Caribou Coffee, an American coffee house owned by Panera Brands, has announced the launch of 'Amy's Blend,' a curated coffee blend created as a tribute to the brand's first roastmaster, Amy Erickson.
Erickson left the company in 1995 due to her ongoing battle with breast cancer. Because of this, Caribou Coffee will also be donating a percentage of Amy's Blend sales to the non-profit charity 'Girls on the Run' in an effort to honor her legacy. Amy's Blend will be offered in two varieties, a Light Roast version with sweet and smoky flavors, and a Dark Roast version with bright and silky tasting notes. Of course, both versions of Amy's Blend are inspired by Amy Erickson's favorite coffee elements.
“Amy provided a foundation and path that really set our sourcing commitments and relationships apart, and the dedication to excellence she established continues at Caribou Coffee today,” says John Butcher, president and CEO of Caribou Coffee
Image Credit: Caribou Coffee
What's Driving This Trend
- Charitable Coffee Blends
- Creating a new line of coffee that honors someone and donates to charity can improve brand perception and drive sales.
- Tribute Marketing
- Creating a product as a tribute to a person or cause is a unique marketing concept that can generate press and customer loyalty.
- Community Giving Programs
- Partnering with non-profit organizations and incorporating charitable giving into company initiatives can positively impact brand image and customer loyalty.
Who This Affects Most
- Coffee Industry
- The coffee industry can explore innovations such as curated blends, tribute marketing, and philanthropic initiatives to differentiate from competitors.
- Non-profit Industry
- Partnering with companies that incorporate charitable giving in their operations can create beneficial and sustainable relationships that aid in their mission.
- Retail Industry
- Incorporating special edition or seasonal products, such as Amy's Blend, that incorporate philanthropic initiatives can improve customer loyalty and sales.
