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Green Mountain Joins Ethiopia Coffee Project

Oxfam America Press Release
29 January 2007

For more information, contact:Helen DaSilva, Press Officer
617-728-2409
617-331-2984 (mobile)
hdasilva@oxfamamerica.org

BOSTON -- Today's announcement that Green Mountain Coffee Roasters has agreed to work closely with Ethiopia to raise the value that Ethiopian farmers receive from their coffees is a welcome first step that other companies should follow, says international agency Oxfam.

The formal Letter of Intent between Green Mountain -- a major coffee roaster and distributor in the US -- and Ethiopia "is an initiative made in good faith between a major company, the government, and a national stakeholder group that includes farmer cooperatives," said Raymond C. Offenheiser, president of Oxfam America.

"Developing countries need greater control over their own agricultural markets in order to negotiate a fair return from the quality and reputation of their products. Coffee companies that expect to thrive in a global market should follow Green Mountain's lead," Offenheiser said. "We hope that Green Mountain will continue to break new ground toward Ethiopia's ultimate goals."

Ed's notes
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About Ethiopia's Coffee Intellectual Property Initiative
An independent analysis of Ethiopia's coffee trademark initiative and the problems it encountered in the US is recorded here.

About Green Mountain Coffee Roasters
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR) is recognized as a leader in the specialty coffee industry for its award-winning coffees and successful business practices. The Company sells over 100 high quality selections, including Fair Trade Certified™ and organic coffees under the Green Mountain Coffee Roasters® and Newman’s Own® Organics brands. While the majority of the Company’s revenue is derived from its wholesale, direct mail, and e-commerce operations (www.GreenMountainCoffee.com), it also owns Keurig, Incorporated, a pioneer and leading manufacturer of gourmet single-cup brewing systems. Keurig markets premium single-cup (K-Cup) coffee brewing systems for the office and the home while the Company licenses, manufactures and sells Green Mountain coffee and tea K-Cups® for offices, homes and other venues. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters was recently ranked No. 1 on the Business Ethics list of "100 Best Corporate Citizens," and has been recognized repeatedly by Forbes, Fortune Small Business, and the Society of Human Resource Management as an innovative, high-growth, socially responsible company.

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