Starbucks Corporation (headquartered in Seattle, USA; CEO Brian Niccol) and Suntory Beverage & Food Limited (headquartered in Tokyo; President Josuke Kimura) are launching a new bottled coffee series, "Starbucks® COFFEE SIGNATURES BLACK" and "COFFEE SIGNATURES ESPRESSO&MILK," nationwide from Tuesday, September 15.
A Bottled Coffee Series Built Around a Rich Aroma the Moment You Open It and Deep Body in Every Sip
"Starbucks® COFFEE SIGNATURES" is a bottled coffee series built on the concept "MY CHOICE, MY TASTE," using coffee beans roasted with the meticulous roasting methods Starbucks has carried on since its founding in 1971. It is the only lineup among Starbucks' Japan RTD* beverages to use "espresso roast" beans, combining the aroma and satisfying richness unique to bottled coffee with a smooth drinking experience. It also marks Starbucks' first new bottled coffee series since 2015 — about 11 years ago.
*RTD stands for Ready-to-Drink, referring here to chilled cups, PET bottles, and canned coffee beverages that can be enjoyed straight from the package.
Inside Each Can
Starbucks® COFFEE SIGNATURES BLACK
Made with deep-roasted espresso roast beans, this black, unsweetened coffee delivers an aromatic, satisfying cup. Alongside the rich aroma and heavy body that unfold with the first sip, a toasty aftertaste lingers — a perfect fit for those who want to fully enjoy coffee's bitterness and finish.
Starbucks® COFFEE SIGNATURES ESPRESSO&MILK
A robust espresso roast is layered with smooth milk in this sugar-free café latte, balancing strength and gentleness for a deep, complex flavor. Even without added sugar, the rich character of the milk and the firm bitterness of the coffee come together for a full-bodied taste.
The Package Design
The design pairs the brand's signature green with black and gold, colors chosen to reflect the strength and gentleness of the unsweetened black coffee and sugar-free latte. The numerals "1971" — marking the year Starbucks was founded as a coffeehouse in Seattle — are layered behind the Siren logo, symbolizing the passion for coffee and dedication to roasting that has been carried on ever since. The result is a simple, stylish design that expresses a commitment to a quality coffee experience.
A Starbucks Coffee Specialist on the Character of Espresso Roast
Since its founding in Seattle in 1971, Starbucks has used carefully selected, high-altitude-grown Arabica beans, with roasting methods designed to bring out the best in each bean carried on as a philosophy known as "Starbucks Roast." The "espresso roast" blend used this time is roasted long enough to bring heat deep into the bean, giving it a bold, distinct flavor and body, a rich aroma, caramel-like sweetness, and a gentle acidity. Roasted for a longer time, this coffee also pairs well with milk and offers a satisfying, well-balanced taste whether served hot or cold.
(Comment from Sergio Alvarez, coffee specialist at Starbucks' Seattle headquarters)
Recommended Food Pairings
Starbucks® COFFEE SIGNATURES BLACK
Tiramisu
The rich sweetness and creamy texture of tiramisu bring out the delicate cocoa and espresso roast notes, letting the deep, heavy roast character of BLACK's coffee shine through.
Starbucks® COFFEE SIGNATURES ESPRESSO&MILK
Chicken Katsu Sando
Pairing a crisp, aromatic chicken katsu sando with ESPRESSO&MILK — which carries a distinct coffee flavor despite the milk — lightens the sandwich's rich, savory taste and mild saltiness, while the milk's gentle sweetness rounds out the overall balance.
Product Details
| Product Name | Volume | Suggested Retail Price (excl. tax) | Best Before | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starbucks® COFFEE SIGNATURES BLACK | 380g can | ¥200 | 13 months | September 15 (Tue) |
| Starbucks® COFFEE SIGNATURES ESPRESSO&MILK | 370g can | ¥210 | 13 months | September 15 (Tue) |
Availability: Nationwide (some stores may not carry the products). BLACK is also planned for sale through vending machines, including Starbucks-dedicated vending machines.
Product website: https://starbucks-rtd.jp/lineup/
