McDonald´s reaches deal to sell organic coffee in New England [View All]

[MaineDem]

MONTPELIER, Vt. — McDonald´s will begin selling organic coffee at its New England restaurants next month, an arrangement that could propel huge growth for the Vermont-based roaster and help the fast-food chain compete for customers who avoid the Golden Arches in favor of a better cup of joe.

The deal calls for Green Mountain Coffee, based in Waterbury, to supply Newman´s Own Organics blend coffee to more than 650 McDonald´s restaurants in Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and in the Albany, N.Y., region.

Green Mountain Coffee earlier entered a separate deal to purchase beans, roast them and package them for Newman´s Own. The latest arrangement with McDonald´s expands the deal.

The coffee for Newman´s Own is certified as Fair Trade, a moniker that assures the beans are produced by farmers who are guaranteed a minimum wage for their harvests and are encouraged to practice organic and sustainable cultivation.

http://news.mainetoday.com/apwire/D8DGGG9OA-299.shtml