UCC Coffee Europe has launched a new Japanese coffee brand to the UK, which is backed by UCC Group (Japan) – a global coffee company with an annual sales revenue of 327.5billion yen ($3.13billion).
The recently launched Ueshima Coffee Company brand brings Japan’s number one coffee to the UK aiming to challenge the European coffee brands that are currently leading the market.
Ueshima Coffee Company, founded in Kobe in 1933 by Tadao Ueshima – ‘the Father of Coffee’ in Japan.
The companies founding principles of “craftsmanship, innovation and sustainability” drive its launch range offers a line-up of “sustainable and premium coffees that represent an authentic taste of Japan”. The company has stated it is on a mission to pioneer Japanese coffee culture across Europe.
The Ueshima range offers beans, roast and ground coffee, Nespresso compatible capsules and coffee bags in three blends with trendy names like – ‘Tokyo Roast’ ‘Fuji Mountain’, as well as their ‘House Blend’.
The blends have been created by their in-house Japanese coffee masters (Q Graders) using the companies own original recipes but applying a more contemporary roasting profile that should be appreciated by the Europeans.
The entire range is 100% Rainforest Alliance certified, and uses packaging that is 100% recyclable.
Paul Molyneux, CEO of UCC Coffee Europe, commented:
The Ueshima launch is a key move for UCC. We have capitalised on the rich experience of our Japanese coffee business to develop the brand.
This is a single-minded launch that taps into the biggest growth opportunities in the market and will bring a new coffee experience to consumers who appreciate a distinctive cup of coffee.
The products are available now online, with more to be added to the range in the Spring, and plans to roll out the brand in grocery stores and ‘out-of-home’ retail outlets.
A phased launch in other European markets is also planned for later this year.
