Starbucks Isn’t Eyeing Cannabis-Infused Drinks
The coffeehouse chain said it wasn’t planning on adding CBD beverages to its menu.
Jan 30, 2019
SEATTLE – Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson said the company has no plans to put cannabis-infused beverages on its menu, CNBC reports. Other coffeehouses have started adding CBD oil-infused lattes and specialty drinks.
“We’re going to keep watching this, but right now, it's not on the road map,” Johnson told CNBC late last week. Instead, Starbucks will focus on other coffee-related innovations, such as its Nitro Cold Brew.
Iced drinks at Starbucks boosted sales during the last quarter, with same-store sales rising 4%. In the United States and China, same-store sales grew more than expected. Starbucks also has increased sales through its rewards members (16 million active) and a customer email list (13 million) to target with products and promotions.
In the restaurant industry, cannabis-infused food and drinks were listed as the hottest trend for 2019. However, consumers are wary of CBD added to food products, with a recent survey finding that less than half of consumers surveyed trust ingredients in cannabis foods and drinks.
Meanwhile, both Coke and PepsiCo are exploring cannabis-infused beverages, and more manufacturers are looking into similar products too.
