Coffee roaster Melitta USA today announced it has selected the UpShot Solution to enter the single-serve market. Developed by LBP Manufacturing, Inc., the UpShot Solution is said to utilize an eco-friendly, single-serve filter that Melitta will fill with coffee.

The company said its pre-filled coffee filter is compatible with Keurig and other single-serve brewers, but indicated that LBP is not affiliated or associated with Keurig.

Under the terms of this agreement, Melitta will install customized equipment at its facility in Cherry Hill, NJ, to offer a variety of customers roasting, filling and packaging services in the UpShot filter technology.   

"We looked at several options in single-serve and determined LBP's UpShot Solution was most in line with our business model for both branded and business to business," said Chris Hillman, vp/marketing at Melitta. "The UpShot Solution is more environmentally-friendly than current products in the market and offers consumers a better cup of coffee. In addition, we are able to offer our customers a very flexible business model so that they too can enter the single-serve coffee category."

Melitta said the UpShot filter features a unique proprietary mesh that delivers a heightened sensory appeal to the brewing process. Consumers can see and smell their coffee or tea from the moment they open the Fresh Seal outer package. The filter is composed of 100% recyclable polypropylene, and the Fresh Seal can be made with recyclable materials, the company said.

"LBP looks forward to supporting Melitta's expansion into the single-serve space," said Matt Cook, president of LBP. "Because LBP and Melitta share similar company values, such as providing quality products and strong customer service, this is an ideal partnership."

Melitta plans to install equipment by year-end and will begin offering single-serve packs using the UpShot Solution technology through national and regional grocery chains by early 2013.