Dallas, TX – March 1, 2016 – Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) and Community Coffee Company, the largest family owned and operated retail coffee brand in America, announced that Community® coffee products will be served on all Southwest Airlines flights beginning March 1. In a double-blind taste test conducted by the airline, Community® Signature Blend—a 100% Arabica coffee beans blend—was voted number one.

“We contin­u­ously look for ways to enhance the Customer Experience onboard our aircraft, and Community coffee hits the spot,” said Sonya Lacore, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Cabin Services. “Community Coffee Company offers a high-quality product and shares our commitment to invest in the commu­nities where our Customers, Employees and Suppliers live and work.”

Southwest’s part­nership with Community coffee expands its compli­mentary in-flight offerings to include Community Signature Blend, Signature Blend Instant Decaf Sticks, and Community® Hot Tea Bags.

For every pound of Community coffee served on a Southwest flight, the airline and Community Coffee Company will provide funding to the ECOM Foundation, a nonprofit orga­ni­zation focused on ensuring a better life for origin producers. The dona­tions will fund educa­tional programs to support the children, families, and farmers in Mexico where Community Coffee Company’s high-quality Arabica coffee beans are grown. Hear from some of the coffee growers who will benefit here.

“Southwest Airlines customers will not only enjoy the rich, smooth flavor of Community® Signature Blend coffee during their flights but will be a part of giving back to the coffee growers and their families through educa­tional support programs,” said David Belanger, President and CEO of Community Coffee Company. “Southwest and Community Coffee Company are a perfect part­nership of heart and family.”

Initially, the collab­o­rative effort will support the opening of two satellite schools in rural Chiapas, Mexico, where resi­dents have histor­i­cally been chal­lenged by the difficult terrain and weather condi­tions to reach schools in far-away towns. The schools will serve not only children, but the community at large through secondary education oppor­tu­nities including advanced farming tech­niques for farmers and community training.

About Community Coffee Company
Now in its 97th year, Community Coffee Company houses the largest family-owned and operated retail coffee brand in America, and four gener­a­tions of the Saurage family have operated the company since its inception. Founded in 1919, Community Coffee Company is an importer, roaster and distributor of the highest-quality premium coffees and teas, using only 100% Arabica coffee beans. For addi­tional infor­mation, visit CommunityCoffee.com or find the brand on Facebook and Twitter.

About Southwest Airlines Co.
In its 45th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differ­en­tiate itself from other air carriers with exem­plary Customer Service delivered by more than 49,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest proudly operates a network of 97 desti­na­tions across the United States and seven addi­tional coun­tries with more than 3,900 depar­tures a day during peak travel season.

Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation’s largest carrier in terms of orig­i­nating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connec­tivity. That connec­tivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to view video on-demand movies and tele­vision shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV compli­ments of our valued Partners. Southwest created Transfarency℠, a philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which low fares actually stay low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free® to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for qual­ified circum­stances), and there are no change fees, though fare differ­ences might apply. In 2014, the airline proudly unveiled a bold new look: Heart. The new aircraft livery, airport expe­rience, and logo, showcase the dedi­cation of Southwest Employees to connect Customers with what’s important in their lives.

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprece­dented afford­ability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as “The Southwest Effect,” a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets. With 43 consec­utive years of prof­itability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier’s perfor­mance and produc­tivity, the impor­tance of its People and the commu­nities they serve, and an overall commitment to effi­ciency and the planet. The 2014 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com.

Media Contacts:
Visit the Southwest Newsroom at swamedia.com for multi-media assets and other Company news. Media Relations Team: 214−792−4847, option 1.

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