Starbucks and Chef Marcus Samuelsson Reveal Artisan Coffees and Pastries This Fall

Starbucks Collaborates with Award-Winning Chef and Author Samuelsson to Deliver Elegant Coffee Blends, Delicious Pastries and an Exclusive New Cookbook

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This fall season, Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) is collaborating with renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson to give customers a taste of its new campaign, “Coffee is Culinary.” Coupled with Samuelsson’s epicurean expertise, Starbucks is introducing two new exquisite coffee blends, delectable bakery items and a cookbook exclusively offered in stores.

“The partnership between Starbucks and Marcus is a natural fit for us”

Discover the Unique Flavors in Your Cup

Through a collaboration between two culinary experts – Starbucks Master Blender Andrew Linnemann and Samuelsson – two exquisite coffee blends have been created that will elevate one’s coffee experience to a flavorful new level. The Starbucks^® Joya del Dia Blend™, meaning “Jewel of the Day,” is delicately flavored with a soft cocoa finish, representing distinct flavors found in the finest Latin American beans. Starbucks^® Ubora Blend™ is a layered complexity of delicate floral, citrus and herbal notes that celebrates the amazing flavors of East Africa.

Each blend perfectly pairs with the two fall bakery items also developed in conjunction with Samuelsson. The Chocolate Cinnamon Bread is complemented by the Joya del Dia Blend™ resulting in an intensified, rich cocoa taste. The Caramelized Apple Pecan Coffee Cake’s flavor is enhanced by the Ubora Blend™ where the apple’s tartness accents the coffee’s soft floral and spice notes.

“The partnership between Starbucks and Marcus is a natural fit for us,” said Linnemann. “After first joining together at last summer's Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, we recognized that Marcus had the same passion for his cuisine that we had for our coffee. We wanted our customers to enjoy Marcus’ inspired recipes that would also enrich the coffee experience. And as a result of this unique relationship, we created coffee and bakery items which complement each other perfectly.”

Discover the Foods, Flavors and Inspirations of Marcus Samuelsson

In his cookbook, Discovery of a Continent: Foods, Flavors and Inspirations from Africa, Samuelsson shares his stories of the land, the people and the traditions of Africa through his artfully prepared dishes. Any one of his creations can be paired with Starbucks^® coffee to enhance the rich flavors of both the cuisine and the coffee experience. Additionally, Samuelsson selected five original recipes for inclusion which were developed by Starbucks store partners (employees).

Starbucks will donate $1 to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF for every copy sold in participating Starbucks stores in the U.S. during the promotion period, August 28 – October 1, 2007 with a minimum donation of $50,000. To further celebrate this collaboration, Samuelsson will be on a ten-city tour visiting select Starbucks stores around the United States.

Fall’s Familiar Favorites Return

To commemorate Starbucks passion for coffee, Starbucks^® Anniversary Blend returns to stores this fall marking the Company’s thirty-sixth anniversary. Also making a homecoming to stores this autumn is the much-favored signature seasonal espresso beverage, Pumpkin Spice Latte.

This fall, Starbucks truly elevates the coffee experience to a flavorful new level. Starting August 28, 2007, experience what Starbucks and Samuelsson have to offer.

Starbucks Coffee Company

Starbucks Coffee Company provides an uplifting experience that enriches people’s lives one moment, one human being, one extraordinary cup of coffee at a time. To share in the experience, visit www.starbucks.com.