Starbucks launches a new line of coffee with a delicious twist: a tablespoon of olive oil.
This week’s coffee series announce The new Olito line of drinks, which includes three types of coffee made with Mediterranean ingredients: Olito latte with oat milk and olive oil, ice Olito espresso with oat milk, hazelnut syrup and olive oil, and Olito golden cold foamy drink. Made with sweet starbucks milk mixed with two servings of olive oil.
The name of the product line is inspired by the Italian word for “in oil,” according to Starbucks.
The coffee giant premiered the beverage at 25 Italian locations on Wednesday. It plans to roll out some versions of the three beverages in Southern California this spring, with info on other US markets still to come. The coffee will also reach the UK, Japan and the Middle East markets later this year.
The idea for this exotic blend was born during a trip to Sicily, said Howard Schultz, interim CEO of Starbucks, where he was inspired by the local tradition of consuming a tablespoon of olive oil daily to promote good health. When blended with olive oil, both hot and cold coffees acquire an “unexpected, velvety, buttery flavor” that “lingers beautifully on the palate,” Schultz said in the company’s product announcement.
Starbucks executives hope drinks infused with olive oil will be a market maker, drawing customers to its stores amid a period of tightening consumer demand. Earlier this month, the coffee company reported lower-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings and revenue numbers as the coronavirus wave shut down more than 1,000 of its 6,090 Chinese locations and dampened international demand. The US-based chain has faced significant obstacles in its efforts to expand into Italy, where strong mom-and-pop coffee traditions have allowed coffeehouses to take over.
“This is a transformative moment in our company’s history: the creation of a new category and a new platform,” Schultz told CNBC.
Starbucks has always made product diversification an essential part of its corporate strategy. The chain offers more than 87,000 drink combinations possible through various customization options and is also known for rolling out seasonal drinks like the classic pumpkin spice latte and mint hot chocolate.
The company’s Partanna olive oil press or spoon will be available as a customization option for all Starbucks beverages.
Along with the creamed coffee, Starbucks will also offer an Oleato espresso martini, available at select locations in Italy, Seattle and New York.
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