In other coffee business news… 11-17 December 2022

Starbucks Odyssey is a Web3 technology-powered extension of the Starbucks Rewards programme | Photo credit: Starbucks

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Starbucks launches interactive Odyssey loyalty programme  
 

Starbucks has launched a beta version of its Odyssey loyalty programme for select Starbucks Rewards members and employees across the US. First announced in September 2022, Starbucks Odyssey is a Web3 extension of the Starbucks Rewards programme, enabling loyalty members to gain access to new benefits and digital experiences. Interactive activities on Starbucks Odyssey include virtual tours of the coffee chain’s Costa Rican coffee farm and trivia about Seattle company’s heritage. Once activities are completed, members earn collectable ‘Journey Stamps’ which can be used to unlock benefits, including a virtual espresso martini-making class and invitations to exclusive events at Starbucks Reserve Roasteries. 

Caribou Coffee celebrates 30th anniversary with Birthday Cake Latte  

Minnesota-based coffee chain Caribou Coffee is celebrating 30 years in years in business. Launched on 14 December 1992, Caribou Coffee now has over 400 stores across the US, as well as 280 internationally. To celebrate the anniversary, Caribou Coffee has launched a limited-edition Birthday Cake Latte, which will be sold in US stores from 12-18 December 2022. “As we look ahead to the next 30 years, we are excited to build upon our shared vision of living life to the fullest and providing guests with the inspiring coffeehouse experience they know and love,” said Caribou CEO and President, John Butcher.  

Grind inks packaging collaboration with Poppy Crew 

UK coffee roaster and hospitality group Grind has unveiled a limited-edition illustration collaboration with tattoo artist Poppy Crew. The Bristol-based illustrator and tattoo artist is the first in a series of Grind coffee pod packaging collaborations planned to celebrate Grind’s sustainability achievements, which include preventing over 55 tonnes of aluminium from going to landfill. According to Grind, more than 1,300 Poppy Crew tins were sold in a week. 

BCSA names Brazil’s most sustainable coffee farm  

Pinhal Farm has been crowned as Brazil’s most sustainable farm by the Brazilian Specialty Coffee Association (BSCA). The farm, located in Santo Antônio do Amparo, Minas Gerais state, was recognised for its sustainability measures, including tree planting and reducing the use of fertilisers, pesticides, water and fuel. Pinhal Farm has also partnered with several local schools to enable students to participate in planting trees. The BSCA said Pinhal Farm is a favourite among specialty coffee connoisseurs in Australia, China, Germany, Saudi Arabia and the UK. 

Disney World to open new café, Carousel Coffee

Walt Disney World has announced it will open a new coffee shop at its Disney's BoardWalk Resort in Florida, USA. Carousel Coffee will serve coffee from Florida-based Joffrey's Coffee, alongside pastries and Disney character-inspired products, such as a Vintage Mickey & Minnie Sugar Cookie a Mickey Brownie. Joffrey's Coffee and Tea Company has been the official specialty coffee of Walt Disney World, Disneyland and the Disney Vacation Club since 2012, operating dozens of locations throughout Disney properties in the US. 
 

ICO partners with ACF to strengthen Southeast Asian coffee production 

The International Coffee Organization (ICO) and the ASEAN Coffee Federation (ACF) have signed a Joint Declaration to help create a more sustainable and prosperous coffee industry in Southeast Asia. Part of the agreement will see the ICO’s Coffee Private Public Task Force (CPPTF) programme promoted in the region with an objective to help close the income gaps and achieve prosperity for smallholder producers. “Our work with the ACF will represent a major step forward to develop ASEAN coffee branding at the regional level and beyond,” said Vanúsia Nogueira, Executive Director, ICO.