Starbucks Coffee Company announced the arrival of Starbucks® Blonde Espresso, marking the first time the company has introduced a new core espresso option in the United States in more than 40 years. Customers across the U.S. will now be able to order any handcrafted espresso beverage with their choice of “Starbucks® Signature” or “Starbucks® Blonde” espresso, including Starbucks Caffe Latte, Cappuccino, Flat White, Macchiato and Americano beverages. Demand for espresso beverages is on the rise with the National Coffee Association reporting in 2017 that nearly 25% of past-day daily coffee drinkers choose espresso. Starbucks has offered a second espresso option in select international markets since 2013, including the debut of Starbucks® Blonde Espresso in Canada last year to an overwhelmingly positive response from partners (employees) and customers. Building on that success, this is the first new addition to the company’s U.S. core espresso menu and, as a permanent addition, will be available year-round. Starbucks® Blonde Espresso is also available in pods for the Verismo® System by Starbucks and joins Starbucks portfolio of lighter roast offerings including Starbucks® Blonde Roast coffees, which were introduced as whole bean packaged coffee and brewed options in 2012. Created by a team of master blenders and roasters, Starbucks® Blonde Espresso brings together beans from Latin America and East Africa, roasted to the peak of their flavor to showcase the coffee’s balanced, subtle sweetness.