Alterra Coffee Roasters
Colectivo Coffee Roasters formerly named Alterra, is a specialty coffee roaster originally based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and today is a global coffee brand from Mars Drinks. Alterra Coffee has been a supplier of roasted coffee to its own chain of cafes in the Milwaukee area since 1993 as well as offices world-wide through the Flavia Single-Serve brewing system since 2010. The brand is known for its commitment to social and environmental responsibility, as well as its practice of sourcing specialty coffees via direct relationships with the growers.
Currently, there are 12 Alterra Cafes, most free standing, but others within existing structures. Alterra Cafes can be found at the following locations:
- Bayshore Town Center
- 5th Ward Foundry
- Shorewood
- Grafton
- Humboldt
- Alterra @ the Lake
- Bayview
- Prospect Avenue
- Wauwatosa
- US Bank
- Mitchell International Airport[1]
- Madison
Of the sites listed above, the following are freestanding: Bayshore Town Center, 5th Ward Foundry, Shorewood, Grafton, Humboldt, Alterra @ the Lake, Prospect Avenue, and Wauwatosa. The locations at US Bank and Mitchell International Airport are housed within a larger, existing structure or corporation.
On July 28, 2013, Alterra announced a rebrand to the new name Colectivo Coffee. The Alterra Coffee brand is owned by Mars Inc, to which it was sold in 2010. [2]
Notability
Alterra has been recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for its extensive efforts in expanding green power awareness. The company is listed as an EPA Green Power Partner in recognition of its 100% use of green energy sourced from wind power, biomass decomposition, solar energy, and small hydroelectric plants in all its Milwaukee retail locations. In addition, Alterra has promoted green power use to its customers via in-store sign-ups, java jackets, and Milwaukee newsletters, events, and publications. In 2004, it received the Green Power Purchasing Award, placing it among 9 other companies, including Johnson & Johnson, Whole Foods Market, and Salt Lake City. The Alterra Brand was acquired by Mars Incorporated in April 2010.
Sustainability
Alterra is committed to its sustainability to the communities they source their coffee from. Not only does Alterra source and select premium coffees they buy it responsibly, by supporting small scale farmers in developing countries and promote organic agricultural practices. They also have a partnership with The Rainforest Alliance, an independent organization that covers social, economical, and environmental factors in areas that Alterra sources their coffee from.[3]
References
- ↑ "Alterra Cafes". Alterra Coffee Roasters. Archived from the original on 21 July 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
- ↑ http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/alterra-coffee-brewing-up-a-new-name-colectivo-b9963861z1-217325231.html
- ↑ "Alterra Website". Retrieved 2011-10-31.