A lush, velvety coffee experience made possible by Partanna extra virgin olive oil

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Tokyo - Starbucks Coffee Japan, Ltd. expands the number of stores carrying Oleato™, a coffee beverage blending Starbucks coffee and extra virgin olive oil provided by Italian brand Partanna, to more than 500 Starbucks stores across Japan on March 27, 2024.

Oleato™ first launched globally in February 2023 in Milan where Starbucks founder first encountered espresso bars decades earlier. It was followed by the United States and then last April, Japan launched the Oleato™ platform. Oleato™ beverages, which were previously only available at the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo and about 60 Starbucks Reserve® stores across Japan, will now be available at more than 500 stores starting on March 27, 2024.

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Coffee Meets Olive Oil – An Elevated Coffee Experience Like No Other

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Oleato™ brings together two of nature’s finest ingredients – Starbucks arabica coffee deliciously infused with a spoonful of Partanna cold pressed extra virgin olive oil. The Oleato™ beverages that will be available at more than 500 stores across Japan are Oleato Golden Foam™ Cold Brew and Oleato™ Oat Milk Latte.

Oleato Golden Foam™ Cold Brew: Starbucks Reserve® Cold Brew is lightly sweetened with vanilla syrup and finished with Partanna extra virgin olive oil infused cold foam, creating an inviting aroma and subtle sweetness.

Oleato™ Oat Milk Latte: Starbucks® Blonde Espresso Roast, a light roast that is smooth and subtly sweet, is combined with creamy oat milk and infused with Partanna extra virgin olive oil to create a velvety smooth, deliciously lush latte.

Oleato™ beverages available in more than 500 Starbucks stores across Japan on March 27 : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Starbucks Stories Asia

Oleato™ beverages available in more than 500 Starbucks stores across Japan on March 27

A lush, velvety coffee experience made possible by Partanna extra virgin olive oil Tokyo &#8211; Starbucks Coffee Japan, Ltd. expands the number of stores carrying Oleato™, a coffee beverage blending Starbucks coffee and extra virgin olive oil provided by Italian brand Partanna, to more than 500 Starbucks stores across Japan on March 27, 2024. Oleato™ […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2024/oleato-beverages-available-in-more-than-500-starbucks-stores-across-japan-on-march-27/

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Line-up of six Oleato™ beverages includes creation innovated exclusively for the market - a first-ever globally

To be available in select Starbucks Reserve® stores including the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Shanghai

Shanghai – Starbucks today unveiled an exciting line-up of six Oleato™ beverages in China, marking the debut of its revolutionary coffee-forward platform in the market. An innovative alchemy of Starbucks® finest arabica coffee infused with Partanna extra virgin olive oil, Oleato™ beverages will be available in select Starbucks Reserve® stores including the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Shanghai. The China launch also marked the first time globally that a customized Oleato beverage has been created exclusively for the local market.

“Oleato™ exemplifies Starbucks coffee innovation at its finest and boldest. The revolutionary combination of two transcendent ingredients – premium arabica coffee and Partanna extra virgin olive oil – unleashes extraordinary new flavors and textures that promise to transform the way coffee is enjoyed. Behind every cup is Starbucks deep passion and reverence for coffee craft, our unwavering commitment to quality, and insatiable desire to continuously innovate new possibilities. Following the phenomenal customer enthusiasm to Oleato™ globally, I can’t be more excited to now present this incredible coffee forward platform to discerning customers in China,” said Howard Schultz, Starbucks founder and chairman emeritus, who graced the exclusive launch event held at the Starbucks Reserve® Shanghai Roastery.

Oleato™ beverages embody Starbucks ceaseless exploration of new ways to enjoy our daily coffee, which began in 1980s Milan, where Schultz was first inspired to bring the ritual of handcrafted espresso to Starbucks. Four decades later in Sicily, he was once again captivated by the local tradition of enjoying a spoonful of extra virgin olive oil every day, which gave birth to Oleato™ beverages.

Oleato™ brings together two of nature’s finest ingredients – Starbucks arabica coffee deliciously infused with a spoonful of cold pressed Partanna extra virgin olive oil, made from top-grade Mediterranean olives which have been grown by the Asaro family for four generations, spanning over 100 years. The result is a new coffee ritual like no other - enhanced with lush, velvety flavor that lingers beautifully on the palate.

Infusing Starbucks coffee with olive oil yields a velvety smooth, rich texture, with the buttery, round flavors imparted by the olive oil perfectly pairing with the soft, chocolatey notes of the coffee.&nbsp;With its uniquely nutty, slightly sweet flavors, and rich smoothness of a buttery caramel, Partanna’s extra virgin olive oil is a natural complement to Starbucks coffee, providing a luxurious, textural experience whether served hot or cold.

Raising the Bar for Coffee Innovation&nbsp;&nbsp;

Since debuting in Milan last year, Starbucks Oleato™ beverages have been launched to huge acclaim in select markets including Italy, the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and France. The eagerly anticipated launch in China features six premium beverages tailored to the palatal preferences of Chinese consumers, including Oleato™ Lemon Cream Latte, a customized beverage created exclusively for the local market for the first time.

“Starbucks is proud to introduce our latest signature global innovation to China. Leveraging our combination of global coffee expertise and local insights, our line-up of Oleato™ beverages has been thoughtfully curated to resonate with Chinese consumers. Be it adapting global innovations for China, or creating brand new beverage platforms for the market, we are focused on accelerating beverage innovation to surprise and delight our customers with disruptive concepts that raise the bar for coffee innovation in China,” said Belinda Wong, chairwoman and co-ceo, Starbucks China.

Oleato™ is the latest in a long line of exciting coffee forward platforms launched by Starbucks China in the past year, from its global Starbucks Refresher™ platform to innovations such as Mousse Espresso and Starbucks Intenso created just for China. It will be sold throughout the year in the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Shanghai and more than 100 Starbucks Reserve® stores across 12 Chinese cities. To offer more customers the opportunity to try this revolutionary beverage platform, Oleato™ beverages will also be served in another 300 Starbucks Reserve® stores for a limited period from March 22 to April 1, 2024.

The full line-up of Oleato™ beverages available in China are as follows:

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Oleato™ Beverages Arrive at Select Starbucks Stores in China : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Oleato™ Beverages Arrive at Select Starbucks Stores in China

Line-up of six Oleato™ beverages includes creation innovated exclusively for the market &#8211; a first-ever globally To be available in select Starbucks Reserve® stores including the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Shanghai Shanghai – Starbucks today unveiled an exciting line-up of six Oleato™ beverages in China, marking the debut of its revolutionary coffee-forward platform in the market. […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2024/oleato-beverages-arrive-at-select-starbucks-stores-in-china/

From Bean to Cup: Celebrating International Women’s Day with 5 Women Shaping the Coffee World in Asia Pacific

International Women’s Day is dedicated to celebrating women’s amazing achievements across the globe – and there are certainly plenty to celebrate in the coffee industry!

From coffee farmers to Starbucks partners (employees), both in-store and behind-the-scenes, we are bringing you the stories of five inspirational women in Asia Pacific who are making an impact in the coffee world. Join us as we share the stories behind their coffee experiences – and discover the vital parts they play in crafting your perfect coffee, from bean to cup.

One of the key messages of International Women’s Day is the importance of uplifting and empowering women – and that’s exactly what BENTANI (Brewing Change: Women’s Empowerment in Coffee Origin Communities in Indonesia), a program created by global humanitarian organization Mercy Corps in collaboration with The Starbucks Foundation, is all about.

Endah is a shining example of the program’s benefits. Coming from a family of coffee farmers, coffee is practically in Endah’s DNA; she now helps her coffee farmer husband grow and cultivate coffee, alongside running a village store selling coffee and other groceries.

Through the BENTANI program, Endah received training in bookkeeping, financial management and entrepreneurship – skills she has implemented at her shop to increase her income. “Before I participated in this program, it was hard for me to earn money to help my husband,” she says. Now her income helps pay for her children’s and younger siblings’ educations, as well as being reinvested into her store.

Inspired by BENTANI’s entrepreneurship training, Endah came up with the idea of selling cascara, a unique tea made from coffee shells discarded during the production process. Now Endah cleans and repurposes these shells, packaging them for people to buy and brew cascara at home.

As Endah’s story shows, investing in women results in whole communities being uplifted. To date, over 3,500 women in Indonesia’s coffee farming community have received support from BENTANI – creating a ripple effect that has positively impacted over 11,000 coffee farmers and their families. “This program showed me I could become a woman who didn’t just stay in the kitchen but could run a business!” Endah laughs.

Endah, Indonesian Coffee Farmer : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Endah, Indonesian Coffee Farmer

Embrace the lush and vibrant flavors of nature’s palette with Starbucks new Spring beverages across the Asia Pacific region.

NEW! STARBUCKS® FRENCH VANILLA MILLE-FEUILLE OATMILK LATTE

Say bonjour to the all-new Starbucks French Vanilla Mille-Feuille Oatmilk Latte, a delightful and buttery take on the classic French dessert, topped with flaky pastry toppings. Sip your way into spring with delightfully comforting light buttery notes, silky smooth vanilla, and creamy Oatmilk. With Starbucks signature espresso and topped with a swirl of caramel and flaky pastry toppings, this Parisian beverage is rich in sensory texture, delivering the lush flavors of the new season with every sip. Available as a hot, iced, and blended beverage.

NEW! STARBUCKS® PEACH PASSION BLOSSOM PURE MATCHA LATTE

Shake off the winter slumber and step into the season of full bloom with the Starbucks Peach Passion Blossom <a>Pure Matcha Latte </a>in hand. Feel the soft and creamy carpet of Pure Matcha and fruity nectarine come together with cold foam on top, and finally sprinkled with cranberry custard sugar. Available as a hot and iced beverage.

NEW! STARBUCKS® PEACH PASSION BLOSSOM CREAM FRAPPUCCINO® BLENDED BEVERAGE

This spring, enjoy the irresistibly creamy and fruity Starbucks® Peach Passion Blossom Cream Frappuccino® Blended Beverage. A fruity combination of Blossoms sauce, perfectly balanced with strawberry flavored sauce, this fruity, pastel-yellow beverage comes topped with a light layer of red cranberry custard flavored sugar and green Pure Matcha powder. Available as a blended beverage.

Enjoy the vibrancy of Spring with Starbucks new beverage lineup : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Enjoy the vibrancy of Spring with Starbucks new beverage lineup

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2024/enjoy-the-vibrancy-of-spring-with-starbucks-new-beverage-lineup/

Starbucks Japan is celebrating with new beverages like the Hanami Dango Frappuccino® and returning customer favourites such as Sakura AR

Starbucks Coffee Japan, Ltd. announced it is launching SAKURA Season on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Starbucks stores across the country will celebrate the season with two kinds of seasonal beverages, the Hanami Dango Frappuccino®, inspired by tricolor Dangos (sweet Japanese rice dumplings), the popular accompaniments to Hanami (Sakura/cherry blossom watching), and Hanami Sakura Cream, which evokes the image of blooming Sakura. 

The concept of SAKURA Series this year is “CHEERS to SAKURA” as a nod to the season of Hanami when people gather to cheers each other under the blossoming Sakura trees. This year, Starbucks customers’ returning favourite Sakura AR celebrates its fifth anniversary. Three new pieces of augmented reality content are available including the customizable coordination function of Bearista enabling its users to make Bearista perform cute dances.

Hanami Dango Frappuccino® and Hanami Sakura Cream deliver Japanese Hanami experience

This year’s SAKURA Series beverages include the Hanami Dango Frappuccino® and Hanami Sakura Cream, two beverages with a unique Starbucks twist on the Japanese Hanami experience.

The Hanami Dango Frappuccino® uses tricolor Dangos for the first time at Starbucks. The Dangos are garnished on and throughout the beverage to provide a taste experience from the first sip to the last. The body of the Frappuccino® is the blend of Hanami An sauce with white Anko flavour, Sakura and strawberry sauce and soy milk, to create a gentle Sakura flavor with Japanese taste. This is a cup topped with colorful Dangos and pink <a>feuillantine*</a> which depicts showering Sakura petals, adding visual excitement to your Hanami experience.

Hanami Sakura Cream is made up of mild steamed milk, Spring Blossoming Flavour Syrup which evokes the image of proudly blooming spring flowers and Caramel Flavour Syrup finished with the topping of crunchy Sakura feuillantine*. The beautiful hot beverage brings to you the experience of spring in full bloom.

*Feuillantine is a biscuit of thin, sweetened crêpe.

The updated Starbucks Sakura AR Experience delivers new content for 5th anniversary

Sakura AR, which provides early access to the Hanami experience every SAKURA Season, has three new pieces of content for its fifth year. The first one is “Fully bloomed!! Sakura Tree AR” designed to have a Sakura tree appear so customers can enjoy how the tree blooms and changes itself anytime and anywhere. Additionally, there are Bearistas hidden behind the petals and the trunk of the tree. 

The second AR experience is “AR Gift” in the form of a special Sakura envelope designed for Starbucks Card which, when customers scan it on their camera, shows Sakura designs and a cute Bearista who delivers a message. 

The third piece of content is “Dancing! Bearista AR,” a customizable Bearista who dances in ten different ways. As many as 920,000 coordination patterns are available to choose from. Customers can choose their favourite color of shirt, hat, glasses and stuffs to carry around to customize the Bearista’s style and watch how it dances. 

There is no need to download an app, Sakura AR is available through a smartphone simply by scanning the QR Code* printed on the retail receipt, shopper bag or Starbucks Online Store delivery box. Customers can also access a special site on the official Starbucks Japan website to enjoy Sakura AR.

Starbucks Sakura AR Content

Duration: From Wednesday, February 15 to Sunday, March 31, 2024

Available in participating Starbucks stores across Japan

* Anyone can access this from Starbucks official website without QR Code.

SAKURA Season starts at Starbucks Japan on Thursday, February 15 : Starbucks Stories Asia

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SAKURA Season starts at Starbucks Japan on Thursday, February 15

Starbucks Japan is celebrating with new beverages like the Hanami Dango Frappuccino® and returning customer favourites such as Sakura AR Starbucks Coffee Japan, Ltd. announced it is launching SAKURA Season on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Starbucks stores across the country will celebrate the season with two kinds of seasonal beverages, the Hanami Dango Frappuccino®, inspired […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2024/sakura-season-starts-at-starbucks-japan-on-thursday-february-15/

Available at select Starbucks® stores for a limited time, enjoy moments of comfort and connection with new winter beverages across the Asia Pacific region.

NEW! STARBUCKS® VIENNA CREAMY LATTE

Introducing the all-new Starbucks Vienna Creamy Latte, an exquisite new take on the classic Viennese coffee, crafted with a sumptuous Vienna Cream Foam. This silky smooth, caramelly, and delicious beverage combines our signature espresso, mocha sauce, Vanilla Mascarpone cheese, and vanilla seeds. Topped with a velvety Mascarpone cream and aromatic Burnt Caramel powder, take a pause to savor this indulgent treat. Available as a hot, iced, and blended beverage.

NEW! STARBUCKS® HONEY PLUM PURE MATCHA LATTE

Delightfully sweet and perfectly fruity, take a moment to reset and recharge with the Starbucks Honey Plum Pure Matcha Latte in hand. Experience the comforting flavors of pure matcha and honey plum, leaving you drifting in sweet, fruity heaven. With added purple Plum Foam and sweet Plum powder, this beautiful pastel hued beverage is refined with unfolding layers of intriguing, new flavors. Available as a hot and iced handcrafted beverage.

NEW! STARBUCKS® PEACH PLUM PEARLS OOLONG

Take a step back from the bustle of the holidays with the refreshingly soothing and oh so comforting Starbucks Peach Plum Pearls Oolong. Layered with real fruit chunks, our floral Teavana™ Zen Clouds Oolong Tea is mixed with plum and peach sauce and Sugar Cane syrup for a beautiful blend of sweet and sour flavors. The iced beverage comes with Plum flavored pearls for a fruity explosion. Available as a hot and iced handcrafted beverage.

Get cozy with Starbucks new winter beverages : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Get cozy with Starbucks new winter beverages

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2024/get-cozy-with-starbucks-new-winter-beverages/

Available at select Starbucks® stores for a limited time, enjoy this holiday season with festive beverages across the Asia Pacific region.

NEW! STARBUCKS® CHESTNUT MONT BLANC OATMILK LATTE

A modern reimagining of a classic dessert, the Chestnut Mont Blanc Oatmilk Latte is a positively plant-based beverage that will be sure to evoke a sense of warmth and familiarity. Taking inspiration from the familiar flavors of roasted chestnuts, this beverage is an exquisite blend of our signature espresso, oat milk, and toasty Chestnut Syrup, topped with a cloud of Chestnut-flavored Whipped Cream, sweet Chestnut-flavored drizzle, and a delightful Chestnut-shaped chocolate. Available as a hot, iced, and blended handcrafted beverage.

STARBUCKS® TOFFEE NUT CRUNCH COLD BREW

Reimagine the holidays with the velvety-smooth Toffee Nut Crunch Cold Brew. The Toffee Nut Crunch Brew is a luscious blend of our signature Cold Brew and buttery Toffee Nut flavors, topped with an airy blanket of Toffee Nut flavored foam and crunchy Toffee Nuts. Available as an iced handcrafted beverage.

STARBUCKS® TOFFEE NUT CRUNCH NITRO COLD BREW

Get ready for the festive season with an invigorating cup of Toffee Nut Crunch Nitro Cold Brew in hand. Served ice-cold and straight from the tap with a rich infusion of vanilla, topped by a thick layer of Toffee Nut cold foam and a sprinkle of Toffee Nut, this beverage is a pick-me-up that is sure to brighten up your holidays. Available as an iced handcrafted beverage.

STARBUCKS® TOFFEE NUT CRUNCH LATTE &nbsp;

The beloved Toffee Nut Crunch Latte is the perfect companion for a trip down memory lane this season. Rich, buttery Toffee Nut flavors are delicately paired with subtle hints of toasted nuts in our signature espresso for a heartwarming holiday drink, bringing memories of days spent with loved ones. Available as a hot, iced, and blended handcrafted beverage.

STARBUCKS® PEPPERMINT MOCHA

Combining classic flavors of peppermint and mocha, this beverage is a festive favorite. Inspired by iconic seasonal delicacies, the luxurious Peppermint Mocha, topped with fluffy whipped cream and eye-catching red and white candy bits, signals the start of the holiday season. Available as a hot, iced, and blended handcrafted beverage.

STARBUCKS® GINGERBREAD LATTE&nbsp;

The Gingerbread Latte is back to beat the winter chills, bringing you ultimate comfort. Hints of spicy gingerbread blended with our signature espresso roast make this the perfect treat to cozy up with friends and family. Available as a hot, iced, and blended handcrafted beverage.

Reimagine the holidays with new Starbucks festive beverages : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Reimagine the holidays with new Starbucks festive beverages

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2023/reimagine-the-holidays-with-new-starbucks-festive-beverages/

International Coffee Day marks a moment for all coffee lovers to come together, celebrate, learn about, and be inspired by this beloved beverage.

Since it’s the connections between our partners, customers and communities that make this beverage so special, International Coffee Day is the perfect time to learn more about the personal stories behind our partners’ coffee experiences.

Kris Benny Sinuraya, Indonesia

Coffee has been part of Kris Benny Sinuraya’s life for as long as he can remember. Growing up in a coffee farming family in Medan, Sumatra, it’s no surprise that coffee became his passion – one that has only grown since becoming a Starbucks partner.

Now a district coffee master and store manager at the Williem Iskandar Medan store, Kris Benny’s Starbucks career has been full of amazing moments, such as joining 2019’s Sumatra Origin Experience trip – an eye-opening coffee farm experience reserved for Starbucks partners to understand the origin and journey of Starbucks coffee beans. During this trip, he got the chance to visit the Starbucks Farmer Support Center in his home region. “I learned so much and jumped right in to see how the coffee journey happens from seed to cup,” he says. “When the trip finished, I immediately discussed with my family how to implement that knowledge on our coffee farm.”

Beyond that, Kris Benny believes that sharing his knowledge with Starbucks customers and partners is also vital to enhancing the coffee experience. “Ultimately, my goal is to make coffee more than just a daily routine; it’s about a culture of appreciation and connection through this beloved beverage.” For him, that has involved spearheading initiatives like creating coffee seminars and holding talks with the local community.

In that vein, Kris Benny hopes to continue making a difference to the people and future of coffee. “I will advocate for fair wages and better living conditions for coffee farmers and their communities,” he explains. “I also want to share my knowledge about coffee origins, brewing methods and the importance of quality, empowering consumers to make informed choices and appreciate the nuances of coffee. I hope to contribute to a more sustainable, ethical, and inclusive coffee culture that positively impacts both individuals and coffee-producing communities worldwide.”

Vennibell Jotiol, Malaysia

For Vennibell Jotiol, coffee has been “an amazing journey of learning and growth”.

Now a shift manager and coffee master at George Town’s Signing Store Burmah Road, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2019/career-opportunities-expand-in-malaysia-with-opening-of-new-starbucks-signing-store-in-penang/">Starbucks’ first Signing Store in Penang</a>, Vennibell recalls being shy upon first starting her Starbucks’ journey. However, her confidence soon mounted thanks to the support of her Starbucks partners, who “provided encouragement, mentorship, and a sense of belonging that helped me believe in myself and my abilities”.

Similarly, practicing tasks such as preparing coffees and interacting with customers daily when she was a barista, followed by expanding her knowledge through the coffee master program, further boosted her confidence and expertise. These days she finds herself guiding partners to follow in her footsteps of achieving coffee master status – offering knowledge, training, and support to “create an environment where everyone can grow and develop their coffee skills to the fullest”.

“Coffee has provided me with a means to engage more deeply with both our partners and customers,” Vennibell adds. “I’ve been able to foster stronger connections, meaningful conversations and build a sense of community among us.”

Empowering Deaf partners like herself is a cause particularly close to Vennibell’s heart and she aims to create more opportunities for Deaf partners to enter coffee competitions and showcase their skills to the public. “I hope to break down barriers and stereotypes while fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities,” she explains.

While she’s now in a position to teach others, Vennibell is eager to continue learning and hopes to achieve advanced coffee master certification across various brewing methods. She aspires to then take that knowledge to educate even more Deaf individuals about coffee, enabling them to receive the same level of teaching as hearing individuals. “My goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their hearing ability, can fully appreciate and excel in the world of coffee.”

Hangeul Lee, South Korea

“My role in coffee is like a tour guide,” Hangeul Lee enthuses. “I taste various kinds and study coffee from countries all over the world, then I share those experiences with customers. Although I haven’t visited those countries in person, I feel like I’m making a trip there through coffee.”

A shift supervisor and coffee master at <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/beautiful-new-starbucks-store-opens-in-south-korea/">Seoul’s Byuldabang store</a> , Hangeul loves exploring the diversity of coffee and passing that knowledge onto customers. Part of delving deeper into coffee’s origins for her coffee master certification meant discovering more about ethical sourcing – information that she is proud to share with Starbucks’ drinkers. “Customers don’t always know how we harvest coffee and how it’s grown, but I want to let them know the importance of fair trade, so that we can be fair to both coffee farms and farmers and help them raise their quality of life.”

Given coffee’s popularity in South Korea – the country ranks second highest in the world for coffee consumption – Hangeul is thrilled to see other sustainable initiatives being adopted by her community. She highlights Starbucks’ introduction of reusable cup programs in South Korea, including at her own Byuldabang branch, with a discount or bonus star offered to customers who bring their own cups.

“Creating eco-friendly stores informs customers about sustainability and resilient coffee supplies,” Hangeul explains. “It provides an option to participate in helping the environment while buying a cup of coffee.”

Tuxsaporn Wattanayotin, Thailand

“It’s not just coffee we serve every day,” says Tuxsaporn Wattanayotin. “Our coffee is something that connects people.”

Having been with Starbucks for 11 years, Tuxsaporn is now an assistant store manager at Chiang Mai’s Ruamchok Mall branch and coffee master who finished runner-up in 2022’s Asia-Pacific Coffee Story Championship. She is passionate about telling customers the story behind their cup of coffee “to inspire them and make them appreciate the people behind it”.

Having grown up in a coffee producing area, she is especially eager to showcase “another side of the story”, telling customers about the farmers who dedicate their lives to growing and developing coffee.

While describing herself as shy, Tuxsaporn has seen her confidence grow through these storytelling moments, saying “I can make a lot of friends through coffee!” She fondly remembers one of her first coffee tastings with a customer, where she deliberately chose to showcase Starbucks’ Muan Jai Blend, which is produced in the area where she grew up.

After relating the farmers’ hard work and how profits from the blend improved their quality of life, she describes how her customer “took a sip and said it was the best cup of coffee they’d ever had”. She continues, “They said it was because the story I told them made the coffee more delicious – and to keep telling this to other customers so they’d know that good coffee makes good things happen for the people that grow it”.

It's this connection between herself, coffee farmers, and customers that Tuxsaporn values most of all. “When customers hear these stories, it’s not just about the taste of the coffee – I can feel the happiness in their hearts.”

Our Journeys Through Coffee: Celebrate International Coffee Day 2023 with four of our Asia-Pacific Partners : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Our Journeys Through Coffee: Celebrate International Coffee Day 2023 with four of our Asia-Pacific Partners

International Coffee Day marks a moment for all coffee lovers to come together, celebrate, learn about, and be inspired by this beloved beverage. Learn more about the personal stories behind our partners’ coffee experiences.

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2023/our-journeys-through-coffee-celebrate-international-coffee-day-2023-with-four-of-our-asia-pacific-partners/

Starbucks Philippines announces the opening of its first Starbucks Reserve™ store in Tagaytay City, a milestone for the company as it celebrates its 25th anniversary

Debuting the exclusive new Starbucks OVISO™ espresso machine, designed to elevate the art of espresso

This month, Starbucks Philippines marks its 25th anniversary with the opening of its one-of-a-kind store, Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya. Located in Tagaytay City, the Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya store will take customers on a stunning visual journey where the store's intricate design offers breathtaking views of Taal Lake, one of the largest lakes in the Philippines. With its distinctive design and expanded menu, the store invites customers to indulge in an elevated coffee experience. "Opening Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya, our first Starbucks Reserve™ store in Tagaytay City, marks a significant milestone for Starbucks Philippines as we celebrate our 25th anniversary in the market. The name 'Hiraya', is a variant of the Old Tagalog term ‘haráya’, which translates to imagination, creativity, or the power of the mind. By coming together with our customers and partners (employees), this store is a testament to what we can achieve with boundless imagination," shared Menchu Lopez, Store Development head of Starbucks Philippines.

"We are dedicated to deepening our connection with those who resonate with the Starbucks Experience, and the opening of Starbucks Reserve®™ Hiraya allows us to deliver this through an innovative concept that fills us with pride."

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As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines, Tagaytay is renowned for its spectacular view of the Taal Volcano Island and the surrounding lake. Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya, sits on the ridge that overlooks some of the most picturesque and attractive scenic areas in the region, the Taal Volcano, providing a resort-like environment for visitors to appreciate the natural beauty while they enjoy their favorite hand-crafted Starbucks® beverages. The architecture complements the distinctive landscape by creating a thoughtful transitional space between indoors and outdoors, with flat rooflines, oversized windows, and overhanging eaves. Inspired by terraces of a coffee estate, the nearly 500 square meter store features terraced seating to ensure an enhanced view of the volcano. Visitors are invited to embark on a journey that not only celebrates the Tagaytay character, but also Starbucks coffee heritage.

The first encounter is a delicate shadow play of a coffee botanical pattern cast by the canopy’s wood-carved screens. The wooden entry doors are also adorned with intricate carvings of the coffee plant. As visitors enter the spacious foyer, they arrive at a height that offers an overall impression of the café lobby in front of a picturesque backdrop of the scenic views beyond. Visitors are encouraged to navigate through various spaces of the store, including a bar with familiar Starbucks offerings on one side, a secluded lounge on the other. Center stage is a signature Reserve Bar, brewing rare small-lot coffees on the Starbucks proprietary OVISO™ espresso machine, the very first one in the Philippines and one of the few currently featured at Starbucks Reserve™ stores globally.

As the journey unfolds, the space opens up into outdoor viewing terraces. Each terrace is arranged to maximize the unobstructed view of the volcano.

Celebrating local Artisanal Craftsmanship

At Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya, the thoughtful use of local materials and artisanal crafts is intentional. From the look and feel of mahogany wood and lava stone used throughout the store, to the woven rattan panels above the Reserve Bar, every texture and detail reflects the charm of Tagaytay.

All wood carvings featured in the store are made by Filipino artisans. The unique wall art installations are designed by local contemporary artist, Aze Ong, specifically for this store. Inspired by coffee origins and taste profiles, the bean-to-cup coffee journey is expressed through the artist’s use of colors, shapes and weaving techniques.

Elevated offerings for food, beverage, and merchandise

Alongside the stunning visual journey, customers can also experience exclusive freshly baked pastries at Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya, the only store in the Philippines to offer this delectable experience. Customers can indulge in a delightful selection of freshly baked pastries, from flaky croissants to delicious milk and cheese rolls. One of the highlights of Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya is the meticulously crafted Hiraya Latte. This extraordinary beverage is specially created for this newest Starbucks Reserve® location. Additionally, Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya offers an exclusive premium line of merchandise, inspired by the richness of the land.

Connecting Over Coffee- Starbucks OVISO™

At the heart of Hiraya lies OVISO™, the latest innovation in espresso machines by Starbucks, designed to elevate the art of espresso. The Starbucks proprietary OVISO™ espresso machine includes patented bottom-fill espresso shot and milk steaming technologies displayed on the counter, with an under-the-counter espresso machine. 

This unique design unlocks a new visual experience in a more open environment where customers and baristas can connect over the brewing process of the espresso shots. Customers are immersed in all the sensorial elements of the coffee process— from selecting the beans to seeing their drink come to life— resulting in a more personal connection with the barista, the beverage, and the moment. 

The OVISO™ espresso machine is specifically designed for Starbucks Reserve™ coffees to create consistent and exquisite beverages.

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Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya store offers a breathtaking panorama experience in Tagaytay City, Philippines : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya store offers a breathtaking panorama experience in Tagaytay City, Philippines

Starbucks Philippines marks its 25th anniversary with the opening of its one-of-a-kind store, Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya.

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Available at Starbucks® stores for a limited time across Asia, refresh your taste buds with Starbucks latest summer beverages.

NEW! STARBUCKS® MANGO DRAGONFRUIT WITH LEMONADE STARBUCKS REFRESHERS™

An exotic twist on the classic lemonade, the Mango Dragonfruit with Lemonade Starbucks Refreshers™ is the perfect summer companion. blended beverage. Taste the sunshine in a juicy blend of mango and dragonfruit, combined with zesty lemonade and ice. The tropical pick-me-up is topped with chunks of dragonfruit and mango, perfect for a much-needed energy boost during the sweltering summer heat. Available as an iced handcrafted beverage.

NEW! STARBUCKS® DRAGON DRINK WITH MANGO DRAGON FRUIT STARBUCKS REFRESHERS™

Beat the heat with the beautiful pastel magenta Dragon Drink with Mango Dragon fruit Starbucks Refreshers™. A wildly fruity combination of sweet mango and dragon fruit juice and coconut milk for a creamy yet light finish that is sure to hit your tropical sweet spot. Available as an iced handcrafted beverage.

NEW! STARBUCKS® HONEYCOMB SALTED CARAMEL OATMILK LATTE

Sip into caramel honey-crunchy yummy goodness with the Honeycomb Salted Caramel Oatmilk Latte. A delicious blend of velvety oatmilk, signature Starbucks® espresso and salted caramel syrup, this summery delight comes topped with fluffy whipped cream, sweet caramel drizzle and crunchy honeycomb for an indulgent crunch. Available as a hot, iced, and blended handcrafted beverage.

Beat the heat and embrace sun-kissed vibes with Starbucks brand new summer beverages : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Beat the heat and embrace sun-kissed vibes with Starbucks brand new summer beverages

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2023/beat-the-heat-and-embrace-sun-kissed-vibes-with-starbucks-brand-new-summer-beverages/

For the first time since 2019, 15 Starbucks barista competitors from across Asia Pacific, including China and Japan, came together in person in Bali, Indonesia, the home of <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2019/starbucks-opens-one-of-a-kind-coffee-sanctuary-in-bali-indonesia/">Starbucks Reserve Dewata Coffee Sanctuary</a> and <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2022/coffee-experience-center-at-starbucks-dewata/">Coffee Experience Center</a>.

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The Regional Barista Championships showcase barista skill and craft, providing an opportunity to create moments of connection and storytelling over coffee, and celebrate the limitless possibilities for human connection that Starbucks baristas create every day in the communities they serve.

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Anchored in the dedication to celebrating our partners’ love for coffee, the competition has evolved year-on-year, with a pivot to a virtual format during the pandemic. Now, through a combined multi-channel approach that offers the best of in-person and virtual connections, Starbucks is bringing this much-loved event to partners and customers around the world.

Three finalists competed in the Grand Final with Allen, a shift supervisor from Starbucks Taiwan market, taking home the coveted title of Regional Barista Champion 2023.

Allen, the competitor from Taiwan, serves a pour over during the final round of competition.

Coffee craft and passion take center stage at Asia Pacific Regional Barista Championships 2023 in Bali, Indonesia : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Coffee craft and passion take center stage at Asia Pacific Regional Barista Championships 2023 in Bali, Indonesia

After months of market competition, the best Starbucks baristas in Asia came together in Bali, Indonesia.

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2023/coffee-craft-and-passion-take-center-stage-at-asia-pacific-regional-barista-championships-2023-in-bali-indonesia/

TATA Starbucks Pvt. Ltd. today announced a range of new offerings to customers across its more than 341 Starbucks stores in India, including an exciting lineup of locally inspired new beverages, a completely refreshed food menu selection, and new small cup size ‘Picco’. The new product offerings demonstrate TATA Starbucks long-term investment to the growth of one of its fastest-growing markets and its commitment to deliver the signature Starbucks Experience in ways that best connects with India’s customers.

The expansion of the new offerings nationwide follows TATA Starbucks successful trial of localized menus in Bengaluru, Bhopal, Gurgaon, and Indore in July last year, which was met with positive feedback from customers.

“We have had a great year in FY23 with strong revenues and are now present in 43 cities of India," said Sushant Dash, CEO, TATA Starbucks Pvt Ltd. "As we expand our presence in Tier 2 and 3 cities, we need to become a more familiar and accessible brand for our consumers. Our pilot where we introduced a range of familiar beverages and a revamped food menu yielded fantastic results from both new and existing customers, which gave us the confidence to expand and go national. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to our vision of being the coffee destination of choice for customers in India. Our unwavering commitment to delivering personalized experiences has propelled Starbucks to become one of the most loved brands in India. We recently celebrated 10 years of TATA Starbucks, and as we gear up for the next stage of growth in India, we continue to look at ways to elevate the Starbucks Experience for customers in India."

The new offerings have been launched and are headlined by a series of Indian-inspired new beverages including the delicious South Indian Filter Coffee, Masala Chai, Elaichi Chai, and a range of exciting Signature Milkshakes. The new food menu also offers a range of freshly assembled sandwiches that are inspired by the local cultural taste and regional favorites. For first time coffee drinkers and customers new to Starbucks, the new 6oz small cup size ‘Picco’ offered for 6 hot beverages including Cappuccino, Latte, Filter Coffee, Masala Chai, Elaichi Chai and Hot Chocolate, is the perfect option to kick start their Starbucks journey.

The announcement also marks the national launch of the brand’s new campaign - #ItStartsWithYourName. The campaign celebrates the spirit of connection, warmth and personalization that welcomes everyone as soon as they step into a Starbucks store and makes them feel at home. It celebrates the love that binds together families in India.

Since entering the Indian market in 2012, TATA Starbucks now operates more than 341 stores across 43 cities with over 3,800 partners (employees) who proudly wear the green apron, serving more than 400,000 customers in India every week.

Tata Starbucks introduces delicious new beverages and food in India : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Tata Starbucks introduces delicious new beverages and food in India

Coffee, Tea & Food