COUNTER INTELLIGENCE continued from page 61 MOSCOW MACCHIATOS
Espresso machine maker Nuova Simonelli announced it is expand- ing its commercial presence throughout Russia, opening seven showrooms and 20 authorized service centers in major cities across the country. In addition, last month the company held a "Barista League" event at Moscow Café, which aimed to bring together young baristas from across the city to exchange notes and strengthen the local coffee culture. The event featured Chris Loukakis of Greece, winner of the 2011 World Latte Art Championship. 360/366-2226. nuovasimonelliusa.com
DOUBLING UP
Seda International Packaging has introduced a unique double-wall hot cup to the U.S. market. The idea is to offer a to-go vessel that lets customers comfort- ably hold onto their hot beverages without also needing a sleeve or a second cup. Seda, which manufactures a variety of paper and plastic food-packaging products, can also work with operators to develop outside-of-the cup graphics that will work with individual brands. 262/417-1600. sedagroup.org
STEEP ON THE GO
Tea products company Finum rolled out a unique tumbler that lets the user control the steep—and steep the same leaves multiple times. The product is called Traveler Zita, and it keeps leaves and beverage in sepa- rate sections. The wall between the two areas can be rotated so that steeping begins again if water is added; another rotation brings back separation and stops the brewing process. The product also features a double-wall design, making it an option for holding hot or cold drinks. finum.com
KICKING THE CORN SYRUP
Mont Blanc Gourmet founder Michael Szyliowicz in May launched a venture called Good Drinks, a line of sauces and syrups free of high-fructose corn syrup. "Our industry relies heavily on the ingredient to make sweet drinks," Szyliowicz said in a release. "By introducing Good Drinks, we're finally giving consumers and restaurant owners a better choice." The brand's product line includes sauces (Dark Chocolate, Caramel, White Chocolate and Single Origin Ghana Chocolate), concentrates for Chai and Horchata, and a Vanilla frozen drink mix. 303/755-1100, Ext. 115. getgooddrinks.com
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