Starbucks Blonde Espresso Launches in U.S. Stores

Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) announced the arrival of Starbucks® Blonde Espresso, marking the first time the company has introduced a new core espresso option in the United States in more than 40 years. Customers across the U.S. will now be able to order any handcrafted espresso beverage with their choice of “Starbucks® Signature” or “Starbucks® Blonde” espresso, including Starbucks Caffe Latte, Cappuccino, Flat White, Macchiato and Americano beverages.

“Our partners are so passionate about their craft and now they get to help our customers discover and personalize the foundation of the beverage – an espresso that is either bold and rich or smooth and bright. We want every experience our customers have with us to be perfect for them” said Kris Engskov, president U.S. Retail for Starbucks.

Demand for espresso beverages is on the rise with the National Coffee Association reporting in 2017 that nearly 25 percent of past-day daily coffee drinkers choose espresso*. Starbucks has offered a second espresso option in select international markets since 2013, including the debut of Starbucks® Blonde Espresso in Canada last year to an overwhelmingly positive response from partners (employees) and customers. Building on that success, this is the first new addition to the company’s U.S. core espresso menu and, as a permanent addition will be available year-round. Starbucks® Blonde Espresso is also available in pods for the Verismo® System by Starbucks and, joins Starbucks portfolio of lighter roast offerings including Starbucks® Blonde Roast coffees, which were introduced as whole bean packaged coffee and brewed options in 2012. 

Created by a team of master blenders and roasters, Starbucks® Blonde Espresso brings together beans from Latin America and East Africa, roasted to the peak of their flavor to showcase the coffee’s balanced, subtle sweetness.

“We set the standard for a dark, boldly roasted coffee and in this case, we broke a few of our own rules by taking a lighter approach to espresso which created a bright taste with sweet citrus notes and a smooth body,” said Andrew Linnemann, vice president of Global Coffee for Starbucks. “We are really proud of the roast and think customers are going to love experimenting with it”

All of Starbucks coffee, including Starbucks® Blonde Espresso, is sourced through its Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E) Practices, the company’s comprehensive approach to sourcing that meets its social, economic, environmental and quality standards. Starbucks is also a founding member of the Sustainable Coffee Challenge, a growing coalition of more than 80 industry and conservation leaders led by Conservation International. The challenge is convening the sector to sustain the future supply of coffee while helping to ensure the prosperity and wellbeing of farmers and workers. 

*National Coffee Drinking Trends 2017

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 25,000 stores around the globe, Starbucks is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit our stores or online at news.starbucks.com and Starbucks.com.

For more information on this press release, press@starbucks.com