Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) is teaming up with Unilever (NYSE: UL) to manufacture and distribute Starbucks-branded ice cream in the United States and Canada. Unilever also markets ice cream under brands including Ben & Jerry's, Breyers, Good Humor, Klondike and Popsicle.The ice cream will be marketed as "super-premium" -- über expensive -- and will come in coffee flavors. Grocery stores have been selling Starbucks ice cream for more than a decade, but the new arrangement could lead to new flavors and varieties.
It's an interesting development given that since Howard Schultz returned as CEO, the company has been trumpeting a renewed focus on coffee. But with macroeconomic headwinds making a turnaround for the stores unlikely to occur anytime too soon, Starbucks is taking the opportunity to capitalize on its brand with opportunities outside of its stores. Starbucks stores do not currently sell ice cream and there are no plans to do so.
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