The Latest Coffee News
It's tough beans for the big grocery-store coffee makers. Procter & Gamble and Kraft Foods face lukewarm sales for their Folgers and Maxwell House brews. Why? Demographics are not in their favor. Baby boomers kids don’t drink much coffee, and, when they do, it's on the go, and “designer”. According to National Coffee Association Only 37% of young adults between 18 to 24 drink coffee, compared with 60% for those between 40 and 59 and 74% for Americans over 60.
Still, coffee sales are a perky market. Consumption rose steadily at almost 10% per year between 2001 and 2006. The challenge for P&G and Kraft is that their “household name” brands no longer impress consumers who are happy to pay for the brews from Starbucks, Peet’s, and now, even McDonald's. Growth in coffee sales is coming from “coffee on the go.” Coffee served in sit down establishments grew at an annual growth rate of 15.2% between 2001 and 2006. Grocery store sales grew only a small amount and are expected to increases at growth rate of 1% through 2011.
The most high brow cup of coffee, in the minds of many coffee drinkers, is still a pricey cup of coffee from your favorite barista. However, only the most serious coffee connoisseurs seek the highest-quality beans in the world. These beans come from very clearly defined regions and are highly prized for their individual characteristics.
So Sweet So Sad
It is with a sad heart that we pass on the following news
Please join us in remembering a great icon - the Pillsbury Doughboy - who died yesterday of a yeast infection and complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71.
Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies, and Captain Crunch.
The grave site was piled high wit flours, as long-time friend Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy, describing Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded.
Doughboy rose quickley in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very "smart" cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times, he even still, as a crusty old man, was considered a roll model for millions. Towards the end it was thought he would rise again, but alas, he was no tart.
Doughboy is survived by his wife, Play Dough; two children, John Dough and Jane Dough. Plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father Pop Tart.
The funeral was held at 3:50 for about twenty minutes.
