Office Coffee Service Providers Coast-to-Coast Celebrate First Annual National Coffee Service Month With "Joe on the Job"

CHICAGO, Sept. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Service providers across the country are celebrating the first annual National Coffee Service Month while also recognizing the significant and continuing growth in this market. NAMA, the trade group for providers of workplace refreshments including office coffee service (OCS), created "Joe on the Job" to personify coffee in the workplace.  Through this program, providers large and small are offering exciting customer events throughout the entire month, leading up to National Coffee Day, September 29.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120912/CG72668LOGO)

According to a recent study by national market research firm Packaged Facts, OCS sales approached the $4 billion mark in 2011 and are expected to grow 3.5 percent in 2012 and 2013.  Fifty-four percent of Americans over the age of 18 drink coffee every day. 

As one of the most popular drinks worldwide, a vast majority of coffee is consumed at the workplace. The study indicates that many employees use coffee as a productivity booster and value high-quality office coffee as an important perk. Operators identified the growing demand for a higher-quality office coffee and as a result, the refreshment services industry has rapidly evolved to offer more variety and convenience in office coffee service, including teas and water.

"Today, operators can bring an authentic coffeehouse experience into the workplace.  The technology, taste, abundance of flavors, freshness and convenience of today's refreshment services are revolutionary compared to even just 10 years ago," said Carla Balakgie, Chief Executive Officer of NAMA.  

"Employers recognize that delivering this coffeehouse experience is in fact a highly valued employee benefit.  In fact, nearly half of those employed say they are more productive with their preferred coffee at work," she continued. 

According to the study, there has been a surge in the adoption of single-cup brewers in the workplace.  Nearly 22 percent of employees drink individually brewed coffee from pods or k-cups, 70 percent of which is supplied by their employer. These modern machines are compact enough to fit on most break room countertops or table-tops, are energy-efficient and brew a range flavors from hot chocolate to cappuccino-flavored coffees to teas.

National Coffee Service Month celebrates the American workforce's passion for office coffee.  Featuring "Joe on the Job," OCS operators are hosting events -- including sweepstakes, unique contests and coffee trivia quizzes -- to build excitement throughout the country. 

Coffee trivia and fun facts include: 

• It is estimated that more than 100 million Americans drink a total of 350 million cups of coffee a day.
• 30% of Americans drink coffee between meals.
• 35% of coffee drinkers prefer their coffee black. 
• The top 10 occupations for coffee drinkers are:  

1)    Nurses
2)    Physicians
3)    Hotel workers
4)    Architects and designers
5)    Financial/insurance sales representatives
6)    Food preparers
7)    Engineers
8)    Teachers
9)    Marketing/PR professionals
10)  Scientists 

About NAMA
NAMA, founded in 1936, is the national association representing the $42 billion vending, coffee service and foodservice management industries. With more than 1,800 member companies – including many of the world's most recognized brands – NAMA provides advocacy, education and research for its membership. For more information about NAMA please visit www.vending.org.

The National Automatic Merchandising Association www.vending.org

SOURCE NAMA