Newsletter for Chester Coffee Services

February 2005: Welcome to the new, quarterly newsletter for Chester Coffee Services. This newsletter has been created to keep our valued customers up-to-date with product launches, let you know the latest news in the coffee and catering trade, and tell you more about what is coming up this year.

Y Sgwar Restaurant's Tsunami Fundraiser

Chester Coffee was delighted to contribute to Y Sgwar's fundraiser last month in aid of the Asian tsunami disaster, which raised a total of £4,500.

The fundraiser consisted of a set meal at £25 per head and an auction, and was held in Gwynedd on Friday, 28th January. The event was organised by the owner, Lorraine Jones.

She said: "It was a fantastic evening. The S4C presenter and actress Ffion Dafis and the former Coronation Street actor Jonathan Wrather both made an appearance and mingled with the customers.

"Russell Grant unfortunately had to pull out but he kindly donated a prize for the auction."

All the food and drink for the event was donated free of charge by the restaurant's suppliers, including coffee and biscuits from Chester Coffee, and staff worked for free.

The evening was a huge success, and Lorraine wishes to thank everyone involved.

Fairtrade Fortnight: 1st - 13th March

The forthcoming Fairtrade Fortnight is set to be the catalyst for a major campaign for the organization to affiliate its name with major coffee traders.

The charity has become a huge success and aims to continue to build on this. Chester Coffee, a major distributor of Fairtrade products, is more than happy to join in.

All of our customers who supply Fairtrade products can contact us to obtain a free point of sale 'Celebration Kit' courtesy of CafeDirect, to help raise awareness. The kit includes posters, flags, balloons and more.

Fairtrade organizations are engaged actively in supporting producers by offering better trading conditions, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.

Chester Coffee's current Fairtrade customers include Chester Zoo and the international pharmeceutical company, Astra Zeneca. Mill Cafe has also recently converted to Fairtrade.

New Products

In 2004 Products of the Month included Zuma's real fruit smoothies and ice cool frappes, which are set to make a comeback this spring. Also featured were Routin's delicious flavoured syrups and Da Vinci's gourmet chocolate sauces. Click on the links for more information.

We have already made Options' low-calorie hot chocolate the Product of the Month for January and February, and forthcoming products include Sani Safe, a disinfectant wipe for your espresso machine, and we will soon feature a "new for old" deal on machines.

If you are interested in receiving samples of any of our featured products, please contact us.

Website Launch

As you can see, our website was recently re-vamped and late last year we re-launched it with new sections on our major products, Lavazza, Twinings and CafeDirect. We have included more information on other products such as our vast range of ancillaries and our top quality espresso machines.

If you have any comments or suggestions, please let us know.

Lavazza's 2005 Calendar

Lavazza's new 2005 calendar boasts their usual style of sexiness and glamour and takes inspiration from the excitement of the circus, courtesy of pictures by Erwin Olaf.

Please contact us if you would like to receive one for point of sale.

New Customers

New accounts opened so far this year include Cafe Bar Equator in Preston; The Hearing Shop, Shropshire; IKAN, Manchester; The Mill Day Nursery, Flintshire; 207, Bramhall; Wellington Jersey Ice Cream & Tea Shop, Cumbria.

Next Issue

The next issue is due in April 2005, and will include a full report of Chester Coffee's involvement in the Chester Food and Drink Festival, and some special Easter offers.