Caribou Coffee to "Warm Up" its Fans with Hot Beverages and Real Caramel this Holiday Season

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. CBOU today kicked-off the 2012 holiday season with the launch of its all-new, expanded seasonal menu, along with an exciting retail collection for guests to "gift" to their loved ones this season.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121108/NY08402)

Starting today, Nov. 8, 2012, Caribou will once again offer its signature holiday beverages in stores – Ho Ho Mint Mocha and Fa La Latte – while the bakery will bring back everyone's favorite gingerbread. Additionally, Caribou is excited to introduce a new holiday tradition this year by offering real caramel to any drink and two new delicious seasonal beverages to help fans warm up in their local Caribou coffeehouse. The new caramel is made with real butter and cream and gives the beverages a rich, thick and deep caramel flavor. 

Caribou's holiday limited-time-only food and beverage line-up will include:

• NEW Salted Caramel Budino: Sweet cream and espresso with rich caramel and a light sprinkle of salt topped with a caramel mousse
• NEW Salted Caramel Mocha: Rich chocolate balanced with the sweetness of caramel and a pleasant sprinkle of salt topped with a caramel mousse
• Fa La Latte: Creamy eggnog mixed with espresso, whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg
• Ho Ho Mint Mocha: Milk, dark or white chocolate mocha with mint syrup, crushed peppermint candy with whipped cream on top
• Gingerbread: A moist, lightly spiced slice of traditional gingerbread topped with buttercream icing

Guests can stop by Caribou to enjoy these limited-time-only menu offerings throughout the holiday season, while they get comfortable in Caribou's signature cozy coffeehouses. Guests can also spread the cheer by purchasing fun and creative gifts from Caribou's 2012 holiday collection – either in stores or online – for everyone on their shopping lists:

• Caribou's fun, festive drinkware and cozy sleeves
• Signature Reindeer Blend, available in whole bean regular and decaf
• Holiday ornaments and collectable Bou Plush
• A variety of gift sets – all offered for under $25 – and Caribou holiday-themed gift cards, for last-minute gifting needs

Caribou Coffee's 20^th Anniversary

This year's holiday season also marks one of the company's most exciting milestones yet: Caribou's 20^th Anniversary on Dec. 14, 2012. To celebrate this milestone, Caribou has created a special 20^th Anniversary Blend coffee – featuring the original Caribou Blend recipe – which will be available in stores and online starting on Nov. 25. An exclusive, commemorative ceramic mug and stainless steel tumbler will also be available for the occasion.

Additionally, throughout the 20 days leading up to its official anniversary, Caribou is excited to introduce its "20 Feel Good Years" program. As part of this campaign, Caribou coffeehouses across the country will introduce diverse offers to fans, including special deals and discounts. Caribou's "20 Feel Good Years" will kick-off on Sunday, Nov. 25 with a free small coffee of the day with the purchase of a pound of Anniversary Blend coffee. The offers will be available exclusively to those who text BOU20 to 65017* or "like" Caribou's Facebook page.

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

*Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to end. Text HELP for help. Up to 30msg/mo.

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 July 1, 2012, the Company had 596 coffeehouses, including 188 franchised locations, in 22 states, the District of Columbia and ten 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 provides 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
posnerb@ruderfinn.com

SOURCE Caribou Coffee Company, Inc.