DALLAS, U.S. — Southwest Airlines Co. and Community Coffee Company, the largest family owned and operated retail coffee brand in America, announced that Community coffee products will be served on all Southwest Airlines flights beginning March 1.
In a double-blind taste test conducted by the airline, Community Signature Blend—a 100% Arabica coffee beans blend—was voted number one.
“We continuously look for ways to enhance the Customer Experience onboard our aircraft, and Community coffee hits the spot,” said Sonya Lacore, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Cabin Services.
“Community Coffee Company offers a high-quality product and shares our commitment to invest in the communities where our Customers, Employees and Suppliers live and work.”
Southwest’s partnership with Community coffee expands its complimentary in-flight offerings to include Community Signature Blend, Signature Blend Instant Decaf Sticks, and Community® Hot Tea Bags.
For every pound of Community coffee served on a Southwest flight, the airline and Community Coffee Company will provide funding to the ECOM Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on ensuring a better life for origin producers.
The donations will fund educational programs to support the children, families, and farmers in Mexico where Community Coffee Company’s high-quality Arabica coffee beans are grown. Hear from some of the coffee growers who will benefit here.
“Southwest Airlines customers will not only enjoy the rich, smooth flavor of Community® Signature Blend coffee during their flights but will be a part of giving back to the coffee growers and their families through educational support programs,” said David Belanger, President and CEO of Community Coffee Company.
“Southwest and Community Coffee Company are a perfect partnership of heart and family.”
Initially, the collaborative effort will support the opening of two satellite schools in rural Chiapas, Mexico, where residents have historically been challenged by the difficult terrain and weather conditions to reach schools in far-away towns.
The schools will serve not only children, but the community at large through secondary education opportunities including advanced farming techniques for farmers and community training.