Sep.12.2020, Shanghai,
Starbucks announces the introduction of new plant-based food and beverage options in select markets across Asia. Starting in September, Starbucks is adding two new seasonal plant-based handcrafted beverages, the Oatmilk Cocoa Macchiato and Almondmilk Hazelnut Latte to store menus in 8 markets, as well as plant-based food choices at stores in New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, also in Great China Region such as Hong Kong, and Taiwan. New plant-based milk options will remain available as part of core menu offerings in around 7 markets across Asia following the seasonal promotion. In 11.Aug.2020, the company already introduced two new food items, the Impossible™ Pasta Salad Bowl and Impossible™ Pie, to its core menu in Singapore, just following the launch of the market’s first plant-based menu item in July.
“We’re thrilled to offer our customers more ways to personalize their Starbucks Experience and enjoy plant-based choices at Starbuck,” said Sara Trilling, president, Starbucks Asia Pacific. “This menu expansion is designed to offer our customers the same flavors and handcrafted service they know and love from Starbucks, in a new way. We’re excited to continue our journey toward becoming resource positive together with our customers in Asia.”
According to Euromonitor, a global market intelligence company that tracks customer trends, the Asia Pacific region stands out as the largest region for plant-based milk options due to well-established traditions in local food culture.
“A new wave of plant-based food and beverage products are making inroads in Asia and will continue to develop over the next few years, driven by customer interest in healthier lifestyles and eco-conscious behaviors,” said Maria Mascaraque, Industry Manager at Euromonitor. “Plant-based options such as soy are strongly ingrained in Asian culture, meaning innovation is key to meeting the taste preferences of consumers seeking out new flavors and modern takes on traditional diets.”
Starbucks has created plant-based versions of two classic Starbucks favorites – cocoa and hazelnut – in addition to new customization choices with oatmilk, almondmilk and coconutmilk (available only in select markets). The new plant-based beverages include: