Jelly and Coffee: Synergy?

Jam maker J. M. Smucker has purchased the Folgers company, the number one coffee brand in the U. S. Folgers has a big presence in New Orleans.

According to the Associated Press, the Folgers roasting plant in New Orleans East brings an annual 250,000 – 300,000 tons of coffee beans through the Port of New Orleans. The plant is the port’s largest customer. Approximately 440 people are employed in the facility.

Folgers had net sales of about $160 billion in 2007. There are qlso Folgers roasting plants in Kansas City, Missouri and Sherman, Texas.

Folgers previous owner, Proctor and Gamble, cites their intention to get away from manufacturing in order to focus on marketing finished products. Increased competition from Starbucks and other brands might also have been a factor in the decision to sell the brand.

New Orleans is certainly a coffee leader if you go by volume.