Press Releases

6/26/03

Green Mountain Coffee Announces Harris Teeter, Inc. Places Newman's Own Organics Fair Trade Certified Coffee in 143 Stores

WATERBURY, Vt., Jun 26, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (GMCR) announced today that Harris Teeter, Inc. has placed Newman's Own® Organics Fair Trade Certified™ coffees, roasted exclusively by Green Mountain Coffee, in its 143 stores. Harris Teeter is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ruddick Corp. (RDK) , and operates food markets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida.

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Newman's Own Organics collaborated in the development of these outstanding certified organic Fair Trade coffees that guarantee small-scale farmers with a fair price for their harvest. Five selections of Newman's Own Organics Fair Trade Certified™ coffee are now available in the coffee aisle of each Harris Teeter store. Colombian Especial and Newman's Special Blend are available in whole bean, while Nell's Breakfast Blend, Newman's Special Decaf (SWISS WATER® Processed) and Cafe Almond Biscotti are available in pre-ground packages.

Andrea Brewer, Category Manager for Harris Teeter, said, "We are thrilled to offer our customers Newman's Own Organics Fair Trade Certified coffees roasted by Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. We know that our customers will appreciate the high quality of these coffees in the cup, and will feel great knowing the difference they are making in the quality of life for the coffee-farming families who grow these flavorful beans."

Don Barberio, Vice President Supermarket Channel at Green Mountain Coffee, said, "I'm very pleased that Harris Teeter has placed a selection of Newman's Own Organics coffees in all 143 locations. The excellent quality of these coffees in the cup, and the difference that their organic and Fair Trade certifications are making in the field, make every sip that much more enjoyable. I look forward to developing a mutually beneficial long-term relationship with the wonderful team at Harris Teeter."

Harris Teeter, Inc., with headquarters in Matthews, NC, is a subsidiary of Ruddick Corporation (RDK) . Harris Teeter is the 39th largest supermarket in the United States with 2002 sales of $2.35 billion. The grocery store chain employs over 14,000 associates and has 143 stores in North and South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida.

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. is a leader in the specialty coffee industry and has been recognized by Forbes Magazine for the past three years as one of the "200 Best Small Companies in America." Green Mountain Coffee seeks to make the world a better place for present and future generations by operating in an environmentally and socially conscientious manner. The Company contributes at least five percent of its pre-tax profit annually to support socially responsible initiatives, many of which it has supported for over 10 years. Business Ethics magazine recognized these efforts by ranking Green Mountain Coffee Roasters 8th overall on its 2003 list of "100 Best Corporate Citizens."

The Company roasts high-quality arabica coffees and offers over 90 coffee selections including single-origin, estate, certified organic, Fair Trade, signature blends, and flavored coffees that it sells under the Green Mountain Coffee Roasters® and Newman's Own® Organics brands. The majority of Green Mountain Coffee's revenue is derived from its wholesale operation that serves supermarkets, convenience stores, offices, and other locations where fine coffees are sold. Green Mountain Coffee also operates a direct mail business and an e-commerce website (http://www.GreenMountainCoffee.com) from its Waterbury, Vermont headquarters.