March 2006 – Seattle  –   DaVinci Gourmet has launched an ongoing sponsorship of Coffee Kids with a $175,000 donation, which represents the international nonprofit’s single largest annual contribution in history.  DaVinci Gourmet also has committed to increase its annual donation as the sales of its gourmet syrups increase for the next several years.

Founded in 1988, Coffee Kids is an international non-profit organization established to improve the quality of life for children and families who live in coffee-growing regions around the world. Coffee Kids works directly with and in these communities, providing the resources needed to put local vision in action.

Coffee Kids founder Bill Fishbein stated, “ We are extremely appreciative and grateful for this historic contribution to Coffee Kids.  Indeed, it is the single largest contribution Coffee Kids has received in its 17-year history.  We at Coffee Kids are looking forward to working with DaVinci Gourmet and putting this contribution into action for our coffee-farming partners.”

“It’s just the right thing to do,” said Andy Royston of DaVinci Gourmet. “With the growing demand for specialty coffee, the demand for a high quality product is also growing. It is the responsibility of those of us involved in the specialty coffee industry to make sure that the people who live and work in coffee producing regions lead sustainable lives.”

The financial support will help Coffee Kids in its work with local non-governmental community organizations in Latin America to create education, health-care, training, and microenterprise programs for coffee farmers and their families. These projects respect the cultural integrity of their local partners, foster independence, and promote long-term self-sufficiency.

As part of this new, ongoing sponsorship program, DaVinci Gourmet has dedicated one of the bottle label’s side panels to raise awareness for Coffee Kids. The gourmet syrup brand also will provide its retailers with tools to help promote Coffee Kids and its mission with consumers. For more information about Coffee Kids, visit www.coffeekids.org.

Since 1989, DaVinci Gourmet has been the industry leader in creating flavored syrups, gourmet sauces, and tea concentrates. DaVinci Gourmet offers more than 135 flavored syrups in Classic, Sugar Free and All Natural varieties. The company’s products are available in 58 countries in foodservice, retail grocery and natural foods channels, as well as online at davincigourmet.com. DaVinci Gourmet has received a Superior rating from the American Institute of Baking each year since 2000. DaVinci Gourmet also received the President’s E Award from the United States Department of Commerce in February 2002.

Contact:
Deborah Tomecek Pleva
Campbell Consulting Group, Inc.
deborah@campbellconsulting.com
t: 503-493-3500
f: 309-439-3500