For 24 years Barnie's Coffee & Tea Co. has traded at the gourmet end of the market, and has developed an international pedigree that has seen it win a "loyal and passionate" worldwide customer base for its gourmet coffees, says Franchise Director Mike Daigle. "Barnie's Coffee has a proven track record of offering the world's finest hand selected gourmet coffee beans. Our extensive selection of gourmet coffee blends is flavoured and decaffeinated in light, medium and dark roasts to satisfy every discriminating taste bud. Our passion for quality and service has established Barnie's Coffee as the premium brand."

In its most recent 'National Coffee Drinking Trends' survey, the US National Coffee Association found that 52 per cent of the US population over 18 drink coffee every day, representing over 107 million daily drinkers. Of these, nearly 30 million drink gourmet coffee beverages every day.

"Consumers are responding to the wider variety of coffee options now readily available to them," reported NCA President and CEO Robert F. Nelson. "Coffee has become a treat as well as a staple, and (consumers) are enjoying this happy duality."

Catering to this growing demand, Barnie's Coffee is expanding its network of retail cafÉs in both mall and non-mall locations across the US and now in international markets. "Stores are usually located in upscale malls, outdoor lifestyle centres or downtown business districts," Daigle describes. "The immediate surrounding area is typically densely populated, has significant traffic and is highly visible from passing traffic."

Barnie's Coffee is seeking individuals or groups in Europe to become Area Development or Master Franchisees and lead its growth through the development of multiple stores. "Master Franchisees need to develop the concept through their own stores, but may also expand via sub-franchising and even develop other avenues of distribution such as placing Barnie's Coffees and other branded products on the shelves in supermarkets; wholesaleing to restaurants and offices that brew coffee; working with national airlines to be the in-flight coffee; and participating, through our website, in mail order and e-commerce sales."