Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts Private Labels Fairtrade Coffee

Those who have been in our industry for a while are quite familiar with Starwood's success in putting its Westin name on products found in its Westin hotels. The Westin Heavenly Bed is one example that comes to mind. But have any hotel brands been successful in branding "green" products that are used in their hotels? I suspect there have been some hotel brands that have put their logo on amenities considered to be eco-friendly. I recently wrote an article on water dispensing/purification systems. Vendors offering these systems offer the opportunity to private label the purified water that is contained in their uniquely designed bottles. At an International Hotel/Motel + Restaurant Show a couple of years ago I remember a gentleman trying to sell organic chocolate that could be private labeled. I don't think he had much success. It seems to me there would be huge opportunity for hotel companies to put their label on eco-friendly items--mattresses, sheets, pillow cases, pillows, towels, duvets, T-shirts and yes, even chocolates.

I just posted a news article yesterday about Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts and its introduction of its own Mövenpick Fairtrade Coffee. A great idea! According to the company, it expects to serve more than six million cups of its Mövenpick Fairtrade Coffee this year. “At Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts we are constantly adding new initiatives such as actively reducing our dependence on products made from fossil fuels and helping coffee farmers around the world secure a regular and steady income,” said Ola Ivarsson, the company’s COO for Europe. The introduction of the unique branded blend of Mövenpick Fairtrade Coffee is a first for the hotel company. The special blend is designed not just to tempt the palate with a combination of select Arabica and Robusta beans but also provide sustainable income for coffee farmers around the world. Coffee is vulnerable to extreme changes in market prices that can often lead to farmers being forced to deliver their harvested coffee beans at a loss. However, by partnering with the international nonprofit organization Fairtrade, prices are fixed to ensure guaranteed incomes and any profits are poured into beneficial community projects. Guests can enjoy a taste of this coffee for free when they reserve a “Winter Savings” package.

Are you familiar with other examples of "green" products being hotel company branded? I would love to hear from you. Leave your comments here or write to editor@greenlodgingnews.com.