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Competitive Analysis of Keurig

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Competitive analysis
In recent months many new single-serve coffee brewers have come to market in the United States. These new competitors are offering consumers many new choices and variations of a single-serve coffee brewers. In turn, this is stepping up pressure Keurig to keep up with its competitors and the markets demand. The three competitors that pose the biggest threat to Keurig are Bunn’s MyCafé unit, Starbucks’ Verismo unit, and the Esio beverage system which is backed by Wal-Mart.
In October Bunn, a leading commercial beverage equipment producer, launched its home version of its single-serve coffee machine called MyCafé. Unfortunately for Keurig, the MyCafé is the first to capitalize on the expiration of Keurig’s patent on its k-cup technology. The MyCafé will be able to brew both regular ground coffee and K-Cups. Also, it is able to brew tea bags as well as loose leaf tea which a Keurig brewer cannot. Bunn's new MyCafé system will cost $159.99. Aimee Markelz Tracy, senior vice president of Bunn's home products division has stated "We tried to make it as universal as possible so that people, however they want to brew their single cup, can do that in a high-quality way" (Geller). The MyCafé will be sold at Lowe's stores nationwide and select Bon-Ton and Dillards stores. With the MyCafé being able to brew all the unique flavors that are offered through k-cups it poses a serious threat to Keurig.
In September Starbucks will enter the market of single-serve coffee brewers with the launch of its Verismo brewing system. What makes the Versimo different is that it makes not only coffee but espresso drinks and lattes. The Verismo, uses a high-pressure system that can make lattes and other espresso-based drinks. It will be sold online on Starbucks website and also in Starbucks locations. Starbucks' CEO Howard Schultz said, "The Keurig machine is a fantastic

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