Oval Coffee Roasters Debuts its Coffee at Sprouts Farmers Market
Andrew Itzkowitz — May 21, 2025 — Tech
Oval Coffee Roasters, a New York City-based specialty coffee brand founded by Christopher Alspach and Andrew Itzkowitz, is launching nationally across 450+ Sprouts Farmers Market locations beginning May 5, 2025. The rollout is part of Sprouts’ May Innovation Set, spotlighting emerging brands that bring innovation and craft to grocery. Visitors are encouraged to join the #CoffeeChallenge on a groundbreaking mixed reality platform powered by Fabric.Space. They simply need to scan the “Learn & Earn” QR code on Oval Coffee Roasters' single serve pour over drip coffee starting on May 5th, to enter #OvalSpace.
Oval offers whole bean and single-serve pour over drip coffee formats—each roasted in NYC with care, sustainability, and flavor. Their pour over drip coffee, inspired by specialty coffee culture in East Asia, offer an elegant, low-commitment way to enjoy premium coffee—just add hot water. Each single-serve pour over drip coffee features a biodegradable filter and is available individually or in a boxed set of eight.
“Friends kept bringing these back from trips to Japan and Taiwan—each one beautifully designed and surprisingly delightful,” says co-founder Christopher Alspach, former co-founder of Upper Left Roasters. “It became clear we could offer that same joy and quality here, but with our own New York twist.”
Oval’s core blends include The Natural, naturally processed, fruit-forward, and complex, the Bowling Green Blend, light and balanced, and sourced from women-led farms and Riverside Blend, a smooth, half-caff option with full-bodied flavor. With over 15,000 roasts and deep global sourcing experience, Oval’s founder Christopher Alspach previously co-founded Upper Left Roasters in Portland, Oregon, serving premium retailers like New Seasons Market and Market of Choice. Co-founder Andrew Itzkowitz brings 20 years of North American retail and foodservice experience, having worked with category-leading natural and specialty brands like Bonne Maman and Yogi Tea across the U.S. & Canada, later leading sales for VC-backed plant-based meat startups, and originally launching a gluten-free division for his family’s bakery in the early 2000s. Together the team delivers coffee with both high craftsmanship and strong retail acumen. “Oval is about elevating everyday moments. With thoughtful packaging, exceptional blends, and a format people love, we’re excited to bring this experience to more people.” says Alspach.
Oval offers whole bean and single-serve pour over drip coffee formats—each roasted in NYC with care, sustainability, and flavor. Their pour over drip coffee, inspired by specialty coffee culture in East Asia, offer an elegant, low-commitment way to enjoy premium coffee—just add hot water. Each single-serve pour over drip coffee features a biodegradable filter and is available individually or in a boxed set of eight.
“Friends kept bringing these back from trips to Japan and Taiwan—each one beautifully designed and surprisingly delightful,” says co-founder Christopher Alspach, former co-founder of Upper Left Roasters. “It became clear we could offer that same joy and quality here, but with our own New York twist.”
Oval’s core blends include The Natural, naturally processed, fruit-forward, and complex, the Bowling Green Blend, light and balanced, and sourced from women-led farms and Riverside Blend, a smooth, half-caff option with full-bodied flavor. With over 15,000 roasts and deep global sourcing experience, Oval’s founder Christopher Alspach previously co-founded Upper Left Roasters in Portland, Oregon, serving premium retailers like New Seasons Market and Market of Choice. Co-founder Andrew Itzkowitz brings 20 years of North American retail and foodservice experience, having worked with category-leading natural and specialty brands like Bonne Maman and Yogi Tea across the U.S. & Canada, later leading sales for VC-backed plant-based meat startups, and originally launching a gluten-free division for his family’s bakery in the early 2000s. Together the team delivers coffee with both high craftsmanship and strong retail acumen. “Oval is about elevating everyday moments. With thoughtful packaging, exceptional blends, and a format people love, we’re excited to bring this experience to more people.” says Alspach.
Trend Themes
1. Mixed Reality Engagement Platforms - The integration of mixed reality into marketing via the #CoffeeChallenge allows brands to create immersive consumer interactions, enhancing engagement and customer experience.
2. Biodegradable Packaging Solutions - Using biodegradable filters in single-serve coffee products reflects a growing emphasis on sustainable packaging, offering eco-conscious consumers an environmentally friendly choice.
3. Cultural Coffee Inspirations - Inspired by East Asian coffee culture, the spread of pour-over drip coffee formats caters to connoisseurs seeking novel, premium coffee experiences without the complexity.
Industry Implications
1. Specialty Coffee Market - As consumer interest in quality and variety rises, the specialty coffee market thrives by offering diverse and artisanal products targeting niche preferences.
2. Sustainable Food Packaging - The demand for sustainable food packaging is growing as companies like Oval Coffee Roasters prioritize eco-friendly materials to align with consumer values and regulatory pressures.
3. Augmented Reality in Retail - Utilizing augmented reality platforms in retail settings, brands are enhancing product visibility and consumer engagement, paving the way for innovative sales strategies.
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