Nov. 19--United Airlines on Thursday said it will replace its coffee brand with one by Italian roaster Illycaffe that will be served onboard by next summer and in hub airport lounges as soon as next month.
Illy won a blind taste test the airline conducted both on the ground and in the air to choose among 17 candidate coffees.
New CEO Oscar Munoz, on medical leave until the first quarter of next year after suffering a heart attack last month, specifically mentioned coffee in an interview with the Tribune as something United could improve to be more customer-friendly.
United will offer Illy dark roast and espresso in United Club locations at the airline's U.S. hubs next month. The coffee will be served inflight worldwide next summer.
United switched from a blend by FreshBrew, which won out after the 2010 merger of United and Continental. FreshBrew was Continental's brand, while United had used Starbucks.
The new coffee will be free on flights and in lounges.
gkarp@tribpub.com
