In August 2018, Nestlé and Starbucks officially joined forces and formed a global coffee alliance. Nestlé undertook to deliver packaged Starbucks coffee to regional markets worldwide and to represent the Starbucks brand range in Nestlé's single-serving capsule system, including Nespresso and Nescafé Dolce Gusto. From the end of September, the first products of the Alliance begin to be marketed in the Baltics.
"We are very happy to be able to deliver our premium Starbucks coffee to consumers at home also in the Baltics. The first products we deliver to our countries are Starbucks capsules designed for Nescafé Dolce Gusto machines. The use of coffee machines at home is increasing in all three Baltic states and consumers are using more and more coffee capsules, so we believe that a new addition to our assortment in the region will be a great success," says Milda Žemaitiene, Head of Nestlé Baltics Coffee Business.
Globally, the new alliance range consists of 24 products. This includes a variety of "Starbucks" blends and a range of single-origin coffee, as well as a variety of popular coffee drinks such as "Latte Macchiato" and "Cappuccino". All products are made from 100% high-quality Arabica coffee, ethically sourced from farmers in the world's leading coffee-growing regions.
Ms Žemaitiene gives more details about the products: "We begin our journey with five products dedicated to the Nescafé Dolce Gusto system. Each product has a special roasting profile focused on the unique taste of Starbucks cafes. Starting from "Espresso" – dark, intense, with rich caramel notes. Big cup lovers will be happy to discover "Grande House Blend" – medium roasted with delicate cocoa notes. The three coffee drinks iconic in Starbucks cafes – Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato and Caramel Macchiato – will enchant consumers with rich, delicate and creamy textures. Customers in the Baltics will be able to enjoy their favorite Starbucks coffee at home at any time, as products will be widely available in grocery stores and major online platforms".
Through the Global Coffee Alliance, Nestlé has a permanent right for consumers to market Starbucks packaged goods and Foodservice coffee and tea products worldwide outside Starbucks coffee houses. The exception is ready-to-sell drinks.