Middle East; 27 May, 2004 - As temperatures start to rise, and the summer truly sets in across the GCC region consumers in search of a delicious and refreshing way to stay cool need look no further than their local Starbucks, home of the new Strawberries & Cream Frappuccino® Blended Beverage. A harmonious blend of cream, milk, ice and a generous helping of fresh strawberries, the sensational new seasonal taste is sure to be an instant hit, offering a frosty twist on an old creamy favorite.
 
The smooth silky taste of strawberries and cream is the newest flavor offering in Starbucks Frappuccino® Blended Cream category and the finished product has a beautifully marbled look and tastes every bit as satisfying as eating strawberries dipped in cream.
 
“Nothing says summer like strawberries and cream, and to have it all in one icy drink is like magic in a cup,” said Yann Pavie, Managing Director of the Foodservice Group at M.H. Alshaya Co, the licensed operator of Starbucks Coffee stores across markets in the Middle East.     “Strawberries & Cream Frappuccino® Blended Cream is another example of how Starbucks hits the spot when it comes to refreshing beverage innovation,” Pavie concluded.
 
Now available in Starbucks stores throughout the GCC region and Lebanon, as a seasonal offering and while stock lasts, Strawberries & Cream Frappuccino® Blended Beverage offers an icy twist on a summer time favorite treat. This deliciously creamy drink, is the ultimate treat, an ideal summer drink and a satisfying addition to Starbucks coffee offerings.
 
Frappuccino® Blended Beverage is a handcrafted, cool blend of Starbucks® coffee, milk and ice, that was first introduced by Starbucks in 1995. The three core Frappuccino® Blended Beverage categories include: Coffee, Cream and Tea. Popular flavors under each category include: Espresso, Mocha and Caramel Frappuccino® Blended Coffee; Vanilla, Chocolate and Green Tea Frappuccino® Blended Cream; and Mango and Raspberry Frappuccino® Blended Tea.
 
Starbucks is constantly striving to bring its customers exciting new flavor experiences. The range of Frappuccino® blended beverages is constantly growing as Starbucks partners work with passion to develop and discover new taste sensations and ultimately enhance the Starbucks Experience.
 
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Starbucks Coffee International, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Starbucks Coffee Company, the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world, with more than 7,500 retail locations in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific Rim. The company is committed to offering the highest quality coffee and Starbucks Experience and conducting its business in ways that help foster social, environmental and economic benefits for communities in which it does business.
 
Alshaya Retail is the leading retail company operating in the Middle East and is the franchisee for 37 international retailer brands including Debenhams, Mothercare, Next, BHS, Pearle Opticians, The Body Shop, MAC, Claire’s Accessories, and Starbucks Coffee. Based in Kuwait, Alshaya operate more than 550 internationally branded stores operate across seven Middle East countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Lebanon, and most recently, Turkey. This network of stores is supported by an integrated pan-regional infrastructure, incorporating best practice activities in retail operations, merchandising, marketing, IT, logistics, real estate, human resources and financial control. Alshaya Retail employs more than 4,600 employees from 33 different nationalities. You can also access more information on our company by going to www.alshaya.com.

 
 

© Press Release 2004