Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (GMCR), in partnership with Luigi Lavazza SpA, introduced the Keurig Rivo Cappuccino and Latte System, which the companies say combines the legendary simplicity of Keurig single-cup technology with the authenticity of Italy’s favorite coffee.
The Rivo System brews authentic espresso-based beverages and froths any type of fresh milk directly from the refrigerator. Just in time for the holiday season, the Rivo System will be sold exclusively at select Bloomingdale’s locations beginning in mid-November and is expected to become more widely available, including on Keurig’s website, by spring of next year.
GMCR’s new system will compete head-to-head with Starbucks’ new Verismo system, which uses milk pods instead of fresh milk. Named to evoke the Italian word for revolutionary, the Rivo system will sell for a suggested retail price of $229.99.
“The new Keurig Rivo Cappuccino and Latte System marks the latest chapter in GMCR’s drive toward unparalleled innovation and leadership,” said Michelle Stacy, president of GMCR’s Keurig business unit. “We’ve combined the ease and simplicity of Keurig single-cup technology with the strong heritage of premium espresso from Italy’s favorite coffee maker, Lavazza, to enable consumers to make authentic cappuccinos and lattes – all at the touch of a button. Where our K-Cup and Vue systems are changing the way people brew filtered coffee, Rivo is set to change both how and where people brew and enjoy their espresso and espresso-based beverages.”
The single-cup technology behind the Keurig brand has disrupted consumer behavior and has made it possible for millions of consumers to enjoy freshly brewed coffee, tea and other beverages at home or in the office. Lavazza, a family-owned company since 1895, is the symbol of Italian espresso worldwide and a major player in the global specialty coffee arena, bringing a century of history in roasting and blending.
“To achieve the authentic, delicious taste of a cappuccino or latte, it starts with fresh ingredients – like rich espresso and frothy, steamed milk,” said Ennio Ranaboldo, CEO of Lavazza North America. “The jointly developed Keurig Rivo System allows consumers to choose from an exclusive selection of authentic Lavazza espresso blends to brew rich Italian espresso and select their own fresh milk from their refrigerator for the perfect froth to craft their favorite beverages.”
The system brews rich Lavazza Italian espresso with up to 15 bars of pressure, and each Rivo pack contains approximately 7.5 grams of a unique blend of 100 percent Arabica beans, packed and sealed to preserve optimum quality of taste.
Rivo pack varieties, which carry a suggested retail price of $14.99 for an 18-count box, include:
- Espresso Delicato (medium roast): A medium roast featuring a pleasant aroma with notes of tropical fruit; sweet, mild floral qualities with a lingering fruity finish.
- Espresso Classico (medium roast): A medium roast with a full-bodied blend and a balanced acidity; slightly sweet with notes of chocolate and a long-lasting citrus finish.
- Espresso Intenso (dark roast): A dark roast consisting of a bold, full-bodied blend with aromas of butter and caramel; subtle hints of smoke with a pleasantly crisp finish.
- Espresso Decaf (medium roast decaffeinated): A medium decaffeinated roast featuring a balanced flavor and gently sweet aromas of grape and dried fruit with a satisfying, smooth finish.
