New drinks review: coffee manufacturers have bean busy

2 February 2007

By DBR Staff Writer

This month's roundup of new products from the Productscan database includes a range of novel coffee products, such as instant coffee in a cube format, and a coffee jar with an easy-to-open lid. However, more eagerly awaited is the news that Starbucks has entered the hot vending market, showing that the company is determined to increase exposure for its brands, and become available in more places.

'Content Starbucks' new hot vending coffee, manufactured by PepsiCo, is contained within aluminum steel cans and comes in various flavors, including cafe latte. The launch highlights an emerging trend in the US for vending dispensed coffee and other hot drinks. Hot vending is already well established in Japan, and if it takes off in the US, with Starbucks leading the charge, the brand could become that much more ubiquitous.

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