Starbucks introduces new line of olive oil infused coffee drinks.
Starbucks introduces new line.
Script:
Starbucks, the global coffee giant, is shaking up the industry with its new line of olive oil-infused coffee drinks, according to interim CEO Howard Schultz. He made the announcement during an interview with CNBC’s Jim Cramer on Tuesday, stating that this was a transformational moment for the company and that the new product line would create a new category and platform for the company.Schultz, who conceived the idea for the new coffee during a trip to Sicily, said that the olive oil coffee would gradually become a significant part of Starbucks’ business over time. The new line of drinks will debut on Wednesday at the company’s 25 locations in Italy. Schultz is confident that the “Oleato,” which is named after the Italian word for “with oil,” will be a market-maker in an industry that has been affected by decreasing consumer demand.
The olive oil coffee will come to the U.S. this spring, starting in California. Starbucks is also introducing an Oleato espresso martini, which will be available in select locations in Italy, Seattle, and New York.Schultz is launching the new coffee line ahead of his departure as interim CEO in April. Laxman Narasimhan will take over as the new CEO, but Schultz, who will maintain his board seat, will act as an ambassador for the Oleato brand.Regarding the company's recent challenges, Schultz remains optimistic. While Starbucks has raised prices by about 5% to offset inflation, he does not expect any further increases. He also noted that the company has added roughly $40 billion to its market cap since he started as interim CEO.
"Schultz anticipates a rebound in the Chinese market "
Although the company has experienced a decline in international sales due to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in China, Schultz anticipates a rebound in the Chinese market and consumer demand at large. He believes that the wind is at the company's back, and the future looks bright for Starbucks.
Questions:
Part 1: Comprehension
Read and summarize the article thinking of who, what, when, where & why.
Part 2: True or False Questions
a) True or False - Jim Cramer is the new Starbucks CEO. T/F
b) True or False - The new product line will debut in the US before Italy. T/F
c) True or False - Howard Schultz will stay one the board of Starbucks. T/F
d) True or False - Schultz does not expect any further price increases for Starbucks products. T/F
Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary/phrases.
a) "Infused"
b) "Market-maker"
c) "Ambassador"
d) "Resurgence"
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use: Write an example sentence using the words from 3a.
a) Infused:
b) Market-maker:
c) Ambassador:
d) Resurgence:
Part 5: Talking Points
Part 6: Role play Scenarios
You are a customer at Starbucks, and you are interested in trying the new line of olive oil-infused coffee drinks. Your partner is a Starbucks barista, and they will take your order. Practice ordering the Oleato coffee and ask your partner about their thoughts on the new product.
You are a member of the Starbucks research team, and you are conducting market research on the new line of olive oil-infused coffee drinks. Your partner is a coffee shop owner, and you want to know their thoughts on the new product. Ask them questions about their customer's preferences and what they think about Starbucks' new product.
You are a Starbucks sales representative, and you are introducing the new Oleato coffee line to a potential client. Your partner is a small business owner who owns a coffee shop. Practice your sales pitch and try to convince them to stock the new product in their store.
Part 7: Writing Activity
Past Tense - Write about the last time you went out for a coffee. Who did you meet? Where did you go? What was the coffee like? Describe the overall experience.
Part 8: Critical Thinking: New Starbucks Drink
Starbucks have asked your team to come up with a new drink that will be sold in stores locally. Work in teams and create a presentation showcasing and selling your new drink to the class: You can include:
Drink name, Ingredients, Target market, How it will taste, Reasons for you drink, and anything else you think is necessary to pitch your new drink.
After the presentations, as a class reach a consensus on the best drink.
Answers:
Part 1: Comprehension
The main idea of the article is that Starbucks is introducing a new line of olive oil-infused coffee drinks, which interim CEO Howard Schultz believes will be a transformational moment for the company and create a new category and platform for the company. The article discusses the origins of the new product line, its launch in Italy, and its eventual expansion to the U.S. The article also touches on Schultz's departure as interim CEO and his optimism about the future of the company despite recent challenges. The article was likely written to inform readers about this new product line and its potential impact on Starbucks' business and the coffee industry as a whole, as well as to provide updates on the company's leadership and financial performance.
Part 2: True or False
A: False B: False C: True D: True
Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary or phrases.
a) "Infused" Answer: I think it means combined with or imbued with a particular flavor or ingredient. In the context of the article, Starbucks has launched a new line of coffee drinks that are infused with olive oil.
b) "Market-maker" Answer: This is a company or investor that has a significant influence on the price or availability of a particular product or asset. In the context of the article, Schultz is confident that the new product line will be a market-maker in an industry that has been affected by decreasing consumer demand.
c) "Ambassador" Answer: I think it means a person who represents or promotes a particular activity or organization. In the context of the article, Schultz will act as an ambassador for the Oleato brand after his departure as interim CEO.
d) "Resurgence" Answer: I think it means a revival or increase after a period of little activity, popularity, or occurrence. In the context of the article, Starbucks has experienced a decline in international sales due to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in China, but Schultz anticipates a rebound in the Chinese market and consumer demand at large.
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use - Write an example sentence using the words from 3a. (examples)
a) Infused: She infused the olive oil with herbs and spices to add a burst of flavor to her homemade salad dressing.
b) Market-maker: The market-maker, a big financial company, helped keep the stock market stable by making it easy for people to buy and sell stocks.
c) Ambassador: The ambassador represented our country at the international conference, building relationships and promoting diplomacy with other nations.
d) Resurgence: In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional craftsmanship, with many people rediscovering and appreciating handmade and artisanal products.
Part 7: Writing (sample)
The last time I went out for coffee, I met up with my friend Sarah at our favorite local cafe, "Cozy Beans." We chose a cozy corner by the window with a view of the bustling street outside. I ordered a cappuccino, and Sarah went for a latte. The coffee was rich and aromatic, just the way we liked it. We spent hours chatting about our latest adventures and plans for the future, enjoying the warm atmosphere and the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee that filled the air. It was a delightful coffee outing.
