Sara Lee to Invest $80 Million in Production Plant

Sara Lee will invest $80 million in its coffee extraction capacity at its facilities in Joure, the Netherlands, over the next two years. By doing so, it boosts the plant's capacity for producing instant coffee and liquids by 50 percent and positions the company for growth in the liquid coffee and instants markets worldwide. Sara Lee's instant coffees are sold in stores globally under flagship brands such as Moccona, Marcilla and Douwe Egberts. Its liquid coffee, or Cafitesse, focuses on the out-of-home market with key brand names such as Douwe Egberts, Maison du Cafe, Marcilla, and Merrild. The new plant is expected to be fully operational in 2010 and will then produce instant coffee for the United Kingdom, Australia, Russia and Poland, among other countries, as well as liquid coffee for the international out-of-home market.

"I am thrilled to announce this investment," says Frank van Oers, CEO International Beverage at Sara Lee. "We have ambitious plans in place in many growth markets worldwide, and this investment will enable us to realize our growth plans."