Coffee manufacturers are perking up sales by developing new line extensions and creative new ways of advertising their products.
Nutcracker Suite, Eggnog and Dickens' Toffee flavors.
Nestle has also introduced Nescafe Instant Espresso Roast, which is packaged in a unique glass jar with a latched hinged lid to keep the product fresh, as well as a new line of Nescafe instant coffee drinks in latte, mocha, cappuccino and espresso flavors.
Kraft Foods, White Plains, N.Y., has introduced a sugar-free, fat-free version of its General Foods International Coffee in French Vanilla Cafe flavor. A decaffeinated version will begin shipping on Dec. 9.
Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble Co. has regrouped some of its specialty coffees under the new Folgers Coffee House brand. French Roast, 100% Columbian Supreme and Gourmet Supreme are among the varieties with the new moniker.
One of the most creative coffee marketers has been New York-based Chock Full o' Nuts Corp. A radio campaign recreating the famous "Chock Full o' Nuts is that heavenly coffee" jingle boosted unit sales 3% last year, and a new version of the campaign hit the airwaves this month. The company dropped a freestanding insert yesterday and has begun placing blurbs on syndicated TV shows.
Chock Full o' Nuts is working hard to make its name synonymous with coffee. For instance, the company is a regular sponsor of First Night New York and this year is sponsoring other First Night New Years Eve celebrations around the country. The company is also expanding distribution of its Coffee Singles tea bag-like coffee pouches.
Montvale, N.J.-based A&P has a web site (http://www.eightoclock.com) for its Eight O'Clock Coffee brand, said Michael Rourke, senior vice president, communications and corporate affairs.
