- By Annabelle Liang
- business reporter
41 minutes ago
The world’s largest coffee chain, Starbucks, has announced that it is launching a range of olive oil-infused drinks in Italy.
Chief Executive Howard Schultz says the olive oil’s “unexpected, velvety, buttery flavor … enhances the coffee and lingers beautifully on the palate.”
Starbucks is among the big US companies that have encountered obstacles trying to expand into the Italian food and beverage market.
Italy’s coffee scene is famous for its independent and often family-run cafés.
Starbucks currently has around 20 stores in the country.
“In over 40 years, I can’t remember a moment where I’ve been more excited and excited,” he added.
The company plans to bring the hot and iced beverage selection to stores in Southern California in the US this spring. The UK, Middle East and Japan are scheduled to follow later this year.
Launching in Italy on Wednesday, the Oleato range includes a frozen shaken espresso and an olive oil latte “steamed with oat milk”.
There will also be a cold brew coffee, where “a silky infusion of extra virgin Partanna oil with vanilla sweet cream foam … slowly flows through the drink”.
Olive oil is an important part of the Mediterranean diet associated with countries like Italy, Greece and Spain.
Its health benefits can be attributed in part to its monounsaturated fatty acids, which contain vitamins and minerals, and polyphenols, which are plant-derived micronutrients.
The term “drinking olive oil” was trending on video platform TikTok last year, with supporters saying it has anti-inflammatory properties.
At that time Mr. Schultz said: “We are not coming to teach the Italians how to make coffee. We come here with humility and respect to show what we have learned.”
The fast-food giant has struggled to attract customers in the birthplace of pizza since its launch in 2015.
During the pandemic, it faced increasingly fierce competition as local restaurants signed up with food delivery platforms like Deliveroo and Just Eat.
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