Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/491356
STiR tea & coffee industry international 57 Later that same month Nestle unveiled the VertuoLine, the first Nespresso ma- chine that brews both American style large cup coffee and authentic espresso. "VertuoLine™ will be a game changer and will revolutionize the most rapidly growing segment of the coffee market in North America," said Jean-Marc Duvoisin, c.e.o. of Nestlé Nespresso SA. "After pioneering the portioned coffee market in Eu- rope and seeing tremendous growth potential in the North American market, we are confident we can become a major player in the market." The sleek new machine will sell for $299 according to the company. An Aeroc- cino Plus milk frother adds $50. The brewers are available at a growing number of Nespresso boutiques and popular home appliance, kitchen and home improvement outlets. Consumers will be able to purchase two sizes of portioned coffee capsules. Espresso capsules used to make 40 ml shots will sell for 75 cents each. The Vertuo- Line large-cup capsule is priced at 95 cents and makes 7.7 ounces of coffee. Capsules designed for the OriginalLine Nespresso small-cup brewers typically sell for 65 cents. Nespresso's pioneering work in portioned coffee, dating to 1976, elevated conve- nience but at the cost of diverse offerings. The VetuoLine launches with eight coffee flavors and four espresso blends. Distribution is mainly online for Nespresso Club mem- bers visiting www.nespresso.com. Keurig and Nespresso thrived in closed systems. Keurig is seeking to return to those days. Nespresso is not. Keurig's proprietary DRM (digital rights management) coding will control the brewer's advanced features but it will also and prevent its operation with original K-Cups and refills. The OriginalLine, VertuoLine and ProfessionalLine will similarly evolve adjusting to blends by regulating temperature, flow rate and extraction without slamming the door on existing capsules. Which system will prevail? The competing machines meet face to face in stores this fall. Keurig Face-off Keurig 2.0 Brewer In announcing the new model Keurig Green Mountain presi- dent and ceo Brian P. Kelley stressed the importance of in- crease capacity. Current brewer owners and non-owners "told us the brewer functionality they wanted most was the ability to brew both a single serving and a pot of coffee from one system with Keurig speed, convenience and brand choice," he said. The K-Carafe packs can brew up to four cups of coffee. The new brewers will have proprietary interactive capabilities that will adjust brewer parameters for an optimal cup and identify and perfectly brew Keurig® packs. K-Carafe™ pods will only operate in the new brewers. Keurig® K-Cup® packs will oper- ate in both the new machine and older model brewers. Specifications On sale: Fall 2014 List price: Unknown Operation: Single button Colors: Unknown Pre-heat time: Unknown Brew time: Unknown Cup sizes: Unknown Milk frother: none Capsule container: none Power: Unknown Weight: Unknown Dimensions: Unknown (Keurig declined to release specifications)