Starbucks launches new offerings for Spring 2011 to mark its 40th Annivesary

Press release

Published March 23rd, 2011 - 11:58 GMT

Cocoa Cappuccino launched in the Middle East and North Africa

To celebrate its 40^th Anniversary, Starbucks has announced the introduction of a new seasonal beverage, ‘Cocoa Cappuccino’ and a special edition ‘Tribute Blend’ coffee now available in the Middle East and North Africa. The new offerings which is available across all Starbucks Middle East locations until 25^th April 2011, pay tribute to Starbucks’ exemplary coffeehouse culture and affirms the warm connections formed between stores and coffee lovers throughout the world.

Cocoa Cappuccino elevates the espresso line-up with a twist on an old favourite, the regular cappuccino. Launched globally across fifty three markets, each quality cup is made following Starbucks’ methods of excellence to surprise and delight customers. Featuring fresh caramel espresso with bittersweet mocha sauce, steamed milk and a thick layer of silky foam, Cocoa Cappuccino, served hot or cold, offers the perfect balance between the bold flavour of the espresso and the rich sweetness of mocha – resulting in a perfect drink for spring.

The Tribute Blend is a new whole bean coffee blend offering for the spring season. The bold, spicy blend celebrates the unique coffee heritage of Starbucks by combining the highest quality coffee beans from across four renowned coffee producing nations; Colombia Narino, Papua New Guinea, Aged Sumatra and Sun-dried Ethiopia. The rich body of this unique blend of coffee beans can be paired with berries, herbed dishes, cinnamon, maple and toffee.

Rana Shaheen, Regional Communications and CSR Manager at Starbucks MENA said: “The 40^th Anniversary of Starbucks is best commemorated with these very special and unique new products. Not only is the Cocoa Cappuccino a new twist on the regular favourite of the cappuccino, but its bold flavours are ideal as a new spring beverage. The Tribute Blend marks forty years of rich coffee heritage which only Starbucks can deliver. As always, ensuring coffee excellence is of the utmost importance for Starbucks, these limited edition offerings will only serve to reinforce our ethos and culture in enhancing the coffee experience all year round.”

Background Information

Starbucks Coffee Company

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world.

As the premier vendor of the finest coffee, Starbucks is focused on delivering the best experience to every customer at each of its locations around the world, including Kuwait, KSA, UAE, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain & Oman in the Middle East region

Starcbucks work with many communities, and is committed to providing the Starbucks Experience while respecting the local customs and tastes of each country it operates in. It is also committed to hiring locally, currently providing nearly 2700 jobs for more than 30 nationalities including Arab nationals in over 300 operating stores in the region.

Starbucks stores have been operating in the Middle East since 1999 through a licensing agreement with trading partner and licensee MH Alshaya WLL, a private Kuwait family business.

Company Profile

Alshaya Group

As a leading international franchise operator, with nearly 90 of the world’s most recognised brands in its portfolio, Alshaya Group brings great shopping, dining, leisure and hospitality experiences to millions of customers across the Middle East & North Africa, Russia, Turkey, Europe and beyond.

Alshaya Group is a dynamic multinational business and family owned enterprise with a consistent record of growth and innovation. For 35 years, Alshaya has been a pioneering force in brand franchising, using its exceptional knowledge and experience to expand at pace.