Starbucks has decided to remove its olive oil-infused drinks, known as Oleato beverages, from its core menu starting on November 7th. The move is part of the new CEO Brian Niccol’s efforts to simplify the menu and streamline service. The decision to eliminate Oleato drinks was made before Niccol took over but aligns with the plan to scale back the menu. These beverages were initially available in Italy before becoming popular in California and nationwide. They were infused with Partanna extra virgin olive oil and were introduced by former CEO Howard Schultz.
The idea for Oleato drinks came about when Schultz visited Sicily and was inspired by the Mediterranean custom of having a daily spoonful of olive oil. He saw an opportunity to combine olive oil with coffee, believing it would be a transformative way to enjoy coffee. However, some consumers reported experiencing stomach issues after consuming the coffee-oil combo. Baristas and customers on Reddit shared their candid reviews, with some expressing concerns about the combination of caffeine and oil causing digestive issues. The Post’s Steve Cuozzo also gave a negative review, describing the drinks as tasting like chemical solvent with a lingering aftertaste.
The decision to remove Oleato beverages is part of Starbucks’ overall strategy to simplify and streamline its menu. Niccol has noted that simplifying the menu is a priority to accelerate growth and improve service speed. The company is looking to focus on its core offerings and enhance the overall customer experience. While the decision to remove Oleato drinks was made before Niccol joined the company, it aligns with his vision to reduce complexity and improve operational efficiency. Starbucks is constantly evaluating its menu offerings to ensure they align with customer preferences and market trends.
The removal of Oleato drinks from the menu comes as Starbucks prepares to launch its holiday beverages. The company is making strategic decisions to drive growth and improve efficiency across its stores. While the decision to eliminate Oleato beverages may disappoint some customers who enjoyed them, Starbucks is committed to delivering a high-quality experience and offering a menu that resonates with its customer base. The company will continue to innovate and introduce new and exciting products to meet consumer demand and maintain its competitive edge in the market.
Starbucks’ decision to remove Oleato beverages reflects a broader trend in the food and beverage industry towards simplification and efficiency. Many companies are looking to streamline their offerings and focus on core products to drive growth and enhance the customer experience. By removing less popular items from the menu, Starbucks can improve service speed and operational efficiency while optimizing its sales and profitability. While some customers may miss the Oleato beverages, the company’s decision to eliminate them aligns with its long-term strategy to remain competitive and meet the evolving needs of consumers.
Overall, Starbucks’ decision to remove its olive oil-infused drinks is part of the company’s efforts to simplify its menu and streamline operations under new CEO Brian Niccol. The move reflects a larger trend in the industry towards simplification and efficiency to drive growth and improve the customer experience. While some customers may be disappointed by the removal of Oleato beverages, Starbucks remains committed to offering high-quality products and enhancing the overall customer experience. The company will continue to innovate and introduce new offerings to meet consumer demand and maintain its position as a leader in the food and beverage industry.
