La Colombe & Crown Partner to Create Single-Serve MiniVault Coffee Can
Following a previous collaboration for the launch of the Draft Latte, La Colombe Coffee Roasters and Crown Beverage Packaging North America, a business unit of Crown Holdings, Inc, have partnered again to create the MiniVault coffee can. The MiniVault is a pre-portioned single-use can that has been designed to deliver café-quality ground coffee in a vessel that is both convenient for at-home use and extends the shelf life up to five times.
“Our aim is to change the landscape of coffee through obsessive innovation,” says Todd Carmichael, CEO and co-founder of La Colombe, a specialty coffee roaster/retailer headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. “We want everyone to be able to experience exceptional coffee. The Vault allows us to bring the best coffee to our home, all while removing the guesswork around measuring, grinding and freshness.”
The MiniVault combines Crown’s 150ml (5.1oz) slim style beverage can with a custom 360 End and is filled with La Colombe’s premium Corsica coffee. With Crown’s 360 End, the end is fully removable, enabling users to easily pour the ground coffee into a filter or device for brewing. Each can contains a precise 1.3 ounces of coffee under pressure to lock in freshness and to eliminate the guesswork of measurement and the need for additional tools.
“La Colombe recognises the value that a differentiating package can bring to its brand,” says Ron Skotleski, director of marketing, North America, Crown Beverage Packaging, also based in Philadelphia. “We were able to help La Colombe offer an engaging new way for people to consume its products, and at the same time, support the brand’s mission of making artisanal café, quality coffee, available to everyone.”
The 360 End also features a grind guard, or a thin plate of flexible aluminium, which acts as a food-safe protector and prevents coffee grounds from spilling upon removal of the end. In addition, like all beverage cans, the MiniVault is 100% and infinitely recyclable, protects the coffee from exposure to elements such as light and air and adds a premium look and feel to the brand. The MiniVault cans are wrapped in shrink sleeves, which list simple directions for brewing the optimal pot of coffee. The cans are sold in 8-count boxes, which feature an open window that allows consumers to preview the product inside.
“The MiniVault is a testament to Crown’s commitment to push the envelope when it comes to bringing our customers’ ideas to life – and to market,” adds Skotleski. “We leveraged the technical expertise and innovation capabilities of Crown’s global team to deliver every aspect of this package, including the specialty can size and the custom, smaller diameter 360 End.”
La Colombe selected Corsica coffee for the MiniVault debut because it is the house blend brewed in all its cafés. The company hopes to offer additional blends in this package format in the future. Corsica, which has deep, dark chocolate notes and a bold flavour, pairs well with milk or can be enjoyed on its own.
“We are not only offering really great coffee, but without the frustration and guesswork. With three easy steps, now brewing like a professional is simple and easy,” says Carmichael.
The MiniVault launched online at the La Colombe website in June selling for USD $14 per box. The MiniVault will also be available for sale in select La Colombe retail locations across the United States beginning this summer.
For more information, visit www.crowncork.com or www.lacolombe.com.
