Training Example: Royal Cup Coffee – Review the Data, Give Your Score & Compare to the Real AI Evaluation

[H1] No matter what you drink, drink Royal Cup.

[H2] Your favorite coffee and tea since 1896.
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[H3] Products
Dedicated to serving the best coffee and tea coast to coast.Learn More
[H3] Equipment
Dedicated to providing the best beverage equipment available.Learn More
[H3] Distribution
Dedicated to getting our outstanding products to the right place, at the right time and in the right manner.Learn More
[H3] Service
Dedicated to providing an unmatched level of program service and support.Learn More

[H1] Hear Our Story
Over the past 100 years, Royal Cup has grown from its small, hometown roots to become a major importer, roaster and distributor of premium coffees and teas.
Read story

[H2] Royal Cupdates

[IMG: Royal Cup Ready to Drink Cold Brew Flavors]

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[H2] Elevate Your Beverage Program: How Royal Cup’s New RTD Cold Brew Can Transform Your Business

by lkrausen on March 12th, 2026

In the world of professional beverage service, staying ahead of trends isn't just about what’s in the cup; it’s about how efficiently you can deliver it to your customers.

Read this article

[H2] "What's In Your Cup?" with Adam Reilly

by lkrausen on August 21st, 2025

In this edition of ‘What’s In Your Cup,’ we sat down with Adam Reilly, a Senior Accountant here at Royal Cup.

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[H2] "What's In Your Cup?" with Jeff Knipping

by lkrausen on April 30th, 2025

In this edition of ‘What’s In Your Cup,’ we sat down with Jeff Knipping, a Regional Sales Director at the Cup.

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[H2] Royal Cup Coffee and Tea is partnering with the U.S. Culinary Open

by lkrausen on January 3rd, 2025

Royal Cup is proud to announce our partnership with the prestigious U.S Culinary Open at the 2025 North American Food Equipment Manufactur

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[H2] Royal Cup Coffee and Tea Announces Sponsorship for U.S. Culinary Open at NAFEM

by lkrausen on December 9th, 2024

Birmingham, Alabama – December 9, 2024 – Royal Cup Coffee and Tea is proud to announce its partnership with the prestigious U.S Culinary Open, taking place at the North American Fo

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[H2] "What's In Your Cup?" with Drew Dutton

by lkrausen on November 26th, 2024

In this edition of ‘What’s In Your Cup’ we sat down with Drew Dutton, our Vice President of Logistics & Equipment Operations.

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[H2] "What's In Your Cup?" with Jim Smith

by lkrausen on October 28th, 2024

For this month’s edition of ‘What’s In Your Cup’, we sat down with our Senior Vice President of Sustainability, Jim Smith.

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[H2] "What's In Your Cup?" with Eric Farley

by lkrausen on September 30th, 2024

In this edition of ‘What’s in Your Cup,’ we sat down with our Director of Production, Eric Farley. With a career spanning over three decades, his journey is a testament to dedication, passion, and

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[H2] Royal Cup Coffee and Tea Launches Lulu’s Blend: A Coffee in Support of Shark Attack Survivor Lulu Gribbin

by lkrausen on August 29th, 2024

Birmingham, Alabama – August 29, 2024 – Royal Cup Coffee and Tea proudly announces the launch of Lulu’s Blend, a new retail Coffee Offering.

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[H2] Royal Cup Coffee and Tea Takes Another Step Along Their Sustainability Journey

by lkrausen on August 28th, 2024

At Royal Cup Coffee and Tea, we’re passionate about sharing delicious, high-quality coffee and tea with our customers. However, our passion extends far beyond the perfect cup.

[H1] Blended Solutions
Uniquely crafting your program using a blend of what we do best...
products, equipment, distribution and service.
Discover How
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[H1] Blended Solutions

[H2] A customized beverage solution that is right for your company.

Royal Cup always is sourcing the best green coffee and working with experts to create a blend that will create an experience that is to be savored.
Our Blended Solutions combines expertise in product, equipment, distribution and service to create a customized beverage solution for your company - one that your employees and patrons will love and appreciate. The Blended Solution we create for you is unique to your business, as it is developed in conjunction with your personal beverage consultant.
Interest in Service

Our coffees not only showcase the flavors of the beans, but also the passion that went into roasting them.Freddie JacksRoastmaster

[H2] Products

[H3] Dedicated to serving the best coffee and tea coast to coast.

Royal Cup is known for its terrific variety of exceptional, high-quality coffees and teas. Our dedication to developing long-term relationships with farmers and importers, along with our top-notch roasting capabilities, enables us to provide consistently superior products to our customers.
In addition to our coffees and teas, we also offer a full range of beverage supplies. Royal Cup is the right call to meet all beverage supply needs, whether you’re searching for a distributor of wholesale fountain beverages and juices, dependable water-filtration systems or a reliable provider of sugar, creamer and other condiments.
Combined or separately, our products create experiences that our customers savor. Learn more about how Royal Cup achieves the highest industry standards.

[H3] Learn more about our products

Coffee
Tea
Other Beverage Solutions
Condiments
Equipment
Shop Our Products

We partner with the world’s most recognized beverage equipment manufacturers to develop solutions to meet our customers needs and wants.Drew DuttonDirector of Equipment Service Solutions

[H2] Equipment

[H3] Dedicated to providing the best beverage equipment available.

We partner with the world’s foremost beverage-equipment manufacturers to produce customized solutions for our customers who serve their clients and customers. Whether you want 8 ounces or 10 gallons, iced tea or iced coffee, a cold glass of juice or a shot of espresso, we can design a customized beverage-equipment solution to make sure that you and your customers never go thirsty.
While our equipment packages are the most reliable in the industry, occasional service needs do occur. Royal Cup is staffed to resolve your needs quickly. With more than 70 Royal Cup technicians and 400 service partners strategically located across the country, we are prepared to respond rapidly (within 24 hours) to keep you brewing.

[H3] Our Equipment solutions include

Fresh Brew Coffee & Tea
Single Serve
Espresso
Juice
On-Demand Coffee & Tea
Fountain
Frozen Beverage

Our vehicles must be safe, functional and efficient. Royal Cup’s partnership with Subaru has helped us meet these objectives, providing our sales professionals with the transportation that they need to best serve our customer community.Jim CollinsSupport Services Manager

[H2] Distribution

[H3] Dedicated to getting our outstanding products to the right place, at the right time and in the right manner.

The constant pursuit of our company’s vision - serving the best coffee and tea coast to coast - has evolved with our customers over more than 100 years. Founded as a family-owned business, Royal Cup has expanded from its origins as a horse and buggy delivery service in the streets of downtown Birmingham to service some of the largest hotel, restaurant and foodservice chains across the United States and the Caribbean. With Royal Cup, you get the products you need, when you need them and in the manner in which you desire them.

[H3] Our Distribution solutions include

Route Delivery
Commissary
EspresShip

Our team is dedicated to providing the best possible customer experience, start to finish. We are here to serve YOU!Joy WadsworthCustomer Service Assistant Manager

[H2] Service

[H3] Dedicated to providing an unmatched level of program service and support.

Many companies like to talk about service, but rarely have a system in place to deliver on it. Our employees are focused on “one vision” - to provide the solution you are looking for by delivering quality service to complement our outstanding products.
Each of our customers is our most important customer. We consider each customer individually and customize the services you desire into a program that enables you to achieve your goals.
Here at Royal Cup, we prioritize service, and are able to provide it in developing your program - from the time of an initial transaction throughout the life of each relationship (which we want to maintain forever).

[H3] Our Service commitment to you includes

Customer Service
Account Management
Equipment Service
Marketing Needs
Training Needs

[H1] Start Serving Today!
Finding the perfect beverage solution for you and your business is paramount. Contact us today to get started or call 1-800-366-5836 to speak with a representative.Discover More

[H2] Hear Our Story
Over the past 100 years, Royal Cup has grown from its small, hometown roots to become a major importer, roaster and distributor of premium coffees and teas.Read story
[H2] Discover Who We Serve
Discover how we combine our expertise in product, equipment, distribution & service to create a customized beverage solution that is right for your company.Read story
[H2] Coffee

[H4] Royal Cup Centennial Line Coffees
Our Centennial line of coffees represents the tradition and taste of traditionally-great coffee. This line boasts a consistent, rich flavor with a hint of sweetness, good body and aroma.

[H4] Royal Cup Villa Rey Coffees
The full-bodied flavors of Colombia, Costa Rica and Guatemala embody the vigor and drama of the South and Central American landscapes. The fertile soils of Sumatra nurture smooth, cultured blends. Rich, aromatic and high grown, the coffees of Kenya are replete with the majesty of East African plains. The diverse regions from which these coffees originate infuse their beans

[H4] H.C. Valentine Coffees
Our micro-roasting H.C. Valentine Coffee Company was founded on a commitment to produce the best small-batch, artisan roasted coffees in the world. H.C. Valentine offers the finest coffees from select beans that are sourced carefully from the most outstanding growing regions and farms worldwide. Our roastmasters produce single-origin roasts, custom blends and sustainable offerings, including Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade and Organic.

[H4] ROAR Single-Serve System
This new and truly-innovative system delivers artisan-quality, specialty-grade coffees one cup at a time. Several ROAR coffee blends are Certified USDA Organic or contain coffees grown on Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, giving a whole new meaning to "good coffee."

[H4] Single Cup Coffee Systems
Flavia and Keurig single cup coffees add convenience and flexibility to your office-refreshment program.
[H2] Tea

[H3] Iced

[H4] Royal Cup Iced Teas:
Our tea leaves are grown specifically for iced tea brewing, providing a naturally-sweet flavor. Blends of China black tea and other specialty teas bring out a rich, non-cloudy amber color and extraordinary body.

[H4] IBIS MOON Iced Teas:
Cool, dark and delightful, IBIS MOON is a gratifying blend of premium teas. Grown in the Hunan province of China, Malawi and Indonesia, its aromatic black leaves have a deep color and clarity.

[H3] Hot

[H4] Royal Cup Hot Tea:
Royal Cup Hot Tea is made from the finest orange pekoe and pekoe-cut black tea.

[H4] Bigelow Hot Tea:
Royal Cup is proud to offer teas from Bigelow Tea Company, which has been producing quality teas since 1945.
[H2] Other Beverage Solutions
From iced coffee to juices, Royal Cup offers a wide variety of additional beverage solutions to its broad assortment of specialty and premium coffees and teas. Our solutions include frappuccinos, smoothies, juices, sodas and water, just to name a few.
[H2] Condiments
For creative coffee enthusiasts who may want a little something extra, we offer a wide variety of creamer and sweetener options that allow everyone to customize their beverages as they see fit.
[H2] Supplies
Royal Cup provides a large selection of cups, utensils and cleaning supplies that help round out your service offering.
[H2] Equipment
The quality and reliability of equipment can make or break a beverage program. That’s why Royal Cup offers only the highest-grade coffee, tea and juice equipment, ensuring the delicious and simple delivery of finished beverage products.
[H2] Food
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day (and pairs well with coffee). To meet our customers’ needs, we supply items such as cereal and oatmeal to serve our customers best.
[H2] Gifts
Drink your Royal Cup and wear it too. Royal Cup offers gift kits, mugs and apparel for those true coffee and tea lovers.
[H2] Customer Service
Our team of dedicated customer service representatives are available by phone, fax, e-mail or web 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Reach out to us anytime with any questions or needs that you have. While working with us, you will learn that sensational service is more than just a motto, it’s a way of life here.
[H2] Account Management
Whether you are a national chain or a small office, everyone needs and appreciates a team with great attention to detail. Royal Cup provides each and every account with an account manager who develops a consultative relationship with each customer, ensuring proper delivery of products, troubleshooting situations and anticipating needs to help your business stay one step ahead.
[H2] Equipment Service
Royal Cup knows and understands beverage equipment. The best product in the world is useless without the necessary equipment running optimally. A dedicated service support staff is on standby ready to interact with a national network of service providers to ensure installation is quick and accurate, and that your equipment is serviced in a timely manner.
[H2] Marketing Needs
Marketing Needs Our customized marketing programs are integral to Royal Cup’s signature service. With our experience and knowledge, Royal Cup offers unique solutions to businesses that want to reach the next level of sales and profitability.
[H2] Training Needs
Royal Cup provides the training structure and supporting materials that will ensure you are creating the most effective beverage experience for your business. We will help you develop a plan to achieve all your beverage goals, and help you execute the plan to ensure success.
[H2] Route Delivery
Throughout the Royal Cup system, customers are serviced directly by our local territory managers. These trained managers provide on-site inspections and routine equipment maintenance, flexible product ordering and training of your management and staff. Their friendly faces are available when you need them, and ready to show why service has been a staple of Royal Cup’s business since 1896.
[H2] Commissary
Royal Cup has partnered with the most effective distributors to ensure every customer has access to the world’s finest coffees and teas. This network of licensed distributors allows each Royal Cup customer to receive products in the way that is most efficient and convenient. Whether in-house, contracted carrier or major distributor, Royal Cup has the solution that best fits your goals.
[H2] EspresShip
EspresShip provides coffee and tea products directly to customers via UPS ground shipping, allowing home consumers and businesses of all sizes to enjoy quality coffee. Ordering is available 24/7 over the phone (800.366.5836), by fax or online.

[H1] Our Story
With appreciation and reverence, we acknowledge the past;
with excitement and optimism, we work towards the future.
Learn More
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[H1] Royal Cup Coffee enjoys over a century of success & achievements

[H2] Our long standing reputation as a quality roaster.

Like most great stories, ours has a humble beginning. In 1896, Henry T. Batterton made rounds in Birmingham, Alabama, selling coffee from his horse-drawn wagon. His company, Batterton Coffee Company, served coffee so fresh and flavorful that it was deemed fit for royalty. Because of its high-quality taste, it became known around town as a “royal” cup of coffee. Batterton Coffee Company experienced decades of success and growth, and established itself as a legitimate, thriving business in a small southern city.
It wasn’t until 1950, after William E. Smith purchased Batterton Coffee Company, that the company was renamed Royal Cup Coffee.
Over the past 100 years, Royal Cup Coffee and Tea has grown from its small, hometown roots to become a major importer, roaster and distributor of the world’s finest specialty and premium coffees and teas. Royal Cup’s reach extends throughout the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, serving customers in the food service, hospitality, office and specialty coffee markets.
Our strong history is a big part of who we are today, but our company’s story still is being written. With appreciation and reverence, we acknowledge the past; with excitement and optimism, we work towards the future. We invite you to join us on this journey and become a part of the Royal Cup story.

[H2] The Test of Time
[H3] A Company rooted in culture and tradition.Birmingham, Alabama
CIRCA 1896Time is the ultimate test for any company, and since 1896, Royal Cup has been perfecting its craft. Our coffee and tea has come a long way since the beginning, but one thing has never changed: a passion for producing and serving the best coffee and tea. We think Mr. Batterton would be proud.
[H2] Rooted in History
[H3] A Company rooted in culture and tradition.Birmingham, Alabama
CIRCA 1930Since 1896 Royal Cup has been proud to call Birmingham home. As the company prospered, it outgrew the original building on Second Avenue North and Twenty-Third Street. Batterton Coffee Company, as it was known in those days, moved in 1909 to its new facility on First Avenue North and Twenty-Fourth Street. In this picture taken in the late 1930’s, you can see that facility and the early version of our route distribution fleet.

[H1] A Look Back in Time

[H2] The History of Royal Cup

Over the past 100 years, Royal Cup has grown from its small, hometown roots to become a major importer, roaster and distributor of premium coffees and teas.
Serving customers in the food service, office and specialty coffee markets, Royal Cup now reaches markets throughout the United States, into Mexico and the Caribbean.
Royal Cup continues as a privately held company, a tradition which helps us offer dedicated service with a unique personal touch to each and every one of our customers.
Our long standing reputation as a quality roaster and distributor, coupled with the latest innovations.

[H2] 1896
The company was founded in this year by Henry T. Batterton as the Batterton Coffee Company in Birmingham, Alabama. Mr. Batterton was the first coffee roaster in the state of Alabama.
[H2] 1909
The company outgrew its original building and moved to a new facility on 1st avenue north and 24th street in downtown Birmingham.
[H2] 1929-1941
During the years of the Great Depression, the company did well due to the fact that public viewed coffee as an essential commodity.
[H2] 1930
Mr. Batterton and his wife were killed in an automobile accident, and the bank took over control of the company.
[H2] 1941-1945
During World War II, coffee became scarce and had to be rationed. Instead of allocating it’s supply carefully to all its customers, Batterton Coffee Company sold coffee mainly to several large customers. This hurt the company’s position with many of the neighborhood grocers who had been left without coffee.
[H2] 1950
In this year, a group of investors lead by William E. Smith of Birmingham purchased the coffee company from Mr. Batterton’s estate, and the company’s name was changed to Royal Cup, Inc. During the 1950’s a concentrated effort was made to win back the friendships and business of the neighborhood grocers lost during the war years.
[H2] 1954
The first route devoted solely to hotels and restaurants was established.
[H2] 1968
In this year, William E. Smith was diagnosed with cancer and passed away within 6 months. It was at this time that his eldest son, William E. Smith, Jr., left his employment at General Mills to take over as Vice President and General Manager of Royal Cup Coffee. He was 25 years old at the time.
[H2] 1968
Royal Cup established its first office coffee sales route.
[H2] 1972
Royal Cup, in collaboration with some close industry friends, established the business cooperative Dine Mor Foods, allowing Royal Cup to serve customer locations across the country.
[H2] 1973
Royal Cup invited Dine Mor Licensees in adjoining markets to organize Consumers Choice Coffee. Consumers Choice covered the Ohio Valley market and Louisville and Cincinnati area.
[H2] 1975
Royal Cup, along with other Licensees, started Sunshine Coffee in Orlando, which covered the Florida market.
[H2] 1976
To support its rapid growth, Royal Cup relocated to it current location just north of Birmingham in the Pinson Valley area.
[H2] 1982
Royal Cup expanded to the Dallas/Ft. Worth and Houston markets.
[H2] 1989
Hatton C. V. Smith, William E. Smith, Jr.’s younger brother, assumed responsibility as president of Royal Cup. William E. Smith, Jr. became chairman of the company at that time.
[H2] 1996
Royal Cup celebrated its 100th anniversary in the fall of 1996. A new logo was introduced that year, as well as the adoption of the unique “lion head” as another symbol of the company.
[H2] 1998
A new office facility was completed, bringing the Royal Cup corporate campus to its current state.
[H2] 2007
In this year, Royal Cup continued expanding is west coast route delivery operations by going to California, allowing Royal Cup to serve the best coffee coast to coast.
[H2] 2007
Royal Cup, in collaboration with leaders in the Office Coffee service market, establishes the Royal Connection Partners to service premier and national office coffee accounts across the country.
[H2] 2012
Royal Cup parted ways with long-time partner and Licensee, Ronnoco, and expanded its operation to the Midwest. In the same year Royal Cup acquired Consumers Choice Coffee and began independent operations in Kentucky and Ohio Valley markets.
[H2] 2014
Bill Smith III, oldest son of William E. Smith Jr., becomes CEO of Royal Cup. Hatton C.V. Smith becomes CEO Emeritus of the company at that time.
[H2] 2016
Royal Cup completes a three-year manufacturing expansion project which included the opening of a new 33,000 sq. ft. facility to improve and automate the storage and movement of beans.
[H2] 2017
Royal Cup completed the acquisition of Icebox Coffee to begin liquid manufacturing internally.

[H1] Awards & Recognitions

[H2] We are honored and humbled to receive these awards and recognitions.

Commercial Conservation Award
- Alabama Environmental Council - 2016
Outstanding Business
- Champions of Sustainability - 2016
Vendor of the Year
- Texas Roadhouse - 2013, 2016
Vendor of the Year
- Bruegger’s Bagels - 2013
Vendor of the Year
- AmericInn Hotels and Suites - 2013
Roar Single Serve Coffee System, Innovation Award Winner, Beverage Category
- National Automatic Merchandising Association - 2013
Vendor of the Year
- Another Broken Egg Cafe - 2016
North American Tea Championship 2016
- Ibis Moon Mango Breeze - 1st Place in Flavored Tea Category
North American Tea Championship 2016
- Ibis Moon - 1 st Place Unflavored/Unsweetened Tea Category
Vendor of the Year
- Sodexo - 2013

H.C. Valentine Given “Award of Excellence” in 4 Product Lines
- American Masters of Taste, Chefs in American Awards Foundation - 2012
EspresShip Video, Best Sales Video (National)
- American Advertising Federation - 2012

Birmingham Business Hall of Fame – William E. Smith Jr. & Hatton C.V. Smith
Kiwanis Club of Birmingham – 2016
Manufacturing Innovation of the Year Award
Pro Food World – 2019
Royal Cup Signature Iced Tea Launch Best Brand Identity Campaign, Best Sales Kit & Best Packaging Campaign
Alabama Advertising Federation – 2019
ROAR Brand Video, Best Video Sales Presentation
Alabama Advertising Federation – 2019
Total Dedication Award - Anthony Slater - National Accounts
Choice Hotels - 2019

[H1] Start Serving Today!
Finding the perfect beverage solution for you and your business is paramount. Contact us today to get started or call 1-800-366-5836 to speak with a representative.Contact Us

[H2] Learn How We Serve
Discover how we combine our expertise in product, equipment, distribution & service to create a customized beverage solution that is right for your company.Learn more
[H2] Discover Who We Serve
Discover how we combine our expertise in product, equipment, distribution & service to create a customized beverage solution that is right for your company.Read story

[H1] Elevate Your Beverage Program: How Royal Cup’s New RTD Cold Brew Can Transform Your Business
Coffee News

Published on March 12, 2026Reading time: 2 minutesBack to all articles

In the world of professional beverage service, staying ahead of trends isn't just about what’s in the cup; it’s about how efficiently you can deliver it to your customers. Cold brew has long been a powerhouse in the industry, and its momentum only continues to build. According to the National Coffee Association’s Fall 2025 report, 21% of American adults consumed cold brew in the past week, a 50% increase since 2020.
To help our customers capitalize on this surging demand without adding operational complexity, Royal Cup Coffee and Tea is proud to announce the expansion of our Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Cold Brew line.
A Flavor for Every Customer
Crafted with the same commitment to quality that has defined Royal Cup for over 129 years, our expanded portfolio now features five distinct flavors in convenient 11-oz. cans:
Black Cold Brew: A silky-smooth, coffee-forward expression for the purist.
Cold Brew Caramel Latte: Fragrant golden caramel sweetness.
Cold Brew Vanilla Latte: A creamy delight reminiscent of vanilla ice cream.
Cold Brew Mocha Latte: Rich, bittersweet chocolate for a decadent escape.
Signature Sweet Latte: The original fan-favorite that started it all.
Our initial feedback has been incredible, with customers already raving about the rich, decadent flavor profiles of these new additions.
Operational Excellence Across Every Industry
Whether you manage a fast-paced kitchen, a luxury hotel, or a modern office, these RTD cold brew options are designed to fit seamlessly into your existing environment.
Food Service & Specialty Coffee: Labor and speed are among the biggest hurdles in food service. Our RTD cans allow you to offer a premium cold brew experience with zero prep time. Use them to expand your beverage menu instantly or as a high-speed alternative during peak morning rushes.
Convenience Stores: With cold brew popularity surging, convenience stores are perfectly positioned to capture impulse buys. Our RTD cans are designed for high-visibility on shelves, meeting the demand for high-quality portable coffee that customers can grab on the move.
Hospitality: Elevate the guest experience by placing these RTD cans in in-room minibars or stocking them in your lobby’s grab-and-go marketplace. They provide a high-quality, "gold standard" cold brew option that guests can enjoy on their way to a meeting or a day of sightseeing.
The Modern Office: Today’s workforce expects more than just a standard pot of hot coffee. Providing cold brew lattes is a simple, high-impact way to boost employee satisfaction. It’s a premium perk that requires no maintenance or cleaning of complex brewing equipment.
The Royal Cup Promise
"This expansion is a direct reflection of our commitment to listening to our customers and providing them with quality, convenient options that don't compromise on flavor," says Chip Wann, CEO of Royal Cup.
As a manufacturer and distributor serving the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean since 1896, we understand the evolving needs of the market. This new line leverages our deep expertise to deliver best-in-class products that excel across the major beverage categories your business relies on.
Ready to Elevate Your Offering?
The new flavors are available now. To learn more about how to integrate Royal Cup’s RTD Cold Brew into your business, visit our landing page at royalcupcoffee.com/rtdcoldbrew or contact your Royal Cup representative today.