Cumberland Farms Brews Up High Marks in Taste Test

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — The results of a recent double-blind coffee taste test show Dunkin' Donuts customers also show a strong appreciation for Cumberland Farms' Farmhouse Blend Coffee. Half of participants either preferred the taste of Cumberland Farms coffee over Dunkin' Donuts coffee or had no preference, the convenience store chain revealed.

The taste test results are based on an independent, double-blind taste test of Dunkin' Donuts coffee drinkers in four major markets where both Cumberland Farms and Dunkin' Donuts stores are located. It was conducted in November in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials Claim Testing Guidelines. Selected participants purchased brewed coffee away from home, most often at Dunkin' Donuts locations. The taste test specifically compared Cumberland Farms Farmhouse Blend coffee to Dunkin' Donuts Original Blend coffee.

"We couldn't be happier with the results and feedback from this taste test, and it proves our longtime belief that you don't need to sacrifice great taste to get an affordable cup of coffee," said Cumberland Farms CEO Ari Haseotes. "We provide a tremendous value for consumers with our 99-cent Farmhouse Blend coffee, and we're glad that the results of the taste test determined that it tastes just as good as our key competitor's coffee does."

The Framingham-based c-store chain is sharing the taste test results in its new advertising campaign, which launched Dec. 28 and includes TV spots that depict real consumers trying both coffee brands, along with radio commercials and billboards. The first TV spot is viewable here.

"Since launching our signature Farmhouse Blend coffee, we've seen huge growth in our coffee business, and the results of this test validate our quality," said Gwen Forman, senior vice president of marketing at Cumberland Farms.