At any given time, Starbucks Corp.'s research and development team evaluates around 200 potential new products, from healthy to indulgent in hopes of luring as many customers as possible.
After focusing for two decades on building its espresso beverage lines, new revenue streams are becoming crucial for the Seattle coffee company as financial markets crumble and consumers tighten wallets.
Starbucks begins selling its "signature hot chocolate" Tuesday in North American stores. The product already has been available for two years in Europe and Asia, capitalizing on the growing popularity of premium chocolate products.
"What got us to this place is no longer going to be exactly the model as we're going forward," said Michelle Gass, senior vice president of marketing. "We're not immune to what's happening in the world. We've got to be relevant. We can't just bury our head in the sand."
The latest indulgence is being unveiled Tuesday, when the company begins selling its "Starbucks signature hot chocolate" in North American stores.
Nostalgically reminiscent of a snow day, the product already has been available for two years in Europe and Asia, capitalizing on the growing popularity of premium chocolate products.
Chocolate has great power to detour people into a cafe, said Rachel Antalek, Starbucks' director of espresso. Her team saw that firsthand at Seattle headquarters.
"What got us to this place is no longer going to be exactly the model as we're going forward," said Michelle Gass, senior vice president of marketing. "We're not immune to what's happening in the world. We've got to be relevant. We can't just bury our head in the sand."
The latest indulgence is being unveiled Tuesday, when the company begins selling its "Starbucks signature hot chocolate" in North American stores.
Nostalgically reminiscent of a snow day, the product already has been available for two years in Europe and Asia, capitalizing on the growing popularity of premium chocolate products.
Chocolate has great power to detour people into a cafe, said Rachel Antalek, Starbucks' director of espresso. Her team saw that firsthand at Seattle headquarters.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment