A decision by Jolt Coffee House and the River Traders' Market in Wanganui to go with reusable coffee cups is sparking interest from markets across the country.
Wanganui Mayor Annette Main, who created the Saturday riverside market, outlined the joint venture with Jolt at a farmers' market forum in Christchurch recently.
"It
has generated a huge amount of interest. Other farmers' markets are going to pick up on what we're doing here," she said.
Jolt owner Mark Dyhrberg said the reusable cups were good for customers and the environment.
"The good thing is they're made of durable food-safe materials that can be recycled at the end of the cup's life," Mr Dyhrberg said. "They've also been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as being fully non-toxic."
He said the cups had proved a hit with customers in his coffee shop in the Bridge block of the Avenue. When a customer bought a cup, he or she received the first fill free and then enjoyed 30-cent discounts on every refill.
The cups are New Zealand designed and manufactured, microwave and dishwasher safe, and seal tight to reduce spillage.
"The beauty of the Ideal cup is that it looks very similar to your familiar takeaway coffee cup but it keeps your drink hot and your hands cool. And, with a lockable, leak-free lid, it's also a lot easier to transport in a car cupholder," Mr Dyhrberg said. Anyone who bought a cup at the Saturday riverside markets could also enjoy discounts at Jolt Coffee House, he added.
