Martin's Super Markets to Offer Caribou Coffee

A partnership between Martin’s Super Markets and Caribou Coffee will bow Oct. 4 with the rollout of an in-store Caribou Coffee kiosk in Mishawaka, Ind. -- the first such offering at a grocer in the state, as well as the inaugural location for the vendor’s latest-generation kiosk. The store plans grand-opening events to mark the occasion.

Additionally, Martin’s will stock Caribou’s packaged coffee on shelves in late 2010 in all 20 its stores. “Caribou Coffee’s total coffee solution program is exactly what we were looking for to improve our coffee offerings,” noted Randy Holtzinger, VP, sales and marketing for the South Bend-based grocer.

“We were looking for a coffee company that has a strong national brand presence, a commitment to create true partnerships and offers us the opportunity to create a customized solution for Martin’s,” added Holtzinger. “With Caribou’s commitment to Rainforest Alliance certification, Martin’s customers know they’re getting more than a delicious cup of coffee each time they purchase Caribou Coffee.”

In April, Minneapolis-based Caribou said it would offer 100 percent Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee by the end of 2011. The New York-based organization certifies coffee farms to ensure that the environment, wildlife, workers and communities are protected, and that coffee is harvested responsibly.

The nation’s second-largest gourmet coffeehouse operator, Caribou is available in grocery stores in 40 states. In July, the company unveiled a new total coffee solution partnership with Hy-Vee Inc. to be the preferred coffee brand for the West Des Moines, Iowa-based grocer’s 230 locations.

Martin’s Super Markets operates stores in South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger, Elkhart, Goshen, Plymouth, Nappanee and Logansport, Ind., and Niles, Stevensville and St. Joseph, Mich.