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ANOTHER CERTIFICATION TO CONSIDER?
Oakland, Calif.-based Numi Organic Tea recently announced it is aiming to bring other brands into
its Fair Labor Practices program, a verification system the company has been using to assess and
improve its supply chain over the last four years. Unlike programs that assess just the farm level,
FLP audits conditions throughout the import-export process. Through the Numi Foundation, the
company intends to bring other brands across a number of categories into the system and use
FLP as a method of assuring a brand's commitment to equitable worker treatment.
888/404-6864. numitea.com
PICKING UP STEAM
The Steampunk, a unique coffee and tea brewer from Salt Lake City manufacturer Alpha Dominche, made its debut last month in shops across
the United States. The machine is built to offer operators consistent and
quickly crafted brews. Each cup is brewed to order, and up to four cups
can be created at once. The product was formally unveiled to industry
pros at an event on April 16 at the Seventh Tea Bar, an independent shop
in Costa Mesa, Calif., and its wider consumer launch came on April 19.
801/212-9789. alphadominche.com
COOL SOLUTION FOR A HOT MARKET
Syrup and flavoring company Torani launched a
product called Real Cream Frappe Base to help
operators more easily concoct signature drinks
and chilled beverages for warmer months. The
bases, available in four flavors, are liquid and
designed for simplicity: Pour the product over
ice, add espresso or syrups and sauces, and then
blend and serve. The company notes that the
frappe market has grown 20 percent over the
past three years. 800/775-1925. torani.com
QUALITY LEAF MADE EASY
Zhena's Gypsy Tea last month rolled out a "turn-key" loose-leaf-tea program designed for
independent coffeehouses. The visually appealing display kits contain 12 blends proven to
sell well in the café environment, including Earl Greater Grey, Coconut Chai and Wildberry
Hibiscus. Each of the blends is formulated with fair-trade ingredients. Zhena's Gypsy Tea is
based in Ojai, Calif. 800/448-0803. zhenas.com
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