.
In terms of other coffee houses that have made a mark for themselves in the city, these include the relatively new independent called Drip. This has reportedly already won over the Northern Quarter’s coffee enthusiasts, although it apparently faces competition from Love Saves the Day, which has recently been re-opened close by. Again located within easy walking distance of Piccadilly Station, Drip is said to have a consistently friendly atmosphere, supported by great coffee, free wi-fi and various seating areas.
Comic Relief and Ethical Coffee Combined
Ethical hot beverages company, Cafédirect, has linked up with the UK-based charity, Comic Relief, to help consumers donate while enjoying their daily cup of tea or coffee.
For every limited edition version of its Roast & Ground Coffee, its Gourmet Coffee Beans or hand-picked tea purchased during the 2011 Red Nose Day campaign, Cafédirect will be donating 10p to the charitable cause striving to create a fair world free from poverty.
From the well-rounded flavour of its Medium Roast Coffee to the refreshing flavoured delivered by its hand-picked tea, every pack of Cafédirect tea and coffee sold brings help to those communities most in need in both the UK and Africa. A commitment shared by the ethical hot drinks company, the cause directly improves the lives of over 1.6 million around the globe.
Not only will Cafédirect be encouraging consumers to support Comic Relief through buying its limited edition coffee, the company will also be entering into the comedic tone of the day and encouraging people to participate in coffee sack races across the country under the tagline ‘Jump in the Sack.’ As such, free coffee sack racing kits can be ordered via the company’s website.
In other Cafédirect news, the hot drinks firm has just received £1.6m in new investment, with Oikocredit, a Dutch co-operative financial institution that is well reputed for its socially responsible investment, entering on board as a major investor. Cafédirect has communicated that the development will mean a revised shareholder structure, however details were not divulged.
British Bathe in Coffee
According to a recent study conducted by Reabur.com, the country’s fastest growing online-based human resources consultancy, it seems that the working British population consumes the equivalent of as many as 60 bath tubs of tea and coffee.
Reabur’s research was carried out on 1,271 tea or coffee consuming British people engaged in full-time employment and was designed to find out how many caffeine-containing beverages each individual consumed in the office environment.
According to the results of the study, the average person drinks four cups of coffee or tea throughout the course of a full working day. Given that the average number of days worked among the respondent base was five days, this equates to 20 cups of tea or coffee per week in the office alone. Looking at this on an annual basis, this would equate to 1,040 cups of caffeinated hot beverages every year. From this and given that all survey participants were over the age of 18 and will most likely work until they are 64, the online HR business deduced that the average individual in the UK would drink 47,840 cups of coffee or tea during their working life.
In litre terms, this would equate to 11,960 litres of the beverages or, using a unique comparison, Rebaur calculated that this represents an impressive 60 bath tubs full of tea or coffee.
In terms of their top motivations for drinking hot beverages in the office, the study’s respondents cited habit, the social aspect and improved performance as their main drivers.
Guitarist Michael Wilton Rocks up with New Coffee
Legendry Queensrÿche guitarist, Michael Wilton, has joined forces with Legends of Rock Coffee, to unveil his own unique line of coffee in the US, Whip’s Pacific Blend.
Roasted exclusively for Wilton and Legends of Rock by Seattle’s Black Dot Coffee, the new range of coffee is based around a 100 per cent Arabica blend. Selected by hand, the green coffee beans are individually assessed to achieve the best possible quality.
Whip’s Pacific Blend has three main roasts: a French variety that is said to pack a sweet and spicy punch and has a thick crema; a morning roast that is northern Italian in style and has a smooth, full-bodied taste; and an espresso blend that delivers a smooth, sweet taste and a crema to match.
With the coffee’s packaging featuring an outline image of the legendry rock star, Whip’s Pacific Blend is sold and shipped via Black Dot Coffee.
Making sure that all his own beverage preferences are catered for, Wilton also has his own line of beer called Whip Ale – a bold and aromatic pale ale produced by Diamond Knot Brewery. Available in both bottles and kegs, accessories such as logo-emblazoned glasses and T-shirts can also be purchased by fans of the rock star and his brew.
In other musically-endorsed beverage news, the all-natural energy drink, Liquid Experience, which carries the name of guitarist Jimi Hendrix, is still going strong since its unveiling in 2007. The drink’s point of differentiation over others is its concept of encouraging everyone to become involved in charitable living, giving back to artists and communities through various means.
Colombian Coffee Soaks up the Sun
Colombia’s key coffee growing regions are currently enjoying sunnier weather, which is helping the plants to flower and will hopefully mean a better than anticipated harvest later this year, according to the country’s main coffee growers and exporters.
As the world’s third ranked coffee exporter, Colombia has been hit with challenging weather conditions, such as the La Nina phenomenon, bringing heavy rains and flooding and fears that this could continue driving up prices.
The sunny scenario that the country is now soaking up is far different from the “apocalyptic” situation that farmers were so anxious about, according to the director of coffee farmers in the Caldas province – Colombia’s second most important producer – contributing 12 per cent of the total coffee output.
As a result of the current sunny weather, flowering of the country’s coffee plants has been really strong, with hopes high for the second half of the year. Earlier weather predictions warned that rainfall in January could be 30-50 per cent higher than previous years in some regions. However, January has proven drier than expected. While dry weather puts stress on the coffee bushes and encourages them to blossom, some wet weather is needed to grow the fruit, once the flowering phase is complete.
And this is what makes the current climate ideal. Beans need sun eight months prior to harvest, according to coffee growers, with the present sunny conditions – interspersed with periodic showers during the evening – in perfect harmony with the plants’ requirements.
Indian Restaurant’s Coffee Morning Raises Record Funds for Charity
The Burj Indian restaurant located in Wanborough, Wiltshire, has presented a cheque worth £1,548.05 to Macmillan Cancer Support.
The sum, which is the result of the venue’s first attempt at Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning last year, saw the restaurant crowned the highest fundraising corporate supporter across the whole of the county. Involving coffee, cakes, as well as some Indian sweets, the Indian-inspired event was a great occasion, thanks to the efforts of Burj’s manager, Mr Talukdar and his staff.
Speaking on behalf of Macmillan, the charity’s fundraising manager for the Wiltshire area, Polly Bishop, commented, “For a company having their first go at the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning to raise this amount of money is fantastic.”
Having seen a nine per cent increase in the number of registrations for the nationwide event in 2010, Bishop hopes that this year’s coffee morning will be the biggest yet, particularly as 2011 will mark the charity’s 100 years of helping individuals and families live with cancer. Scheduled to take place on Friday 30 September, registrations and applications for a fundraising pack can already be made via the Macmillan website.
Whether entrants choose to host a traditional coffee morning at home, their place of work or school, or indeed an entirely different idea altogether – a pub quiz, garden party or karaoke night – the essential thing is combing your efforts with friends and knowing that these are going a long way to making a big difference to the lives of those that are affected by cancer.
Spanish Coffee Machine Firm Strengthens Roots in UK
Ascaso, a coffee machine manufacturer based in Spain, has established Ascaso UK as its sole principal in the country.
With an office location in Ware, Hertfordshire, the company is distributing its entire range of espresso coffee machines and grinders through both the retail and the commercial sector channels.
The move represents the Spanish business’s desire to solidify and expand the success its products have achieved in the UK to date. Formerly working Fairfax for the import and distribution of its portfolio, Ascaso revealed that it had been considering its route to market for some time, given its hope to expand the brand and reach a wider consumer base in the UK.
Nick Payne, sales director for Ascaso UK, said that not only will the entire Ascaso product range be available for distribution in the country, but all products, in all colour options, will be available for immediate delivery.
Adding to the services it provides to its customers, Ascaso UK is also offering a comprehensive service as well as a repair facility. To make use of this aspect, purchasers of Ascaso espresso machines or grinders will need to register their unit via the company’s website (clubascaso.com) and will also receive support, vouchers and updates through key retailers in the UK.
In other Ascaso news, the coffee machine manufacturer will be giving live product demonstrations at the NEC Spring Fair 2011 from 6 to 8 February. This will be done in conjunction with EPE, which is one of the firm’s distributors within the independent market.
Coffee Outshines Tea in 2010
According to Kantar Worldpanel, the volume of tea purchased last year fell by 1.4 per cent during the 12 month period to 13 June 2010, while the volume of instant and roasted ground coffee increased by 3.5 per cent and 5.4 per cent respectively.
In value terms, roast and ground coffee was the star of the UK’s hot beverages market in 2010, with the growing popularity of such products giving the sector an almost 16 per cent hike in value to £175.6 million.
Retailers themselves have also commented on the same patterns, noting the shift from coffee granules towards filter coffee. Whereas the leading instant coffee brands continue to dominate the top-seller spots, newer products have, reportedly, been demonstrating a steady upward momentum.
And it is not only packaged hot beverages that bring retailers an opportunity to boost their sales. Machines that allow them to offer their visitors coffee on the go are still profitable in the convenience channel despite the challenging economic environment, according to a machine manufacturer active in this sector.
Perhaps indicative of the increasingly hectic lives people lead, but there has reportedly been a marked rise in the number of individuals that consume coffee on the move, according to the same internationally-active manufacturer. Not only this but consumers have been opting for premium brands offering a quality experience, some solace during challenging times and a little bit of luxury during the busy working day.
This luxury element is also apparent in the instant coffee sector, still the largest coffee category by far, where sales have been boosted by a growing taste for premium and super-premium brands.
Photo: Stepheye