Company Promotes Three Key Executives- Ed Holloran To VP, Business Development; Walter Prokopchuk To VP, Eastern Region; Miles Malanowich To VP, Western Region

Westwood, Mass. --- August 15, 2002 --- Filterfresh Coffee Service Inc., a subsidiary of Van Houtte Inc., announced today the formation of a business development division and the promotion of three key executives. The realignment is designed to improve the consistency of the company's sales approach and allow Filterfresh to continue to sell deeper and broader to its existing customers, while also acquiring new accounts.

The newly created department will be headed by Ed Holloran, who has been promoted to vice president of the division. Mr. Holloran most recently served as Director of Business Development of Filterfresh Coffee Service Inc., responsible for securing national account contracts through the management of a national account sales staff; the purchasing/vendor relations for Filterfresh's preferred vendor program and the development of local marketing plans. In this new role, his responsibilities have expanded to include leadership for the entire sales function throughout the U.S.

Additionally, Walter Prokopchuk and Miles Malanowich have both been promoted from director to vice president of Corporate Operations for the Eastern and Western Regions, respectively. Prior to joining the company, both Prokopchuk and Malanowich worked at Red Carpet Food Services, which was acquired by Van Houtte in 1999. In their new roles, Prokopchuk's responsibilities have expanded to include nine corporate locations, including Southern Florida, while Malanowich will now be responsible for operations in Texas and acquisitions in Denver.

"We are pleased to announce the promotion of all three executives," said Roger Cohen, president, Filterfresh Coffee Service Inc. "Their combined experience, knowledge and sales expertise will ensure Filterfresh's continued distinction as one of the leading coffee service providers in the United States."

About Filterfresh Coffee Service Inc.
Filterfresh Coffee Service, Inc., based in Westwood, Mass., is a subsidiary of Van Houtte Inc. The company, a pioneer in single-cup coffee makers, provides state-of-the-art equipment, beverages, programs and services to offices, manufacturing facilities, supermarkets, hotels, retailers and other places of employment. For further information on Filterfresh, its growth plans or franchise opportunities, visit the web site at www.filterfresh.com.