Refer to gourmet coffee firms and the first company you're likely to think of is Star-something or other. But another company is beating Starbucks in national style tests.

Caribou coffee has become ranked first inside national taste assessments and is the second largest coffee-house company in the world. Those taste tests compared Caribou's espresso favorable to over 40 other brands. Caribou's product or service must be pretty tasty to rate which highly.

The company had been started in Edina, MN, by simply John and Kim Puckett. The Pucketts then marketed the venture to be able to Crescent Capital, an Atlanta, GA, investment company. From a single store, Caribou has exploded to 450 coffee houses nationwide.

Coffee beans and also ready-made coffee, both hot and cold, are available at these stores, along with fabulous products like lattes, smoothies, loose-leaf teas and blended products. The friendly Caribou staff is happy to make your brew your way. Show your own java preference by picking up Caribou Coffee clothes and accessories, such as tote bags and key bands. Of course, the cafes also have tasty goodies to go with your coffee. It's a great place to stop for your morning "starter fluid" or perhaps a mid-day pick-me-up. Bring your friends to some great place to interact socially.

If you have a loved one that is a coffee addict, show your style by giving a gift of Caribou Java. They'll admire the good taste and enjoy your gift. Along with luck, they'll discuss it with you. Purchase own too, so you've it on hand whenever you can't get to the coffee house itself. It's also nice to have a supply on hand when you have shock guests over.

Becoming environmentally friendly is big business these days and Caribou has been doing it's share to protect the surroundings. Caribou is working the Rainforest Alliance to produce an environment-friendly coffee. Which effort has not always gotten the most favorable press but the company is determined to be environment friendly in its business dealings. The company was also the initial volunteer sponsor with the Specialty Coffee Organization of America's Producer Support Fund to assist other members who cannot afford to take part in association activities.

All this success hasn't come without dispute. In the days immediately after Sept 11, 2001, many people protested against the company because one of its largest stockholders was the First Islamic Purchase Bank of Bahrain, whoever chairman was Sheik Yusuf al-Qaradawi. Later that year, al-Qaradawi stepped down in the post.

Now that the talk has died lower, the company can target what it does greatest - making fantastic coffee. There's a reason why Starbucks is rated second to Caribou. Why not stop in and find out exactly what that reason is actually? Look in your yellow pages or online to get the nearest Caribou Coffee store and grab a new cuppa today.

For more information about caribou coffee visit our website.