Hy-Vee Broadens Relationship With Caribou Coffee

SN STAFF

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Under an expanded partnership with Caribou Coffee, Hy-Vee will add the coffee maker’s branded kiosks — currently featured in 18 of its 230 stores — to many new and existing locations.

Hy-Vee will also feature more Caribou Coffee products in its grocery aisles and convert the brewed coffee used in its in-store foodservice outlets to the Caribou brand. Hy-Vee researched dozens of brands before selecting Caribou, according to Greg Frampton, assistant vice president of foodservice for Hy-Vee.

“Caribou Coffee’s product, personality and commitment to Rainforest Alliance certification, the most comprehensive sustainability certification available, ultimately made this an easy choice,” he said in a statement.

In April, Caribou Coffee commited to offering 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee, a goal the company has set to achieve by the end of 2011.

A new Hy-Vee store in Peoria, Ill., is the first to make the full transition to Caribou Coffee. The rollout across all Hy-Vee stores is expected to be complete by this fall.