Customers Can Enjoy Real Cappuccino, Caffe Latte, Espresso and Americano at the Push of a Button

Westwood, MA -- May 19, 2003 -- Filterfresh Coffee Service Inc., a subsidiary of Van Houtte Inc. (Toronto: VH.TO), announced today the introduction of Espresso Cafe, a new fully-automated specialty coffee system for its customers. This breakthrough technology automatically froths real milk to create the perfect Cappuccino or Caffe Latte at the touch of a button, as well as offering an excellent Espresso or Americano coffee. This innovative solution will target restaurant, hotel, institutional, convenience store and supermarket customers, as well as upscale offices and businesses.

"As a total coffee solution provider, we are constantly seeking ways to broaden our product offering," said Roger Cohen, president of Filterfresh Coffee Service and Van Houtte USA. "The introduction of this innovative system demonstrates Filterfresh's commitment to servicing the growing trend towards espresso-based specialty coffee."

"The introduction of the Espresso Cafe is the result of a two-year R&D project commissioned by Van Houtte, combined with a strategic alliance with Malongo, a European leader in Espresso coffee. This coffee maker will allow our customers to enjoy specialty coffee like that served in a coffee bar," said Marc Fortier, CEO of Van Houtte Inc. "We are particularly proud of our development of the unique integrated milk system which relieves our customers from the burden of cleaning and maintaining the coffee brewer."

Key features of the Espresso Cafe include:

• Authentic espresso brewing process
• Specialty coffee brewed one cup at a time in 45 seconds
• Simplicity of use eliminates the need for training personnel
• Coffee pod guaranteed fresh for six months
• Real milk formula requires no refrigeration
• Unique patented milk delivery system minimizes maintenance

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.

About Van Houtte Inc.
Founded in 1919, Van Houtte is one of North America's leading gourmet coffee roasters, marketers and distributors. The Company markets its gourmet coffees across Canada and the U.S. through distribution channels that include coffee services, retail stores, cafe-bistros, online shopping and food services networks. (www.vanhoutte.com)