Fair Trade Organic Bottled Iced Coffee returns for the season at Water Street

Kathy Jennings | Thursday, June 5, 2014

The customers have spoken and they say they want more Water Street Fair Trade Organic Bottled Iced Coffee. Water Street Coffee Joint has responded by bringing back the drink that was a hit last year, the company's 20th in Kalamazoo.

The seasonal drink is being sold by the bottle, and in response to demand, in a four-pack. "Last year we got really good feedback and so we decided to try a four-pack this year," says Jessica Del Vacchio, director of catering (among other duties) for Water Street Coffee Joint.

Water Street Coffee Joint continues to bottle the Fair Trade Organic Iced Coffee by hand, as it did last year. Bottling takes place at the company's roaster at 610 West Willard Street. That's also where the coffee is roasted, Del Vacchio says. The iced coffee is brewed there, too, though all other coffee for Water Street is brewed in one of its three cafe locations.

Their roastmaster came up with a special blend that is intended to be brewed hot but served cold. Water Street employees tasted the brewed iced coffee as it was being perfected. The roastmaster created a robust, smooth blend that Del Vacchio describes as having chocolate notes and a subtle smokiness.

"This refreshing coffee is the perfect summertime pick-me-up to share with friends and family," Del Vacchio says.

Right now, the Fair Trade Organic Bottled Iced Coffee is only available at its cafes, but ultimately the plan is for it to be available wholesale, the same way other coffee products are distributed.

The coffee is selling for $3.50 each or $13.30 for a four-pack.

The coffee company that has grown to 70 employees has not slowed down since celebrating its 20th year. Earlier this year it released its own line of syrups to be added to coffees. Making syrups proved to be a challenge as they not only had to taste good, they had to dissolve properly in the drinks ranging in temperature from 140 degrees to 200 degrees. They also had to taste good when combined with cream, milk, and milk alternatives such as soy milk and almond milk.

Water Street is always working on something new. Its food menu rotates every three months (though customer favorites stay constant) with new salads and sandwiches being developed regularly.

"We always have the customer in mind," Del Vacchio says. "When we develop a new product we work to take what we already have and make it better. We really care about the end product."

Source: Jessica Del Vacchio, Water Street Coffee Joint

Fair Trade Organic Bottled Iced Coffee returns for the season at Water Street

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