Whether SEEKING a caffeine fix or a social beverage, more Americans are sipping on coffee, according to the National Coffee Association of USA Inc. (NCA), New York.

Taking into account outside elements like economic challenges, environmental hurdles and trepidatious consumers, consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers have a number of things to consider when it comes to developing new products.

The premium market for coffee continues to gain ground, according to an August 2012 report from Santa Monica, Calif.-based IBISWorld. “Consumers educated themselves more about coffee beans and traded up in quality over the five years to 2012,” the report stated.

Seattle-based Starbucks Coffee Co. and Waterbury, Vt.-based Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. (GMCR) signed an agreement to expand their partnership for the manufacturing, marketing, distribution and sale of Starbucks- and Tazo-branded single-serve packs for use in GMCR’s Keurig single-serve brewing systems.

Starbucks Coffee Co., Seattle, introduced a handcrafted Hazelnut Macchiato beverage to its menu at participating Starbucks retail stores nationwide. As one of the most popular flavors in Starbucks retail stores, second only to vanilla, the new beverage allows consumers to enjoy the popular flavor hot or iced.

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. launched Tully’s Coffee Hawaiian Blend in K-Cup packs for the Keurig single-cup brewing system.

Economic times might be helping to entice consumers to opt for in-home coffee consumption; however, consumers are finding ways to ensure that their cups of coffee at home are just as enjoyable. 

When it comes to tea, the more “colorful” the better. 

Starbucks Corp., Seattle, announced the November launch of Starbucks Coffee K-Cup Portion Packs for the Keurig Single Cup Brewing system. The branded K-Cups will be available throughout grocery stores and specialty retailers in the United States later this year.