TOKYO, Japan – Starbucks announced today the launch of an innovative line of coffee beverages called “Oleato” an innovative alchemy of Starbucks finest arabica coffee infused with Partanna extra virgin olive oil on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at more than 60 select stores across Japan including Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo.
Following the February debut of Oleato beverages in Italy and March launch at the Starbucks Reserve Roasteries in Chicago, Seattle and New York, and select stores in the United States, Starbucks third global launch market for the beverage line will be in Japan, where Starbucks began its journey as a global brand outside the North America more than 26 years ago.
Like the iconic Starbucks latte, the origin of Oleato beverages began in Italy. While travelling in Italy in the summer of 2022, Howard Schultz, chairman emeritus and board member, Starbucks Coffee Company, came across a generations-old family tradition of enjoying a spoonful of extra virgin olive oil each day as an uplifting ritual.
Today, the founder joins partners (employees) and customers in Tokyo for the unveil of this new, transformational ritual in coffee to Japan.
“Since we first launched in Milan and now in select U.S. markets, the partner pride and customer enthusiasm for Oleato has far exceeded our expectations. As we introduce this new coffee innovation to Japan, my time here this week in Tokyo reminds me of the enduring and global relevancy of community, connection, and passion for both coffee and craft,” said Schultz.
“We are thrilled to introduce to the Japanese market the next revolution in coffee that brings together an alchemy of nature’s finest ingredients – Starbucks arabica coffee beans and Partanna cold pressed extra virgin olive oil. Oleato has opened our eyes to fresh new possibilities for Starbucks.”
“We are excited to bring Starbucks latest beverage innovation to customers in Japan,” said Takafumi Minaguchi, chief executive officer, Starbucks Japan.
“Our customers are eager to explore new ways to enjoy their Starbucks Experience. We believe that this transformational innovation of two unexpected ingredients will exceed their expectations and uplift their cup with an extraordinary new flavor.”
