JAPAN: Starbucks, Suntory extend Japan coffee RTD footprint

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 2 October 2008

Starbucks has extended its partnership with Suntory in the Japanese RTD coffee market.

The US-based coffee giant, which originally paired up with Suntory in Japan in 2005, said yesterday (1 October) that Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso Doppio and Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso Con Panna will be rolled out across central Japan from later this month. The two RTD coffees are the result of what Starbucks described as a "more than two-year development process".

"Extending the Starbucks Experience to customers beyond our retail stores reinforces our reputation for innovation, coffee quality and expertise," said Rich DePencier, vice president of Starbucks Global Consumer Products, International. "We are very proud of the new Starbucks Doubleshot espresso drinks and believe they will create a new premium category in the ambient ready-to-drink coffee market in Japan."

Three years ago, Starbucks and Suntory signed a manufacture and distribution deal for Starbucks Discoveries, an RTD chilled cup of coffee, which was initially made available in two flavours, Seattle (latte) and Milano (espresso). Discoveries was launched in the Tokyo metropolitan area and in selected convenience stores in Taiwan.

Sectors: Soft drinks, Water

Companies: Suntory