The Gourmet Single Cup Home Brewing System, launched earlier this month, has put the new B50 Keurig Coffee Maker a step ahead of its competitors.

On 1 December 2004 Keurig Inc. announced the launching of its third-generation single-cup coffee maker for home users. The new Keurig coffee maker will be available at major retailers and specialty stores for this holiday season, as well as on the Keurig website.

The first major retailer that Keurig Inc. has selected to market its Gourmet Single Cup Home Brewing System® is Bloomingdale's. The B50 model is available for a SRP (Suggested Retail Price) of $169.95.

Keurig B50 Home Brewer + 18 Free K-Cup Sampler Keurig B50 Brewer Features 18 Free K-cup Sampler Removable 48oz. Water Reservoir Removable Drip Tray Programmable LCD Message Center Two brew size choices Specifications: Model #: B50 Weight: 12lb empty; 15lb full Dimensions: 13"H 10"W 13.25"D Power: 1500 watts Voltage: 120VAC/60HZ UL and c-UL approved for household use only

Keurig also introduces its patented K-Cup® pods packaged in carton boxes that hold 18 items ($10.9 SRP). Up to now, Keurig's K-Cups® offer the widest variety of gourmet coffees in the form of pods. Among the 13 specialty coffees and teas on offer, famous gourmet coffee brands stand out. They include Green Mountain, Diedrich, Gloria Jean's, Timothy's, Van Houte, Celestial Seasoning and Bigelow.

Internet shoppers have even wider options, with 70 varieties of coffees and teas.

Green Mountain Coffee Our Blend K-Cups 100ct K-Cups for the Keurig Brewer. smooth, aromatic, and mild – a delightful cup of coffee 4 boxes of 25 cups.

The K-Cups® come wrapped up in filter-paper and enclosed in air-tight bags with lids that keep the coffee fresh and flavored.

The Model B50 Keurig Gourmet Single Cup Home Brewing System® delivers a cup of coffee in less than 60 seconds and includes an LCD message center through which the machine can be programmed to be ready for brewing at any time.

Keurig's plans for this holiday season and the beginning of 2005 include in-store demonstrations at the retailers.

The single-cup Keurig coffee maker has made itself a consistent presence in American offices since 1998, and in American homes since 2002.