ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Biltmore’s licensed products division is pleased to announce expansion of the company’s branded gourmet foods program to include a partnership with Barrie House Coffee & Tea. The new products will include three coffee flavors, Estate Blend, Decaf Estate Blend, Château Noir (French Roast style), and one introductory tea flavor, English Breakfast. The company’s new coffee and tea lines reflect the high quality products served at the four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate and are a natural fit with Biltmore’s history of entertaining.
Biltmore’s gourmet foods program is a natural extension of the 8,000-acre estate’s culinary heritage and mission to continue operation as a self-sustaining farm. The property embodies the vision of founder George W. Vanderbilt and the luxury of the Gilded Age. At its heart stands Biltmore House, completed in 1895, which remains America’s largest home and a National Historic Landmark.  In keeping with the Vanderbilt tradition of entertaining in style, today’s estate guests are treated not only to the elegant sights of a 19th century country estate, but to epicurean pleasures reminiscent of the Vanderbilts’ gracious lifestyle. 
Coffee and Teatime at Biltmore
Research from Biltmore’s archives shows that coffee and tea were served regularly during George and Edith Vanderbilt’s time at Biltmore. Afternoon tea was often served in the Tapestry Gallery, a comfortable seating area on the first floor of Biltmore House. When Edith Vanderbilt’s sister, Pauline Merrell, visited Biltmore in 1905, she described taking tea in the Tapestry Gallery at 5 p.m. with the children and enjoying piano music played by a relative of the Vanderbilt family. Black coffee with sugar was served as its own course at the end of formal meals.
“Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt were world-famous for their ability to entertain. Coffee and tea were enjoyed regularly at the estate and still are to this day,” said Tim Rosebrock, Vice President and General Manager for Biltmore’s licensing division. “This partnership is an ideal fit for our branded foods category as we strive to continue Biltmore’s legacy of culinary history and hospitality. We hope consumers will be able to enjoy a taste of Biltmore each day at home.”
The licensing partnership between Biltmore and Barrie House Coffee & Tea was brokered by The Valen Group. Biltmore’s other gourmet products available in stores throughout the Southeast are dressings, marinades, and premium cheesecakes. In addition, Biltmore sells award-winning wines in the same retail stores, rounding out the culinary experience at home.
For more information on Biltmore food products please visit www.biltmoregourmet.com.
About Biltmore’s Licensing Division
Launched in 1990, Biltmore’s licensing division has grown to be a highly recognized brand, drawing on the historical treasures and inspiration found in Biltmore House and gardens. Through Biltmore® For Your Home and Biltmore® Chateau Reserve, consumers are able to experience both the classic designs found in George Vanderbilt’s grand collection of art and furnishings, and the relaxed enjoyment of fine country living.
Current Biltmore licensees include Amarr Garage Doors, Anderson Hardwood Floors, Artaissance, Atlanta Cheesecake Company, Barrie House Coffee and Tea, Belk, Burton + Burton, Capel Rugs, Cottage Gardens, ELK Lighting, Ellington Fans, Encore/Sarreid, Fisher Farms, Habersham, Herter Nursery, HomTex, Indital USA Stair Parts, Larson-Juhl, Manual Woodworkers & Weavers, Michigan Evergreen Nursery, Moulding Associates, Inc., Netherland Bulb Co., Peace Tree Farm, Randolph’s Greenhouses, Ridgeway Clock Company, ShadeTree Canopies, Southern Living House Plans, Valdese Weavers, Unique Stone, Vita Food Products and Whitecraft.
To learn more about Biltmore’s licensing division, visit www.bringbiltmorehome.com.
About Barrie House Coffee and Tea
Established in 1934, Barrie House is now led by both third and fourth generation family members as well as a talented group of long-term employees. As a leading custom manufacturer of private label and branded coffees, Barrie House services the foodservice, retail, vending and office coffee service (OCS), and hospitality industries. The company also produces and offers tea products, associated allied products, consultative services and marketing, as well as commodity hedging strategies.
About The Valen Group
The Valen Group is a growth and innovation services firm with practices in strategy and innovation consulting, market insight research and strategic brand licensing. Our mission is to inspire a creative entrepreneurial spirit and find new ways for our clients to win. We help leaders strengthen the competitive position of their brands and develop significant new revenue opportunities. For over a decade, The Valen Group has advised both global 1000 innovation leaders such as Procter & Gamble, Nestle and Chiquita and newer, high-growth companies.  Our work in developing strategic brand licensing programs has included Chili’s, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Biltmore Estate and Rust-Oleum.