Starbucks Unveils New Retail Ice Cream Line

Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX - News) and Unilever (NYSE: UN - News, UL - News) today unveiled a new super-premium ice cream line inspired by some of consumers' favorite Starbucks beverages. Created by culinary experts and food developers from both companies, Starbucks ice cream is made with high-quality, all-natural ingredients, including milk and cream supplied by farmers who pledge not to treat their cows with rBGH.

The line is now rolling into grocers across the U.S. and will be widely available by early spring. Imaginative ingredient combinations are sure to satisfy every palate:

• For the caramel lover, Caramel Macchiato swirled Coffee and Vanilla ice creams with ribbons of golden caramel
• For the chocolate connoisseur, Mocha Frappuccino swirled Coffee and Chocolate ice creams
• For the Starbucks aficionado, Java Chip Frappuccino Coffee ice cream with dark chocolaty chunks
• For the purist-at-heart, Coffee swirled Coffee and Espresso ice creams

"Our new ice cream line is an artful adaptation of some of our most popular hand-crafted beverages," says Mary Theisen, director, business development, Starbucks Global Consumer Products. "We're pleased to offer consumers a delicious and indulgent ice cream experience that is unmistakably Starbucks."

Consumers can easily recognize Starbucks ice cream in the freezer aisle, thanks to a clean packaging design that mirrors the iconic white Starbucks cup. Pints are available at grocers and mass retailers for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $3.99. Java Chip Frappuccino is also offered in a 3.6 fl. oz. single-serve cup for $1.29 (SRP).

Additionally, individually packaged Mocha and Coffee novelty bars are available at convenience stores for $2.49 (SRP). Both flavors feature decadent ice cream inside a luscious coat of milk chocolate.

Starbucks ice cream was first introduced in 1996. The new Starbucks ice cream line is manufactured, marketed, and distributed through an exclusive licensing agreement between Starbucks and Unilever, which was announced in September 2008. Unilever also manufactures, markets, and distributes Ben & Jerry's, Breyers, Good Humor, and other ice cream brands.