A cup of Starbucks coffee is the result of a long voyage starting with farmers picking&nbsp;coffee cherries from trees and ending with&nbsp;masterful brewing by highly-skilled&nbsp;baristas.&nbsp;

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Through March 29, Starbucks is hosting a&nbsp;Coffee Experience Journey at Cityplaza – one of the largest shopping malls in Hong Kong – to give coffee enthusiasts the opportunity to learn and experience coffee and the path that it travels before arriving in Starbucks® stores.

“Our work goes far beyond the coffee counter. We want to share with the public exactly how our coffee is made and our in-depth knowledge from years of experience,” said Norbert Tan, executive director, Starbucks Hong Kong and Macau. “It’s this plus our passion for everything coffee that is and has been critically important in defining the unparalleled Starbucks craft.”

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The Coffee Experience Journey is a series of workshops that will highlight four key stages of coffee:

Uncovering the Origins of Coffee - In this section of the journey, a virtual presentation of Starbucks coffee farms will be featured, showing coffee growing on trees, being picked and de-pulped. In addition, customers will have the opportunity to rake coffee beans on a simulated coffee drying bed.

Roasting and Blending - The Starbucks Roast is not a time, temperature or color, but rather a philosophy of helping each bean reach its maximum potential. Customers will have a chance to blend three recommended single origin coffees to create a perfect match according to their tastes and take the blend home for free.

Understanding the Fundamentals of Brewing - Starbucks helps unlock the full potential of coffee for the perfect cup every time, with four basic fundamentals of brewing – the right proportion of coffee to water, different grind levels, clean water at the right temperature and freshness of coffee. During special coffee workshops, <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-coffee-masters-share-passion-for-coffee">Starbucks Coffee Masters</a> will demonstrate how different brewing methods such as a French press, pour-over, and siphon, stimulate different tastes.&nbsp;In addition, a <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/podcast-inside-the-starbucks-coffee-cupping-room">coffee cupping</a> class will be offered to help customers learn how to describe the aroma, acidity, body and flavor of coffee.

Savoring the Taste of Coffee - Customers will learn how to taste and savor coffee similar to the sampling of wine. From complex flavors to special characteristics, this experience will demonstrate how to get maximum satisfaction from coffee. Starbucks Coffee Masters will lead coffee tastings to demonstrate how to <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/podcast-inside-the-starbucks-coffee-cupping-room">smell, slurp, locate flavors on the tongue and describe</a> coffee characteristics.

“We started out with the idea to create a truly immersive bean to cup experience that our customers would never have seen before,” added Tan. “Great care has been taken to make it an authentic experience which is both informative and fun.”

During the Coffee Experience Journey, there will be an exhibition of more than 100 iconic Starbucks white cups, hand-drawn by Starbucks Hong Kong partners and local art lovers who were inspired by coffee and the local community. Local artists Carmen Ng, Jack Lee, Jane Lee and Pucky will also share their talent and passion for art on the company’s cups. In addition, artwork created by Stefan Kuhnigh from Germany and Liv Buranday from the Philippines will be on display.

Coffee grounds will take on new life during Coffee in Your Life workshops that demonstrate how to create soap, sachets and tie-dye with coffee as well as how to plant using coffee grounds. These classes show just how versatile coffee is and how it can be used for many purposes from composting to household chores.

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Starbucks Coffee Experience Journey provides workshops and an exhibit to educate consumers about coffee and the path that it travels before arriving in Starbucks stores.

Building Knowledge at Starbucks Coffee Experience

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Starbucks Stories Asia

Building Coffee Knowledge at Starbucks Interactive Experience in Hong Kong

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Many believe that celebrations for Lunar New Year began as early as 14th century B.C. when China’s Shang Dynasty was in power. Today this holiday is one of the world’s most significant cultural celebrations.

Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice and lasts for 15 days. The calendar and festivities follow the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. Every year, families gather to celebrate, greet one another with blessings and share wishes for fortune and luck. Married couples give out “lai see” or "hongbao," which are red packets containing money. This symbol of good luck is thought to ward off evil spirits. Lion dances and fireworks are also customary.

This year’s celebration marks the Year of the Monkey. Those born under this sign are said to be clever, cheerful and creative, which prompted Starbucks to create a festive line of products to celebrate the season. A limited supply of Lunar New Year merchandise can be found at Starbucks stores in Asia.

An inquisitive white monkey looks out from the side of this red ceramic mug in embossed 3D detail. The tail curls around the mug, while an arm forms the mug’s handle. It has a painted glaze exterior and yellow interior, while gold-colored vines add beautiful metallic accents.

This red ceramic coffee mug is dipped in a glossy glaze and features a full-wrap decal with metallic gold-colored vines and lantern art. The accompanying wood coaster is laser-etched with the Starbucks® name and comes with a playful monkey figurine.

The outer red ceramic mug has a curled handle that forms the monkey’s tail and the Starbucks® name debossed on the side. The middle ceramic mug holds eight fluid-ounces and is debossed with a transparent flow glaze to create a lovely golden texture. The interior white ceramic mug holds six fluid-ounces and forms a monkey’s head, revealing an abstract face and two protruding ears that serve as handles.

Bursts of red and white fireworks and geometric shapes add to the celebratory look of the coffee tumbler, while the double-wall construction helps keep hands cool and dry. These tumblers feature a red flip-top lid to help minimize spills.

Ring in the Year of the Monkey. Commemorate Chinese New Year with this special-edition Starbucks Card.

Dipped in a glossy red glaze, this monkey-shaped bank features a metallic gold-colored vine detail. The Starbucks® name is printed next to the coin slot near the back of the monkey’s head.

Dressed like a monkey with a removable hood, this soft, giftable bear features a festive pattern of colors on paws and ears, while an embroidered patch adorns its tummy.

Tradition meets elegance with this chic glass mug with an abstract pattern and yellow and white floral design.

Celebrate with these festive small envelopes that feature a red monkey on the cover.

Celebrate with these festive small envelopes featuring a red monkey on the cover.

Lunar New Year is one of the world's most significant cultural celebrations. To mark the occasion, Starbucks is featuring special merchandise in its stores in the China and Asia Pacific region.

Ring in the Year of the Monkey at Starbucks Stores in Asia

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Marking the Year of the Monkey at Starbucks Stores in Asia

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Starbucks is pairing world class coffee and luxury design.

To celebrate the holidays, Starbucks and renowned fashion designer <a href="http://www.annasui.com/en/#/home">Anna Sui</a> created limited-edition merchandise. Designed exclusively for Starbucks, this chic collection is now featured at select Starbucks® stores in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

"At Starbucks, we have a history of innovative relationships with leading designers. Through our collaboration with Anna Sui, we are excited to offer our customers this exclusive and fashionable merchandise in our stores,” said Brady Brewer, senior vice president of Category Brand Management for Starbucks China and Asia Pacific Region.

“I drew inspiration for the collection from my New York boutique,” said Anna Sui, <a href="http://www.annasui.com/en/#/home">founder and designer of Anna Sui</a>. “This is where my passions come to life, so I wanted to represent it in my designs for Starbucks.”

Sui’s penchant for design began at age four, when she started making her own clothes. Before the end of her senior year in high school, she was accepted to Parsons School of Design in New York City. In 1981, after only two years at Parsons, Sui launched her first design collection. Eleven years later, she opened her first flagship store and today, has more than 50 boutiques in eight countries and her collection is sold in 300 stores in more than 30 countries.

The Starbucks® + Anna Sui collection will be available in select Starbucks® stores while supplies last and will include the following items:

Starbucks + Anna Sui Boutique Double Wall Mug

A mug featuring Anna Sui’s iconic boutique artwork as well as a replica of a dress from her fashion line, inspired by Marie Antoinette.

This tote bag highlights Anna Sui’s instantly recognizable, signature style and is both practical and chic.

Anna Sui + Starbucks Rose Stripe Double Wall Mug

These rococo-styled mugs reflect a vintage royal elegance with a cutting edge rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic.

Anna Sui + Starbucks Card and Card Carrier

This Starbucks® Card and accompanying carrier was inspired by Anna Sui’s iconic boutique. Through the card, customers can register for My Starbucks Rewards™ for a variety of exclusive offers and benefits.

Anna Sui + Starbucks 17 oz. S’well Bottle

This bottle features Anna Sui’s store front mannequin artwork, which reflects her passion for her work and contagious enthusiasm. Both the 17-ounce and 9-ounce sizes will keep drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours.

Anna Sui + Starbucks 9 oz. S’well Bottle

Anna Sui’s quintessential butterfly artwork is showcased on this bottle as a symbol of classic simplicity.

Limited-edition merchandise inspired by Anna Sui's New York boutique are featured at select Starbucks locations in Asia.

Anna Sui and Starbucks Create Gifts for the Holidays

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Fashion Designer Anna Sui and Starbucks Create Exclusive Gifts

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Since the first Starbucks Card launched in 2001, designers have created hundreds of varieties of these collectible cards.

One of this year's new designs, available at participating Starbucks® stores in Asia, is a Starbucks Card adorned with Swarovski® crystals. The premium mini Starbucks Card – small enough to fit on your keyring – will be available in select markets across the region. 

The limited-edition mini Starbucks Card creates the feeling of a snowscape for holiday gift-giving. The design, awash in champagne and silver hues, is studded with 29 dazzling Swarovski crystals applied in Austria. This international exclusive will be available starting in November in limited quantities in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand.

“We continually innovate to find convenient and expressive ways to pay," said Brady Brewer, senior vice president of Category Brand Management for Starbucks China and Asia Pacific Region. "We've featured premium materials like sterling silver, and of course we introduced mobile payment in several Asia markets."

Production of the one-of-a-kind Starbucks Card with Swarovski crystals was a collaboration between the Austria-based company for crystal application and a U.S. supplier that printed the cards. The Starbucks Card features a barcode, rather than a magnetized stripe, to enable crystals to be placed across the entire face of the card. The Starbucks Card has a minimum load amount that varies by market.

“This Starbucks Card is a premium option for customers looking to give a gift to themselves or their favorite Starbucks fan with something special,” Brewer said. “This is just the beginning of what we’re going to see for the holidays at Starbucks.”

Starbucks stores in Asia will carry a new limited-edition mini Starbucks Card studded with Swarovski crystals.

Starbucks Card with Swarovski Crystals Coming to Asia

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Starbucks Cards Created with Swarovski Crystals Coming to Asia this Holiday

Starbucks Cards with Swarovski Crystals Coming to Asia

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Crystal Starbucks Cards Coming to Asia this Holiday

Starbucks to enter Cambodia, its 16th market in the China/Asia Pacific region, building on a 15-year strategic licensing partnership with Hong Kong Maxim’s Group

HONG KONG; August 27, 2015 – Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today announced plans to open its first location in Cambodia by the end of 2015, representing the company’s 16th market in the fast-growing China/Asia Pacific (CAP) region. 

The first location will open in the capital city of Phnom Penh by the end of 2015, at the newly expanded Phnom Penh International Airport. Starbucks expects to open its second store in downtown Phnom Penh in early 2016. 

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Building on a 15-year collaboration with Hong Kong Maxim’s Group, Starbucks has entered a licensing agreement to open Starbucks® stores in Cambodia with Coffee Concepts (Cambodia) Limited, part of Hong Kong Maxim’s Group. Coffee Concepts (Cambodia) Limited will be responsible for delivering Starbucks iconic coffeehouse experience to customers and stewarding the brand’s growth in the country. This agreement builds on Maxim’s experience in successfully investing in and growing the Starbucks brand across Hong Kong, Macau and, most recently, Vietnam.

“We are pleased to be extending our partnership with Starbucks to Cambodia and look forward to leveraging our expertise and knowledge of the Starbucks brand to deliver the Starbucks Experience to customers in the market,” said Michael Wu, Chairman and Managing Director, Hong Kong Maxim’s Group. 

For 44 years, Starbucks has built its brand by delivering a consistent, authentic in-store experience to customers around the globe. The Starbucks Experience is built on sourcing high-quality arabica coffee, delivering high-quality product innovation and surprising and delighting customers with an uplifting experience through engaged, passionate and knowledgeable baristas. 

Starbucks today operates more than 5,200 stores and employs more than 80,000 partners (employees) across 15 markets in the CAP region. Through its licensed partner Coffee Concepts (Hong Kong) Limited, a subsidiary of Hong Kong Maxim’s Group, Starbucks operates more than 150 stores in Hong Kong and Macau. Similarly, Starbucks operates 15 stores in Vietnam through Viet Idea Food and Beverages Limited, a sub-licensee of Coffee Concepts (Vietnam) Limited, also a subsidiary of Hong Kong Maxim’s Group.

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 21,000 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 Starbucks stores or online at <a href="http://www.starbucks.com/">Starbucks.com</a> and <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/">news.starbucks.com</a>.

Founded in 1956, Hong Kong Maxim’s Group is a leading food &amp; beverage company comprising of Chinese, Asian and European restaurants, quick service restaurants, bakery shops and institutional catering, while providing a range of festive products, including the award-winning Mei-Xin Mooncakes. The Group is also the licensee of renowned brands including Starbucks Coffee, Genki Sushi and IPPUDO ramen and The Cheesecake Factory in various territories. Altogether, the Group operates over 900 outlets in Hong Kong, PRC and Vietnam. It also established the first Sino-Foreign joint venture in PRC in 1980 and now delivers air catering service in 11 cities through joint ventures.

Starbucks plans to open its first location in Cambodia by the end of 2015, representing the company’s 16th market in the fast-growing China and Asia Pacific (CAP) region.

Starbucks Announces Plans to Bring its Unique Coffeehouse Experience to the Vibrant Cambodian Market

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Starbucks to Bring its Unique Coffeehouse Experience to Cambodia

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Starbucks opened its first stores in Japan nearly 20 years ago and 10 years later, began offering ready-to-drink (RTD) products in partnership with Suntory Beverage and Food Limited. Today, Starbucks has announced the launch of its newest RTD beverage, the Black Coffee Pike Place® Roast, sold exclusively in Japan.

“We learned that the black coffee market in Japan is growing and consumers are drinking it outside of a cafe environment,” said Stephanie Choi, brand manager, Global Ready-to-Drink Innovation for Starbucks. “We began to investigate how we could bring a Starbucks® roast to Japanese consumers in a premium way and in a ready-to-drink format.”

Starbucks® Pike Place Roast®, which represents the rich history of the company, was selected as the perfect coffee to feature as an RTD beverage. A group of Starbucks partners in Seattle and Japan collaborated with Suntory to develop the new drink. Ayumi Aoki, an eight-year Starbucks partner (employee) and senior product developer was part of this team.

“We worked to capture the nuances of Pike Place Roast to deliver an experience that’s inspired by our cafes,” said Aoki. “We were able to create a drink that is delicious both hot and cold.”

The Black Coffee Pike Place® Roast will be available in convenience stores in Japan, which are very popular throughout the country.

In addition to providing the best pure black coffee drink with no sugar or milk added, the Starbucks and Suntory teams looked for the ideal way to package the new beverage.

“One of the trends we are seeing in Japan is the use of the premium aluminum bottle can,” said Choi. “It’s resealable and portable, which makes it an ideal option for those on the go.”

The design elements featured on the aluminum bottle can were also important. Deb Ladwig, creative manager of Starbucks Design Studio, helped to create a label that set the beverage apart and celebrates the heritage of the <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/summer-road-trip-pike-place-seattle">Pike Place store in Seattle</a>.

“We incorporated many of the elements that represent Starbucks first store,” said Ladwig. “The background on the label is actually the texture you see on the floor of our Pike Place location.”

Starbucks and Suntory introduced the Black Coffee Pike Place® Roast at a special press conference and launch event in Tokyo. An audience of more than 100 media heard from <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/leadership/michael-conway">Michael Conway</a>, president of Starbucks Global Channel Development; Mr. Kouichi Kitagawa, Executive Officer for Suntory Beverage and Food Limited and local Japanese celebrities: Ivan, a local fashion model; Terry Ito, influential television producer and commentator; and Sean McArdle Kawakami, influential business media host and personality.

Pictured in image above from left to right: Mr Kouichi Kitagawa, Ivan, Michael Conway, Terry Ito, Sean McArdkle Kawakami and David Hanson

Starbucks Pike Place Roast, which represents the rich history of the company, was selected as the perfect coffee to feature as an RTD beverage.

Starbucks to Offer Black Coffee Pike Place Roast Ready-to-Drink Beverage Exclusively in Japan

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Starbucks to Offer Black Coffee Pike Place Roast RTD Beverage Exclusively in Japan

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Coffee came to Vietnam in the 1800s, brought by the French up to the mountains of Vietnam’s Lam Dong Province. The volcanic soil and cooling mists of the Central Highlands made it the ideal land for coffee. Its anchoring city, Da Lat was known as “The City of Eternal Spring,” with its temperate weather a welcome respite from the tropical weather of the bustling cities near the coast. 

Although Vietnam today is one of the world’s top exporters of robusta coffee, its specialty-grade arabica coffee has thrived in its mountains for more than 150 years. Now Starbucks is offering its first single-origin coffee from the country with Starbucks Reserve® Vietnam Da Lat.

“When we received a sample of this coffee, we were delighted at the quality,” said Leslie Wolford, senior coffee specialist for Starbucks. “Vietnam Da Lat has a bright refreshing acidity highlighting kola nut, toffee, and vanilla. It is excellent as espresso, brewed coffee, or even cold brew.”

Patricia Marques, a 13-year Starbucks partner based in Ho Chi Minh City, has served as general manager for Starbucks Vietnam since the company opened its first store in 2013. 

“Vietnam has a very long and proud coffee history,” Marques said. “People here prefer a strong, thick coffee with full body. They enjoy coffee at a very slow pace, sitting outside and having conversation with others.”

The packaging for Starbucks Reserve® Vietnam Da Lat was inspired by the close proximity of the farms to the city of Da Lat. The city’s French Art Deco style architecture is reflected through bold, geometric shapes of the design. The gold texture represents the ever-present mist that sits amongst the city and its surrounding pine forests.

Each Starbucks Reserve® coffee is sourced from small lots in coffee-growing regions in Latin America, Africa and Asia Pacific, and every coffee has a signature roast profile to bring out its unique flavors. These coffees are roasted with care, at the <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/video-inside-starbucks-reserve-roastery-and-tasting-room">Starbucks Reserve® Roastery and Tasting Room in Seattle</a>, to enhance their peak flavor expression. They are available in limited supply in select Starbucks® stores or <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-exclusive-subscription-delivery-of-reserve-coffees-from-roastery">through subscription</a>.

Specialty-grade arabica coffee has thrived in Vietnam’s fertile mountains since the 1800s. Now Starbucks is offering its first single-origin coffee from the country with Starbucks Reserve Vietnam Da Lat.

Starbucks Offers its First Single-Origin Coffee from Vietnam

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Starbucks Offers its First Coffee from Vietnam

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Coffee is at the core of everything Starbucks does.

From sourcing and roasting to crafting and innovating, Starbucks partners (employees) are passionate about brewing and handcrafting the world’s best coffee beverages.&nbsp;Starbucks baristas in China and Japan recently celebrated coffee artistry through competitions in pour-over brewing and latte art.

The Starbucks coffee journey began in Asia nearly 20 years ago, with the company’s first store outside of North America opening in Tokyo in 1996, followed later in 1999 with the first store at the Beijing World Trade Centre. It started with the introduction of a cup of fresh-brewed coffee, followed by educating customers on the joy and indulgence of enjoying a handcrafted cup of espresso beverage, such as the Café Latte and Café Mocha.

Today, customers in Japan and China have even more ways to enjoy their favorite cup of Starbucks coffee – through pour-over brewing or latte art – at more than 1,000 stores and more than 1,600 stores in Japan and China, respectively.

Craftsmanship and Artistry in Each Cup of Starbucks Coffee

“Every cup of Starbucks coffee, whether it’s our fresh brew or an espresso beverage, starts with sourcing the finest coffees from around the world. By extending our offerings to include the pour-over and latte art, we are showcasing these quality ingredients in a full-flavored coffee beverage,” said Belinda Wong, president, Starbucks China.&nbsp; “More significantly, the craftsmanship and artistry that goes into each cup of Starbucks pour-over or latte art is highlighted in an exceptional way. We are excited to share this experience with our customers in China.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Most recently, Starbucks wrapped up the final event of its Starbuck China Third Annual Latte Art Throwdown Tour and Second Annual Pour-Over Competition, which covered six cities, including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Xian, Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai. A total of 79 Starbucks China baristas competed in the competitions.

The idea of the tour and competitions began about three years ago as a way to build excitement and momentum around the launch of latte art as a standard offering in China.&nbsp; Today, the tour and the competition leading up to these events has become a celebration of partners’ coffee artistry and genuine passion for coffee.&nbsp;

“It was especially symbolic that while a group of our China partners were in Sumatra experiencing the <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-coffee-journey-the-first-10-feet-the-last-10-feet">‘first 10 feet’</a> of the coffee bean journey, this competition was celebrating the work that our partners do every day to deliver the ‘last 10 feet’,” said Jeff Miller, vice president, retail and operations, Starbucks China.&nbsp;“I am certain that if the farmers could see how our baristas honor their work through the care they put into brewing these coffees, whether in a latte or a cup of pour-over, they would be as proud as we are.”

The top four winners from each Starbucks China region will travel later this year to Chengdu to attend the Starbucks China National Latte Art and Pour-Over&nbsp;competitions.&nbsp; These events will coincide with the China Coffee Ambassador Cup, where the winner will be crowned Starbucks China Coffee Ambassador, representing the pinnacle of coffee expertise.

“As the leading coffee company in China, I am so excited to represent my North China region partners at this national competition. This is a dream come true for me and a firm demonstration of our dedication to only deliver the perfect Starbucks coffee beverage to our customers every time they visit our stores,” added Kevin Zhang from the Starbucks Beijing Kerry Center flagship store.

Coffee Has Become an Important Part of ‘the Japanese way of life’

In Japan, Starbucks partners also challenged each other and showcased their coffee passion and talent with the best baristas at the Starbucks Coffee Japan Annual Leadership Conference. As part of this gathering, Starbucks hosted the second "We Connect Cup” – a competition to demonstrate and highlight how Starbucks partners exercise the best services, operation, and connections with customers.

“Since the opening of our first store in Ginza, coffee has become such an important part of the Japanese way of life,” said Jun Sekine, ceo, Starbucks Coffee Japan. “Over the past 19 years, our baristas have been pulling perfect espresso beverages for our customers, sharing our passion for the world’s most premium Starbucks Reserve coffee, and building individual moments of connections with customers. We want to continue to elevate their coffee experience whenever they come to a Starbucks store.”

At the second We Connect Cup competition, Starbucks Coffee Japan partners from 13 regions pit their coffee skills and expertise in three categories – operational excellence, beverage routine and service basics.

“It’s by perfecting these three combinations that will make Starbucks world class customer service vision a reality in Japan,” added Masayo Mameta, partner at the Starbucks Fukuoka University Hospital store.

Coffee is at the core of everything Starbucks does. Recently, baristas in China and Japan celebrated coffee artistry through competitions in pour-over brewing and latte art.

Starbucks Baristas Celebrate Coffee Artistry in China and Japan

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Starbucks Japan celebrated the launch of a new Frappuccino® beverage in style this week.

A fashion event, created by acclaimed designer Taro Horiuchi, set the stage for the debut of Starbucks Fruits-on-top yogurt Frappuccino® with crushed nuts. Horiuchi, a Tokyo fashion designer and winner of the Newcomer’s Prize at Mainichi Fashion Grand Prix Japan, created dresses and separates that playfully captured the essence of the beverage with fruit on top.

The base of the beverage is yogurt blended with almonds and four kinds of refreshing fruit jelly - orange, strawberry, yellow peach and white peach – topped with whipped cream. The early-summer treat is available in Starbucks stores in Japan for a limited time (April 15-June 2).

Today, Starbucks serves Frappuccino blended beverages in all of its 66 countries and offers more than 36,000 different drink combinations. Around the world there are unique Frappuccino flavors that reflect the diverse palates of global customers, such as Coffee Jelly Frappuccino and Red Bean Green Tea Frappuccino in Asia, Algarrobina Frappuccino with syrup from the Black Carob tree in Peru and the chocolate Brigadeiro Frappuccino in Brazil.

Japan was the first country outside of the United States and Canada to offer the handcrafted beverage in 1996.

Top 5 flavors in the United States: Caramel, Mocha, Vanilla Bean, Java Chip, Double Chocolatey Chip

U.S. Frappuccino social media stats: 10.9 million fans on Facebook, 164,000 followers on Twitter, 301,000 followers on Instagram (as of 4/16/15)

Starbucks store #8944 in Moreno Valley, California sells more Frappuccino blended beverages than any other store in the United States and Canada.

Saturday is the busiest day of the week for Frappuccino blended beverage sales.

The record for the most Frappuccino blended beverages sold on a single day in the United States and Canada occurred on May 10, 2014.

A Stylish Launch for Starbucks Japan’s New Frappuccino : Starbucks Stories Asia

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A Stylish Launch for Starbucks Japan’s New Frappuccino

A fashion event, created by acclaimed Tokyo designer Taro Horiuchi, set the stage for the debut of Starbucks Fruits-on-top yogurt Frappuccino with crushed nuts.

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With a history that dates back more than 4,000 years, Lunar New Year is one of the world’s grandest and most significant cultural celebrations. It's a time to sweep out the old and bring in the new with family gatherings, celebrations and the exchanging of gifts.

Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, originated in China during the Shang Dynasty to honor deities and ancestors. It’s now celebrated around the world for 15 days from late January to mid-February with spectacular fireworks displays, parades and events. This year's celebration marks the Year of the Sheep (or Goat) in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. Those born under the sign are believed to be calm, gentle and creative.

Starbucks stores are helping celebrate Lunar New Year with new card designs, mugs, tumblers and other merchandise in Asian markets:

Lunar New Year Starbucks Card (U.S. and Asia)

Starbucks senior designer Victor Melendez created the design for the 2015 Starbucks Lunar New Year Card, <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/shop/card/egift/lunar-new-year">available in dozens of countries around the world</a>. His design, crafted using a linoleum block printing technique, features the seasonal colors of red and gold.

Starbucks® New Year Gift Voucher Set (Hong Kong)

Complete set includes 12 Hong Kong $20 gift vouches and a complimentary tall handcrafted beverage voucher and 16 delicate packets in red and gold.

Year of the Sheep Gift Set (China, Taiwan)

Includes a “sheepish” Year of the Sheep Bearista® Bear and mini My Starbucks Rewards® Card.

Starbucks Coffee Wafer Rolls (China, Singapore, Taiwan)

Customers can enjoy this new crisp and buttery cookie infused with coffee in a decorative tin for easy gift-giving.

Customers can add some excitement to their New Year festivities with a Spicy Mocha. The beverage features the chili flavor of Chinese red pepper infused into Starbucks signature espresso and sweet chocolate sauce, topped with whipped cream and sweet and spicy red sprinkle.

A delicate treat of aromatic peach blossom and Earl Grey tea with freshly steamed milk, topped off with whipped cream and peach blossom sugar sprinkle.

Starbucks stores are helping celebrate Lunar New Year with new card designs, mugs, tumblers and other merchandise in Asian markets and around the world.

Starbucks Stores in Asia Usher in the Year of the Sheep

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2015/lunar-new-year/

Starbucks is bringing an immersive coffee experience to its customers in China with a new lineup of Starbucks Reserve® coffees and an interactive coffee bar to seven stores in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

Starbucks Reserve® coffees are small-lot coffees that are the most exquisite coffees in the world. Every year Starbucks coffee buyers travel to coffee-growing regions - from the faraway highlands in Papua New Guinea to the coast of Galapagos Islands in Ecuador - to find and purchase some of the world’s finest arabica coffee beans.

The stores in China that carry Starbucks Reserve coffee will feature coffee-forward designs, including an interactive “coffee bar,” where customers can discover different types of brewing methods such as the manual, pour-over style Chemex® Coffeemaker or the classic coffee press. Customers will have the opportunity to spend more time to explore Starbucks® coffees, ask questions, and purchase their favorite brewing equipment and packaged coffee for home use. Baristas are certified Starbucks Coffee Masters who wear black aprons as a symbol of their coffee expertise. 

“With 43 years of strong passion for coffee, we purchase and roast some of the finest quality coffee beans around the world for our customers,” said Belinda Wong, president of Starbucks China. “The launch of Starbucks Reserve coffee will bring a unique coffee experience to China.” 

The first four Starbucks Reserve offerings in China each hold intriguing flavors and stories:

Peru Chonti Coffee noted for its herbaceous aroma with a subtle lemony acidity with flavor notes of hazelnut and baking chocolate, this coffee originates from the steep valleys of northern Peru.

Panama Los Cantares Estate Coffee grown in Panama’s remote Volcán region, this coffee has won awards for its floral aromas, delicate body and bright, crisp acidity.

Malawi Peaberry Sable Farms Coffee from East Africa delivers crisp acidity with a vibrant splash of lime zest and a spicy, citrus complexity through the concentrated flavor of hand-selected peaberries. 

Hawaii Ka’u Coffee, cultivated on the temperate slopes of Mauna Loa, is recognized as one of the finest coffees in the world for its delicate and deliciously tropical flavors.

Starbucks Reserve coffees are currently available 25 markets, including the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Korea, and Japan. 

Coffee, Tea & Food