Starbucks and Hershey Combine Coffee and Chocolate

Starbucks Coffee Company and The Hershey Company are joining forces to transform the premium chocolate segment through the creation of a new Starbucks-branded premium chocolate platformin the United States starting this fall. The platform will combine the highest quality chocolate with Starbucks beverages and cafe flavors, as well as delectable fruits, nuts, herbs and spices. In addition to innovative flavors, this platform will offer new forms and packaging and will be available in a broad range of retail channels such as food, drug and mass merchandise outlets across the United States. "Starbucks is one of the world's leading brands among consumers seeking a unique experience," says Christopher J. Baldwin, senior vice president, president North American commercial group, The Hershey Company. "Hershey's chocolate expertise, distribution and selling capabilities combined with the strength of the Starbucks brand will help transform the highgrowth premium chocolate segment."