The beverage retail giant famous for its fruit smoothies has acquired Talbott Teas, a Chicago company that makes specialty teas.
The move is part of a new strategy by Emeryville, Calif.-based Jamba Juice to add more high-end products at its stores.
Jamba Juice CEO James White sees a pick-up in business. "We've played our way through the Great Recession with strong momentum as we finished up 2011. We're bullish on how we see the consumer reacting to our brand," he said.
White said Jamba Juice plans to hire 2,500 low-income youth during the summer as part of President Obama's Jobs Plus initiative.
The company will also add about 50 new stores in the United States this year.
