Filterfresh Named Provider of Single-cup Brewers and Hot Beverages for BJ's Wholesale Club

Westwood, Mass. --- January 14, 2003 --- Filterfresh Coffee Service Inc., a subsidiary of Van Houtte Inc., announced today that it has been named provider of single-cup brewers for BJ’s Wholesale Club’s in-store food courts. Per the agreement, Filterfresh will install its Filterfresh 2+ or Filterfresh 3 brewing systems in 80 select BJ’s locations by the end of 2003.

Filterfresh will also supply the coffee used in the brewers, from its own line of quality blends. In addition to coffee, the single-cup brewers will offer hot chocolate and cappuccino beverage options.

"Filterfresh is very proud to be partnering with BJ'’s, which is widely hailed as one of the leading wholesale chains in the eastern United States," said Michael Gough, National Account Manager, Filterfresh Coffee Service Inc. "We are confident that the services we provide will enhance the shopping experience of all BJ’s Members."

"We are happy to be adding single-cup hot beverages from Filterfresh to our food court," said Ernie Waingortin, Manager of Food and Front End Services, BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc.. "We are always looking for new ways to enhance our Members' shopping experience and feel that the convenience and selection offered by Filterfresh will be well- received."

BJ’s Wholesale Clubs’ food courts provide Members with fast, convenient food and beverages to enjoy while they shop. Members can help themselves to hot food items like Best Kosher hot dogs, Pizza Hut pizza and Meatball and Chicken Bakes. Additionally, BJ's offers snack and dessert items like pretzels, popcorn, Ben and Jerry's ice cream and Otis Spunkmeyer cookies. A wide variety of beverages round out the food court offering with options such as Coke fountain flavors, ICEE, juice and, now in many BJ's, Filterfresh’s delicious single-cup coffee.

About BJ's Wholesale Club
Headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts, BJ'’s Wholesale Club, Inc. is a leading operator of warehouse clubs in the eastern United States, with 140 clubs in the chain. In 2001, net sales rose to $5.2 billion and comparable club sales increased by 3.6%. BJ's common stock is listed on the New York Exchange under the symbol "BJ". For more information on BJ's log on to http://www.bjs.com.

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 http://www.filterfresh.com.