The Coffee World Just Got A Little More Exciting

TORRANCE, Calif., May 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In its continuing misson to deliver the best-tasting coffees and teas to all parts of the marketplace, Farmer Bros. Co. (NASDAQ: FARM) is proud to announce the relaunch of its Metropolitan^™ by Farmer Brothers product line, featuring three brand-new offerings: single-origin Kenya and flavored blends Caramel Macchiato and Mocha Almond. Metropolitan by Farmer Brothers continues to offer an extensive line of coffees, with exotic single-origins, classic blends, indulgent flavored coffees and premium espressos. These desirable coffees are made from 100 percent Arabica beans that are small-batch roasted to offer peak flavor and freshness that will excite discerning palates, while fulfilling growing consumer demand for higher-quality, fresh and sustainable coffees that highlight the intrinsic character of the regions from which they are sourced.

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"The new Metropolitan offering is one of our several recent moves to deliver great-tasting coffees into all parts of the marketplace," said Mike Keown, President and Chief Executive Officer of Farmer Brothers, "and with this addition of new single-origin and flavored coffees, we will continue to provide the excellent taste and quality customers have come to expect."

Farmer Brothers takes pride in the attention it gives to every level of its coffee sourcing and production process in order to deliver the best quality product. This commitment is demonstrated by the one-way structural valve added to the new Metropolitan packaging, designed to provide superior freshness and exceptional taste. 

In addition to their dedication to quality, Farmer Brothers is committed to actively reducing emissions, reducing the use of non-renewable materials, and promoting the stability of communities in which it operates. Some of the coffees blended into the French Roast, Mocha Java Blend and Espresso Moderno are purchased through a direct-trade buying program, which – through transparency, traceability and quality premiums – can assist the economic sustainability of coffee-growing communities.

"Farmer Brothers encourages direct relationships with its growers, visiting farmers yearly to discuss costs of production and farming investments," said Paul Thornton, Director of Coffee and President of the Specialty Coffee Association of America. "As a leader in the industry, it's important that we continue to set the standard on acceptable practices, from the sourcing of ingredients all the way through the roasting process."

A true quality program, Metropolitan is the perfect balance between a premium cup and the right price, offering a variety and wide appeal for a range of palates — Light, Medium or Dark Roasts — in multiple sizes to satisfy customers.

About Farmer Bros. Co.
Farmer Bros. Co., or "Farmer Brothers," is a leading national roaster, manufacturer, wholesaler and distributor of high-quality branded and private label coffees, teas, spices and culinary products to foodservice, convenience stores and grocery retailers. The company operates one of the country's largest, most complete direct-store-delivery (DSD) distribution networks to national, regional and local accounts, with more than 115 branches throughout the contiguous United States ensuring on-time delivery of premium-quality product, equipment care, personal service and shared expertise.

Since 1912, Farmer Brothers has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, expertise and innovation in the industry, and the company has executives appointed in key positions within industry organizations including World Coffee Research, the Pacific Coast Coffee Association, the Coffee Quality Institute, the Alliance for Coffee Excellence, the Roasters Guild, the International Women's Coffee Alliance and the presidency of the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA).

In addition to operating three roasting facilities (including one of the first in the Northwest to achieve LEED^® Silver Certification), branches in every major American market, and six major distribution centers, Farmer Brothers was among the first coffee roasters in the nation to receive SCAA-certification of a state-of-the-art coffee lab and operates Public Domain^®, a nationally recognized specialty coffeehouse in Portland, Ore. Farmer Brothers is also committed to social, environmental, and economic sustainability.

Headquartered in Torrance, Calif., Farmer Brothers generated net sales of approximately $500 million in fiscal 2012 and has nearly 1,800 employees nationwide. The company's primary brands include Farmer Brothers^®, Artisan Collection by Farmer Brothers™, Superior^®, Metropolitan™, Cain's^® and McGarvey^®. For more information, please visit www.FarmerBros.com.

Forward-looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements." When used in this press release, the words "will," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates" and "believes," and similar expressions and statements that are made in the future tense or refer to future events or developments, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Farmer Bros. Co.