UCC And Keurig Announce International Partnership in Asia
Today, in Kobe, Japan, UCC Ueshima Coffee Co., Ltd. (UCC) and Keurig Inc. announced the formation of a joint venture named Keurig FE Co., Ltd. (Keurig FE). Under the terms of the JV agreement, Keurig FE will become the exclusive roaster and distributor of the Keurig Premium Coffee System in Japan as well as in nine additional countries in Asia.
Launched initially in North America in 1998, the Keurig Premium Coffee System is believed to be the fastest growing portion pack coffee brewing system in the world. With more than 20,000 brewers and 150 million K-Cups(TM) sold in North America since its introduction, the Keurig System individually brews a fresh cup of specialty coffee in thirty seconds using patented technology. With the Keurig System, consumers in North America may select from a variety of over 60 branded specialty coffees and enjoy the freshly brewed ``Coffee House Taste by the Cup(TM)'' experience with no waste, no clean-up and no hassle.
Beginning in September 2001, Keurig FE will introduce the Keurig System in Japan with a selection of five varieties of branded specialty coffees as well as four selections of tea. All coffees and teas will be branded under the Boston Select(TM) brand name and all are roasted and blended by UCC to meet the taste profiles of discerning coffee and tea lovers in Japan.
In announcing the joint venture, Mr. Nick Lazaris, CEO of Keurig, Inc. said, ``UCC has established a track record of success in Asia that is unparalleled. Keurig is honored to join with UCC to create Keurig FE in order to bring the benefits of the Keurig Premium Coffee System to Japan and Asia.'' Lazaris went on to say, ``Keurig's mission is to be the world's leading single cup, portion pack coffee brewing system so that coffee lovers everywhere can enjoy a great taste experience when drinking coffee at work and while eating out. With Keurig FE we are taking a big step in making this dream come true.''
Mr. Itsuo Kawahara, Director of UCC, who has been named President of Keurig FE, stated: ``The Keurig System provides a tremendous growth opportunity in Japan for our experienced sales and marketing teams. We believe coffee and tea drinkers will respond enthusiastically to the Boston Select coffees and teas Keurig FE will offer.''
With over 65 years of coffee, tea and beverage expertise in the Asian market, UCC is the largest regular coffee company in Asia. In addition to Japan, Keurig FE will market the Keurig System exclusively in China, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam.
About UCC Ueshima Coffee Co., Ltd. (UCC)
Founded in 1933, UCC is the largest coffee roaster and distributor in Asia. UCC also owns coffee plantations in Jamaica, Hawaii and Indonesia. For more information about UCC Ueshima Coffee Co., Ltd. visit their website at www.ucc.co.jp
About Keurig
Keurig's patented ``Coffee House Taste by the Cup(TM)'' brewing system has created a coffee brewing revolution across North America. Keurig licenses specialty coffee roasters to package their branded gourmet coffees in Keurig's patented K-Cups(TM) so that a wide variety of coffees are available to satisfy virtually every coffee drinker's taste preference. With more than 20,000 systems sold in just 3.5 years in market Keurig is believed to be the fastest growing portion-pack, single-cup system in the world. For more information about the Keurig system, visit the Keurig website at www.keurig.com or contact Keurig via E-mail (keurig@keurig.com), telephone (1-888-CUP-BREW) or fax (1-781-246-3499).
SOURCE: Keurig