close
close

Starbucks ditches olive oil coffee as new boss revamps menu


Starbucks ditches olive oil coffee as new boss revamps menu

Starbucks is discontinuing its acclaimed line of olive oil-infused coffees in the U.S. and Canada starting in early November.

The announcement comes less than a week after new boss Brian Niccol promised to shake up the coffee shop giant's menu in an attempt to win back customers.

The company's sales have fallen as the rising cost of living strains consumers' budgets.

Starbucks said the Oleato beverage line will continue to be sold in some stores in Italy, Japan and China.

“Although this decision was made before Brian Niccol took on the role of CEO, the decision to remove drinks is consistent with his strategy to simplify our menu,” a Starbucks spokesperson told the BBC.

Mr. Niccol, who previously ran the Mexican grocery chain Chipotle, was brought to Starbucks to help get the business back on track.

Last week he promised to simplify what he called an “overly complex menu.”

Mr Niccol's comments came as Starbucks said its global sales fell 7% between July and September compared to a year ago.

Starbucks introduced Oleato drinks across North America less than a year ago initially sold in Italy.

The launch was part of an attempt to revive the chain's fortunes.

The range includes an ice-cold shaken espresso and a latte with olive oil and oat milk.

The products were created by Starbucks founder Howard Schultz, who was inspired by a visit to the olive groves of Sicily.

Mr. Schultz came up with the idea “after being introduced to the Mediterranean custom of consuming a spoonful of olive oil every day,” according to a 2023 Starbucks press release.

But the drinks were provided mixed reactions from customers, some complaining of stomach pain or intestinal problems.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *