Starbucks reveals Verismo at home coffee machine
Starbucks is to launch Verismo, its first at home coffee machine, and make its first move into e-commerce in the UK.
The Verismo System allows users to make Starbucks latte, Americano, espresso and filter coffee at home. The products are made with the same 100% Fairtrade coffee Starbucks uses in stores.
It builds on the existing range of instant coffee Starbucks launched in 2009 under the Via brand.
Starbucks’ Verismo machine was announced earlier this year and will be available in the UK from tomorrow (21 September).
The move, follows the launch of rival Costa’s At Home brand of coffee pods, developed in partnership with Kraft for use in its Tassimo branded machines.
Starbucks says single serve at home coffee machines offer a “multimillion pound opportunity” as coffee pods are the fastest growing segment within the coffee market.
Starbucks will sell the machines, coffee pods and other Starbucks products via Starbucksstore.co.uk – the first time the chain has ventured into e-commerce. They will also be available at some Starbucks stores and high end retailers including Selfridges from October.
Two machines are available, priced at £149 and £349. The coffee pods will cost £5.99 for packs of 12.
Kris Engskov, managing director of Starbucks UK and Ireland says: “Up until today making a Starbucks Latte at home was just not possible. Now customers who have been asking for more convenient ways to enjoy Starbucks need look no further.
“We’re going to keep making these big moves to bring the great quality of Starbucks to our customers wherever they are, from airports to roadside, drive thrus and now at home.”
Starbucks also announced plans to move into the self serve market earlier this month with a trial of Starbucks on the Go machines in four Sainsbury’s stores.
