Campuses Nationwide Turn to Pura Vida Coffee to Meet Student Demand for Socially and Environmentally Responsible Cafe Solutions
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE via COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Oct. 4, 2005--Pura Vida Coffee announced today that campuses continue to ask for their innovative Sustainable Cafe program, which embraces socially responsible espresso cafes as a showcase for their wide portfolio of organic, Fair Trade beverages. The company`s Espresso Solutions program for Food Service Directors includes everything from drip coffee stations to their fully-featured espresso bars. ''Our Sustainable Cafe program is designed from scratch with sustainability in mind as a showcase for our unique family of beverages -- from the sustainably-harvested wood flooring, to countertops made from recycled material, to our beautiful tree-free, soy-ink posters hanging on the walls,'' said John Sage, CEO of Pura Vida.
Pura Vida is known for its 100% commitment to Fair Trade, organic beverages, including coffee, tea, cocoa, and chai. But now those products can be delivered in Pura Vida`s new 100% biodegradable and compostable cups, and 100% recycled coffee sleeves printed with soy ink.
''Pura Vida is my partner of choice when it comes to finding innovative, socially responsible products,'' explains Vivian Schmidt, Manager and Food Services, Cafes, Coffee Carts, and Convenience Stores at the University of Washington. ''They add a dimension of social responsibility to my venues by bringing me leading edge products that are highly successful in the university environment. The best part is that they have already developed the socially conscious products into `food service friendly` programs. Their amazing customer service only adds to their appeal,'' continued Schmidt.
Ted Lancette, Aramark General Manager at Loyola University Chicago said, ''Pura Vida is at the forefront of a great trend in the food service business. Not only does the company provide innovative, socially-responsible products, but they are highly desirable by our students. And our sales reflect that.''
Tens of thousands of Pura Vida customers on college campuses walk to class every day with a truly sustainable latte, and because Pura Vida is charitably owned, that latte generates revenues for their programs helping at-risk children as well. In fact, students from around the country can see their ''coffee dollars'' at work on one of the Pura Vida Sustainable Spring Break trips this school year, visiting coffee farmers and Pura Vida charitable programs for at-risk children, such as soup kitchens.
''Successful socially responsible businesses like Pura Vida recognize that Fair Trade partnerships improve the economic security of the farmers they depend on,'' explained Paul Rice, Executive Director of TransFair USA.
Buzz Hofford, Bon Appetit General Manager at Seattle University added, ''We have more than doubled our sales volume in just two months since switching to Pura Vida! The response from students and faculty has been overwhelming. Everyone here loves the coffee, and the cause!''
Pura Vida`s momentum on college campuses continues with new serving locations coast to coast, from University of California at Davis to American University in Washington, DC.
''I speak for the entire student body when I say that we have a great deal of respect for your company and for the way you do business. I knew right away Pura Vida was the perfect fit for American University, without a doubt!'' exclaimed Kyle Taylor, Student Body President at American University.
About Pura Vida Coffee
Pura Vida Coffee is a Seattle-based gourmet coffee company that is 100% charitably owned. The company uses 100% of its resources to benefit at-risk children and their families in coffee-growing countries. Our devotion to helping at-risk children and families begins with our commitment to carry 100% certified Fair Trade, organic, shade-grown coffee, raising the living standards for farmers and their communities while protecting the environment in more than a dozen countries. Pura Vida Coffee offers premium products and services for large and small organizations, including universities, offices, institutional dining services, and churches, as well as individuals. To learn more about the company and its unique mission, please visit us at www.puravidacoffee.com.
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