October 24 2024  |  Food & Beverage

Warm reception: Coffee and tea report 2024

By Jane Hobson

This is a special feature from PAX International's October 2024 IFSA Global EXPO issue.


Equator Coffees has built up its holistic brand, valuing the entire supply chain from farmer to barista over the last 30 years

Offering a cup of coffee or tea has become a universal symbol of hospitality. Whether welcoming a guest or an airline passenger, this simple gesture is widely regarded as an essential part of a satisfying hospitality experience.

Amy Jullien, Corporate Vice President at Intervine, a F&B supplier for airlines and cruise lines, tells PAX International the company has seen an uptick in airlines prioritizing premium coffees and teas onboard. With budgets for these tenders increasing in the last five years, Jullien says there are several contributing factors. She narrows it down: increasing passenger expectations, heightened rivalry and health and wellness trends.

As passengers grow more discerning, they “anticipate a first-rate experience” that includes premium drinks. Airlines are enhancing offerings to compete for passenger loyalty with exclusive and premium options, such as refined coffee and tea selections. Airlines are collaborating with high-end, well-known brands to guarantee a reliable and superior product. They are also upgrading coffee equipment to enhance flavour, offering a better selection of decaf coffees, and prioritizing ethical and sustainably sourced products.


Amy Jullien, Corporate Vice President, Intervine

Feel good cup of Joe
“Every cup of Equator coffee represents a partnership built on trust, transparency and shared values,” says Devorah Freudiger, Director of Coffee Culture at Equator Coffees, a company represented by Intervine.

For the last 30 years, Equator Coffees has built up its holistic brand, valuing the entire supply chain from farmer to barista. Freudiger tells PAX International Equator Coffees was one of the earlier adaptors of Fair Trade. It also a certified B Corp company and was the first to bring Regenerative Organic Certified coffee to the commercial market.


Devorah Freudiger, Director of Coffee Culture at Equator Coffees

“Our new Regenerative Organic Blend is sourced from cooperatives in Nicaragua and Colombia that are at the cutting edge of environmental sustainability. This high-quality coffee is expertly roasted and shipped fresh to ensure a delicious cup,” she explains.

The company uses energy-efficient Loring roasters that minimize emissions by up to 80 percent. Roasted-to-order, this model guarantees freshness, reduces waste and fulfills expectations of partners and customers. This long-standing excellence has brought Equator Coffees many successes, including collaborations with renowned chefs and Michelin-starred restaurants.


Equator Coffees has built up its holistic brand over the last 30 years

“We bring this same level of care and expertise to every partner we work with, from boutique cafes to large-scale operations like hotels and universities. At Equator, specialty coffee is more than just a product—it’s a commitment to sustainable practices and a promise to deliver an exceptional experience every time,” Freudiger says.

A royal endorsement

Intervine is a proud partner of American tea purveyor Harney & Sons, which sources 300 unique teas from around the globe. The products can be found in more than 50 countries—and in the British Royal Palaces.

The family run and operated company has deep, direct connections with tea growers and estates, employing skilled tea blenders with decades of experience crafting unique and flavorful tea blends for more than 40 years. It also supports sustainable and ethical sourcing practices and Fair Trade initiatives, striving to minimize its environmental impact.


Harney & Sons has deep, direct connections with tea growers and estates, employing skilled tea blenders for more than 40 years

“With Intervine’s commitment to offer products that promote sustainability, we value that 90 percent of Harney Teas sachets are fully compostable making them an eco-friendlier option compared to traditional tea bags,” says Jullien. The tea sachets can even be steeped twice.

Marc Staudenbaur, Harney & Sons Teas Western Sales, says every tea has a story. “We feel like a good, familiar cup of tea can make you feel grounded and at home even when you are on the road.”

Harney & Sons bestsellers include Paris, Hot Cinnamon Spice, Black Cask Bourbon, Japanese Sencha, Mint Verbena, Dragon Pearl Jasmine and Cherry Blossom. Seasonal bestseller teas are Holiday, Mother’s Day and Lunar New Year.

Delightful details
A sometimes-overlooked detail in coffee and tea service is the creamer to go with it. But, Intervine has sourced an inflight-friendly product from woman-owned Copper Cow Coffee.



Debbie Wei Mullin, Founder, Copper Cow Coffee

The company creates condensed milk and sugar creamers packed into easy-to-tear, squeezable one-ounce packets. They are shelf-stable for 12 months and require no refrigeration. They stack flat taking up little space, making them an ideal addition to the galley cart.

“They also check the box for supporting sustainability and organic products, as well as supporting Vietnamese-owned farms where they pay two-times market rate,” Jullien points out.

Founded by Debbie Wei Mullin with the core purpose of supporting sustainable farming practices in Vietnam, Copper Cow Coffee is on a mission to bring elevated Vietnamese coffee to the U.S. through “serious sourcing and playful pouring,” explains Mullin. “Made simply from just milk and sugar, Copper Cow Creamers are an elevated creamy, all-natural option for passengers in all cabin classes.”


Copper Cow Creamers are condensed milk and sugar creamers packed into easy-to-tear, squeezable one-ounce packets with 12-month shelf life

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