November 30, 2010

Aspen Plans for New Year

(San Antonio, TX) November 30, 2010—Aspen Beverage Group has announced their expected December completion of a 500% expansion to their proprietary TRIO™ Extraction system – a unique coffee processing technology engineered by Aspen and used in the manufacture of various coffee concentrates in the Aspen line-up.

The expansion was initiated in response to a significant rise in interest in Aspen’s Premium liquid coffee line over the past 2 years and a large number of opportunities that are building for 2011.  “This expansion will allow us to shorten lead times and improve quality for our customers,” said Mark Nash, VP Operations for Aspen.  “This will also give us the capacity and flexibility to handle the increased volume that we see coming in 2011 and beyond.  We believe liquid coffee is going to be one of the most significant changes to many coffee programs in the coming years and we are gearing for that sea change.” Aspen CEO, Chad McNair, added that “Early adopters are already in on the switch to liquid coffee because of the cost saving advantages and improved quality that many are able to leverage.  With typical brewed coffee systems, the waste factor alone can be over 50% which is not really acceptable in today’s marketplace.  And the inconsistent quality in the typical brewed coffee program leaves operators looking for a better way”, McNair said.  “Liquid coffee virtually eliminates waste, reduces labor and training to almost zero, and provides customers with a consistent quality cup any hour of the day or night.”

Aspen is also engaged in a complete re-fit of their liquid processing plant which includes adding additional processing vessels, lines, pumps, and controllers for their Iced Coffee and Liquid Tea lines.  Part of the current expansion included negotiating a 50% increase to leased warehouse/manufacturing space in the existing complex – a 28 month deal effective February, 2011.