Coffee achievers: Small roasters brew up business by targeting niche markets

Carol Tice
Staff Writer

All the growth in the coffee business isn't at Starbucks Corp.

Operating way below the java giant's radar, small roasters around Washington state report they are growing at a healthy clip by targeting niche markets. They appeal to the crowd that craves an alternative to the major coffee brands, a strategy they say is working better than ever since the April announcement that the owner of Seattle's Best Coffee will be purchased by Starbucks.

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