Starbucks vies for a larger share of the more than $3 billion dollar single-cup coffee category.
Starbucks coffee K-Cup Portion Packs for the Keurig Single-Cup Brewing system hit store shelves this week at major food, drug, mass, club, specialty, and department store retailers throughout the U.S.
Starbucks Corp. is the exclusive licensed super-premium coffee brand for the Keurig Brewer, which is produced and sold by Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc.
“We are excited to elevate the more than $3 billion dollar single-cup coffee category with the introduction of Starbucks coffee K-Cup Packs,” said Jeff Hansberry, president, Channel Development for Starbucks. “We have seen tremendous success in the premium single-cup category with Starbucks VIA Ready Brew and look forward to expanding our portfolio in this high-growth segment by offering our customers another way to enjoy a perfect cup of coffee at home.”
The premium single-cup segment is the fastest growing segment in the U.S. coffee category, according to Symphony IRI syndicated data.
“Consumer demand is through the roof for Starbucks coffee K-Cup Packs,” said Hansberry. “Where Starbucks VIA Ready Brew provides customers with a great cup of Starbucks coffee on-the-go, Starbucks coffee K-Cup Packs give Keurig owners the opportunity to enjoy that delicious, freshly-brewed cup of Starbucks coffee with the simple touch of a button.”
Starbucks research and development and green coffee quality teams worked closely with Green Mountain Coffee Roasters to ensure Starbucks coffee K-Cup Portion Packs delivered the consistent high quality coffee experience customers have come to expect from Starbucks.
“Our 40 years of expertise in sourcing and roasting the world’s finest coffee allows us to deliver the aroma and rich flavor of Starbucks coffee in every cup,” said Paul Camera, director, research and development for Starbucks. “We know customers love the convenience and ease of using the Keurig Brewer and are not willing to sacrifice on quality and taste. Now they don’t have to.”
Starbucks coffee K-Cup Portion Packs will be available in Breakfast Blend, Pike Place Roast, House Blend, Sumatra, and French Roast. In addition, two selections of Tazo tea will be available in K-Cup Portion Packs: Tazo Awake and Tazo Zen. Starbucks coffee K-Cup Portion Packs will be available in 10-count and 16-count, and 54-count packs. Tazo tea K-Cup Portion Packs will be available in 10-count and 16-count. Starbucks K-Cup Packs will be available through starbucksstore.com and greenmountaincoffee.com on Dec. 26, 2011, and at major food, drug, mass, club, specialty, and department store retailers throughout Canada beginning March 2012.