From the Seattle Times, By The Seattle Times staff: Starbucks top spokesman sent the following
memo out to its employees, confirming media reports today that the
Seattle coffee company is about to introduce instant coffee. Here is a copy of the memo:
Dear Partners,
This afternoon, a number of media outlets have reported that
Starbucks will be introducing a new product next week. Here's what we
can tell you:
We are hosting exclusive events next week in New York and other
cities where we will unveil the product. We have been working on this
project for over 20 years, and have a patent pending on the technology
that enables us to absolutely replicate the taste of Starbucks coffee
in an instant form. And as Howard has always said, "The proof is in the
cup."
The instant coffee market is a $17 billion global market and it
offers us a significant opportunity as we launch this transformational
product.
We wanted to share the key points and get primed for next week.
Details and samples will be arriving in stores by Wednesday, so that
you can discover firsthand what all the excitement is about.
Best,
VivekVarma
svp, Public Affairs