Arla Foods and coffee chain Starbucks have signed a new 21-year strategic licensing agreement, which will see Arla Foods manufacture, distribute and market ready-to-drink (RTD) Starbucks products in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
Starbucks initially chose Arla Foods as its licensing partner in 2010, and this new partnership will see the company’s working together in the segment until 2039.
Figures provided by Arla claim that Starbuck’s RTD business has grown by an average of 40 per cent per year across EMEA since the initial agreement was signed, and Arla has launched Starbucks coffee beverages in supermarkets and convenience stores in 38 EMEA countries in this time.
Arla produces the milk-based coffee products at its manufacturing site in Esbjerg, Denmark, and they are made from milk from Arla Foods’ farmer-owners as well as 100% Arabica coffee from the Starbucks Coffee Company.