Starbucks invites Canadians to give a penny to get a pound

Participating stores offer customers a 2^nd pound of Blonde Roast whole bean coffee for just one cent

TORONTO, Jan. 31, 2013 /CNW/ - As Canada prepares to bid farewell to the penny, Canadians may be wondering what to do with that extra change in their wallet. To mark the de-circulation of the iconic Canadian coin and, as a value-added thank you to customers, Starbucks is inviting Canadians to make the most of their last pennies. Today and tomorrow, Canadians can bring their pennies into participating Starbucks® stores to get a pound of Veranda Blend^TM/MC Whole Bean Coffee for just one cent with the purchase of a one-pound package of Veranda Blend^TM/MC at regular price.

"The de-circulation of the penny is the end of an era - and we wanted to mark the milestone by giving back to coffee lovers," says Kevin Reid, director Beverage, Starbucks Canada. "As we celebrate the success of our Starbucks® Blonde Roast coffee, and invite Canadians to re-name our Veranda Blend^TM/MC, it seemed natural to offer coffee lovers this extra value for their pennies."

Starting today, through until February 1, 2013, customers who purchase a one-pound package of Starbucks® Blonde Veranda Blend^TM/MC Whole Bean at regular price from participating Starbucks stores may purchase a second pound for one penny (while supplies last).

The Government of Canada and financial institutions across the country will stop distributing the penny on February 4, 2013. Starbucks will continue to distribute pennies on cash owed, if they are available. If pennies are unavailable, Starbucks will round cash owed up or down to the nearest five cent increment. More information about the de-circulation of the penny is available from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website at www.cra-arc.gc.ca.

Starbucks® Blonde Roast was developed with Canadians in mind who don't think they like Starbucks® coffee. Since its launch a year ago, the company has seen a significant response from Canadian consumers who are embracing the milder, easier drinking blend.  To celebrate, Starbucks is inviting Canadians to help re-name the popular Veranda Blend^TM/MC. Until February 10, 2013, Starbucks® Blonde Roast drinkers and coffee lovers can visit www.starbucks.ca/Blonde to review the rules and submit their entry for a new and uniquely Canadian name for Starbucks® Blonde Veranda Blend^TM/MC. The winning name will be incorporated into new packaging designs that will be available in Starbucks stores.

About Starbucks® Blonde Roast
Starbucks master roasters took some of the world's finest arabica beans and explored more than 80 recipes during the course of eight months before selecting the final coffees for Starbucks® Blonde Roast. To draw out its soft flavours, Starbucks® Blonde Roast has a shorter roast time, creating a premium, approachable and perfectly balanced cup of lighter-bodied coffee. Starbucks® Blonde Roast selections include Starbucks® Veranda Blend^TM/M, Starbucks® Willow Blend^TM/M, and Decaf Starbucks® Willow Blend^TM/M.

About Starbucks Corporation
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest-quality arabica coffee. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.ca.

 

SOURCE: Starbucks Coffee Company

Sarah Marinelli
Edelman
[email protected]
416.849.2496