New beverage expands Macchiato platform; popular Starbucks Tribute Blend ^®returns, available for limited time in K-Cup^® packs.

SEATTLE -- (Business Wire)

Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today celebrates espresso excellence with its newest beverage, Starbucks^® Hazelnut Macchiato, available now at participating Starbucks^® stores nationwide. One of the most popular flavors in Starbucks^® retail stores, second only to vanilla, the decadent, layered Hazelnut Macchiato is a delicious new way to enjoy this exceedingly popular flavor – hot or iced.

Starbucks introduces new Hazelnut Macchiato to its core menu of espresso beverages. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Starbucks baristas use the world’s finest espresso to craft each beverage by hand, with unparalleled passion and expertise,” said Cliff Burrows, president, Americas, Starbucks Coffee Company. “No beverage better demonstrates this level of craftsmanship than our signature four-layered Macchiato, and we know customers will love this new member of our espresso beverage family.”

The Signature Starbucks^® Macchiato

In Italian, “macchiato” simply means “marked.” A customer favorite, Starbucks^® Caramel Macchiato is one of the company’s most popular drinks with a loyal following. As with the beloved Starbucks^® Caramel Macchiato, the new Hazelnut Macchiato features steamed velvety-smooth milk “marked” with our signature, perfectly balanced espresso. The drinks are finished with a drizzle of buttery sweet caramel for our Caramel Macchiato, and nutty, toasty-sweet hazelnut for our new Hazelnut Macchiato. A beautifully layered drink, the Macchiato’s flavors and textures evolve with every sip. As with our espresso beverages, the espresso shots used in our Hazelnut and Caramel Macchiatos are expertly pulled between 18 and 23 seconds and added to the drink within 10 seconds to help ensure a perfectly balanced, rich espresso flavor.

Starbucks Tribute Blend^® Now Available in K-Cup^® Packs

Back by popular demand, Starbucks Tribute Blend^® brings balance and consistency in every cup and is available in whole bean, Starbucks VIA Tribute Blend™ and, new this year and exclusive to Starbucks retail stores, Starbucks Tribute Blend^® K-Cup^® Packs. We developed Starbucks Tribute Blend^® by combining four of our all-time favorite coffees: aged Sumatra, sundried Ethiopia, Papua New Guinea, and Colombia. The beans were blended after they were individually roasted to capture the finest flavor notes from each variety. Starbucks Tribute Blend^® suggested retail prices: 1lb bag of whole bean: $14.95 US/$18.95 CAN, Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Tribute Blend™ 12-count: $11.95 US / $12.95 CAN and Starbucks Tribute Blend^® K-Cup^® Packs $12.95 for 12 pack.

About Starbucks Corporation

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130304006862/en/

Contacts:

Starbucks Coffee Company
Alisa Martinez, 206-318-7100
press@starbucks.com

Source: Starbucks Coffee Company