TORONTO, Canada – Porter Airlines is brewing new relationships with local Ontario brands Balzac’s Coffee Roasters and Sloane Fine Tea Merchants. Beginning Dec. 1, Porter is serving a Balzac’s dark roast blend and an assortment of artisan Sloane teas across its network as part of its renowned complimentary in-flight service. These airline partnerships give passengers the ability to taste some of the best coffee and tea Canada has to offer.
Porter, Balzac’s and Sloane are the perfect blend of partners. Each has its roots in Ontario and successfully built loyal followings by providing premium products and customer-first experiences. Balzac’s and Sloane are iconic beverage brands with esteemed reputations for their commitment to quality. Coffee and tea are staples of the Porter experience, with approximately 1.2 million cups served onboard every year. Hot beverages will be provided in a custom Balzac’s cup featuring Mr. Porter, the airline’s cheeky graphic raccoon brand mascot.
“Balzac’s and Sloane are well-loved independent brands producing superior products that pair perfectly with Porter’s distinct guest experience,” said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer for Porter Airlines. “Both companies consider the smallest details, ensuring that our passengers always have the highest-quality hot beverages to choose from.”
Balzac’s Coffee Roasters roasts the finest selection of Arabica beans in small batches at their state-of-the-art roasting facility in Ancaster, Ontario, and serves some of Canada’s best coffee. Onboard, passengers will enjoy a full-bodied dark roast blend named A Dark Affair, boasting a rich and vibrant taste with notes of dark chocolate and roasted almond.
“It is an honour to be named the official coffee supplier of Porter Airlines,” said Diana Olsen, president and founder, Balzac’s Coffee Roasters. “Since the beginning, Balzac’s has been dedicated to connecting people through great coffee across Ontario. Our team looks forward to this new journey connecting travellers near and far while contributing to Porter’s stellar reputation for offering one of the best flight experiences in the world.”
Sloane Fine Tea Merchants focuses on enhancing the nuances of each of their teas, which are 100 percent blended and packaged in Canada. Passengers may choose from a range of caffeinated and caffeine-free artisan teas onboard. Available flavours are Classic Black, Earl Grey, Classic Green, Calming Chamomile and Mint Medley.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the onboard guest experience for Porter Airlines,” said Hoda Paripoush, founder & creative director, Sloane Fine Tea Merchants. “What started out as a personal journey has transformed into a calling. Our family of tea farmers is our strength and we consider Sloane Tea a platform where we give voice to the story of each tea.”
