La Colombe innovates again with coffee ‘vault’

Following the successful launch of the Draft Latte,a distinctive texturized coffee drink using nitrous oxide and a valved can, La Colombe Coffee Roasters has introduced the MiniVault, a pre-portioned single-use can that delivers café-quality ground coffee to consumers 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. “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 150-mL (5.1 oz) slim-style beverage can from CROWN Beverage Packaging North America, a business unit of Crown Holdings, Inc., with a custom 360 End® and is filled with La Colombe’s premium Corsica coffee. The can 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 oz of coffee under pressure to lock in freshness and to eliminate the guesswork of measurement and the need for additional tools. The MiniVault will be available for sale in select La Colombe retail locations across the U.S. and on the company’s website beginning summer 2017.

“La Colombe recognizes the value that a differentiating package can bring to its brand,” says Ron Skotleski, Director of Marketing, North America, CROWN Beverage Packaging. “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 aluminum, that 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-ct boxes, which feature an open window that allows consumers to preview the product inside.

Corsica coffee was selected for the MiniVault debut because it is the house blend brewed in all La Colombe 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 flavor 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,” added Carmichael.