Frappuccinos are out, milk and two sugars are almost prehistoric – and the next coffee trend involves olive oil, which launches in Italy on Wednesday.
Starbucks Launched a Line of Olive Oil-Infused Drinks in Their 20s italian stores and plans to bring the drinks to the UK later this year.
Chief executive Howard Schultz said he was struck by the idea when he adopted the Italian custom of taking a spoonful of olive oil a day during a trip to Sicily last year.
He said he started adding it to his coffee and found that it produced an “unexpected, velvety buttery flavor that enhanced the coffee and left a wonderful aftertaste on the palate”.
The Oleato Olive Oil range includes lattes, cold brew coffees and “Oleato deconstructed,” which pairs espresso with olive oil for a “luxury passionfruit-infused cold brew.”
“Right now, someone will say, ‘Olive oil in coffee? But the proof is in the cup,'” Mr. Schultz said.
“In over 40 years, I can’t remember a single moment that has made me more excited and enthusiastic than this, because it showcases the pride, quality, passion, heritage and craftsmanship that Starbucks can do.”
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The drinks will be available in Southern California in the spring, while menus in the UK, Japan and the Middle East will follow later this year.
Starbucks opened its first store in Italy in 2018, prompting outcry and calls for a boycott.
Protesters even set fire to a palm tree planted by a Starbucks in Milan.
last year’s pizza chain domino’s exit from italy After failing to win over Pizza’s hometown.
It had planned to open hundreds of locations by 2030, relying on its delivery model to raise awareness — but lost ground when the pandemic forced delivery from traditional pizzerias.