Gloria Jean’s Coffees has walked away from the Australian Business Awards 2012 with two accolades, winning in both the community contribution and the innovation categories.

The community award recognises the coffee chain’s fundraising achievements through its international foundation, With Heart, and the annual signature event, Cappuccino for a Cause. The 2011 link with children’s charity Variety was a particular success, with more than $150,000 raised for the purchase of Sunshine coaches and Liberty swings.

The coffee business’s project Coffee House of The Future brought it the innovation award. The project, which launched in October last year, has included a brand refresh with new cafe design, new food menu, enhancements to brewing methods and additional staff training and development.

Tara Johnston, program director at The Australian Business Awards, said “These types of accolades don’t come easily – they are underpinned by vision and leadership, both of which require a clear dedication to research and development.”

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