Here in Seattle, it's not uncommon to see a Starbuck's on one corner and a Tully's coffee on a corner across the street. Recently Tully's announced something they hope will give them a competitive edge, a switch to using nothing but organic, Free Trade-certified coffee, served in 100% recyclable cups.
Starting today, all espresso drinks sold by the chain will use only organic, Fair Trade-certified coffee beans. Those beans will cost the Seattle company 17 to 20 cents more a pound than it has been paying.
Tully's also will spend 1 to 1.5 cents more for each of its cups, which beginning today are compostable and recyclable. Most paper coffee cups are not recyclable because of a plastic lining that keeps them from getting soggy. Tully's new cups, made by International Paper, use a plastic lining made from corn.
Tully's hopes the new espresso and recycled cups will attract new customers.
"People demonstrate a willingness to travel for products that support their personal beliefs," said Tully's spokesman Rob Martin.
Because Tully's has only 138 stores, fewer than most multistate coffee chains, the company is hoping it will be alone among those that can offer organic, Fair Trade espresso.
"It's a limited crop, so Starbucks couldn't follow us," Martin said.
--
Comments