Video: Will Starbucks Via Be an Instant Success?

Josh Lipton  Oct 13, 2009 12:00 pm

Video: Will Starbucks Via Be an Instant Success?
 
Minyanville puts Starbucks’ latest beverage to the test.
 

 
Earlier this month, Starbucks (SBUX) made headlines when it released Via instant coffee.

On the heels of a corporate turnaround, Starbucks hopes that Via will enable the company to compete in the $21 billion instant coffee market that is currently dominated by Nestle (NESN), Kraft (KFT), and Smuckers (SJM).

But for a company that has made its name selling complicated beverages that customers are willing to wait in line for, Starbucks’ foray into the instant coffee game is seen by many as a risk.

However, CEO Howard Schultz evidently felt pretty confident about Via, going as far as challenging customers to a taste test comparing it to regularly brewed coffee.

But frankly, we at Minyanville aren’t entirely convinced by the authenticity of these so-called “taste tests.” So we decided to put Via to the test in our very own laboratories.

Join Josh Lipton for a closer look.



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Comments (2) See All Comments »
10-14-2009, 7:49 pm
I grew up on Nescafe. It bares hardly any resemblance to coffee. The same may be said of Folger's. But I tried some Via as a free sample in Starbucks the other day. There is no comparison! It actually tastes like coffee! It's as good as S
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10-14-2009, 11:24 pm
I bought some from an online distributor at http://nationwidecandy.com/candy/index.asp the one I bought was Starbucks Via Instant Italian Roast. I can't wait to try the Starbucks Via Instant Colombia Coffee. I really like these instant sticks.
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