Nespresso Launches its First-ever Cafecito de Puerto Rico Coffee
Nespresso, last week, announced the launch of Cafecito de Puerto Rico, it’s very first Puerto Rican coffee, available exclusively to U.S. consumers. As the newest addition to the Reviving Origins program, this limited edition, extremely rare coffee highlights the natural earthiness of Puerto Rico's coffee beans. Since 2018, Nespresso has been working with the Hispanic Federation and coffee farmers in Puerto Rico to help revitalize their coffee crop after hurricanes Maria and Irma destroyed 80 percent of the island's coffee trees and harvest.
With the launch of Cafecito de Puerto Rico, Nespresso and the Hispanic Federation invite consumers to join the revitalization efforts by helping farmers plant coffee trees that will revive their land and help their communities prosper.
"Nespresso has a long legacy of supporting coffee growing regions and communities around the world. We established our Reviving Origins initiative to help farmers revive their coffee farms in areas where production has been negatively impacted or completely destroyed by natural disasters or other adversities," said Guillaume Le Cunff, President and CEO of Nespresso USA. "Coffee is vital to Puerto Rico's rich and vibrant culture and economy. By leveraging the Hispanic Federation's deep understanding of the needs on the island, we can support farmers' livelihoods and foster economic opportunity while offering U.S. customers a truly unique coffee experience."
In October 2018, working alongside the Hispanic Federation, global non-profit TechnoServe, and other organizations, Nespresso committed $1 million as part of a three-year initiative to help revitalize Puerto Rico's coffee industry. The effort plans to reach 1,500 farmers in Puerto Rico through on-the-ground training and mentoring in agronomic and business skills that will help farmers improve the quality and quantity of their crop yields and increase their incomes.
Nespresso Ambassador George Clooney and acclaimed playwright and actor, and proud Puerto Rican, Lin-Manuel Miranda joined forces with Nespresso and the Hispanic Federation to champion the importance of coffee farming in Puerto Rico and spotlight the transformative power coffee can have on farmer livelihoods, communities, and the island's revitalization efforts. Their conversation on the importance of coffee culture in Puerto Rico and the needs of the island are documented here: youtu.be/em1OPeOS8fE.
"Puerto Rico still needs our help, and it will take a tremendous effort from both private and public organizations to ensure efforts on the ground have a meaningful and lasting impact," said José Calderón, President of the Hispanic Federation. "We're pleased with the progress we're making, but it is only the beginning. With the help of Nespresso and its consumers, we're optimistic about the future of coffee on the island."
Contributions to the Hispanic Federation will support the organization's efforts with World Coffee Research and Puerto Rico Coffee Roasters to plant 2.25 million new coffee trees in Puerto Rico. In addition to funding the initial revitalization initiative, Nespresso has committed 50,000 trees to this effort. Starting in November, Nespresso consumers can further support these efforts by simply recycling their capsules using a limited edition recycling bag. Every Puerto Rico recycling bag represents one new coffee tree that will be planted on the island. To celebrate coffee, culture and art in Puerto Rico, the bag features original artwork, titled Inspiration, by Puerto Rican artist Gerardo Cloquell.
Nespresso capsules are made from aluminum because it is the best material for preserving the freshness and quality of the coffees, and it can be recycled again and again. In the U.S., Nespresso partners with UPS so that consumers have several convenient options for recycling. Consumers can bring used capsules to one of 88,000 UPS drop-off locations or 500 collection points in Nespresso Boutiques and select retail partners across the country.
INTRODUCING CAFECITO DE PUERTO RICO
Zesty and intense, Cafecito de Puerto Rico is a limited-edition coffee that highlights the natural earthiness of Puerto Rico's coffee beans. Perfect on its own, Cafecito de Puerto Rico also mixes perfectly with cream and brown sugar for a "Café Cortadito," a favorite of locals in the city of San Juan.
REVIVING ORIGINS PROGRAM
Nespresso's efforts in Puerto Rico are part of the brand's Reviving Origins program, which is focused on helping to restore high-quality coffee production in regions around the world that are under threat due to political conflict, economic hardship or environmental disasters. In May 2019, Nespresso launched the Reviving Origins program with coffee from Colombia and Zimbabwe.
For more information, visit the Nespresso corporate website: www.nestle-nespresso.com.
Boxed Matcha!
Boxed Water Is Better earlier this month announced the launch of Boxed Matcha in collaboration with mission-driven tea importer Art of Tea. The bundle includes a 24-pack of 500 mL Boxed Water and 24 Art of Tea Matchasticks, an organic ceremonial grade blend of three Japanese green tea varietals. Simply pour, shake and go. For each product sold, Boxed Water and Art of Tea will plant 24 trees in U.S. National Forests with the National Forest Foundation (NFF).
“At Boxed Water, we’re always looking for brands who share our Better Planet ethos,” said Boxed Water Chief Marketing Officer Rob Koenen. “With Art of Tea’s focus on sustainably grown and sourced ingredients, it’s a perfect fit with our own mission to move consumers to more planet-friendly products.”
“Sourced from a family farm in Japan, our organic Matchasticks deliver fresh, high-quality matcha – it’s perfect for sustainably-minded tea drinkers,” said Art of Tea Founder and Chief Executive Officer Steve Schwartz. “We’re proud that our partnership with Boxed Water will continue our common goal to support the wellness of both our customers and our planet.”
“Consumers can now choose a product that is sustainable to our planet and pure for their health,” said Koenen. “Sip the freshest, most bio-available matcha on the market together with 100% purified water without added minerals.”
Mostra Coffee Wins Coffee Roaster of the Year Award
Congratulations to Mostra Coffee, winner of Roast Magazine's Micro Coffee Roaster of the Year Award for 2020. Known for not only roasting coffees of superior quality, Mostra is also 
helping put the coffee industry of the Philippines on the map--an act driven in honor of their Filipino heritage and as a way to bring jobs to poverty-stricken regions.
"We dreamt up this company and wanted our Filipino culture to be a part of it, but we didn't know anything about coffee or where to begin to source Philippine coffee," said co-founder Jelynn Malone. "All we had was a dream to give back and help people. It's been incredibly emotional and magical to see these dreams come to fruition and be awarded 2020 Micro Roaster of the Year."
Mostra Coffee was launched by a team of four Filipino American friends-- Jelynn Malone, Beverly Magtanong, Sam Magtanong, and Mike Arquines-- in 2013. Since then, they've established direct-trade relationships with coffee farmers in the Philippines, to help increase their economic opportunities.
In addition to their humanitarian work, Mostra strives to create an experience with every drink. The name "Mostra" is the Italian word for "show," "exhibition" or "performance." Mostra's "English Industrial" inspired cafe houses the only MAVAM espresso machine in San Diego. It's built into a lower bar-top to facilitate a more engaging and visually immersive customer experience of the brewing process. One of their most popular drinks on the menu is the Bibingka Creme Brulee Latte, inspired by one of their favorite Filipino desserts. They're also known for their signature series of cold brews like the 'Choco-Nana' and 'One Bra-zillion Coconuts.'
Mostra has also been recognized for their innovative partnering with craft breweries to create over 600 coffee beer collaborations, including the seasonal release of Xocoveza Mocha Stout from the iconic Stone Brewing Co. "The beer we create together is out of this world redolent with flavors of vanilla, pasilla peppers, cinnamon and chocolate mingling just beautifully with Mostra Coffee," said Greg Koch, Stone Brewing executive chairman and co-founder. "Understanding Mostra's commitment to sustainability, innovation and collaboration makes it even better. Cheers to the team on a well-deserved award!"
Mostra is set to open a second San Diego location at the end of the year. For more information please visit www.mostracoffee.com.
Brewbudz, the World’s First Cannabis Infused “Good for You, Good for the Earth” Beverage Line
Cannabiniers, a foodservice, technology & brand management company revolutionizing the cannabis industry with patented, safe and natural flower-based extraction technology, today announced the official launch of Brewbudz, the world’s first product line of cannabis infused coffee, tea and cocoa delivered through a 100% compostable flower-based single-brew pod, in Nevada.
Americans consume over 600 million cups of coffee daily, not including tea and cocoa. Surprisingly, there are limited product offerings available in the cannabis industry to meet this demand, none of which are natural or sustainable. Realizing that drinking coffee alone is an important ritual that 61% of Americans enjoy on a daily basis, Cannabiniers has seized the opportunity to create and introduce a product line that offers cannabis consumers a discreete lifestyle integrated option to enjoy their daily consumption with an added kick.
“What we are aspiring to create is the normalization of cannabis consumption in a way that integrates with consumers’ already established habits and lifestyles,” said Timothy Walters, President of Cannabiniers. “Brewbudz is our way of providing consumers with a natural, safe and chemical free way to consume cannabis’ natural compounds, combined with an everyday behavior – coffee/tea drinking, that is both socially acceptable and discreet."
Cannabiniers is the exclusive license-holder of the underlying patented technologies in the United States. The first of its kind patent combines the world’s first 100% compostable pod that works in all Keurig™ coffee brewers, with a cannabinoid extraction process that allows the consumer to benefit from the complete profile of the cannabis flower, in a healthy and discreet manner.
Scientists and world class environmental experts got together to create the world’s first and only compostable single-serve brew pod of its kind. The distinctive ring on every one of the Brewbudz pods comes from the skin of roasted coffee beans (Chaff) and the lid is a combination of compostable materials and inks. When composted correctly, the pod and outer packaging (box) can break down in weeks, creating an Eco beneficial bi-product (fertilizer) that leaves no toxic residue and returns to the earth and not landfills.
Brewbudz works with all Keurig® and Keurig 2.0® brewers. As a flower-based edible, the products will not introduce oils that can build up within a brewer and obstruct the brewing process. Brewbudz offers various dosage options to fit every lifestyle. Consumers can select from a variety of dosing strengths infused with either sativa cannabis to give them a pickup or indica to help them relax and sleep. Once brewed, Brewbudz cannabis infused beverage is virtually absent of cannabis odor and taste, while protecting and delivering the effects in a safe and natural way.
West Coast Roast (Coffee) - Made from responsibly sourced 100% Arabica beans
Available in: Regular and Caffeine-Free / THC Content: 10mg, 25mg and 50mg
Artisan (Tea) - Carefully crafted with the most delicious tea leaves and high-quality cannabis to create exhilarating blends that delight the senses
Available in: Black, Green and Herbal Tea’s / THC Content: 10mg, 25mg and 50mg
Decadent Dark Chocolate (Cocoa) - Made with the highest quality chocolate and other all-natural ingredients
THC Content: 10mg, 25mg and 50mg
Brewbudz is now available in dispensaries located across Nevada, including Medizin, Blum, The Dispensary, Las Vegas ReLeaf, Inyo Fine Cannabis, Essence, The Source, Mynt, among many others. Availability in Colorado and California will soon follow, with additional state launches to be announced shortly thereafter.
How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home
Makes 2 drinks
What You Need/Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more to garnish
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 to 2 shots espresso (about 1/4 cup), or 1/3 to 1/2 cup strong coffee
• 1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped into firm peaks
Equipment:
Mixer, whisk, or hand blender, to whip cream
Saucepan
Wooden spoon
Whisk
Blender
Espresso maker or coffee maker
Instructions:
Heat the pumpkin and spices. Heat the pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and a generous helping of black pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it's hot and smells cooked, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the sugar. Add the sugar and stir until the mixture looks like a bubbly, thick syrup.
Warm the milk. Whisk in the milk and vanilla and warm gently, watching carefully to make sure it doesn't boil over.
Blend the milk. Carefully process the mixture with a hand blender or in a traditional blender (hold the lid down tightly with a thick wad of towels!) until frothy and blended.
Mix the drinks. Make the espresso or coffee and divide between 2 mugs. Add the frothed milk and pumpkin mixture. Top with the whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, or nutmeg if desired.
Substitutions:
Vanilla: Yes, this recipe calls for two tablespoons (not teaspoons) of vanilla. This sounds like a lot, but it does more than anything else to mimic the intense, even artificial, taste of the syrups used in coffee shops. But feel free to start with less and bump it up as needed.
Milk fat: This recipe is most satisfying when made with whole milk, but 2% and skim can be substituted.
Canned pumpkin substitution: You can substitute 1 teaspoon Torani Pumpkin Spice Syrup for the canned pumpkin if you have it on hand.
Sugar substitute: You can use a sugar substitute in place of the sugar if desired. Add to taste.
Pumpkin pie spice substitute: No pumpkin pie spice? No problem — use our recipe to make it out of cinnamon, ginger, and other spices: Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix
Recipe Notes:
Make a big batch of pumpkin spice base: If you like, you can make a big batch of the pumpkin spice base, and refrigerate. To make 8 full servings, cook 1/2 cup pumpkin purée with 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Stir in 1/2 cup vanilla extract. Refrigerate for up to 1 week and use as desired. To serve, blend 1/3 cup pumpkin spice base with milk until frothy, and add 1 or 2 shots of espresso. Top with whipped cream and serve.
Source: www.thekitchn.com
Hops + Tea = HopTea
Hoplark HopTea combines the flavor of a high-quality cup of tea with the distinct aroma and flavor of Pacific Northwest-grown hops, guaranteed to intrigue tea and beer enthusiasts alike. Created by founders Andrew Markley and Dean Eberhardt, HopTea is handcrafted, canned and shipped from the Hoplark HopTea Brewery in Boulder, Colorado. HopTea is made with simple, real ingredients resulting in a product with exceptional quality that is gluten-free and void of additives. Each of the four flavors offer a zero sugar, zero calorie substitute to a traditional high-calorie brew.
Hoplark HopTea recently announced its expansion into Whole Foods Market stores across the country. HopTea is the first sparkling tea brewed with hops to create a distinct flavor profile reflective of a common IPA — though without any alcohol.
The unexpected combination of Pacific Northwest-grown hops and top-quality tea was so intriguing to customers, Hoplark HopTea went from just selling pints at a farmer’s market in May 2018 to selling cans at approximately 480 stores across the country.
HopTea’s four distinct flavors offer a zero sugar, zero calorie substitute to a traditional high-calorie brew. HopTea is now available for sale in select Whole Foods Market stores throughout the US, online through the Hoplark website and in their Boulder Colorado taproom, which is open to the public on Saturdays from 1pm-5pm.
“After years of trial and error and hundreds of permutations, we’ve created a product that is challenging people’s palates and filling a void for consumers looking for a handcrafted complex beverage with no calories, no sugar, and no alcohol, ” Says Hoplark HopTea Co-Founder Dean Eberhardt. “It has been so rewarding to watch our customers fall in love with HopTea. We knew we made something we loved, but the response has been far beyond our expectations.”
During a health focused month without alcohol that led to the eventual loss of over 50 pounds, Eberhardt joined his best friend, Andrew Markley at a local brewery. It was at this moment that Eberhardt realized that he had been missing the ritual of sharing a drink with a friend. With creativity sparked, Eberhardt and Markley instantly began experimenting to create a substitute with the familiar hop taste that all brewery-goers could enjoy, without sacrificing a healthier lifestyle. After a two-year journey of careful research and experimentation, Hoplark HopTea was born.
From humble beginnings launching on the Denver farmer’s market circuit in May of 2018, HopTea is an unexpected divergence from the norm, not quite fitting into one beverage category. It stands on its own, encouraging customers to do the same. As the company continues to expand, founders Eberhardt, Markley and their growing team of employees 
continue to handcraft every can in their tea brewery in Boulder, Colorado.
Each HopTea flavor is a unique blend of organic tea leaves, Pacific Northwest-grown hops and sparkling water, resulting in a simple, premium product. As a naturally brewed tea beverage HopTea is void of calories and additives, with no alcohol content. Since launching in the spring of 2018, HopTea’s superior taste has already won several major industry awards including 2018 BevNet’s New Beverage Showdown and the 2019 Natural Product Expo’s Nexty Award for Best New Ready-To-Drink Beverage.
“HopTea is one of the most unique beverages we’ve tasted,” says George Daines, Global Beverage Category Merchant at Whole Foods Market. “The product falls right into many of the current beverage trends we are seeing around no sugar, zero calories, and hop infusions. We are thrilled to partner with HopTea to bring this innovative and delicious product to our Whole Foods Market customers across the nation.”
There are four distinct flavors of HopTea currently offered in Whole Foods Market stores: The Really Hoppy One, The Green One, The Calm One, and The White Tea One. In addition, Hoplark HopTea continually releases new experimental flavors at their brewery, which have included black tea with blueberry lavender and chamomile with honey and lemon. Each can of HopTea typically sells at a price of $2.99 per can.
For more information, visit the HopTea website: www.hoptea.com.
