Caribou Coffee: A Rising Industry Leader
While many may not know it, Caribou Coffee is the world's second leading coffee house operator; second only to industry giant Starbucks. Caribou Coffee was developed by John and Kim Puckett in Edina, Minnesota; and then later bought out by Atlanta-based Crescent Capital. They have expanded a small, single store into a chain of more than 450 stores across the country.
What Makes It Special
Caribou Coffee sells many different gourmet products, including ready-made coffee and coffee beans, various loose-leaf teas, blended drinks, cold coffee drinks, and even clothing and accessories. They even have a line of flavored lattes and non-coffee smoothies which have become wildly popular.
One of the greatest claims to fame that Caribou Coffee can make is that they beat out more than 40 other coffee brands for flavor and composition. They were ranked number one in national taste tests, beating out Starbucks coffee, which came in at number two.
Aside from the amazing flavor of Caribou Coffee, the corporation has made a huge impact on the environment by partnering up with Rainforest Alliance, in an effort to produce eco-friendly coffee. This alliance has received mixed reviews from the press; but Caribou Coffee remains dedicated to keeping their business practices environmentally friendly. They are also the first coffee company to become a volunteer sponsor of the Specialty Coffee Association of America's Producer Support Fund. The fund was established to help members who don't have the funds to attend association events.
Controversy
In more recent times, Caribou Coffee has been at the center of much controversy as one of its largest stockholders is the First Islamic Investment Bank of Bahrain. This caused many to protest the sales of Caribou Coffee after 9/11, and caused a major rift among investors, as Sheik Yusuf al-Qaradawi was the bank's Chairman of the Board. The controversy subsided slightly when al-Qaradawi stepped down that same year.
Despite the minor setbacks that Caribou Coffee experienced because of its investors, the fact remains that it produces some of the world's finest coffees and teas. If you or someone you love is a coffee lover, then you absolutely cannot go wrong with a Caribou Coffee gift.
From prepackaged coffees and teas, to shirts and bags, there's something for everyone at Caribou Coffee. Stop by their website and take a look at the many different products available for you and your friends. You're sure to find something that will make everyone happy!
