Starbucks Debuts Small-Batch Coffee

Starbucks (Nasdaq: SBUX) has new in-store coffee brewing system in 10 Seattle locations that will soon expand to include Boston and San Francisco markets in the coming months. The Clover is one of the most significant innovations in coffee brewing since the introduction of the espresso machine. This experience brings together Clover’s revolutionary brewing method with Starbucks' ability to source small batch coffees from all over the world and is a key initiative in transforming the company.

“After acquiring the Coffee Equipment Company in April 2008, we asked a small team of coffee buyers to find unique, small lot coffees whose flavors are best highlighted using the Clover brewing system,” says Scott McMartin, director, Coffee and Tea Education.

Through these small lot coffees, customers will be able to detect how geography influences flavor. Using the Clover each cup of coffee is ground and brewed to order, maximizing the various layers and flavor nuances. Though the menu will rotate monthly, this September customers can experience:

* Distinctive citrus juiciness of Costa Rica Agrivid

* Herbal overtones of El Salvador Pacamara

* Subtle cherry and currant notes of Tanzania Blackburn Estate and

* A soft finish of Zambia Kasama

“We committed to our customers that we would reinvent coffee and once they taste coffee brewed from the Clover, we know they will want to come back for more,” says Aimee Johnson, vice president, Starbucks Strategic Coffee Initiatives. “We hope everyone will be inspired to learn about where these coffees come from and the rich story behind each selection.”

The Clover Crafted Small Batch Coffee menu rotates monthly and is only offered at Starbucks locations equipped with a Clover. These coffees will be available hot or iced in Tall (12 oz) and Grande (16 oz) sizes. Hand-scooped, whole beans are also available for customers to purchase to enjoy at home in a coffee press. Because the Starbucks Small Batch Coffees have limited availability they will only be in-store while supplies last.