Ice Cream Superpower: Starbucks and Unilever Team Up

Starbucks Coffee and Unilever are teaming up to market Starbucks-brand coffee ice cream. According to the companies, the agreement leverages Starbucks coffee expertise and passion for innovation and Unilever’s capabilities as the leading global manufacturer and marketer of ice cream, strengthening the companies’ positions in the more than $17 billion ice cream category in the U.S. and Canada.

“Unilever’s industry-leading innovation and commitment to social responsibility with brands like Ben & Jerry’s are well-aligned with our values and vision for the business,” said Gerry Lopez, president, Starbucks Global Consumer Products, Starbucks Foodservice and Seattle’s Best Coffee. “This relationship will enable us to introduce exciting new products and extend the Starbucks Experience to a larger base of consumers.”

Starbucks ice cream was first introduced in 1996, at which time it quickly became a leading brand of coffee ice cream in the U.S. According to the company, Starbucks ice cream is made with only high-quality arabica coffee, purchased and roasted in accordance with Starbucks stringent standards.

The companies’ ice cream licensing agreement builds upon an existing relationship for the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of Starbucks Tazo ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, which was announced last month. Starbucks and the Pepsi/Lipton Tea Partnership (PLP), a joint venture between Unilever and PepsiCo, signed a licensing agreement to manage the product line.

“Ice cream is a core strategic category for Unilever, generating more than $6 billion in annual sales for us globally,” said Peter Ter Kulve, Unilever Senior Vice President, Global Ice Cream. “Starbucks is recognized around the world for its high-quality coffee and innovative approach to products, and thus Starbucks-branded super-premium ice cream is a perfect complement to our portfolio. We look forward to working together to deliver a signature and unparalleled frozen dessert experience to consumers.” 

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