Caribou Coffee's Trend-Forward Cafe Canela and Cross Fox Espresso Arrive Just in Time for Spring

MINNEAPOLIS, April 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBOU) today announced the introduction of the newly branded Cross Fox Espresso and special limited-time-only Cafe Canela handcrafted beverage, both intended to provide fans with a distinctive Caribou Coffee experience.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120409/NY83973-a )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120409/NY83973-b )

As a leader in trend-forward flavor creation, Caribou Coffee is once again focusing on best-in-class new products with these two distinctive offerings for the adventurous and sustainable coffee drinker. Featuring caramel and sweet cocoa notes, the creamy Cross Fox Espresso will continue to provide the signature Caribou espresso taste that fans have come to know and love, while the new Cafe Canela, made with Cross Fox Espresso, will turn the traditional latte on its head with unique flavors such as cinnamon and orange zest.

To celebrate the coffeehouse classic espresso, Caribou Coffee is also kicking-off its "Morning Receipt for an Espresso Treat" program today by offering customers the ability to show their morning receipt after 2 pm to receive a 50 percent discount off any Cross Fox Espresso drink. Participating Caribous will also accept morning receipts from other coffeehouse espresso purchases during the promotion period, April 9-13, 2012.

"At Caribou Coffee, we understand that espresso is a critical part of any coffeehouse and we apply the same artisan craft-roasting technique to create our espresso as with all of our coffees," said Alfredo Martel, senior vice president of marketing and product management. "To develop our classic espresso, we are diligent about sourcing the best beans for a blend that can be enjoyed both as a shot and as part of a drink, so we're thrilled to announce the newly branded espresso and exclusive Cafe Canela, and to reward our most loyal fans with both an exciting new flavor and a deal on their afternoon pick-me-up."

In light of Caribou Coffee's January 2012 announcement that it is the first major U.S. coffeehouse to source all coffee and espresso from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms, both drinks will carry the 100 percent Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal. Cross Fox Espresso is a permanent product at Caribou Coffee and the handcrafted Cafe Canela drink will be offered through May.

For more information about Caribou Coffee or this exciting offering, please visit Caribou Coffee's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cariboucoffee or follow Caribou on Twitter at @Caribou_Coffee.

About Caribou Coffee

Founded in 1992, Caribou Coffee Company is one of the leading branded coffee companies in the United States, with a compelling multi-channel approach to their customers.  Based on the number of coffeehouses, Caribou Coffee is the second largest company-operated premium coffeehouse operator in the United States.  As of January 1, 2012, the Company had 581 coffeehouses, including 169 franchised locations, in 20 states, the District of Columbia and nine international markets.  The Company's coffeehouses aspire to be the community place loved by guests who are provided an extraordinary experience that makes their day better.  Caribou Coffee provide the highest quality handcrafted beverages, foods and coffee lifestyle items with a unique blend of expertise, fun and authentic human connection in a comfortable and welcoming coffeehouse environment.  In addition, Caribou Coffee's unique coffees are available within grocery stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, office coffee and foodservice providers, hotels, entertainment venues and e-commerce channels.  Caribou Coffee is a proud recipient of the Rainforest Alliance Corporate Green Globe Award and is committed to operating practices that promote sustainability and environmental protection.  For more information, visit the Caribou Coffee web site at www.cariboucoffee.com.

CONTACT:
Blythe Posner
Ruder Finn, Inc.
(212) 593-6306
[email protected]

SOURCE Caribou Coffee Company, Inc.