CHEVY CHASE, MD— The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has rolled out First Drop Coffee, a proprietary and branded line for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in America. It is made 100% from coffee beans harvested by Rainforest Alliance Certified farms in Mexico and Brazil.
In addition, select hotels will feature the First Drop Reserve, also a 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee. This premium artisan coffee is roasted in small batch form using only the top 3% of the world’s Arabica coffees, according to the company.
The Ritz-Carlton blend comes from East Africa, Central America, and South America. Each single origin component is roasted one bag at a time to maximize the flavor profile of that specific bean.
“At The Ritz-Carlton we are committed to continuously reviewing our products and vendor partners to ensure the use of high quality, socially responsible products. We believe it is the right thing to do and our guests also share this passion,” said Rainer Zinngrebe, VP, culinary & corporate chef for The Ritz-Carlton. “But the best thing about First Drop is the taste. It caters to the current coffee palate of our guests and applies well to a variety of brewing methods from pour-over, French press, Chemex and every espresso combination.”
Rainforest Alliance Certified farms meet comprehensive standards for sustainable agriculture that protect wild-lands, waterways, wildlife habitat and the rights and well being of workers, their families and communities, according to the company.