New super-premium Starbucks ice cream line to debut

SEATTLE Starbucks Coffee Company and Unilever are unveiling an ice cream line inspired by some of consumers’ favorite Starbucks beverages.

Starbucks ice cream, rolling into grocers nationwide will gain significant distribution in convenience stores and other mass retailers by early spring.

Created by culinary experts and food developers from both companies, Starbucks ice cream is made with high-quality, all-natural ingredients. The new Starbucks ice cream line is the result of an exclusive licensing agreement between Starbucks and Unilever for the product’s manufacturing, marketing and distribution.

Starbucks beverage flavors were selected for the line based on their popularity among consumers and their ability to complement the richness of super-premium ice cream. The line’s packaging design mirrors that of the iconic Starbucks cup, which is served at more than 11,500 Starbucks stores across the United States.

The new line features Coffee, Caramel Macchiato, Mocha Frappuccino, and Java Chip Frappuccino flavors. Flavors are available by the pint, single-serve cup or novelty bar, retailing at $3.99, $1.29, and $2.49, respectively.

“We want consumers to enjoy the Starbucks experience on their terms – in our stores, on the go or at home, through a variety of food and beverage offerings,” said John Culver, president, Starbucks Global Consumer Products, Starbucks Foodservice and Seattle’s Best Coffee. “We’re pleased to introduce the new Starbucks ice cream line in collaboration with a partner that shares our passion for innovation and our core values.”

The original Starbucks ice cream line was introduced in 1996, at which time it became a leader in the U.S. coffee ice cream category.

Meanwhile, Unilever and Starbucks; in alliance with PepsiCo, have agreed to enter a licensing agreement for the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of Starbucks super-premium Tazo Tea ready-to-drink beverages in the U.S. and Canada.